An ancient Egyptian obelisk in the northern region of the stone quarries of ancient Egypt in Aswan.

The Unfinished Obelisk is a massive, incomplete structure located in Aswan. It provides insight into stone-working techniques employed by ancient Egyptians. The obelisk's creators began to carve it directly out of bedrock, but cracks appeared in the granite and the project was abandoned. The bottom side of the obelisk is still attached to the bedrock. The unfinished obelisk offers unusual insights into ancient Egyptian stone-working techniques, with marks from workers' tools still clearly visible. /n The obelisk is nearly one-third larger than any ancient Egyptian obelisk ever erected. If finished it would have measured around 42 m and would have weighed nearly 1,200 tons. Aside from the unfinished obelisk, an unfinished partly worked obelisk base was discovered in 2005 at the quarries of Aswan. Also discovered were some rock carvings and remains that may correspond to the site where most of the famous obelisks were worked. All these quarries in Aswan and the unfinished objects are an open-air museum and are officially protected by the Egyptian government as an archeological site.

The Unfinished Obelisk is a massive, incomplete structure located in Aswan.

A museum showcasing the history, art, and culture of the Nubian people.

The Nubian Museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Nubia. It showcases the civilization's rich history, art, and culture. The museum is a reminder of the grandeur and power of the Nubian civilization. /n The museum covers an area of 50,000 square meters, 7,000 of which are occupied by the building, while the rest are for the large garden that has a number of rare plants and a beautiful view overlooking the Nile. The architecture of the museum and the enclosure walls are built in the Nubian style, with the use of Nubian vaults. The Museum contains three floors for displaying and housing, in addition to a library and information center. The largest part of the museum is occupied by the monumental pieces, reflecting phases of the development of the Nubian culture and civilization.

The Nubian Museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Nubia.

Aswan Souk is a bustling market where locals and tourists alike can buy a wide range of goods. It's a great place to shop for spices, scarves, jewelry, and traditional Nubian artifacts.

Aswan Souk is a bustling market located in the heart of Aswan, Egypt. This vibrant souk offers a wide variety of goods, from traditional Egyptian clothing and jewelry to spices, perfumes, and local handicrafts. The market is a riot of colors, sounds, and scents, offering a sensory feast for visitors. /n The souk is also a great place to experience the local culture. Here, you can haggle with vendors, sample local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the daily life of Aswan. Whether you're looking for a unique souvenir or just want to soak up the atmosphere, Aswan Souk is a must-visit.

A bustling market in Aswan, offering a variety of goods.

Experience the magic of Aswan, Egypt, a city of timeless beauty and ancient history. Nestled on the banks of the Nile, Aswan offers a rich cultural experience with its stunning temples, including the iconic Philae Temple and the double temple of Kom Ombo. Explore the Nubian villages, colorful markets, and the Aswan Dam, a marvel of modern engineering. Enjoy a serene felucca ride on the Nile at sunset or visit the Elephantine Island, a tranquil retreat away from the city's hustle. Aswan also serves as a gateway to the Abu Simbel temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site. With its warm hospitality, Aswan promises an unforgettable journey into Egypt's glorious past.

Unfinished Obelisk

Nubian Museum

Aswan Souk

Start your day with a visit to the Unfinished Obelisk, an ancient Egyptian monument that offers a unique insight into the stone-working techniques of the time. It's a less crowded spot that provides a serene environment to start your day.

Enjoy a traditional Egyptian lunch at a local restaurant. Try dishes like koshari, molokhia, or shawarma for a taste of the local cuisine.

After lunch, head to the Nubian Museum. This off-the-beaten-path museum showcases the history, art, and culture of the Nubian people. It's a must-visit for history and culture enthusiasts.

For dinner, find a restaurant with a view of the Nile River. Enjoy a romantic meal while watching the sunset over the river.

End your day with a stroll through the Aswan Souk. This bustling market is perfect for shopping for souvenirs, spices, and traditional Egyptian crafts. After shopping, enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Aswan at a local bar or club.

Exploring Ancient Monuments, Nubian Culture, and Vibrant Markets

UTC+2

Private cars are a popular mode of transportation in Aswan. You can hire a car with a driver for the day to take you around the city. This is a convenient option as the driver can also act as a guide, providing valuable information about the various attractions.

Taxis are readily available in Aswan. They are a convenient way to get around, especially if you're not familiar with the city. Always agree on a fare before starting your journey to avoid any misunderstandings.

