Aswan Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
Egyptian city
About Aswan
In the Neolithic era the tribes along the Nile began to combine, so that around 3500 BC there was a Kingdom of Upper Egypt from Aswan almost down to what is now Cairo, and a Kingdom of Lower Egypt which was the Delta. In 3100 BC King Narmer of Upper Egypt conquered the Delta and unified the kingdoms. Upstream of Aswan was inhabited but less important because the Nile was not navigable above the "First Cataract," first of a series of six rapids and shallows across the Nubian Plateau. Egypt has always needed to harvest as much water as possible from the river, while controlling floods. A dam was therefore built across the First Cataract in 1902. In modern times still more water was needed, so theAswan High Damwas built further upstream, completed in 1971 and penningLake Nasserbehind it, all
Top Attractions in Aswan
Explore the best things to see and do in Aswan:
- ★Archangel Michael’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral
- ★Aswan Botanical Gardens
- ★Aswan International Sculpture Park
- ★Beit el-Wali
- ★Camel rides
- ★Dedwen
- ★Elephantine Island: Nubian Villages & Aswan Museum
- ★Fatimid Cemetery
Where to Eat in Aswan
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Al-Masry Restaurant
- 🍴Aswan Moon
- 🍴Chef Khalil
- 🍴El-Madinah Restaurant
- 🍴King Jamaica restaurant & Cafe and breakfast
- 🍴Nubian dreams restaurant & cafe
Where to Stay in Aswan
- 🏨Basma hotel
- 🏨Bet el Kerem
- 🏨Happi Hotel
- 🏨Hathor Hotel
- 🏨Keylany Hotel
- 🏨Memnon Hotel
Aswan Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 12 sections including: