Things To See In Aswan

Aswan sits on the bank of the Nile, about 3 to 4 hours south of Luxor. It’s less touristy than the sites at the Pyramids of Giza and Luxor, yet still offers many interesting things to see and do. There’s the Philae Temple Complex, which is nearby, the Temple of Horus, and several other temples to explore on the banks of the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. Aswan is also the gateway to the massive temples at Abu Simbel. You can also visit the Tombs of the Nobles, sail on the Nile in a traditional felucca, visit Elephantine Island, Seheil Island, visit a Nubian village, and much more. This post cover the top things to see and do in Aswan.

About Aswan

Aswan is lovely. It’s also more peaceful than Cairo and Luxor, making a few days here the perfect place to escape for a few days. Especially if you select a room with a view of the Nile to watch felucca sailing by.

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Known as Swenett in ancient Egypt, its southern position made it the gateway to Africa, along a key trade route for ivory, silver, gold, camels, and furs from Africa. It was also once a military town, protecting Egypt’s southern border, as well as a quarry for the many ancient temple statues and obelisks in Egypt.

Today, this area is known as Nubia, which encompasses southern Egypt to Khartoum in Sudan. The name is derived from the Noba nomads that moved here from Sudan after the collapse of their kingdom.

Nubians still live here today, and along with the amazing temples in this area, and you can also visit a Nubian village to learn more about their unique culture.

Temples To See North of Aswan

There are three notable temples north of Aswan, making them ideal to visit when traveling from Luxor to Aswan. All three are located on the east side of the Nile. If you’re starting to get temple fatigue, I recommend the Temple of Horus, which is the most beautiful and very well-preserved.

The Temple of Khnum

The Temple of Khnum is dedicated to ram-headed Khnum. It’s in a small town called Esna. It’s actually closer to Luxor than it is to Aswan, about an hour drive south of Luxor and two hours north of Aswan.

This small temple has been undergoing renovation. Recent images on the web show the renovation is very detailed and colorful. It sits in a pit, located partly below the city after years of sediment build-up from the Nile.

If you want to experience some local culture, and have the time, there’s also a lively market a short walk away.

The Temple of Horus

The Temple of Horus, built between 237 and 57 BC, is one of the best preserved temples in Egypt, making this one of the top places to see along the way to Aswan.

Dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed God, the exterior reliefs tell the story of Horus’s revenge upon Set for killing his father, Osiris. More of this ancient mythological story plays out at the Temple of Philae.

The interior has a replica of a sacred barque, which was a “boat” that the gods used for travel.

The Temple of Horus is in Edfu, which is 71 miles (115 km) south of Luxor and 65 miles (105 km) north of Aswan. About half way.

The Temple of Kom Ombo

Kom Ombo is unique as it’s a dual temple, dedicated to both Horus the falcon-headed deity and Sobek the crocodile-headed deity. This small temple was built between 140 and 87 BC.

If you have time, also visit the Nilometer in front of Kom Ombo. Before the Aswan dam was built, when the water levels of the Nile fluctuated heavily, the Nilometer would help determine if there was sufficient water for crops. This, in turn, was used to determine what taxes should be charged.

There’s also a Crocodile Museum next to the temple, which displays hundreds of crocodile mummies. These mummies were part of the worship of the crocodile god, Sobek.

Kom Ombo is 40 miles (65 km) south of Edfu and 31 miles (50 km) north of Aswan.

How To Get To The Temples North of Aswan

Cruise: The best way to visit these temples is with stops on a Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan (or Aswan to Luxor). Check cruise itineraries to see which ones they stop at. At the very least, make sure it stops at the Temple of Horus, which is currently the most impressive of the three.

Taxi: You can also hire a private taxi to stop at one or all three along your route. Make sure to negotiate the rate in advance. I recommend asking your accommodation to set this up for you with trusted drivers.