Public buses are a cheap and efficient way to get around Aswan. They cover most parts of the city and run frequently. However, they can get quite crowded during peak hours.

Ferries are a popular mode of transportation in Aswan, especially for crossing the Nile River. They offer a unique and scenic way to travel around the city.

The train station in Aswan is well-connected to other major cities in Egypt. Trains are a comfortable and efficient way to travel long distances.

Ridesharing services, such as Uber, are available in Aswan. They offer a convenient and often cheaper alternative to traditional taxis. You can book a ride using the app on your smartphone.

Motorboats are commonly used for short trips across the Nile or to nearby islands. They offer a unique and enjoyable way to see the city from the water.

Bicycles can be rented from various locations in Aswan. They are a cheap and eco-friendly way to get around, especially for short distances.

A felucca is a traditional wooden sailing boat used in the Eastern Mediterranean, especially along the Nile in Egypt. It's a popular way to enjoy a leisurely sail along the river, offering stunning views of the city and its surroundings.

Camel rides are a popular tourist activity in Aswan. They offer a unique and fun way to explore the desert areas around the city.

Many of Aswan's attractions are located close to each other, making it possible to explore the city on foot. Walking also allows you to take in the city's atmosphere at your own pace.

A popular Egyptian dish made from fava beans, olive oil, parsley, onion, garlic, and lemon. It is a staple food in Aswan and is often eaten for breakfast.

Ful Medames

A traditional Egyptian dish made from rice, macaroni, and lentils mixed together, topped with a spiced tomato sauce, and garlic vinegar, garnished with chickpeas and crispy fried onions. It's a must-try in Aswan.

Koshari

A traditional Egyptian soup made from the leaves of the jute plant, chicken broth, garlic, and coriander. It is a common dish in Aswan and is often served with bread or rice.

Molokhia

A popular street food in Aswan, made from thinly sliced cuts of meat, like chicken, beef, or lamb, rolled into a large piece of flatbread or pita that has been steamed or heated.

Shawarma

A traditional Egyptian salad made from tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and parsley. It is often served as a side dish in Aswan.

Tahini Salad

A popular appetizer in Aswan, made from mashed cooked eggplant mixed with tahini, olive oil, and various seasonings.

Baba Ghanoush

A traditional Egyptian dish made from vegetables like peppers, cabbage, tomatoes, and vine leaves stuffed with a rice mixture and cooked in tomato sauce. It's a common dish in Aswan.

Mahshi

A traditional Egyptian dessert made from puff pastry, milk, and nuts. It is a popular sweet treat in Aswan.

Om Ali

A traditional Egyptian tea often served with mint or milk. It is a common drink in Aswan and is often enjoyed throughout the day.

Shai

A popular drink in Aswan, made from the juice of sugarcane. It is often enjoyed as a refreshing drink on hot days.

Sugarcane Juice

A traditional Egyptian drink made from dried hibiscus flowers. It is a common drink in Aswan and is often served hot or cold.

Hibiscus Tea

A traditional Egyptian drink made from the tubers of the orchid genus Orchis. It is a popular winter beverage in Aswan.

Salep

Coptic Christmas Day

Revolution Day January 25

Day off for Revolution Day January 25

Spring Festival

Eid el Fitr Holiday

Eid el Fitr

Sinai Liberation Day

Labor Day

Day off for Labor Day

Arafat Day

Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha Holiday

June 30 Revolution

Day off for June 30 Revolution

Public Holiday

Muharram

Day off for Muharram

Revolution Day July 23

Prophet Mohamed's Birthday

Armed Forces Day

Day off for Revolution Day July 23

Day off for Armed Forces Day

An unusual double temple built during the Ptolemaic dynasty.

Kom Ombo Temple

One of the best-preserved temples in Egypt dedicated to the falcon god Horus.

Edfu Temple

Known as the world's largest open-air museum, home to the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and Luxor Temple.

Luxor

Two massive rock temples at Abu Simbel, a village in Nubia, southern Egypt, near the border with Sudan.

Abu Simbel

One of the best-preserved temple complexes in Egypt. It was dedicated to the goddess Hathor.

Dendera Temple Complex

A valley where tombs were built for the Pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom of Egypt.

Valley of the Kings

A vast mix of decayed temples, chapels, pylons, and other buildings in Luxor.

