Along with Cairo and Luxor, Aswan forms an integral part of the classic Egypt route triumvirate. But unlike the two, Aswan is more laidback, with a rustic ambiance and convivial atmosphere. I've met the friendliest Egyptians here - many still untainted by the materialism that has bewitched and consumed their compatriots in Luxor and Cairo.
Taking it easy is the way to go here. Everything slows down, seemingly in deference to the Nile's gentle currents as they glide around giant granite boulders and scenic, palm-studded islands. One of the highlights of visiting Aswan is to sit on the Corniche at sunset and sip your favorite drink while watching the feluccas sail by.
And this was after a day of wonderful Pharaonic, Graeco-Roman, Islamic and modern monuments.
- Pros:Laidback atmosphere; friendly locals
- Cons:Touts are starting to stream in
- In a nutshell:The southern highlight of a classic Egypt route
Reviews (14)
Meet the friendly people of Aswan
Off The Beaten Path
(2)
While clearly on the beaten path, Aswan does not suffer from the suffocating commercialism that characterizes Luxor (and... more travel advice
Aswan's most historic hotel
Hotels
(2)
Now managed by the Sofitel chain (part of the Accor group), the Old Cataract Hotel is arguably Aswan's most historic,... more travel advice
Soak in local atmosphere in the souk
Shopping
(1)
While decidedly touristy (the whole place is in the process of being dolled up for tourists, who else), Aswan's souk is... more travel advice
Colorful Nubian villages
Things to Do
(5)
After whetting your appetite for things Nubian at the Nubian Museum, head out for the real stuff - well, at least the... more travel advice
Aswan Travel Guide
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Latest Aswan hotel reviews
- Sofitel Old Cataract
- 138 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 20, 2012 - Moevenpick Elephantine Island Resort Aswan
- 309 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 23, 2012 - New Cataract
- 5 Reviews & Opinions
- Isis Hotel Aswan
- 173 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Apr 28, 2012 - Philae Hotel
- 90 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 3, 2012 - LTI- Pyramisa Isis Island Resort And Spa
- 272 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 12, 2012 - Basma Hotel Aswan
- 143 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 9, 2012 - Cleopatra Hotel
- 24 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Dec 8, 2011 - Marhaba Palace Hotel
- 31 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 1, 2012 - Sara Hotel
- 66 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 19, 2012 - Iberotel Aswan
- 56 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 13, 2012 - The Hathor Hotel
- 23 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Mar 26, 2012 - Memnon Hotel
- 71 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Apr 17, 2012 - Nuba Nile Hotel
- 44 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 20, 2012 - Ramsis Hotel
- 4 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Feb 26, 2009

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Comments (15)
Lovely Aswan travel page with excellent photographs. Isis temple complex certainly looks amazing and Aswan High Dam sounds attractive to us. Thanks for sharing. ~ho & pang
I've got the Egypt bug now. Aswan is next on the list.
A very interesting and useful page about this beautiful city and its area. We could almost meet there (I've been to Aswan this April). Great shots of the High Dam, Philae Temple and felucca with flowers. Thanks for sharing!
Interesting tip! I m planning my trip to Egypt and I wonder how should I arrange the Abusimbel tour. I arrive early in the morning to Aswan, is it reasonable to buy on the spot a tour for the 11am convoy? Any suggestions for prebooking?
Great page. I must go there one day :)
Well done. Your pages are very interesting. Especially the tip on the Isis Temple and the Souk markets. Good pics too...cheers
An excellent page. I loved your photos and description of the Isis temple, was fascinated by the unfinished obelisk and the Numbian villages, and tempted by the thought of a drink on the Corniche :)
an excellent page ! Aswan is on the list of places I hope to be able to see one day !
beautiful Aswan .. i wish i could be there once. Cheers!
Fantastic page on Aswan! Well done. It will definitely help me plan my trip in December. Cheers!
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