Location: Aswan
Top Things to do in Aswan
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Top 10 Things to do in Aswan, Egypt
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. Temple of Philae
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
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 Stephen G - Lancashire UK
Another temple complex successfully and remarkably moved from the encroaching waters. Mostly Ptolemaic, the story of Osiris is everywhere. Very photogenic. Hathor is much in evidence too.
2. Nubian Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 486 reviews
This museum traces the history from the earliest settlements to present day of Nubia, the region defined as the area between Aswan in Egypt and Khartoum in the Sudan.
Reviewed By A P - London, United Kingdom
One of the best museums in Egypt that actually provides some information and tries to tell the history of the Nubian cultures. Would have liked to have had more information on what happened to the poor Nubians after the dam flooded all their villages. There is no information on the total number of people displaced ... where they moved too ... some oral histories of this tragedy should be recorded while memories are still alive. But I guess the Egyptian government does not want anyone to think about this.
3. Sound and Light Show - Philae
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 194 reviews
At each Philae Sound and Light show, the Egyptian gods and goddesses are, like Osiris, resurrected before our eyes to tell us their life stories. What would Isis say today if she learned that her temple was allowed to sit in water for many years? She would not be happy with this, but she would be proud to know that, like her husband Osiris, Philae was reborn so that new visitors can see the glory of Philae year after year. ...
Reviewed By Eric B - Montréal
It's a bit pompous and dated but it's impressive in such a decor. You go there by boat and it lasts about an hour. During the presentation you walk through the temple and the end (too much time between these two parts) you sit outside watching a presentation with lights all over the front of the temple.
4. Animalia
Overall Ratings
5 based on 90 reviews
Center of information about life in nubia(nature and culture)it is an ethno-biological museum which consists of three parts1-traditional nubian house 2- museum shows fauna in nubia(Animals,reptiles,birds,fish,insects all stuffed)rocks and stones.3-the roof Terrace where drinks,lunch,quick meals are served.also lectures about nubia ,the nile and elephantine are given over looking the Gardens.Animalia also organise birdwatching tour in the nile held by professional guides MOHAMMED SOBHY and his Daughter Fatma.
Reviewed By ManoukBob - Rotterdam, The Netherlands
I visited Animalia almost by chance and was pleasantly surprised. I was the only guest and therefore lucky enough to receive a private tour of the knowledgeable founder and owner. I learned much about Nubia and life at the Nile. Loved it!!
5. Elephantine Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 320 reviews
This island is the oldest inhabited part of Aswan and served as the cult center of the ram headed god Khnum in ancient times.
Reviewed By Silvilicious - Cairo, Egypt
Temple and museum are right on the Nile side. You can go there by boat. Includes the house of the archiologist who discovered the area, but the house has been closed for years for renovations. The temple itself is interesting and offers spectacular site-seeing spots all around the area with 360 degree view of all of Aswan.
6. Nubian Village
Overall Ratings
4 based on 740 reviews
Reviewed By Colin K - Lincoln, United Kingdom
We went on a boat trip to botanical Gardens and around a nature reserve on the Nile at Aswan. We had a Nubian guide/ornithologist who took us to his village
We were made very welcome, and I would recommend a visit to a village
We saw caged crocodiles (I felt a bit sorry for them , they should be swimming somewhere, but where else would we see them?)
We saw baby camels being fed
Had the opportunity to sit in a communal area and drink coffee
Access to this village was up steep stone steps and not brilliant underfoot, so wear good shoes
A good opportunity to visit these friendly people and wander around their village
7. Kitchner's Island
Overall Ratings
4 based on 219 reviews
Reviewed By NickChesterfield - Brighton, England
I really loved this island. A real oasis. There are also lovely views from all over the island towards tombs of the noble, the Aga Khan Mausoleum, Elephantine Island, Aswan right and left banks and the Islands of the Nile.
I recommend a good captain and excellent guide. His name is Ziggy - call him on 0201012562757.
You can also book him for Nile trips, trips to Philae Temple, the High Dam and some excellent scenery watching.
Ziggy is extremely good at what he does and can even offer a guest house on Elephantine Island. A great guy and great guide.
8. Aswan Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4 based on 285 reviews
Reviewed By Naouel A
Kitchener island, as a whole, constitutes the Aswan Botanical Garden. There are many types of subtropical, exotic, and rare plantings and trees. The collection was begun by Lord Kitchener, that's why the island is named Kitchener. The island and Gardens can be reached by felucca.
I like it very much.
9. New Kalabsha
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By Mayur S - Mumbai, India
Kalabsha is a group of temples relocated on the banks of Lake Nasser 20km south of Aswan. Kalabsha temple dates from the time of Roman emperor Augustus and is the best preserved of the three temples here. The decoration was never completed and the reliefs that do exist appear crude. It was converted into a church during the Byzantine era.
To the northwest is the temple of Beit el-Wali built by Ramses II. Throughout its interior are reliefs depicting battles and triumphs of Ramses II. The small Kertassi Temple is located just to the north. It has 2 columns depicting Hathor at the entrance and 4 more with intricate floral capitals. Best to combine a visit here with a trip to Philae. Entry fee is LE 30. Photography permitted.
10. Unfinished Obelisk
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 590 reviews
This gigantic semi-finished obelisk, dating from the New Kingdom, would have weighed a staggering 1,197 tons if completed.
Reviewed By jimles7 - Princeton, Kentucky
Lying as a sleeping giant in a bed of granite, the Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan, Egypt is an incredible look at the building methods of these monolithic monuments. It would have measured about 137 feet (42 meters) if completed and is estimated to weigh around 1,200 tons
