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| Aswan Travel Guide for backpackers |
| Aswan is Egypt's most southern city and ancient frontier town. Marvel at its setting on the blue waters of the Nile and look at the contrast with the amber-coloured sand . The city's warmth is typically African. Aswan is the base for trips to the temples of Philae and Kabasha; there's also the Sun Temple of Ramases II at Abu Simbul to the south. Aswan is very laid-back that you can easily spend a week here just hanging out. |
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 DAILY BUDGET in ASWAN - Staying overnight and eating 3 good noshes a day a backpacker can easily manage on US$20. If you want to stay in lush hotels then think in terms of US$40! |
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Aswan Bazaar - the best in Egypt outside Cairo. Here you can get traditional wares such as spices, ebony, basketwork and cracking rugs. The smells and colours bring to mind the Sudan and camels trekking across the Sahara where they really get the hump! Shop in the morning 'cos the souks don't really open until 1500 hours and are a mass of visitors after sundown.
Aswan Museum - located on Elephantine Island; inside you'll find a Govenor Ameni sculpture in black granite; assorted jewellery and pots. There are also slate palettes in the shape of birds, fish, buffalo and hippos. Do visit the basement where there's a golden bust of Khnum, a mummified ram and several human mummies.
Ruins of Yebu - located on the south of the island; it's littered with ruins of ancient times which covered about 2 square kilometers in Ptolemaic times. To the southwest is a massive platform and foundation blocks marking the site of the Temple Khnum, god of the Aswan Nome (not gnome). It was founded in the Old Kingdom but rebuilt during the XXX period. A great place to sniff the past.
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Aswan Moon - found on the Corniche that runs along the river. It's got a mock castle gate and floating extension. Cool by day, loud and lively in the evenings; a place to meet felucca captains and hear Nubian music. Do try the fish, chicken, veggie nosh and kab hala, all at very reasonable price.It's always fun here.
Aswan Panorama - also found on the Corniche waterfront. It serves a wide range of starters, so-called veggie and diabetic dishes, iced drinks and various types of herbal tea. Do try the rice pud with nuts and rose water!
El Medina - located at Sharia al-Souk, opposite the Cleopatra Hotel. It's Egyptian nosh is excellent, and unbeatable value. Chicken, rice, veggies, tahina, bread, salads and Coke.
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Ramses Hotel - also on the Corniche, runs a nightly disco 2200 hours to 0200 hours year round; it's usually free of charge to non residents. The beers here are a bit pricey.
New Cataract Hotel - found down by the Coptic Cathedral. It offers a floor show of Nubian and Western music, but the drinks, like elsewhere in Egypt, can be a bit steep; it's best to ask at reception before you commit yourself..
Rowing Clubs - on the Corniche. Think about drinking on the rooftop terrace of the Police Rowing Club, but avoid eating at the other ones at all costs!.
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