InnlanternCairo, Luxor & Aswan guide
Feluccas on the Nile at Aswan, with the West Bank behindPhoto: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0

Granite islands, Nubian villages, slow river

Where to stay in Aswan and Abu Simbel: areas and hotels

Aswan is smaller and calmer than Luxor, and the river is the centre of everything: most of the places worth sleeping in are on the East Bank Corniche or on the islands facing it. Choose between a big hotel above the Nile, a Nubian guest house reached by ferry or a resort island, and decide whether Abu Simbel is a day trip or a night away.

Where to stayWhat you will see

Why go to Aswan

Aswan is where the Nile narrows between granite boulders and desert dunes, dotted with islands and white-sailed feluccas. It feels smaller and slower than Luxor, and the river is the main way to get around: to the islands, to the Nubian villages and to the tombs on the far bank.

It is also the heart of Nubia. Nubian villages on Elephantine Island and along the West Bank, with their painted houses, and the Nubian Museum give a side of Egypt that most trips through the country only glimpse.

Aswan is the base for Philae and for Abu Simbel, about 280 km to the south, which many travellers visit as an early-morning day trip. With two or three nights you can see these, sail around the islands at sunset and still have time to sit by the water.

What to see

Philae, the Temple of Isis, seen from the waterPhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0

Philae

Agilkia Island, about 12 km south of the centre, by boat

The temple of Isis, moved stone by stone to Agilkia Island in the 1970s to save it from the rising waters behind the dams. You reach it by a short motorboat ride, and there is also an evening sound and light show.

Elephantine Island, AswanPhoto: Marc Ryckaert, CC BY 3.0

Elephantine Island

In the Nile, opposite the town centre

The island facing the town centre has two Nubian villages, Siou and Koti, with narrow lanes and colourful houses, and the ruins of the ancient town of Abu at its southern end. Public ferries cross from the Corniche in a few minutes.

A felucca on the Nile at AswanPhoto: Marc Ryckaert (MJJR), CC BY 3.0

Felucca sail around the islands

From the Corniche landings in the centre

A traditional sailing boat is the classic way to see Aswan from the water, past Elephantine, Kitchener's Island and the granite rocks. Late afternoon, when the wind is steady and the light softens, is the most popular time.

Painted Nubian houses on the West Bank, at Gharb SoheilPhoto: Marc Ryckaert (MJJR), CC BY 3.0

Gharb Soheil Nubian village

West Bank, south of the centre, by boat or road

A Nubian village on the West Bank, known for its brightly painted houses and its guesthouses by the river. It is busy with visitors in the afternoon and much quieter in the morning or for those who stay the night.

The Nubian Museum, AswanPhoto: Marc Ryckaert, CC BY 3.0

Nubian Museum

East Bank, on the southern side of the town

A well-laid-out museum on the history and culture of Nubia, from prehistory to the villages flooded by Lake Nasser. It also tells how Abu Simbel and Philae were moved, which makes it a good first stop.

The Tombs of the Nobles above Aswan's West BankPhoto: Olaf Tausch, CC BY 3.0

Tombs of the Nobles

West Bank, opposite the north of the town, by boat

Rock-cut tombs of local governors and officials in the hillside of Qubbet el-Hawa, some more than 4,000 years old. The climb is steep, and the view over the river and the islands is one of the best in Aswan.

The Unfinished Obelisk, AswanPhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0

Unfinished Obelisk

East Bank, in the northern quarries south of the centre

A giant obelisk still lying in the granite quarry where it cracked during carving. It shows how the ancient Egyptians cut and shaped stone, and a visit takes under an hour.

Inside the Great Temple of Abu SimbelPhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0

Abu Simbel

About 280 km south of Aswan, near Lake Nasser

The two rock temples of Ramesses II and Nefertari, with four colossal statues at the entrance, moved to higher ground in the 1960s. Most visitors go on a day trip by road, roughly 3 to 4 hours each way, or stay a night in the village; see Abu Simbel from Aswan.

Between the two: the temples on the way

Luxor and Aswan are about 200 km apart along the Nile, and the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo stand on the way. You can stop at them by car, see them from a cruise, or take the trip slowly by sailing boat; see Luxor to Aswan.

The Temple of Kom OmboPhoto: Ad Meskens, CC BY-SA 3.0

Kom Ombo

East Bank, about 45 km north of Aswan

An unusual double temple on a bend of the river, dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Haroeris. A small museum next to it displays mummified crocodiles.

