Location: Aswan
Top Things to do in Aswan
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The 9 Best Ancient Ruins in Aswan, Nile River Valley
Aswan is more idyllic than other cities in Egypt—located in southern Egypt, it’s a great place to explore that country’s epic history far away from the chaos of Cairo. Take a traditional wooden felucca around Elephantine Island and explore the ruins of the Temple of Khnum. (Editor's note: Our list was compiled before political unrest prompted many countries to issue travel warnings for Egypt. If you're currently planning a trip to Egypt, please consider the risks and monitor your government's travel alerts.)
Restaurants in Aswan
1. Famine Stela
2. Temple of Amada
3. Monastery of St. Simeon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By apples1967 - London, United Kingdom
I have visited this site on numerous occasions and whilst its not a major site in the area it is certainly worth having a good guide, many travel by camel however ive always gone by road. Its certainly worth a walk along the road to also view the Aga Khan Mausoleum.
4. Agilkia Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By westy54 - Sydney, Australia
The Philae Temple complex on Philae Island was partially flooded by the construction of the old Aswan Dam in 1902 and was to be completely flooded by the construction of the new Aswan High Dam in the 1960's. Agilkia Island, which was nearby but approximately 20 metres higher above the waterline, was levelled and landscaped to resemble the original Philae Island and the Temples, as part of a UNESCO Project, were disassembled stone by stone, relocated, and rebuilt in the new location. We were told that the project took approximately 10 .years with the new Philae Temple Complex opening on Agilkia Island in 1980. The only access to the island is via motor boat and there are a significant number of them in the reservoir.
5. New Kalabsha
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 101 reviews
Reviewed By kevins684 - Pontypridd, United Kingdom
A really nice small site all the better for there being very few people, us two and another three with a guide somewhere else on the island. 200E for the return boat, don't pay until you get back, and 60E each entry. And one wonderful large temple ornately covered with carvings as well as several smaller sites. Well worth a quick hour and its very near Philea temple which you will no doubt be also visiting.
6. Qubbet el-Hawa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By CraigT803 - San Rafael, United States
We had to hire a boat to come here, although there may be a public ferry. Once you buy your ticket, it's a nice hike up a stairway to the tombs. We were followed by a policeman and there's a guard at the tombs to open them for you. I"ve been to almost all the tombs in Egypt, including all the open Noble tombs in Luxor and the three that are open are among the best. I especially like Seremput II's tomb for it's amazing paintings and carvings. I was quite amazed how beautiful these tombs were, most dating to the Old Kingdom, over 4000 years old. You won't go here if you are on a big tour, but if you are traveling independently, don't miss it!
7. Unfinished Obelisk
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 854 reviews
This gigantic semi-finished obelisk, dating from the New Kingdom, would have weighed a staggering 1,197 tons if completed.
Reviewed By adibfarid - Sao Paulo, Brazil
Its located inside the city of Aswan! There you learnt and understand how the obelisks were done and transported 4500 years ago!!! My second visit and I enjoyed!! Worth the visit!!
8. Ruins of Ancient Abu,
9. Aswan
This large temple complex, relocated to the island of Agilika with the building of the High Dam in Aswan, features the magnificent Temple of Isis that was built in the late Ptolemaic and early Roman periods.
Reviewed By VirginiaCW - Mount Pleasant, United States
The temple complex at Philae was dedicated primarily to the goddess Isis, but also the gods Horus and Osiris. It is believed to have been the burial site for Osiris and so highly regarded by both the local Nubian population and Egyptologists, too, and, as was often the case, these ancient temples were converted to churches during more modern times. This island, near the original Aswan low dam flooded site and first cataract has the full temple complex reconstructed in situ very close to its original site (which you can see outlined by coffer dam remains in the lake adjacent to the complex). As with the other antiquities, it was raised by a coordinated effort between Egypt and UNESCO and other partners in antiquity. The details of reliefs and decorative work are in incredible condition. We went late in the afternoon and there were only a handful of other people there. It is never very crowded because you can only access it by boat, generally accessible by hire from the nearby colorful Nubian village. Best seen and accessed with an Egyptologist who can interpret the history (from construction during the Ptolemaic times). If you are allergic to, or averse to cats, this might not be the place for you to visit. Cats are highly revered by locals believed to be living examples of gods, and on this island they are cared for and protected.
