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Before you go
Your trip to Aswan.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Aswan – Aswan Destination Aswan and Abu Simbel Capital
How to get there
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Aswan International Airport (ASW) Aswan · 25 km
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Estação de Assuã Aswan · 1 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
The airport (ASW) is about 25 km away, with taxis and transfers. The railway station is in the center, at the end of the market street, and cruise ships stop along the Corniche.
How many days
Two days for the town, the islands and Philae; three days if you include Abu Simbel.
When to go
From October to April, with dry, warm days and cool nights; in summer, go out early in the morning and late in the afternoon.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
No. Boats and feluccas take you to the islands and the west bank, and taxis or drivers go to Philae and the dam.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Aswan
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Morning
Philae and the Unfinished Obelisk
Cross by boat to the Temple of Philae and stop at the Unfinished Obelisk on the way back.
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Afternoon
Felucca and the islands
Take a felucca trip around Elephantine and the Botanical Island until sunset.
2 days in Aswan
Day 1
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All day
Philae, the dam and the museum
Philae in the morning; the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk; the Nubian Museum late afternoon.
Day 2
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All day
West bank and Nubian village
Nobles' tombs and the Monastery of St. Simeon in the morning; Gharb Soheil Nubian village by boat in the afternoon.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
What to do in Aswan?
Visit the Temple of Philae, sail a felucca among the islands, see the Unfinished Obelisk and the High Dam, visit a Nubian village and go to Abu Simbel.
What is a felucca?
It is the traditional Nile sailing boat. In Aswan, trips circle the islands, especially at sunset.
How do you get to the Nubian villages of Aswan?
By boat from the Corniche, or by car across the bridge over the Nile.
Can you go from Aswan to Luxor by cruise?
Yes. Nile cruises go downstream in three nights, stopping at Kom Ombo, Edfu and Esna.