This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.
Planning a trip to Aswan and wondering what to do? You’re in the right place!
Aswan is a magical city along the Nile, offering a mix of ancient wonders, culture, and natural beauty. It’s one of our favorite destinations in Egypt, with a unique charm you won’t find anywhere else.
After exploring Aswan’s best sights and experiences, we’ve put together this guide to help you make the most of your visit. Whether it’s cruising the Nile or exploring the temples of Abu Simbel there’s something here for everyone.
So, if you’re ready to soak up Aswan’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and local culture, here are the best things to do!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Aswan was this 4-day cruise from Aswan to Luxor! We sailed down the Nile seeing iconic sights the entire way. Plus it includes extras like a hot air balloon ride, time to explore ancient wonders & an expert guide.
Things to do in Aswan, Egypt
1. Take a 4-Day Nile Cruise to Luxor
- Duration: 4 days (3 nights)
- Time: Multiple departure times in the morning
- Highlights: Sail down the Nile River on a cruise ship, visit the region’s most iconic sights such as the Abu Simbel Temples, learn about Eygpt’s history from your Egyptologist guide, go on a sunrise hot air balloon tour
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, 3-night cruise accommodations, tour guide, all meals, hot air balloon ride, Abu Simbel tour, transportation
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 2,600+ reviews here)
- Free Cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Sailing down the Nile on this 4-day, 3-night cruise from Aswan to Luxor was hands-down my favorite experience in Aswan and all of Egypt in fact! It offers the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and unbeatable value, so it’s no surprise that it’s so popular.
Each day brought something new. We stopped at iconic sites like the Temple of Kom Ombo and Edfu’s Temple of Horus. Seeing these ancient wonders up close with a knowledgeable Egyptologist guide made all the difference. We learned fascinating stories about Ancient Egypt’s history.
But the highlight for me had to be the included hot air balloon ride over Luxor. Floating high above the Valley of the Kings as the sun rises is a memory I’ll never forget!
Life on board this cruise was just as enjoyable. The crew was friendly, the ship was comfortable, and the meals were delicious. I loved unwinding on the deck every evening to watch the sunset over the Nile – it was pure bliss!
I think this cruise from Aswan is the best way to experience Egypt’s ancient wonders in just a few days. If you don’t believe me, check out all of the glowing reviews for yourself!
Book this popular cruise here and get FREE cancellation!
2. Visit Abu Simbel with a private guide
- Duration: 8 – 10 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times from 4 am – 10 am
- Highlights: Exploring the Abu Simbel Temples, learning the fascinating history of Ramses II and his queen Nefertari, driving through the scenic Sahara Desert
- Inclusions: Private Egyptologist tour guide, hotel/port/airport pickup/dropoff, private air-conditioned transport, snacks, bottled water, onboard Wi-Fi
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 80+ reviews here)
- Free Cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
If you’re heading to Aswan, this private full-day tour to Abu Simbel is an absolute must! Built by Pharaoh Ramses II, this ancient monument is undoubtedly one of Lower Egypt’s most iconic attractions.
Seeing it in person is an experience you won’t forget – but let me tell you, getting there on your own can be a real headache.
Fortunately, this private tour took all the stress out of our journey. From hassle-free hotel pickup to a comfortable air-conditioned ride (a lifesaver in Egypt’s heat!), everything was taken care of – all we had to do was sit back and enjoy the stunning Sahara Desert landscapes!
The drive was long (about 3 hours), but we made a stop midway at a desert camp to stretch our legs. Plus, our driver’s commentary kept things interesting, making the time fly by!
Once we arrived, we had plenty of time to marvel at the incredible temples of Ramses II and his queen, Nefertari. Our Egyptologist guide, Michael, was amazing and really brought the site to life with fascinating stories and insights. Learning how the temples were carved out of the mountain in 1300 B.C., and later relocated to save them from flooding made them even more impressive!
Whether you’re a history buff like me or just love epic landmarks, this private tour is the easiest and most enjoyable way to see Abu Simbel. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Book this tour here and make your journey to these iconic temples easy!
3. Explore the Philae Temple, unfinished obelisk, and the Aswan Dam
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times available
- Highlights: Private tour of Aswan, visit the Aswan High Dam, see the ancient Unfinished Obelisk, and explore the Philae Temple
- Inclusions: Private Egyptologist guide, hotel/port/airport pickup and drop-off, entry fees, bottled water
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 80+ reviews here)
- Free Cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
If you’re short on time but want to see the best of Aswan, this private half-day tour is the way to go! I did it on my first visit to Aswan, and it was the perfect way to experience the city’s top sights in only a couple of hours.
We kicked off the day at the Aswan High Dam, an engineering marvel that literally changed the course of the Nile. Standing on top, looking out over Lake Nasser, I couldn’t help but be amazed by its sheer scale and impact on Egypt’s history.
Next, we visited the Unfinished Obelisk, a massive ancient monument that was abandoned after a crack appeared while it was being carved from the bedrock. Seeing it up close gave me a whole new appreciation for the skill and effort that went into these ancient structures. It’s incredible to think this would have been the largest ancient obelisk ever completed!
The highlight for me, though, was exploring Philae Temple. We crossed the Nile on a small motorboat and arrived at the breathtaking temple dedicated to the Goddess Isis. Our guide shared its incredible history, including how every stone had to be relocated after the Aswan Dam caused flooding in the 1970s – how crazy is that?
With a private Egyptologist guiding the way and a variety of incredible stops, it’s no surprise that this tour sells out so quickly. It’s an experience you’re going to want to add to your Aswan itinerary ASAP!