Tours: Here are two tours I recommend. The first tour starts in Luxor, stops at all three temples, and drops you off in Aswan: Luxor to Aswan Private tour Esna Khnum, Edfu Horus Kom-Ombo Temples. The second tour visits the two temples closest to Aswan, Kom Ombo and the Temple of Horus, from Aswan: Private Day Trip To Kom Ombo And Edfu Temples From Aswan.

Train: The train from Luxor to Aswan takes 3.5-4.5 hours and stops at each town above. Trains here, however, are notoriously late, making this option complicated, and the least desirable. Especially if you want to visit all three.

Temples To See South of Aswan

There are also several impressive temples south of Aswan, from Philae down to Abu Simbel, all part of an UNESCO World Heritage site known as the Nubian Monuments.

The Temple Complex of Philae

Philae is a temple complex, with several temples. The main temple is the Temple of Isis (380 – 362 BC).

The walls depict the ancient mythological story of Isis, who brought her husband Osiris back to life after being killed by his brother, Set, to usurp the throne. Isis then conceived a child with Osiris, called Horus, who later won the throne from Set.

Equally as amazing as the temple and its story, is how it got here. UNESCO organized its move with several other Nubian Monuments, block by block, when they were threatened by floods from the Aswan High Dam. This effort took years and was known as Save The Monuments of Nubia.

How To Get To The Temple of Philae

The Temple of Philae is on Agilkia Island, about 7 miles (12 km) south of Aswan. There are several ways to visit.

Cruise: Most Nile cruises from Aswan to Abu Simbel stop here. Check cruise itineraries to verify.

Tours: Here are two tours I recommend, one during the day, and one when it is lit at night. Note that the light and sound show at night is a little overly dramatic, but I still enjoyed the content of the story and the drama of the lights. If you visit at night, be aware that you will be walking on uneven ground in the dark, so it’s best to wear comfortable shoes.

• Day Tour: Private 2 Hour Guided Tour to Philae Temple from Aswan
• Night Tour: Private Tour to Philae Temple Sound & Light Show with Transfers

Taxi: Take a taxi from Aswan to Marina Philae Temple, where you can negotiate a boat to the island. Try to join with others for a group rate. Unfortunately, tourists are often gouged on the return trip as there are no other options. If you’re not taking a cruise, a tour is the better option.

Kalabsha Temple

Another temple moved by UNESCO, Kalabsha Temple. It’s about 11 miles (18 km) south of Aswan. This temple is devoted to the Nubian fertility and sun god, Mandulis. It’s from the early Roman era, around 30 BC.

Almost as beautiful as the Temple of Philae, this temple gets very few visitors, so it’s a great option if you want to see a temple near in Aswan without the crowds.

How To Het To Kalabsha Temple: This Temple is near the High Dam, but best accessed by boat. I recommend this tour: Private Temple Tour in Kalabsha. This tour also includes: Gerf Hussein, Temple of Beit el-Wali, and the Kiosk of Qertassi.

Abu Simbel

If you’re in Aswan, stunning Abu Simbel, 3-4 hours south is a must-visit. Built by Ramesses II, also known as Ramesses the Great, he also built a temple here to commemorate his beloved wife Nefertari.

How To Get To Abu Simbel: Abu Simbel can be reached by a cruise from Aswan or arrange a driver through your hotel. You can also take a tour, like this one: Day tour to Abu Simbel from Aswan by private car. For more information, see my post on Abu Simbel.

Other Sites In & Around Aswan

Elephantine Island

Elephantine island, named after giant elephant-like rocks nearby, is an island in the center of the Nile near Aswan. I did not get a chance to visit, but are several things to see here, including visiting the Aswan Museum, which has Egyptian and Roman artifacts recovered from busking the Aswan Dam, the ruins of the Temple of Khnum, and an ancient Nilometer, which was used to check Nile water levels.

If you want some western-style luxury, you can also visit 5 Star Movenpick Resort, which has a 360 degree panoramic view from its bar.