Karnak Temple

A large Ancient Egyptian temple complex located on the east bank of the Nile River.

Luxor Temple

Alexandria

Cairo

Hurghada

Sharm El Sheikh

Siwa Oasis

Felucca boat on the Nile with lit up background

Temple of Philae and the adjascent Greco-Roman buildings

Aswan is located in the south of Egypt and is known for its hot desert climate. Summers can be extremely hot with temperatures reaching up to 110°F (43°C), while winters are milder with temperatures ranging from 55°F to 75°F (13°C to 24°C).

The official language is Arabic. However, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.

The official currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Credit cards are accepted in most places but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller vendors.

Tipping, or 'baksheesh', is a common practice in Egypt. It's customary to tip waitstaff, hotel staff, taxi drivers, and tour guides.

Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country. Therefore, it's important to respect local customs and dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.

Aswan is generally safe for tourists. However, like any other city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure.

Public transportation options include taxis, microbuses, and ferries. However, taxis are the most convenient for tourists.

Aswan is known for its vibrant markets. The Aswan Souk is a popular market where you can buy spices, perfumes, traditional clothing, and souvenirs.

Egyptian cuisine is diverse and delicious. Don't miss out on trying local dishes like falafel, koshary, and molokhia.

Drinking tap water is not recommended. It's advisable to drink bottled water.

It's advisable to get travel insurance that covers medical expenses, as healthcare can be expensive.

Egypt operates on Eastern European Time (EET), which is 2 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+2).

Egypt uses the type C and F plug sockets. The standard voltage is 220 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

Egypt requires a visa for most foreign visitors. It's advisable to check the visa requirements before your trip.

The sun can be intense in Aswan. Don't forget to pack sunblock, sunglasses, and a hat.

Aswan is known for its beautiful sunsets. A sunset cruise on the Nile is a must-do activity.

Haggling is a common practice in Egyptian markets. Don't be afraid to negotiate prices.

The best time to visit Aswan is during the winter months (October to April) when the weather is milder.

Aswan is home to many Nubian villages. Visiting these villages is a great way to learn about the Nubian culture and history.

If you're planning to take a felucca ride on the Nile, it's advisable to negotiate the price before you board.

January is the coldest month in Aswan, but it's still relatively warm with temperatures ranging from 8 to 28 degrees Celsius.

In February, the weather starts to warm up a bit, with temperatures ranging from 9 to 31 degrees Celsius.

March sees a significant increase in temperature, making it a great time to visit if you enjoy warmer weather.

April is quite hot in Aswan, with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius, so make sure to stay hydrated.

May is one of the hottest months in Aswan, with temperatures often exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.

June is the peak of summer in Aswan, with temperatures reaching up to 46 degrees Celsius.

July is equally hot as June, with temperatures ranging from 24 to 46 degrees Celsius.

August continues the trend of hot summer months, with temperatures remaining high.

September sees a slight decrease in temperature, but it's still quite hot in Aswan.

October is a bit cooler, making it a more comfortable time for sightseeing.

In November, the weather starts to cool down a bit, making it a great time to visit Aswan.

December is one of the cooler months in Aswan, with temperatures ranging from 9 to 31 degrees Celsius.

Aswan, Egypt is known for its hot desert climate, so it's essential to prepare for high temperatures, especially if you're planning to visit between May and September when the mercury can soar above 104°F (40°C). During these months, it's advisable to stay hydrated, wear light, breathable clothing, and use sun protection like hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

The winter months, from November to February, are more comfortable with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 68°F to 79°F (20°C to 26°C). However, nights can be quite cool, dropping to around 50°F (10°C), so it's a good idea to pack some warmer clothing for the evenings.

Despite its desert location, Aswan can occasionally experience rain, although it's rare and usually occurs during the winter months. It's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip to be prepared for any unexpected weather changes.

Remember, the sun in Aswan can be intense, so it's important to take regular breaks from the heat, especially during the peak hours of 12 pm to 3 pm. Many local businesses close during this time to avoid the hottest part of the day, so plan your activities accordingly.

Lastly, don't forget to enjoy the beautiful clear skies that Aswan offers, especially at night. The lack of light pollution makes stargazing a truly magical experience. Enjoy your trip to Aswan, and stay safe in the heat!

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1-Day Offbeat Aswan Adventure for Couples: Nightlife and Shopping

About Aswan, Egypt