The Temple of Horus at EdfuPhoto: Ad Meskens, CC BY-SA 3.0

Edfu

West Bank, roughly halfway between Luxor and Aswan

The Temple of Horus, built in the Ptolemaic period, is one of the most complete temples in Egypt, with its roof, walls and pylon largely intact. It gives a clear idea of what a whole temple looked like.

A dahabiya sailing on the NilePhoto: Votpuske, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sailing the Nile by dahabiya

On the Nile between Luxor (or Esna) and Aswan

A dahabiya is a traditional sailing houseboat with a handful of cabins, usually taking four or five nights between Esna or Luxor and Aswan. It moors at smaller sites and riverbanks that the large cruise ships pass by; see Nile cruise or hotels.

Where to stay

Each area suits a different kind of trip. Pick yours, then compare the hotels in it.

If you…Stay in
If it's your first trip and you want a classic hotel within walking distance of the sightsSouth Corniche (East Bank)The Nubian Museum, the Old Cataract terrace and the Corniche boats are all on foot, with pools and river views.
If you are on a budget and want local characterElephantine Island (Nubian villages)Nubian guest houses in the island villages have the highest scores in this guide at low prices, a short public-ferry ride from town.
If you want a resort with pools for rest days between excursionsIsis IslandPyramisa's island has gardens, two pools and a spa; the hotel boat takes you to the Corniche.
If you have already seen the city and want a slower, rural stayWest Bank Nubian villages (Gharb Soheil)The West Bank Nubian villages are quieter in the evening, after the day visitors leave; you depend on boats or taxis.
If you want to see Abu Simbel at your own pace or for the evening showAbu SimbelSleeping in Abu Simbel town removes the pre-dawn start and the return drive on the same day.
If you are travelling as a familySouth Corniche (East Bank)Pools, larger rooms and taxis at the door make the East Bank the simplest base with children.
The Nubian Museum, AswanPhoto: Marc Ryckaert, CC BY 3.0

South Corniche (East Bank)

The southern end of the East Bank, where the Corniche climbs onto the granite above the river. The Old Cataract sits on its rock facing Elephantine, Basma stands on the hill opposite the Nubian Museum, and the small villa Aswan Nile Palace is a little further south in a residential area. The Nubian Museum and the Unfinished Obelisk are within walking distance.

It is the most convenient base for a short stay: Philae and the High Dam are short drives south, the felucca landings and the Elephantine ferry are down on the Corniche, and the souq and station are a taxi ride or a long walk north.

Good for
  • Nubian Museum and Unfinished Obelisk on foot
  • River views and pools at the hotels
  • Closer to Philae and the High Dam than the town centre
  • Taxis at the door, no boats needed
Less good
  • The large hotels are expensive for what you get
  • About 2 km from the souq and the station
  • Few independent restaurants within walking distance
The Nubian Museum, AswanArea photo: Marc Ryckaert, CC BY 3.0South Corniche (East Bank)9.4

Old Cataract, Aswan

Historic luxury hotelThe Old Cataract suits travellers who want Aswan's most famous address, a suite over the Nile and Elephantine, and can pay luxury prices for it. If you mainly need a comfortable base for sightseeing, the same view and the same walk to the Nubian Museum cost a fraction of the price elsewhere in this guide.9.4on Booking.com · 407 reviewsfrom €1,500The Nubian Museum, AswanArea photo: Marc Ryckaert, CC BY 3.0South Corniche (East Bank)8.7

Aswan Nile Palace

Villa guest house with poolAswan Nile Palace suits travellers on a budget who want a private-feeling villa with a pool and a rooftop over the Nile, and do not mind taking taxis. It suits less those who want to walk to restaurants and the souq, or who arrive at odd hours.8.7on Booking.com · 1,312 reviewsfrom €44The Nubian Museum, AswanArea photo: Marc Ryckaert, CC BY 3.0South Corniche (East Bank)8.6

Basma Hotel Aswan

4-star hotelBasma suits travellers who want a conventional hotel with a pool and a view over the Nile, a short walk from the Nubian Museum and the Old Cataract, without paying luxury prices. It suits less those who want character, a lively street outside or the lowest possible price.8.6on Booking.com · 1,288 reviewsfrom €227
Elephantine Island, AswanPhoto: Marc Ryckaert, CC BY 3.0

Elephantine Island (Nubian villages)

Elephantine is the long island facing the Corniche. Its northern half holds the Nubian villages of Siou and Koti, with their lanes, painted houses and small guest houses; the southern tip has the ruins of ancient Abu and the Temple of Khnum. There are no cars on the village lanes, and the public ferry from the Corniche takes a few minutes.

