Top Things to Do in the Aswan | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

Plan Your Travel To Aswan

Places To Visit In Aswan

Monastery of St. Simeon

One of Aswan's ancient archaeological sites, the Monastery of St. Simeon is among Egypt's most historical and well-preserved domed, oblong churches. It is also known as the Anba Hatre Monastery and is a well-known Bakhmi monastery that played a significant social role in the history of Nubian culture. You can hire a felucca or a boat, or take a camel ride to get here. It was built in the seventh century. It still stands for the brotherhood between Islams and Christians from the past. It is closely located to other important sites like the Monastery of St. Hedra, the Aga Khan Mausoleum, and the Tombs of the Nobles. Read More

Nubian Museum is an archaeological museum in Aswan dedicated to protecting the history of the Nubian era. With over 3,000 antiques and a chronologically themed set-up, learn more about the Land of Gold's history and Pharaonic, Coptic and Islamic eras. Dating back to 4500 BC, the artefacts are exhibited across two areas, a three-storeyed building in one dimension and an outdoor display area.

The Philae temple complex is an island-based structure that was built during the reign of Ptolemy ll. Also known as the 'Pearl of Egypt', this mystical temple is dedicated to the goddess Isis and remains the centre of her cult. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is frequented by tourists who seek to explore Aswan’s cultural history. In addition, the Light & Sound Show at Philae Temple is extremely popular. The temple was moved to its present location post the construction of the High Dam. The gem of the Nile can be dated back to 690 BC and honors healing and magic. But, unfortunately, it can only be accessed by water taxis. Read More

Traditional felucca rides have been a constant on the river Nile. Take a felucca ride to Elephantine Islands and the Kitchener Islands. On this hour-long activity, you can enjoy the rapids of the river or soak in the vistas and unwind. For a fantastic experience, try booking a ride around sunset or sunrise. Feluccas are private tours, and you'll have to book an entire ride.

The Temple of Horus at Edfu is the second-largest temple in Egypt after Karnak. Built during the Ptolemaic period, it is dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus. It consists of several grand columns and statues, including the famous statue of the goddess Hathor. Many tourism companies offer a day trip to Edfu from Luxor. Edfu is a usual pit stop on a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan. It was once the host to several cultural and religious events in Edfu and included a hall of columns and a sanctuary used for rituals and ceremonies. Inside the sanctuary is the most impressive part of the temple: the sacred lake, which was used for rituals such as purification.Additionally, the temple contains several hieroglyphic inscriptions describing various Egyptian gods and goddesses. Read More

Located on the banks of the river Nile, the Temple of Kom Ombo is situated in a village that goes by a similar name. This unusual temple of ancient Egypt is dedicated to two deities, Haroeris – the falcon-headed god Horus the Elder and God Sobek –crocodile–headed god, who was also the first known god of the kingdom. The remains of several intricately carved columns can still be found in the twin temples, showing an architectural similarity and symbolizing a common theme of the local and universalist significance of the two deities. The temple dates back to 180 - 47 BCE and was majorly built during the Ptolemaic Dynasty. Read More

Also known as Qubbet el-Hawa, the Tombs of the Nobles is an ancient Egyptian necropolis on the western bank of the Nile, adjacent to Aswan. Providing an insight into the burial practices of Upper Egyptian Nome 1, these tombs date back to the Old Kingdom. Most tombs of this period are inaccessible. Only six are open to the public. Even though significant discoveries were made in 2014 and 2017, the tombs continue to be excavated. In the Princes' cemetery, the majority of the tombs have a straightforward design with an entrance hall, a room with pillars, and a corridor descending to the burial chamber. Roughly cut from natural rocks, many tombs are interlinked as family members kept adding their sections. Read More

A would-be granite structure, the Unfinished Obelisk was left incomplete thousands of years ago in Aswan's quarries. When finished, it would be the largest known obelisk, at over 41 meters tall. It is one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in Egypt owing to the insights it gives us into archaeology, particularly the stone mastery craft of ancient Egypt. The Aswan pink granite, from which it was partially carved, was prized for its durability by the Egyptians. Read More

Wadi al-Sebua temple is a complex with two temples, literally translating to the Valley of Lions. Located a 40 km ride south of the High Dam in Aswan, this temple was constructed by Ramesses II and was initially named House-of-Amun. Constructed out of stone blocks, this temple has a sanctuary imbibed into the bedrock; out of the three towers, only two have survived. However, these two pylons make it a tourist favorite since you can climb onto them and enjoy the beautiful vistas. Read More