Looking for somewhere to stay in Aswan? This guide covers the best neighbourhoods, why they are good, and our hotel recommendations.
Relaxed, scenic, and steeped in Nubian culture, Aswan offers a completely different vibe from the intensity of Cairo or the monument-packed landscape of Luxor.
Set along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Nile, Aswan is a place to slow down.
You’ll no doubt be here to explore the temples of Philae, experience Nubian culture, or take a day trip to visit Abu Simbel.
But it is also a great place to unwind.
The East Bank is where the hustle and bustle of local life is concentrated and is well-connected to the sights.
The West Bank is where you’ll find the best of Nubian culture.
The island in between offers an even slower pace of life.
This guide outlines where we recommend staying to get the most out of your time in Aswan.
Quick Recommendations
- Nile Corniche (East Bank) — Best for City Buzz with Access to Sights
- Elephantine Island — Best for Relaxed Riverside Vibes
- Nubian Village (West Bank) — Best for Authentic Nubian Culture
- Philae Island— Best for Chilled Boutique Stays
Map: Neighbourhoods in Aswan
Use this interactive map to explore Aswan’s best neighbourhoods. Each neighbourhood is colour-coded and includes our recommended hotels. All our favourite things to do in Aswan are marked in red.
If Aswan is at the beginning of your Nile Cruise, and you are deciding which type of boat to get, then read our independent review of dahabiya vs cruise. Finally, if it is just part of a larger Egyptian adventure, check out our Egypt Itinerary.
Where to Stay in Aswan
1. Nile Corniche (Best for City Buzz and Access to Sights)
Running along the east bank of the Nile, the Corniche is the main waterfront promenade and the heart of Aswan’s visitor scene. It’s lively without being overwhelming.
Staying here puts you within walking distance of the Aswan Souk, the Nubian Museum, the Unfinished Obelisk and the ferry to Elephantine Island.
Set next to the main road running through Aswan, it is also the easiest place to hail taxis and book tours.
Most importantly, the main city of Aswan is on your doorstep. If you want the genuine experience of being in an Egyptian City, the Nile Corniche is where to stay.
There’s a good range of hotels from top-notch luxury to good value hostels and inns. Many offer excellent views of the Nile.
Our Nile Corniche Hotel Recommendations
Go Inn Backpackers ($) – Simple but good value accommodation with a riverside sun terrace and a friendly owner who helps organise tours and services.
Obelisk Nile Hotel ($$$) – Good mid-market hotel on Corniche overlooking the Nile. Excellent location for exploring the city with the Old Souks just a 15-minute walk away.
Old Cataract Hotel ($$$$$) – The grand dame of Aswan, it has attracted the wealthy and stylish for generations. Perfect position among the rocks on the East Bank of the Nile.
2. Elephantine Island (Best for Relaxed Riverside Vibes)
Elephantine Island sits in the middle of the Nile and feels like stepping into a quieter, more traditional side of Aswan. The island is home to a Nubian village, colourful houses, and archaeological sites.
It is only 2km long and 500m wide. There are no cars on the island, just a few dirt paths and narrow alleyways.
There are no large hotels here, just many small guest houses, many of which have terraces overlooking the Nile.
Numerous cafes and restaurants, enhancing the laid-back vibe, have turned Elephantine Island into a backpacker destination.
Despite being an island, it is surprisingly easy to get around. A short public ferry ride runs to and from downtown, making it easy to explore both sides of the Nile.
Our Elephantine Island Hotel Recommendations
Basmatic Nubian Guest House($) – Located on the western side of Elephantine Island with a wonderful terrace overlooking the Nile. It is a five-minute walk to the ferry and ten minutes to the ruins.
The Mango Guest House ($) – Atmospheric guest house in the heart of the island. Great value, and the hosts will help you book whatever you want. 10-minute walk to the public ferry.
La Terrace ($$) – Located on the eastern side of Elephantine Island, the terrace has excellent views across the Nile to Aswan. The hosts help book excursions, and there are loads of cafes and restaurants nearby. 7-minute walk to the public ferry.
3. Nubian Villages (Best for Authentic Nubian Culture)
Across the Nile from downtown, the West Bank offers a quieter, more rural setting. It’s home to traditional Nubian villages, where brightly painted houses and local crafts create one of Aswan’s most photogenic settings.
Staying here is good if you want to immerse yourself in Nubian culture for a few days. The guest houses are warm and welcoming, and many offer village tours.
Restaurants served home-cooked meals served on terraces overlooking the Nile.
The downside is that getting here is not very easy. From Aswan, it’s either a long water taxi ride across the Nile or a 30-minute drive. Therefore, travelling to other sights can take some time.
Nevertheless, if you are not in a rush, a water taxi is a magical way to travel, and staying in a Nubian village is truly unique.
Our Nubian Village Hotel Recommendations
Nebro Nubian Guest House ($$$) – This recently renovated, Nubian-style guest house has a bohemian elegance. There are only a few rooms, each lovingly decorated. Adults-only.
Dolty Kato Nubian House ($$$) – Bright, colourful, and fun place to stay. The terrace juts out over the Nile and is a great spot for sunset drinks.
Doroka Nubian House ($$)– Good value spot, perched on the edge of the Nile. Authentic Nubian house in a rustic style, the owners will help with whatever you need.
4. Philae Island (Best for Chilled Boutique Stays)
The premier sight in Aswan is Philae Temple. Perched on an island in the middle of the Nile, the only way to reach the island is by water taxi. Zipping past huge granite rocks, its golden ruins glint in the sun.
You normally only get five minutes to admire the views while crossing the water but book yourself onto Philae Island – just across from the temple – and you can gaze at them whenever you like.
A couple of boutique hotels and guesthouses have opened up over the last few years, but you need to be on the north side to look across at the temple.
The downside is that to visit the other sights in Aswan, you need to get a water taxi to the east bank and then a 15-minute taxi into town.
Our Philae Island Hotel Recommendations
Ben Ben by Dhara Hotel ($$$$)– Adults only, peaceful boutique resort on the north shore of Philae Island with wonderful views of the temple. A serene and beautiful escape from the noise of the city with spa, steam room, hot tub and hammam.
How Long to Spend in Aswan
We suggest spending 3 days in Aswan.
One day to take a day trip to Abu Simbel, which is a 3-hour drive (or short flight) each way.
Then one or two other days to explore Aswan itself. If you rush, you don’t need more than 1 full day to see the highlights. But if you wanted to take your time and unwind, there are plenty of riverside cafes, restaurant terraces, and cocktail lounges to while away a few hours.
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