The guide's guest houses here are the best-rated places in Aswan: ABU Nubian Guest House, Kashta, Fadl Kato, Queen House and the family-sized Elephantine Island Guest House. Houses on the east side face the Corniche; those on the west side look towards the dunes and the Tombs of the Nobles.

Good for
  • The highest guest scores in the guide, at budget prices
  • Village life, river views and no traffic
  • Public ferry to the Corniche is cheap and frequent in the daytime
  • Hosts often help organise feluccas and day trips
Less good
  • You carry your luggage across by boat and through village lanes
  • Ferry hours limit late nights in town; private boats cost more
  • Few facilities: no pools, simple rooms
  • Alcohol is not easy to find in the villages
Elephantine Island, AswanArea photo: Marc Ryckaert, CC BY 3.0Elephantine Island (Nubian villages)9.8

ABU Nubian Guest House

Nubian guest houseABU Nubian Guest House suits travellers on a budget who want a quiet Nubian village base, a kitchenette and the highest guest score in this guide. It does not suit anyone who wants a pool, a lift, or to step out of the door straight onto the Corniche.9.8on Booking.com · 432 reviewsfrom €26Elephantine Island, AswanArea photo: Marc Ryckaert, CC BY 3.0Elephantine Island (Nubian villages)9.7

Kashta Nubian Guest House

Nubian guest houseKashta suits couples and solo travellers who want a highly rated Nubian guest house with dinner on site and an early check-out for the pre-dawn trip to Abu Simbel. It does not suit families or groups of three or more, because every room it lists is for two.9.7on Booking.com · 374 reviewsfrom €33Elephantine Island, AswanArea photo: Marc Ryckaert, CC BY 3.0Elephantine Island (Nubian villages)9.4

Fadl Kato

Nubian guest houseFadl Kato suits couples and adult travellers on a budget who want a river-view room on the side of Elephantine that faces town. It does not suit families with small children, because from age 3 children pay the adult rate.9.4on Booking.com · 291 reviewsfrom €31Elephantine Island, AswanArea photo: Marc Ryckaert, CC BY 3.0Elephantine Island (Nubian villages)9.1

Queen House

Nubian guest house by the riverQueen House suits travellers who want to be at the water's edge on the quiet west side of Elephantine, need reliable Wi-Fi and like having a front desk and tour desk on hand. It suits couples who want a double bed less well, since every room it lists is a twin or a triple, and its comfort and facilities scores trail its island neighbours.9.1on Booking.com · 357 reviewsfrom €40Elephantine Island, AswanArea photo: Marc Ryckaert, CC BY 3.0Elephantine Island (Nubian villages)

Elephantine Island Guest House

Guest house for familiesElephantine Island Guest House suits families and groups of three or four who want one room together on the side of the island that faces town. It suits couples less well, since it only lists rooms for three or four, and travellers who want a long record of Booking.com scores before they book.No Booking.com score yet
A felucca on the Nile at AswanPhoto: Marc Ryckaert (MJJR), CC BY 3.0

Isis Island

A small island in the river south of Elephantine, occupied by the Pyramisa Island Hotel. There is no bridge: the hotel's own boat links it to the East Bank Corniche.

It works as a resort stay: two pools, a spa, gardens and river views in every direction, a few minutes from the South Corniche by boat. The trade-off is that everything outside the hotel starts with a crossing.

Good for
  • Pools, spa and gardens on site
  • Quiet nights in the middle of the Nile
  • Large hotel with many reviews and consistent scores
Less good
  • Every trip to town depends on the hotel boat
  • Large and busy with groups in high season
  • Few places to eat outside the hotel without crossing
A felucca on the Nile at AswanArea photo: Marc Ryckaert (MJJR), CC BY 3.0Isis Island9.0

Pyramisa Island Hotel Aswan

5-star island resortPyramisa Island suits travellers who want a full resort with pools, gardens and a spa, surrounded by the Nile, at a mid-to-upper price. It suits less those who want to step out of the door and wander: every trip into town starts with the hotel's boat.9.0on Booking.com · 3,119 reviewsfrom €234
Painted Nubian houses on the West Bank, at Gharb SoheilPhoto: Marc Ryckaert (MJJR), CC BY 3.0

West Bank Nubian villages (Gharb Soheil)

Gharb Soheil (also written Gharb Sehel) is a Nubian village on the West Bank, a little upstream of the city and opposite Sehel Island, near the rocks of the First Cataract. It is a popular half-day excursion from Aswan by boat, and several Nubian guest houses take overnight guests. This guide does not list a hotel here yet.

In the daytime the main street is busy with visitors and shops; in the evening it empties and becomes a quiet village again. You reach it by motorboat or felucca from the Corniche, or by road on the West Bank; allow roughly 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the route.