Check availability and book this popular tour here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
4. Cruise down the Nile River in a historic Felucca boat
- Duration: 2 hours to 4 days
- Time: Departure times vary
- Highlights: Sail on a traditional felucca boat, sleep under the stars, take in breathtaking views of the Nile, and visit Daraw village, Gabel el Silsila sandstone quarry, and Edfu Temple (depending on the option selected)
- Inclusions: Tea/coffee, sleeping bags/blankets, mosquito net around the boat, transportation to activities, entry tickets, all meals
- Rating: 5 stars (check 70+ reviews here)
- Free Cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
If you’re looking for an authentic Egyptian experience, this felucca adventure along the Nile is a great choice! These traditional wooden sailboats offer a peaceful escape from the city, allowing you to completely immerse yourself in the beauty of the Nile.
Whether you have a few hours or a few days to spare, this tour offers an option for everyone. We opted for the three-night adventure, and it was nothing short of amazing!
Each day was a blend of scenic sailing, breathtaking sunsets, and culture. The felucca itself was simple but cozy, with all the essentials (yes, there’s a bathroom!) and a sundeck perfect for kicking back and soaking in the views.
We visited the vibrant Daraw village, famous for its bustling vegetable market and camel trading hub. If you visit on a Saturday, Sunday, or Tuesday, you’ll even get to watch the lively camel market in action! Along the way, we also explored famous ancient sites like the Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples.
But for me, the evenings were the best part. As night fell, we gathered around a bonfire on the riverbank, dancing to Nubian tunes, and listening to stories from locals. And to top it all off, we slept right under the stars (don’t worry – there are mosquito nets!)
With all meals and activities included, this trip is truly an unforgettable and hassle-free way to explore Egypt. I think it’s perfect for anyone wanting to completely immerse themselves in local culture and experience an authentic Nile adventure!
Read the 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
5. Explore Aswan’s Nubian heritage on a village visit
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times available
- Highlights: Visit Sohail Island on a private tour, hear stories from locals, drink tea in a traditional Nubian house, travel past Elephantine Island on a boat, and enjoy free time to explore Sohail Island on your own
- Inclusions: Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Nile boat ride, entrance fee, Life Crocodile house
- coffee/tea
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 70+ reviews here)
- Free Cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
For an intimate glimpse into Nubian culture, this private village visit is a must! We did it on our most recent trip to Aswan, and I’d happily do it again.
Our journey began with a scenic motorboat ride along the Nile, offering panoramic views of Elephantine Island and the lush riverbanks. It makes for an amazing photo op – so make sure your camera is fully charged!
As we arrived at the Nubian village on Sohail Island, I was immediately struck by how vibrant and colorful it was. Walking through the brightly colored streets felt like stepping into a painting! The locals were so friendly and we even got to visit a traditional Nubian home, where we sipped hibiscus tea and learned about their fascinating culture and way of life.
Our private guide, Mido, made the experience even better. His knowledge and local insights really helped to enhance our understanding of Nubian culture. He even pointed us to the best local shops during our free time – where I picked up some beautiful handmade crafts.
And if you’re craving a bit of adventure, this tour also has the option to upgrade to include a camel ride or sandboarding session when booking. No matter which option you choose, we know you’ll enjoy this cultural journey. It’s an unforgettable experience you’ll remember forever!
Book this tour here before spots fill up!
Where to Stay in Aswan, Egypt
Now that you’ve got your Aswan itinerary sorted, it’s time to find the perfect place to stay! Whether you want to wake up to stunning Nile views, relax in a luxurious riverside resort, or find a budget-friendly stay with easy access to the city’s top sights, Aswan has plenty of great options.
To help you choose, I’ve rounded up the best hotels in Aswan for every budget—so you can focus on enjoying this historic and beautiful city!
Luxury – $$$
For a luxurious and unique stay in Aswan, the Pyramisa Island Hotel is an amazing choice. Set on a private island in the Nile, this 5-star resort offers breathtaking river views, lush gardens, and a peaceful retreat away from the city. The hotel also features two outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and multiple dining options. Plus, with a free boat shuttle to Aswan, you get the perfect balance of seclusion and easy access to the city’s top sights!
Prices vary by season and room category but usually range between $125 – $200 USD for a standard double room. Check prices and book this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
For a comfortable and convenient stay in Aswan, the Obelisk Nile Hotel is a fantastic mid-range choice. Located right on the Nile and just five minutes from Aswan’s city center, this hotel offers spacious rooms with garden views, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant serving local and international dishes. You can also fuel up for a day of sightseeing with the complimentary breakfast!
Rooms start as low as $100 USD per night and you can book this stay on Booking.com.
Budget – $
For a budget-friendly stay in Aswan, The Mango Guest House offers a peaceful escape on Elephantine Island with comfortable rooms and private bathrooms. Guests can relax in the courtyard or on the rooftop terrace, and enjoy meals at the on-site restaurant. Plus, Aswan City Center is just a quick ferry ride away, making it a convenient and affordable choice!
Rooms for one person start around $36 USD per night and around $60 USD for 2 people. Check availability and reserve your room on Booking.com.
For more options, see all of the hotels in Aswan here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
I hope we helped fill up your itinerary for your trip to Aswan! This is an incredible part of Egypt to explore – whether you’re cruising the Nile or visiting some of its ancient wonders. We can’t wait to come back!
For loads more travel inspiration and tips, check out our full travel blog here. We have explored destinations all over the world and shared what we’ve learned along the way!