While Cairo and Luxor dominate much of the conversation about Egypt’s ancient wonders, it’s Aswan, Egypt’s southernmost city, that quietly holds the heart of the Nile.
With its laid-back charm, dramatic desert-meets-river scenery, and access to some of the most awe-inspiring archaeological treasures—Philae Temple, Abu Simbel, and Kom Ombo Temple—Aswan is not just a scenic stopover; it’s a soul-stirring destination in its own right.
I visited these sites with my mom on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Egypt, and Aswan left an unforgettable impression. Here’s why it deserves a top spot on your travel bucket list and how to visit with ease.
1. Philae Temple: Serenity on the Nile
Philae Temple was, hands down, my favorite stop in all of Egypt. Accessible only by boat, the journey itself feels cinematic. We boarded a small motorboat piloted by a Nubian man and glided through the still waters of the Nile to reach Agilkia Island, where the temple now stands.
Like Abu Simbel, Philae was also relocated by UNESCO in the 1960s to save it from submersion after the construction of the Aswan Dam.
Dedicated to Isis, the goddess of magic, motherhood, and healing, Philae is a symphony of quiet elegance. The setting is tranquil, the architecture majestic, and the aura deeply spiritual.
One striking feature: Christian crosses carved over ancient hieroglyphics, a visible marker of Egypt’s layered religious history.
Traveler Tips:
- Pro Tip: The boat ride is lovely, but the vendors beforehand can be aggressively persistent—have small change, a firm “no thank you,” and patience.
- Don’t Miss: The colonnaded courtyard and images of Isis nursing Horus—deeply moving and intricately preserved.
2. Abu Simbel: A Sunrise Pilgrimage to Colossal Power
Our journey to Abu Simbel began at 2:30 a.m., and I’ll be honest, I wasn’t thrilled to wake up that early. But the experience was entirely worth it. We rode in a caravan of buses through the Nubian desert to the very edge of Egypt, near the Sudanese border.
We arrived just after sunrise, when the light poured over the twin temples carved into sandstone cliffs.
Built by Ramses II, Abu Simbel features four enormous statues of the pharaoh himself guarding the entrance. Inside, the sanctuary houses deities and Ramses himself, of course.
Nearby, a smaller temple honors Nefertari, Ramses’ beloved wife, and is one of the few temples in Egypt where a queen is portrayed as equal in scale to the king.
Fun Fact: Like Philae, Abu Simbel was also relocated, cut into massive blocks, and reassembled hundreds of feet higher to escape the rising waters of Lake Nasser.
Traveler Tips:
- Getting There: Expect a 3.5-hour drive from Aswan each way. Most tours depart between 2–3 a.m. to beat the heat and crowds.
- Essentials: Bring water, snacks, cash for coffee stops, and a roll of toilet paper.
- Timing: Arrive early; it gets very hot and very crowded by late morning.
Read More: From Climbing Inside the Great Pyramid to a Nile Cruise: Our Epic Egypt Experience
3. Kom Ombo Temple: Sunset and Crocodile Gods
Kom Ombo Temple isn’t just visually stunning, it’s architecturally unique, featuring a dual layout dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god of fertility and power, and Horus the Elder, god of kingship and the sky.
We visited around sunset, and the golden light gave the sandstone walls an almost ethereal glow.
The temple sits dramatically on the edge of the Nile, and while it’s less massive than Abu Simbel, it’s packed with historical detail from medical instruments etched into the stone to carved surgical scenes that hint at ancient Egyptian medicine.
Afterward, we explored the Crocodile Museum, home to dozens of mummified crocodiles, once worshipped and buried with ritual care. Equal parts eerie and fascinating.
Traveler Tips:
- Getting There: It’s a short stop if you’re on a Nile cruise, as we were.
- When to Visit: Aim for golden hour. The temple’s westward face glows with the setting sun.
- What to Bring: Insect repellent. Nile-side locations can get buggy around dusk.
Aswan Is the Soul of Ancient Egypt
From island temples to desert marvels, Aswan reveals an Egypt that is quieter, deeper, and more personal. It’s where ancient myths, engineering miracles, and real human stories intersect.
Whether you’re gazing at Isis’ sanctuary on Philae, standing before the gods of Abu Simbel at sunrise, or pondering crocodile cults at Kom Ombo, Aswan has a way of staying with you long after you leave.
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