Things To Do

Aswan's location on the banks of the Nile mean plenty of opportunity for riverboat trips, from traditional felucca rides to luxury cruises. It's a great way to experience the sights and sounds of the city, particularly at sunrise or sunset, with numerous things to see along the way, such as the Botanical Gardens and Abu Simbel, and various islands to journey around, such as Elephantine Island and the island Philae. Other boat trips include those on Lake Nasser - the world's largest man-made lake. 

Aswan shows a fascinating slice of Egyptian life, and is home to many different historical sites and interesting attractions, including the Unfinished Obelisk, Kalabsha Temple, the Aga Khan mausoleum, the granite quarries and the Monastery of St Simeon. Visit the Nubian Museum or the Old Cataract Hotel, where the Agatha Christie classic 'Death on the Nile' was filmed, or watch a Sound and Light Show at Philae Temple, ideal on family holidays here. 

Larger hotels have swimming pools and tennis courts, as well as other sports facilities, and the city offers bike rental and traditional camel rides. Aswan is small enough to explore on foot, with the city's promenade, the Corniche, the lively centre. After visiting the bars and restaurants, evening entertainment includes watching Nubian dancers, and folklore groups acting out village scenes and stick-fight dances.

Shopping
Visit the local bazaar for a colourful experience and try out some bartering skills, whilst browsing stalls and shops selling a variety of Egyptian goods such as spices, tea, jewellery, perfume, gold, glassware and rugs - perfect for gifts and souvenirs. For a truly authentic day out, head to the weekly market at Darau and witness the traditional trading of camels - the largest gathering of these animals in the country.
 

Explore the city's dining scene, and sample the local cuisine on cheap holidays to Egypt. There's plenty of traditional flavour in the welcoming open-air restaurants, serving up stews and grilled meats, including kebabs, koftas and shawarma, as well as a great selection of seafood, all served with the local speciality, hibiscus tea.