How To Get To Elephantine Island: The best way to visit is to public ferry. It runs frequently and is very inexpensive. Or, if you prefer, arrange a private boat or felucca.

Nubian Village

Visiting a Nubian village is another great things to do, and a great way to experience the culture of this area. Gharb Soheil village is a popular destination with its colorful houses, friendly people, traditional handicrafts, and sandy beach.

How To Get To Gharb Soheil: This village is on the west side of the Nile. To get here you can book a tour, although make sure to read reviews thoroughly as they are mixed. I suggest asking for the most authentic way to visit.

Monastery of St Simeon 

This monastery is located across from Aswan. It’s was built in the 10th century and was dedicated to St. Simeon. 

How To Get To St. Simeon: Located across the Nile from Aswan, you can book a tour, like this one: Aswan St. Simeon Monastery Private Half-Day Tour with Camel Ride, or negotiate a felucca, or motorboat. This stop also requires walking up a desert track.

Ancient Inscriptions Of Sehel Island

2.5 miles (4 km) south of Aswan is Sehel island, known for its 600 ancient rock carvings. They date from Prehistoric to Graeco-Roman times, with people engraving names, prayers, images, and dedications to deities.

The eastern hill summit is where to find the well-known ‘Famine Stela’, which tells a story from the 3rd Dynasty.

How To Get To Sehel Island: Talk to your hotel to see if they know who offers tours or details on how to visit.

Unfinished Obelisk

The unfinished obelisk, which cracked while being carved from the bedrock, is the largest known ancient obelisk. It was reportedly ordered by Hapsetshut (1,508 – 1,458 BC). Of completed, it would have been 137’ (42 m) tall, and weigh over 1,000 tons.

How To Get To The Unfinished Obelisk: This is only a 20-minute walk from central Aswan, but if you prefer a tour, I recommend this one: Private Day tour to High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, & Philae From Aswan.

Aswan High Dam

You can also visit the Aswan High Dam. It provides water for 33600 km² of irrigation land in Egypt and Sudan, generates power, and controls flooding. If you take a cruise from Aswan to Abu Simbel, your cruise will likely make a stop here (check itineraries if you want to do this). If not, I suggest combing this with the tour to the Unfinished Obelisk above.

Tombs of the Nobles

The Tombs of the Nobles contains hundreds of rock-cut tombs for ancient, high-ranking Egyptian Nobles. Some of the larger tombs can be entered and explored.

How To Get To Tombs Of The Nobles: Located across the Nile from Aswan, this is another one that is best to ask at your hotel as many tours do not get very good reviews.

How To Get To Aswan

The most poplar way to get to Aswan is to take a Nile Cruise from Luxor. These cruises take from 3-5 days, depending on the stops you make.

• 2-Night Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan
• 2-Night Nile Cruise to Aswan from Luxor with Hot Air Balloon Ride
• 5-Day Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan – includes tours in Luxor and Aswan and temples in between.

You can also travel by land, like on this tour, which includes a visit to all three temples between Luxor and Aswan. It is faster than a cruise, taking only a full day. It’s also much less expensive.

• Luxor to Aswan Private tour Esna Khnum, Edfu Horus Kom-Ombo Temples

Want More Of Egpyt?

Although many visitors do not make it all the way down to Aswan, there really are many interesting things to see and do here, so I think it’s worth the trip. It just depends on how much time you have.

Not only did I enjoy the everything here, after more than two weeks in Cairo and Luxor, I really enjoyed being in a city that was a little more relaxed.

To read more about Egypt, see my EgyptTravelGuide. Or see my more detailed posts on Cairo, the Pyramids, Luxor, Abu Simbel, and Alexandria.

Note: Egypt has had known issues of terrorism for years, so always check government websites for warnings before planning a trip. If you’re a US citizen, sign up for the STEP program to be alerted if issues arise. If you’re not a US citizen, see if your country offers something similar.

Safe Travels!

Julie