Aswan Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Aswan tours, the serene southern gateway to ancient Egypt: multi-day Nile cruises sailing to Luxor, the colossal rock temples of Abu Simbel, the island temple of Philae, traditional felucca sailing and colourful Nubian villages, the High Dam and Unfinished Obelisk, and the riverside temples of Kom Ombo and Edfu. Compare top-rated activities and plan your perfect Nile journey.
rating
Explore Aswan by interest
Whatever brings you to Aswan — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Nile cruises
Sail to Luxor.
ExploreAbu Simbel
The colossi of Ramses.
ExplorePhilae & Aswan
Island temple and dam.
ExploreFelucca & Nubia
Sailing and villages.
ExploreKom Ombo & Edfu
Riverside temples.
ExploreLuxor trip
Valley of the Kings.
ExploreDesert & Lake Nasser
Sands and water.
ExploreDay trips
All of southern Egypt.
ExploreTop attractions in Aswan
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Nile Cruise
Sail to Luxor.
Abu Simbel
The great temples.
Philae Temple
Island of Isis.
Felucca & Nubia
Sailing and villages.
Kom Ombo & Edfu
Riverside temples.
Luxor
Valley of the Kings.
High Dam
Engineering marvel.
Lake Nasser
Serene desert lake.
3 hrs awayAbu Simbel
The colossi of Ramses.
3.5 hrs awayLuxor
Valley of the Kings.
Near the city awayPhilae Temple
Island of Isis.
On the Nile awayKom Ombo & Edfu
Riverside temples.
Boat trip awayNubian Village
Colourful culture.
Multi-day awayNile Cruise
Sail to Luxor.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Aswan visitor asks before booking.
The sweet-spot months
October to April brings warm, sunny days and cooler evenings — the prime time to visit Aswan for cruises, temples and felucca sails.
Peak season (Oct–Apr)
Warm, dry and comfortable for sightseeing and cruising; the busiest and most pleasant season — book ahead.
Shoulder (Mar & Nov)
Still warm and sunny with thinner crowds and good value, ideal for the temples and the Nile.
Summer (May–Sep)
Extremely hot, often over 40°C; sightseeing is best very early or late, and prices are lower.
Abu Simbel Sun Festival
On 22 February and 22 October, the sun illuminates the inner sanctuary of Abu Simbel — a special time to visit.
Warm year-round
Aswan stays warm and sunny most of the year, so winter is the most comfortable rather than the only option.
One day
Philae, the High Dam and a felucca sail.
Two days
Add the temples of Abu Simbel.
Nile cruise (3–4 days)
The sweet spot: sail Aswan to Luxor.
A week
Combine the cruise with Luxor and Cairo.
Longer trips
Add Lake Nasser cruises and the Western Desert.
Travelling with kids
Mix feluccas, Nubian villages and Philae.
Boats & feluccas
Much of Aswan is reached by water — motorboats to Philae and the islands, and feluccas for scenic sailing.
Tours & private cars
Guided tours and private cars with a driver are the easiest way to reach Abu Simbel, the dam and out-of-town sites.
Taxis & caleche
Taxis and horse-drawn caleches serve the town; agree the fare before setting off, as there are no meters.
On foot
The riverside Corniche, souk and town centre are pleasant to explore on foot.
Trains & flights
Sleeper and day trains link Aswan with Luxor and Cairo, and the airport has flights to Cairo and Abu Simbel.
From the airport
Aswan Airport is about 25 minutes from the centre by taxi or transfer.
Money & currency
Egypt uses the pound; carry cash for tickets, tips and the souk, though cards work in hotels and on cruises.
Beat the heat
Start temple visits and Abu Simbel trips early to avoid the midday sun, and bring water, a hat and sunscreen.
Tipping (baksheesh)
Small tips for guides, drivers, boatmen and crew are customary and appreciated — carry small notes.
Dress respectfully
Modest dress is appreciated, especially at temples and in Nubian villages; cover shoulders and knees.
Choose your cruise
Compare cruise ships and dahabiyas for comfort, route and what’s included, such as Abu Simbel and a balloon.
Pre-book big trips
Abu Simbel and Nile cruises sell out in winter — book ahead.
Nile cruises
Aswan-to-Luxor cruises sell out in winter — book well ahead.
Abu Simbel
Day trips and flights are popular — reserve early.
Guided temple tours
Philae and city tours fill up in peak season — pre-book.
Felucca sails
Sunset feluccas are in demand — book ahead.
Luxor trips
Day trips and cruises to Luxor are busy — reserve early.
Winter high season
October–April is busy — plan ahead.
Nile cruises
Around €250–600+ for a 3–4 day Aswan-to-Luxor cruise.
Abu Simbel
About €40–90 for an Abu Simbel day trip by road.
Aswan highlights
Roughly €25–60 for a Philae, dam and obelisk tour.
Felucca & Nubia
Around €20–50 for a felucca sail and Nubian village.
Luxor day trip
About €60–120 for a Luxor day trip by road.
How to save
Join group tours, choose a cruise with sights included, and travel in the shoulder months.
Aswan through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Cool, sunny days.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Ideal; book ahead.
- Best for
- Warm, fewer crowds.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Great value.
- Best for
- Low prices.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Very hot; go early.
- Best for
- Warming down.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Still hot; quieter.