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Aswan

Overview: Aswan, the most southerly city and a popular holiday destination, has more of an African ambiance with its numerous Nubian inhabitants providing a difference in culture and custom. Although every bit as touristy as Luxor, Aswan and its inhabitants are far more laid-back and pleasant.

A picturesque city, its attraction as a holiday destination lies not so much in its historical sites, but in the peacefulness of a felucca cruise at sunset, a visit to the colourful market (Sharia el-Souq), or dinner at one of the floating restaurants on the Nile. Aswan is a perfect base to visit to the magnificent Sun Temple of Ramses II, Abu Simbel.

Shopping: There is plenty of shopping to be done in the various markets while on holiday in Aswan, from shoes and clothes to jewellery and leather. Haggling is the best way to get the cheapest price. It is wise to be cautious when buying jewellery as many fake pieces can be mistaken as authentic.

Restaurants: On the Nile River, the elegant Aswan Panorama offers diners on holiday a true taste of Nubian cuisine in a sophisticated setting. The Aswan Moon is a spacious floating restaurant reached by Corniche, and offers a variety of local food and a beautiful sunset on the Nile. The 1902 Restaurant, in the Old Cataract Hotel, is reminiscent of an ancient tomb and serves French cuisine and local fish; it saw such dignitaries as Winston Churchill and King Edward VII's brother on its opening night.

Nightlife: While on holiday visitors will find Aswan's Elephantine Bar, located in the Oberoi Hotel on Elephantine Island, offers a relaxed yet traditional atmosphere and the Tower Bar, also in the Oberoi Hotel on the 12th floor, offers wrap-around windows with a panoramic view of the Nile River and Aswan.

Activities: A felucca trip down the Nile is one of the best ways to see Aswan while on holiday. The Nubian village and remains of ancient Memphis on Elephantine Island are well worth a visit. The far side of the Nile is desert as far as the eye can see and this is the perfect setting for a camel trek.

Nearby Attractions

Abu Simbel The two temples of Abu Simbel, the Temple of Ramses II and the temple of Hathor (the Sun God) dedicated to his wife Nefertari, were cut out of the sandstone cliffs more than 3,000 years ago. Not only are these temples among the...  see full details
Nubian Museum This museum in Aswan is an excellent introduction to the history and culture of the Nubians. It contains a collection of artefacts from Nubia (the region approximately between Aswan and Khartoum in Sudan) and an exhibition of Nubian culture and crafts. It also portrays...  see full details