Aswan Attractions → 14 [Stunning] Egypt Tourist Attractions

Aswan Attractions cater for all tastes, and historical attractions like the imposing Abu Simbel Temples will appeal to people even if they aren’t particularly interested in history. Commissioned by Ramesses II during the 13th century BC, the temples which are carved out of rock are one of the most recognizable faces of Ancient Egypt.

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Aswan Travel Guide: How to Make the Most Out of Your Trip to Aswan

February 14, 2024

Discover Aswan with our detailed Aswan travel guide: explore ancient temples, cruise the Nile, and immerse in Nubian culture. Perfect for making your trip unforgettable.

Abu Simbel Temples - Front view of Temple of King Ramses II

Abu Simbel Temples – Rock Carved Temples Of Ramesses II

June 18, 2018

The Abu Simbel Temples are two exceptionally fascinating rock-cut temples constructed during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses the Great in the 13th century BCE.

Philae Temple – A Relocated Ancient Temple Of Isis

April 17, 2014

Philae Temple is a well preserved ancient temple that was dedicated to the goddess Isis. It was built in 380 BC and then abandoned in the 6th century.

Kom Ombo Temple – Twin Temples of the Ptolemaic Dynasty

April 17, 2014

Kom Ombo Temple is unique in that it’s actually a perfectly symmetrical “double” Ptolemaic temple built to honor two sets of gods: god Sobek and god Horus.

Aswan High Dam – The Construction Project That Changed The Face Of Egypt

April 17, 2014

The Aswan High Dam has played a significant role in Egypt’s growth and development, and today tourists are also able to enjoy the resultant Lake Nasser.

Nubian Village, Elephantine Island, Aswan

The Nubian Village – A Great Place To Visit On Elephantine Island

March 17, 2014

A trip to the Nubian Village on Elephantine Island, located in the Nile River near Aswan, is a fun way to relax and soak up some of the region’s fascinating past.

Unfinished Obelisk – The World’s Biggest, But Never Completed

March 17, 2014

The Unfinished Obelisk is one of the most popular sites in ancient Aswan and provides immense insight into stone masonry employed by the ancient Egyptians.

The Philae Temple Sound And Light Show – Don’t Miss This!

March 17, 2014

The Philae Temple Sound and Light Show is very popular with tourists because it combines the fascination of an historical temple with modern entertainment.

Elephantine Island And The Nile River’s Last Cataract

March 17, 2014

Contrary to what the name suggests, Elephantine Island has, and never has had anything to do with elephants, but instead, it was essentially a military stronghold.

Camel traders at the Darau Camel Market in Aswan

Daraw Camel Market – Different, Unique And Fascinating

March 17, 2014

Countries like Egypt are famous for their vibrant markets that attract scores of faithful shopper every year, but it would take a lot to beat the Daraw Camel Market.

Aswan Botanical Garden – An Island Became A Dream Garden

March 17, 2014

When the Egyptians gave Lord Kitchener a Nile River island in 1898, he soon set about converting the island into what is today known as the Aswan Botanical Garden.

Aga Khan Mausoleum on the banks of the Nile at Aswan

Aga Khan Mausoleum in Aswan – A Truly Magnificent Attraction

March 17, 2014

The Aga Khan Mausoleum is a magnificent structure built to honor one of the greatest men of the modern age. This mausoleum is a fantastic stop on any tour in the area!

Gebel El Silsila Temple – A Historical Site Not Often Visited By Tourists

March 17, 2014

Gebel El Silsila Temple which is located not far from Aswan was rescued from Lake Nasser, but because of it’s location, it has remained largely out of reach to tourists.

The Nubian Museum – A Few Reasons Why You Should Visit

March 17, 2014

The Nubian Museum has been specifically created to help enlighten visitors about the crucial role this ancient civilization played during Egypt’s past.

Kitchener Island – A Great Place To Relax When Visiting Aswan

March 17, 2014

Kitchener Island is a small island located in the Nile River, not far from Aswan, and since the entire island is now a huge garden, it’s a great place to unwind.

Tombs Of The Nobles Aswan – Visiting Qubbet El-Hawa

March 16, 2014

The Qubbet El-Hawa rock cut Tombs of the Nobles in Aswan are relatively well preserved and have revealed much insight to life during the Old Kingdom period.

