located in the south of Egypt, some 680 km (425 miles) south of Cairo, just below the Aswan Dam and Lake Nasser. Compared to Cairo and Luxor, Aswan is a far more relaxed, if smaller, alternative as a traveller’s destination.
Aswan is the smallest of the three major tourist cities based on the Nile. Being the furthest south of the three, it has a large population of Nubian people, mostly resettled from their homeland in the area flooded by Lake Nasser. Aswan is the home of many granite quarries from which most of the Obelisks seen in Luxor were sourced. Aswan was the ancient Egyptians’ gateway to Africa, and many raiding parties began their travel south from Aswan.
Get in By plane
An average of six return flights a day are maintained by Egyptair between Aswan and the Egyptian capital Cairo. One morning flight also exists between Luxor and Aswan, the lower frequency reflecting the cities’ greater proximity and practical alternatives like train and taxi.
By train
Egypt’s train service which runs along the nile extends down to Aswan and is a regular and a good travel alternative.
By bus
If you are in Hurghada you can catch a bus from there down to Aswan for less than $7
Hurghada-Aswan is around 300 kilometres but as Egyptian buses aren’t always very reliable the trip could take anything from three hours to nine.
By boat
Sharm el-Sheikh in Sinai –> boat to Hurghada –> bus to Aswan –> approximately $15
Dozens of cruise ships depart from Luxor to Aswan everyday. These can be booked through agents or at the actual ships themselves.
Get around
Aswan is compact enough to negotiate primarily on foot. For weary feet or for some of the more far flung attractions (like Philae, the High Dam and the unfinished obelisks) there are other options that include taxis and horse-drawn carriages. Note that to access the sights on the river islands or on the West Bank, you will need to cross the river by motor boat or felluca.
See
The souqs (markets) in Aswan are refreshingly exotic without the same level of high-pressure selling found in some tourist towns further north - see below in Buy
Aswan Town and the East Bank
Nubian Museum, located opposite the Basma Hotel, south of the Old Cataract Hotel, at the southern edge of Aswan town on Sharia Abtal al-Tahrir - approximately a half hour walk from the city centre. Entry EGY£20. Camera fee: EGY£10. Open daily 0900-1300 and 1700-2100.
Unfinished Obelisk, gives a glimpse into the way these structures were constructed.
The River and Islands
Sehel Island - Well known for its excellent beaded jewelry. Also the location of the Famine Stela. The site is open till 4:00 P.M.
Elephantine Island - The local Nubian villages of Siou and Koti occupy this island. Also home to the famous Nilometers and the Temples of Sati, Khnum and Pepinakht-Heqaib.
* Kitcheners Island - Also known as Plantation Island: has wonderful botanical gardens amidst the Nile.