Aswan is one of the top winter destinations in Egypt, with various things and activities to do to have a fun escapade.
Aswan is filled to the brim with many fun activities, sightseeing sites, and shopping venues, offering its visitors a perfectly enjoyable vacation experience. This blog will tell you about the top things to do in Aswan, giving you an overview of the entire city.
We will tell you about the boundless activities you can do, the places you can visit, and how to make the best out of your enjoyable stay in Aswan.
Read the article till its very end and you will be amazed at the beauty of Aswan City.
About Aswan
Since we cannot talk about the top things to do in Aswan without giving you an overview of the city itself, let us start our article with a quick account of the beautiful details that make up the city.
In the south of Egypt stands the enchanted city of Aswan, once known as Swenett. The term “Soun” in ancient Egyptian is the root of the word “Aswan,” meaning “souk” or “market.” Aswan’s strategic location as a gateway to the South gave rise to its moniker.
Aswan served as the primary source of granite for obelisks and other antique sculptures. It is renowned for its serene atmosphere, important archaeological monuments, and stunning scenery of the Nile Valley. Because of its year-round pleasant weather, it is an ideal winter getaway.
The city offers breathtaking vistas and reasons to take a felucca (an Egyptian sailboat) out on the Nile. From Lake Nasser, the river meanders softly through a number of islands encircled by verdant surroundings and black granite.
You may discover Aswan’s rich history and culture by sailing to historical locations like the Agha Khan Mausoleum, Philea, the Elephantine Island, the Aswan Museum, the Monastery of St. Simeon, and the Botanical Island.
The Temple of Abu Simbel, the Temple of Kom Ombo, the Nubian Museum, and the Aswan High Dam are a few other breathtaking historical sites.
Aswan provides a distinctive cultural experience with the Nubian Village, or “Gharb Seheyl,” in addition to its historical landmarks.
Popular Landmarks
Exploring the vibrant village, you can find the final traces of the Nubian civilization that coexisted with the Ancient Egyptians. Nubia is a fantastic location to purchase souvenirs, spices, and locally made crafts, in addition to the Aswan Souk.
Also, Aswan is a tourist attraction destination with many tourists taking their vacations in Egypt and visiting Aswan alongside Luxor for their warm winter weather and their historical and cultural value.
Top Things to Do in Aswan
Now that you know all about Aswan, the city of beauty, let us tell you all the things you should do there.
First of all, you need to know that Aswan is the perfect place for sightseeing, thanks to the many historical places and temples it has.
Also, it is your awesome gateway for shopping and souvenirs. Finally, there are many activities that you can do there.
As for sightseeing, Aswan is home to many important historical places and temples to visit.
Visit Aswan Historical Places
One of the things that should be at the top of your list to do in Aswan is visiting these places:
- Aswan High Dam
- Abu Simbel Temple
- Philae Temple
- Kom Ombo Temple
- Kalabsha Temple
- Nubian Eco Village
- Nubian Museum
- Monastery of Saint Simeon
- Unfinished Obelisk
- Elephantine Island
- Botanical Garden
- Edfu Temple
- Aga Khan Mausoleum
- Tombs of the Nobles
- Aswan Market
- Famous dams
- Kitchener Island
- Lake Nasser
Things to Do in Aswan – Go Shopping
When it comes to shopping, Aswan Market, Sharea El Souk, and Marina El Souk would be your perfect spot. These are the places where you can get souvenirs and gifts, and the memorable products of Aswan, such as vintage jewelry, colorful homeware, Nubian products, fresh food spices, and handcrafted ornaments and gifts.
Finally, as for the activities that can be done in Aswan, you can take a cruise that can be 1 day or up to 3-4 days from Aswan to Luxor. Also, you can enjoy a hot air balloon ride in the skies of the city of beauty. You can also go to Safari.
Now that you know Aswan and you know all the activities that can be done there, let us answer your question on how you will transport among these activities in the next section.
How to Travel to Aswan?
Now, you know a lot about Aswan and the top things to do in Aswan. Probably you are thinking about the transportation issue; how you will get there, and how to move through the city itself.