Good for
  • Rural Nubian setting, quiet once day-trippers leave
  • Boat trips through the First Cataract islands on the way
  • Space for longer, slower stays
Less good
  • Far from the East Bank sights and restaurants
  • You depend on boats or taxis, especially at night
  • Busy with tour groups and sellers during the day

The guide has no hotel here yet.

Inside the Great Temple of Abu SimbelPhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0

Abu Simbel

Abu Simbel is a small town on Lake Nasser, about 230 km south of Aswan in a straight line and roughly 280 km by road, close to the border with Sudan. It is here for the temples of Ramesses II and Nefertari. Most visitors come on a day trip from Aswan that leaves before dawn; staying a night lets you visit at quieter hours and see the sound-and-light show.

The guide lists Kabara Nubian House, about 1.3 km from the temples. Getting there means a road trip in daylight with police checkpoints, the public bus or a short flight from Aswan; read Abu Simbel from Aswan.

Good for
  • The temples at opening time or in the evening
  • No 3:00–4:00 start and no return drive the same day
  • Lake Nasser and a quiet town
Less good
  • Long trip from Aswan, with daytime-only road travel for tourists
  • Few hotels and restaurants; prices reflect that
  • Only worth one or two nights
Inside the Great Temple of Abu SimbelArea photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0Abu Simbel9.1

Kabara Nubian House

Nubian hotel in Abu SimbelKabara Nubian House suits travellers who want to sleep in Abu Simbel, see the temples at opening time or the evening sound-and-light show, and skip the long return trip from Aswan in one day. It is not an Aswan hotel: it is about 230 km south in a straight line, so it is a one- or two-night stop, not a base for the rest of your trip.9.1on Booking.com · 397 reviewsfrom €154

Map

Map © OpenStreetMap contributors.

All hotels in this guide

Elephantine Island, AswanArea photo: Marc Ryckaert, CC BY 3.0Elephantine Island (Nubian villages)9.8

ABU Nubian Guest House

Nubian guest houseABU Nubian Guest House suits travellers on a budget who want a quiet Nubian village base, a kitchenette and the highest guest score in this guide. It does not suit anyone who wants a pool, a lift, or to step out of the door straight onto the Corniche.9.8on Booking.com · 432 reviewsfrom €26Elephantine Island, AswanArea photo: Marc Ryckaert, CC BY 3.0Elephantine Island (Nubian villages)9.7

Kashta Nubian Guest House

Nubian guest houseKashta suits couples and solo travellers who want a highly rated Nubian guest house with dinner on site and an early check-out for the pre-dawn trip to Abu Simbel. It does not suit families or groups of three or more, because every room it lists is for two.9.7on Booking.com · 374 reviewsfrom €33Elephantine Island, AswanArea photo: Marc Ryckaert, CC BY 3.0Elephantine Island (Nubian villages)9.4

Fadl Kato

Nubian guest houseFadl Kato suits couples and adult travellers on a budget who want a river-view room on the side of Elephantine that faces town. It does not suit families with small children, because from age 3 children pay the adult rate.9.4on Booking.com · 291 reviewsfrom €31The Nubian Museum, AswanArea photo: Marc Ryckaert, CC BY 3.0South Corniche (East Bank)9.4

Old Cataract, Aswan

Historic luxury hotelThe Old Cataract suits travellers who want Aswan's most famous address, a suite over the Nile and Elephantine, and can pay luxury prices for it. If you mainly need a comfortable base for sightseeing, the same view and the same walk to the Nubian Museum cost a fraction of the price elsewhere in this guide.9.4on Booking.com · 407 reviewsfrom €1,500Inside the Great Temple of Abu SimbelArea photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0Abu Simbel9.1

Kabara Nubian House

Nubian hotel in Abu SimbelKabara Nubian House suits travellers who want to sleep in Abu Simbel, see the temples at opening time or the evening sound-and-light show, and skip the long return trip from Aswan in one day. It is not an Aswan hotel: it is about 230 km south in a straight line, so it is a one- or two-night stop, not a base for the rest of your trip.9.1on Booking.com · 397 reviewsfrom €154Elephantine Island, AswanArea photo: Marc Ryckaert, CC BY 3.0Elephantine Island (Nubian villages)9.1

Queen House

Nubian guest house by the riverQueen House suits travellers who want to be at the water's edge on the quiet west side of Elephantine, need reliable Wi-Fi and like having a front desk and tour desk on hand. It suits couples who want a double bed less well, since every room it lists is a twin or a triple, and its comfort and facilities scores trail its island neighbours.9.1on Booking.com · 357 reviewsfrom €40A felucca on the Nile at AswanArea photo: Marc Ryckaert (MJJR), CC BY 3.0Isis Island9.0

