Aswan at a glance
Aswan is the southern end of the classic Nile cruise route in Egypt. The river runs between granite rocks and islands here, and the sights spread along the east bank, on the islands and on the road to the dam. Most visitors come for four things: the Philae Temple, the High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk and the Nubian Museum.
Philae and the dam are usually reached by road and boat, and many cruise programmes include them on the last full day. If you prefer to move on the water, a sail on a traditional boat is the easiest way to see the islands. Our guide to felucca rides in Aswan lists routes, duration and 2026 package prices.
Aswan sights: prices and hours
Prices for non-Egyptian visitors in 2026. Student tickets need a valid student card.
| Sight | Adult | Student | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philae Temple | EGP 550 | EGP 275 | Daily 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., last entry 3 p.m. |
| Unfinished Obelisk | EGP 220 | EGP 110 | Daily 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., last entry 3 p.m. |
| Nubian Museum | EGP 400 | EGP 200 | Daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., ticket counter until 4 p.m. |
| Abu Simbel (day excursion) | EGP 750 to 822 | EGP 375 to 445.50 | Daily from 6 a.m., last entry 4 p.m. |
| High Dam | – | – | Check the current rules before you go |
For most visitors with two days in Aswan, Philae and the Unfinished Obelisk fit into one morning, and the Nubian Museum suits a hot afternoon because it is indoors. Add Abu Simbel only if you have a spare day.
Our pick: Philae from Aswan
Our take: a half day with the boat to the temple island.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Aswan tours and Nile experiences
Philae, the High Dam, felucca rides, Abu Simbel and other trips from Aswan, with live prices and availability.
Philae Temple
Philae is the temple of Isis, and most of the buildings date from the Ptolemaic period. The complex no longer stands on its original island. It was moved to the island of Agilkia so that it would not be flooded. Today the temple stands on Agilkia, not on Philae island.
You reach the island by hired boat. The temple ticket does not include a private boat, so agree the boat price before you set off. Children under 6 enter free, and a separate panorama ticket costs EGP 200 for adults and EGP 100 for students.
The easy rhythm is to go early. The site opens at 7 a.m., and the last entry is at 3 p.m., so a late-afternoon plan can fail.
The High Dam
The High Dam holds back the water that forms Lake Nasser. The main structure was finished in July 1970, and the official inauguration followed on 15 January 1971. The reservoir reaches into Sudan. The dam stores water for regulation of the flow, for supply and for power, and it ended the old rhythm of the yearly flood that shaped Egyptian farming for thousands of years.
The dam is a stop on typical cruise programmes. Ask your ship or hotel what applies on your day, and expect a viewing stop rather than a long visit. Our Nile facts page explains the dam in the context of the whole river, and the Lake Nasser cruise page covers the lake itself.
Unfinished Obelisk and Nubian Museum
The Unfinished Obelisk lies in the granite quarry. It was probably ordered for Hatshepsut and abandoned when cracks appeared. If it had been finished it would have stood about 42 m high and weighed about 1,168 tonnes. Those are estimated final measurements, not the size of a raised monument.
The Nubian Museum opened in 1997. It shows the cultural history of Nubia and the background to the rescue of the monuments when the dam was built. It is a museum, not a visit to a living village. Bags larger than 40 by 40 cm cannot go into the exhibition, flash and food are not allowed, and small water bottles are fine. On Thursday and Friday it also opens from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., with tickets until 8 p.m. During Ramadan it runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with tickets until 2 p.m.
Islands, gardens and Nubian Aswan
The river is part of the sightseeing here.
Elephantine and the botanical garden
A private felucca package in 2026 includes about 1 hour of sailing around Elephantine with a visit to the botanical garden on Kitchener's Island. It does not promise a landing on Elephantine itself. The price is $75 for one person, $49 per person for two and $36 per person for five to six, with hotel pickup and an English-speaking guide included.
Felucca guide →Nubian Aswan
Nubian culture is part of everyday Aswan. For villages, food and Nubian history around the city, see the guide to Nubian Aswan.
Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel is a separate excursion, not part of the sights above. A ticket costs about EGP 750 to 822 for adults, and the sun alignment days of 22 February and 22 October cost more, about EGP 1,200 to 1,272. Confirm the price when you buy. The guide to Abu Simbel covers the temples in detail.
Plan the rest of your trip
Where Aswan fits.
Luxor to Aswan
Routes, nights and stops on the way.
Kom Ombo
The double temple and the Crocodile Museum.
Where to stay in Aswan
Corniche, islands, west bank or a ship.
Skip the swim stops. The German Foreign Office advises against bathing in fresh water in Egypt because of the parasitic disease schistosomiasis, even if a boat operator offers a swim.
Aswan: frequently asked questions
What are the main things to do in Aswan?
Philae Temple, the High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk and the Nubian Museum are the main sights. A felucca sail around the islands and a day trip to Abu Simbel complete most programmes.
How much is the Philae ticket?
In 2026 the adult ticket for non-Egyptians is EGP 550 and the student ticket EGP 275. A hired boat to the island is a separate cost.
When is the best time to visit Aswan?
November to March is much cooler than June to August. Average daytime highs reach about 41 °C in midsummer. See the best time for a Nile cruise and the weather guide.
How long should I stay in Aswan?
Two days cover the main sights. Add a third day for Abu Simbel or a slower felucca trip. Cruise guests usually get a shortened version on the last full day, as in the day-by-day itinerary.
Is this the official Aswan website?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not connected to the ministry, to museums, to cruise lines or to tour operators. Always confirm tickets and hours before you go.