Aswan Travel Guide: Nubian Culture, Philae & Abu Simbel

Aswan is Egypt's southernmost tourist city, marking the transition from Egyptian to Nubian culture. The pace is slower than Cairo or Luxor, the Nile is bluer, and the sunsets from a felucca are unmatched.

Top things to see

• Philae Temple — reached by short motorboat ride; the sound & light show is magical.
• Abu Simbel — Ramses II's masterpiece, a 3-hour drive south or a short domestic flight.
• The High Dam & Old Dam — engineering marvels of the 20th century.
• Nubian villages — colourful houses, henna tattoos, hibiscus tea.
• Elephantine Island & Kitchener's Island botanical gardens.

Feluccas on the Nile

Aswan's Nile is wider, cleaner and quieter than downstream. A sunset felucca ride costs ~200 EGP for an hour and includes the best photos you'll take in Egypt.

Getting to Abu Simbel

Options: (1) join a convoy tour departing at 4am — long day but cheap; (2) fly EgyptAir round-trip (~$100 USD) — 25 minutes each way; (3) private car (~$150 USD). All are worthwhile — Abu Simbel is unforgettable.

Where to stay

Old Cataract Hotel is Egypt's most historic (Agatha Christie wrote Death on the Nile here). Movenpick on Elephantine Island is a family favorite. Nubian guesthouses on the West Bank offer authentic budget stays.