Pyramisa Island Hotel Aswan

5-star island resortPyramisa Island suits travellers who want a full resort with pools, gardens and a spa, surrounded by the Nile, at a mid-to-upper price. It suits less those who want to step out of the door and wander: every trip into town starts with the hotel's boat.9.0on Booking.com · 3,119 reviewsfrom €234The Nubian Museum, AswanArea photo: Marc Ryckaert, CC BY 3.0South Corniche (East Bank)8.7

Aswan Nile Palace

Villa guest house with poolAswan Nile Palace suits travellers on a budget who want a private-feeling villa with a pool and a rooftop over the Nile, and do not mind taking taxis. It suits less those who want to walk to restaurants and the souq, or who arrive at odd hours.8.7on Booking.com · 1,312 reviewsfrom €44The Nubian Museum, AswanArea photo: Marc Ryckaert, CC BY 3.0South Corniche (East Bank)8.6

Basma Hotel Aswan

4-star hotelBasma suits travellers who want a conventional hotel with a pool and a view over the Nile, a short walk from the Nubian Museum and the Old Cataract, without paying luxury prices. It suits less those who want character, a lively street outside or the lowest possible price.8.6on Booking.com · 1,288 reviewsfrom €227Elephantine Island, AswanArea photo: Marc Ryckaert, CC BY 3.0Elephantine Island (Nubian villages)

Elephantine Island Guest House

Guest house for familiesElephantine Island Guest House suits families and groups of three or four who want one room together on the side of the island that faces town. It suits couples less well, since it only lists rooms for three or four, and travellers who want a long record of Booking.com scores before they book.No Booking.com score yet
HotelAreaBooking.com score Price levelApprox. price, 2 people
ABU Nubian Guest HouseElephantine Island (Nubian villages)9.8 (432)€ · Budget€26Booking.com
Kashta Nubian Guest HouseElephantine Island (Nubian villages)9.7 (374)€ · Budget€33Booking.com
Fadl KatoElephantine Island (Nubian villages)9.4 (291)€ · Budget€31Booking.com
Old Cataract, AswanSouth Corniche (East Bank)9.4 (407)€€€€ · Luxury€1,500Booking.com
Kabara Nubian HouseAbu Simbel9.1 (397)€€€ · Upper mid-range€154Booking.com
Queen HouseElephantine Island (Nubian villages)9.1 (357)€ · Budget€40Booking.com
Pyramisa Island Hotel AswanIsis Island9.0 (3,119)€€€ · Upper mid-range€234Booking.com
Aswan Nile PalaceSouth Corniche (East Bank)8.7 (1,312)€ · Budget€44Booking.com
Basma Hotel AswanSouth Corniche (East Bank)8.6 (1,288)€€€ · Upper mid-range€227Booking.com
Elephantine Island Guest HouseElephantine Island (Nubian villages)—€€ · Mid-range—Booking.com

Price for 2 adults, 12–15 January 2027, as shown on Booking.com on 12 Oct 2026.

Before you book

Aswan's high season runs from roughly November to February, when the small guest houses on Elephantine fill early; summer is very hot, and prices drop. Most people spend two or three nights here: see Aswan in 2 days, and if you are still deciding how to split your time, Luxor or Aswan? and how to get from Luxor to Aswan. For Abu Simbel, the choice between the day trip and a night in town is in Abu Simbel from Aswan.

Scores and prices on this page were checked on Booking.com on 11 Oct 2026. Read how we review to see how we choose hotels.

The Great Hypostyle Hall at KarnakPhoto: MusikAnimal, CC BY-SA 4.0Planning

Luxor or Aswan? How many nights to spend in each

Luxor has more ancient sites than most people can see in a week; Aswan has the slower river, the Nubian villages and the road to Abu Simbel. Most first trips ne…

The Temple of Horus at EdfuPhoto: Ad Meskens, CC BY-SA 3.0Itinerary

How to get from Luxor to Aswan: train, car, cruise or dahabiya

The train is the quickest way to cover the distance, but it passes every temple on the way. A day by car with stops at Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo, a cruise or a sl…

A dahabiya sailing on the NilePhoto: Votpuske, CC BY-SA 4.0Planning

Nile cruise or hotels? How to choose for Luxor and Aswan

A cruise packs Luxor, Aswan and the temples between them into three or four nights with almost nothing to arrange. Hotels give you your own hours, your own neig…