The Nile, Nubian culture & Abu Simbel
Aswan
أسوان · Nubian calm on the upper Nile
Egypt's gentlest, most beautiful city, where the Nile is at its widest and calmest, dotted with feluccas and granite islands. Aswan is the gateway to Nubian culture and the colossal temples of Abu Simbel, with a laid-back pace found nowhere else in the country.
Top sightsSights
Philae Temple
A romantic island temple to Isis, relocated to save it from the rising Nile.
Abu Simbel
Ramses II’s colossal rock temples, moved block by block from the flood.
Nubian villages
Brightly painted riverside villages reached by boat.
Felucca on the Nile
Sail the golden-hour Nile past Elephantine Island and the botanical gardens.
Unfinished Obelisk
A giant abandoned obelisk in the ancient granite quarries.
What to eatFood
Nubian tagine
A spiced clay-pot stew from the local Nubian kitchen.
Grilled Nile fish
Freshly caught fish grilled riverside.
Dukkah
A nut-and-spice blend eaten with bread and oil.
Good to know
- Abu Simbel is a long day trip or short flight south — start very early.
- A sunset felucca ride is the classic Aswan experience.
- Winter is the pleasant season; summers are extremely hot.
Getting there
Aswan International Airport (ASW) links Cairo and Abu Simbel; trains and Nile cruises connect Luxor and Cairo.
Next city
Alexandria