Last updated on November 2nd, 2026 at 12:43 pm
Two days is enough for the best of Aswan: Philae Temple, Elephantine Island and a felucca sail on day one, then Abu Simbel by road or flight and a Nubian village or the souk on day two. Visit between October and April and book Abu Simbel early. Check tickets and opening hours locally.
Two days is enough for the best of Aswan: Philae Temple, Elephantine Island and a felucca sail on day one, then Abu Simbel by road or flight and a Nubian village or the souk on day two. Visit between October and April and book Abu Simbel early. Check tickets and opening hours locally.
Start early at Philae, then spend the middle of the day on the islands and finish with a walk or sail on the Nile. Everything is close to the city, so you will not need much transport.
Take the boat to Agilkia Island for the Temple of Isis, Trajan Kiosk and Hadrian Gate. Go early for cooler weather and fewer groups. See our Philae Temple guide.
Philae is on Agilkia Island south of the Aswan Low Dam, reached by motorboat from the Shellal landing.
Tickets are paid at the gate and the price changes, so check the current price at egymonuments.gov.eg or the ticket office.
Hours change by season, so check the current hours locally or on egymonuments.gov.eg.
Cross by ferry to see the Nilometer, the ruins of the Temple of Khnum, the Aswan Museum and the Nubian villages. See our Elephantine Island guide.
The island is in the Nile opposite the Corniche, a few minutes by ferry.
Tickets are paid at the gate and the price changes, so check the current price at egymonuments.gov.eg or the ticket office.
Hours change by season, so check the current hours locally or on egymonuments.gov.eg.
A shaded garden of palms and tropical trees on Kitchener Island, good for a quiet break. See our Botanical Garden page.
Kitchener Island lies in the Nile between the east bank and Elephantine Island, a short boat ride from the Corniche.
There is a small entrance fee paid at the gate, and it can change. Check locally.
The garden usually opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon. Check locally.
End the day with a stroll along the Corniche and a felucca sail on the Nile at sunset. Agree the price and the duration before you board.
The second day is for Abu Simbel in the morning, then a slower afternoon in the souk or a Nubian village. If you drive to Abu Simbel, the convoy leaves before dawn.
The temples of Ramesses II and Nefertari are 280 km south of Aswan. Go by road (about 3 hours each way) or by plane. See our Abu Simbel guide.
Abu Simbel is on the western shore of Lake Nasser, 280 km from Aswan.
Tickets are paid at the gate and the price changes, so check the current price at egymonuments.gov.eg or the ticket office.
Hours change by season, so check the current hours locally or on egymonuments.gov.eg.
After Abu Simbel, if you have time, take a boat to a Nubian village for tea, henna and the colourful houses. See our Nubian Village guide.
The villages are on the Nile west bank opposite Aswan, reached by boat from the Corniche. Entry is not ticketed, but agree boat and host prices first.
An evening sound and light show is held at Philae on some nights. Schedules and prices change, so check before planning your evening.
Finish with the old market street for spices, hibiscus, crafts and tea. Go after sunset and bargain politely. See our Aswan Souk guide.
Fly (about 1.5 hours), take the overnight sleeper train, or join a Nile cruise from Luxor. Check schedules and book ahead.
Use taxis or ride apps, local ferries and feluccas, and walk along the Corniche. Agree taxi prices in advance if there is no meter.
If you have extra time, see the Aswan High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk and the Tombs of the Nobles, or take a day trip to Kom Ombo and Edfu.
October to April is best. In summer, start at dawn and rest in the afternoon.
Yes, Aswan is calm and friendly. Use normal care and agree prices for boats and taxis.
Light, modest clothes, a hat, sunscreen and comfortable shoes. Bring a scarf for temples and the souk.
Book Abu Simbel early. Take water and small notes. Sail the felucca at sunset. Agree every boat and taxi price first.
Look for Nubian dishes, grilled fish and Egyptian classics along the Corniche and in the old town. Check recent reviews and ask your hotel.
It is possible with early flights but rushed. Two nights, as in this plan, is much better.
Two days gives you the highlights without rushing: Philae and the islands on day one, Abu Simbel and the souk on day two.
Book this experience: Aswan day tour: Philae Temple, Unfinished Obelisk and High Dam from $25, and the private Abu Simbel day tour from $60.
2 Days in Aswan Itinerary: A complete Guide For new Visitors
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Guided trips with bottled water, transfers and hotels arranged for you.
