Is Aswan Worth Visiting? Read This First + Practical Guide! ✅
Aswan is one of the main cities in southern Egypt. Here’s a quick intro: Aswan is located on the east bank of the Nile 🌊, with almost zero annual rainfall. It has a typical tropical desert climate — dry and hot all year round 🥵🌞. But it attracts travelers with its unique natural scenery, rich historical sites, and laid-back vibe 😌. Aswan is also a great base for exploring Nubian culture, taking Nile cruises, and visiting the Abu Simbel Temple. So… is it worth it? It depends on what you want to see and do. Here’s a breakdown of the main attractions: 1️⃣ Abu Simbel Temple The top attraction! Built by Ramses II, it’s one of Egypt’s most magnificent temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site 🏛️. Highlights: giant statues of Ramses II, detailed inner wall paintings, and the famous "Sun Festival" (sunlight illuminating the inner sanctuary twice a year ☀️). Transport: Fly or join a tour bus from Aswan (departs around 3-4 AM, 7-hour round trip). ⚠️ Complaints: Long ride for a short visit, crowded, and can be underwhelming without prior knowledge. 2️⃣ Philae Temple Dedicated to the goddess Isis, it’s the only temple in Egypt that requires a boat ride to access 🚤. But… the boat system is a monopoly — be prepared to bargain hard at the pier! 💬💢 3️⃣ Old Cataract Hotel Filming location for Death on the Nile 🎬. Many come for those iconic Nile oasis felucca photos — and it’s totally insta-worthy! Rooms cost 3-4k/night 💰, but you can get the same river view at the park next door for just 20 EGP! 😏 4️⃣ Aswan High Dam Just a dam. You can see it while passing by in a car 🚗. 5️⃣ Nubian Village Reachable by boat 🛶. Very commercial — feels like a tourist market (lots of “Made in Yiwu” souvenirs 🧢). 6️⃣ Unfinished Obelisk Not recommended unless you’re really into archaeology. Just Google a picture 🪨. 7️⃣ Elephantine Island Accessed by boat. Some choose to stay in homestays here. The island has ruins and a museum 🏝️. 8️⃣ Nile Felucca Ride Book a boat at the pier. Standard price: 300 EGP/boat/hour ⛵. If there’s no wind, a motorboat will tow the sailboat 😅. A must-do in Aswan! 📅 Suggested Itineraries: Option 1: Arrive in Aswan in the afternoon/evening → Leave for Abu Simbel very early next morning → Return to the city → Felucca ride → Travel to next city. Option 2: Arrive at noon → Visit Philae Temple (before 3 PM) → Felucca ride → Travel to next city. For more details on transport & attractions, check my other posts! 📚 #EgyptTravel #Aswan #AbuSimbel #NileRiver #TravelGuide #WorthItOrNot #SoloTravel #BudgetTravel 🌍✨