First of all, as for traveling to Aswan, you have four main transportation routes:
- Flights
- Trains
- Cruises
- Cars
As for the flights, Aswan to Cairo takes about one hour and twenty minutes. You have two options: either book an expensive taxi or ask your Aswan lodging to send a car to pick you up from the airport. Getting to Aswan via air is significantly faster than by land.
Regarding trains, you need to be extremely patient. You can travel to Aswan by train from Cairo. The trip takes approximately 12 hours. However, sleeping cabins are available for an additional fee.
The cruises are the most fun. You can take a cruise from Cairo to Aswan, or you can travel to Luxor and take a cruise from there also to Aswan. But you need to know that this trip will be days long.
Finally, going to Aswan by car might be easier if you are taking this trip from Luxor, as it will be a 4-hour drive. However, it will take you 14 hours or more to take off from Cairo.
Moving Inside Aswan
When it comes to moving inside Aswan and getting around, you have many options, among which:
- Letting the hotel where you are staying arrange it for you
- Taking a boat
- Making a deal with one of the drivers there
- Taxis
The first option implies what most of the hotels in Aswan do, which is offering transportation for their guests upon the guest’s request and for a fee. The hotel makes a deal with a number of cabs to use in these cases.
While the second alternative is the same as the first, with the difference that you are the one who makes the deal with the drivers, not your hotel. Also, since most of the sights in Aswan are on the Nile, at times, you will not find any alternative for moving around except the boats.
Finally, if you can’t arrange any of the previously mentioned options, no worries, you can simply rely on the taxis that are available all over the city.
By now, you know all about Aswan, all the top things to do in Aswan, and the transportation options, and it is time to get your final questions answered to finalize your trip.
Your Questions About Aswan Answered – Traveling Aspect
We know that despite the fact that this article gave you all the details you would need to know about Aswan and the top things to do in Aswan, you might still need to get some questions answered, and this is where this section of our article comes in to give you all the answers.
Concerning the question of how far Aswan is from Hurghada, it is 6 hours and 56 minutes (546.2 km). It’s worth noting that Hurghada is also one of the best year-round vacation destinations in Egypt.
Also, the question of how long the flight from Cairo to Aswan is: a mere 80 minutes. When it comes to how far Aswan is from Cairo, the answer is 10 hours and 25 minutes (894.9 km). You can get to Aswan by train, flight, cruise, or car.
The Insider Edition
First of all, many people ask themselves what to do in Aswan. As mentioned in the previous sections of this article, you can go sightseeing, go shopping, and do other activities, such as a safari, and take a hot air balloon.
When it comes to what to see in Aswan, you have a lot of temples and museums to see, such as Kom Ombo Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kalabsha Temple, Beit el-Wali, Temple of Dakka, Nubian Museum, and Animalia Museum.
What is Aswan known for?
Aswan is very well-known for many landmarks; however, the most well-known of them are the Aswan High Dam, Abu Simbel Temple, and the Philae Temple. These famous landmarks make it one of the top destinations on any traveler’s list.
Finally, are you wondering where to stay in Aswan?
Concerning the stay in Aswan, you have two options: either stay on the cruise you’re taking if you came to Aswan by a cruise from Cairo or Luxor.
Or, you can simply stay in one of the high-end resorts and hotels in Aswan, including:
- Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan
- Movenpick Resort Aswan
- Sonesta Nouba Hotel Aswan
- Nubian Farm Hotel & Restaurant
- Philae Hotel
- Zen Wellness Resort Aswan
With this full guide, Aswan should go at the top of your list for where to head in winter. If you are thinking of Cairo, we’ve got you covered as well.
Sheikh Zayed and 6th of October City host many popular recreational attractions you have to pay a visit to.
Learn more in: 10+ Things To Do in West of Cairo (6 October + Sheikh Zayed)
Final Thought
The magical city of Aswan bewitches all travelers and locals, captivating them with historical landmarks, boundless leisure activities, and unmatched hospitality.
With all these transportation routes, luxurious hotels, and sightseeing spots, be ready to experience Aswan’s enchanting vibes with convenience and beauty sprinkled on top.
Nawy is your one-stop platform for all your real estate queries. Scroll through our listings to find your next vacation house. Fill out the form, and our experts will ensure a seamless homeownership experience for you.