Ruins of Saint Simeon Monastery - By Olaf Tausch

Saint Simeon Monastery – Ruins Of A 7th Century Monastery

March 16, 2014

Saint Simeon Monastery is a 7th century church built by a monk of the Nile River’s Elephantine Island, but it was almost totally destroyed when Saladin invaded.

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FAQ: Visiting Aswan

Where is Aswan Egypt Located?

Aswan is located near Egypt’s southern border. Because of its location, it served as a frontier garrison town in antiquity and a place where tolls and levies were collected from passing boats.

How has the Aswan dam changed Egypt?

When the Aswan High Dam was completed, it effectively put an end to the Nile’s devastating floods. It also allowed various crops to be grown on an additional 8,000 acres of land.

How far is Aswan from Luxor Egypt?

The flight distance from Aswan to Luxor is 181 kilometers, while the shortest distance by road is 215 kilometers. You can travel between the two cities by air, by boat, by road or by rail.

What is in Aswan Egypt?

There are several archaeological sites in and around Aswan, with the Philae Temple complex being the most famous. Aswan is also well known for its markets and ancient granite quarries.

What is there to do in Aswan Egypt?

There are a number of Aswan Egypt attractions which are worth visiting. Day trips to Abu Simbel are also popular, and if you have time to spare, exploring Elephantine Island is certainly recommended.

What to see in Aswan Egypt?

The ancient Philae Temple, the Unfinished Obelisk and the Aswan High Dam are the top 3 attractions in Aswan but there are several others, including the Temple of Khnum on Elephantine Island.

What to buy in Aswan Egypt?

Aswan is a great place to buy things like souvenirs and spices. The Old Aswan Souk is by far the best and cheapest place to shop. Carpets, Nubian swords, clothes, and so much more is sold here.

Click here to find a brief intro guide to the most important tourist attractions in Aswan

The Unique Appeal of Aswan Attractions

It is interesting that so many visitors to Egypt consider Aswan only as a final stop on a Nile cruise when this region is packed with remarkable attractions, sites, and scenery. While it is the Aswan High Dam that so many people know, and Lake Nasser that so many come to explore, there is a long list of remarkable and “must see” Aswan attractions, as well.

Aswan Tourist Attractions Are All About History

One of the Aswan attractions that all visitors must see is one that comes as a bit of a surprise. Called the Unfinished Obelisk, this attraction answers at least a few of the questions about the “how” of Ancient Egyptian technology. For many long years people wondered just how the Egyptians made those massive, solid obelisks. Then the Unfinished Obelisk was discovered and it revealed just how they managed this impressive task.

Engineering marvels can also be enjoyed with a visit to another of the top Aswan attractions – the Philae Temple. The structure itself is not a feat of engineering, but the relocation of it to spare it from being lost when the Aswan Dam was built was quite an accomplishment. Today it is a spot for an impressive light and sound display after sunset, but a visit to this Temple of Isis is enjoyable at any time of the day.

Aswan Attractions: In the Nile River

The Aswan area is also a spot to find some fascinating islands as well. There is the island given to General Kitchener and which is today the remarkably beautiful Aswan Botanical Garden. There is world famous Elephantine Island, which is another of the top tourist attractions in Aswan. While once playing a role as a military site, it is today a popular spot because of the Nubian Village open to visitors.

Aswan Attractions: On Land

Back on land, visitors frequently pay visits to the monastery of Saint Simeon, as well as the Tombs of the Nobles (Qubbet El-Hawa). The tombs are rock cut tombs and truly impressive examples of the Old Kingdom period of Pharaonic Egypt. So far south in Egypt, there is a lot of Nubian influence to be seen, and the Nubian Museum is among the top Aswan attractions for those interested in this fascinating subject.

The more modern sites on shore include the gorgeous Aga Khan Mausoleum that sits majestically overlooking the water and is something that most visitors to Aswan visit. Of course, if you are lucky enough to be in the area during the Daraw Camel Market, this is an experience not to miss. Unlike the other, scenic or historic sites in Aswan, this attraction in Aswan is, possibly, one of the most unique, unforgettable, and entertaining.

A visit to Aswan is something you should plan if you are touring Egypt. Not all tour companies make guided tours available, but at www.egypttoursplus.com you will find a nice array of options for taking in the impressive and scenic beauties of Aswan. Though it is often forgotten because of its location at the bottom of Egypt, the true Egyptophiles will want to dedicate a few days exploring the wondrous Aswan attractions, or much more!

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