Where to stay in Aswan in Egypt for first timers. The best hotels to enjoy the Nubian Charm.
Framed by golden desert and the calmest stretch of the Nile, Aswan feels completely different from anywhere else in Egypt…
Palm trees line the riverbanks, colourful Nubian houses dot the hills, and feluccas drift past at sunset, it’s peaceful, and a complete change to most other places in Egypt
If you’re visiting for the first time, though, choosing where to stay in Aswan can feel tricky…
Should you stay on Elephantine Island, where boats glide past your window?
In the city centre, close to restaurants, the market, and day tours?
Or in a Nubian village, surrounded by colour, culture, and authentic charm?
During my stay, a few nights in a Nubian guesthouse on Elephantine Island completely changed the pace of my trip.
Sitting high on Bob Marley’s terrace with a Nubian feast and the sunset over the Nile… Pure bliss.
This guide will help you choose the best area to stay in Aswan for first-time visitors, whether that’s Elephantine Island, the mainland, or Gharb Soheil Village.
The iconic Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Hotel.
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Quick Mini Guide to Aswan.
Where to Stay:
Elephantine Island (Peaceful, scenic, and full of Nubian charm).
– Bob Marley Guesthouse (£) – Authentic, laid-back Nubian guesthouse with rooftop sunsets and home-cooked food.
Mainland Aswan (Central, convenient, close to the market and train station).
– Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan (££££) – Egypt’s most iconic hotel, known for its history, high tea, and Nile-side terrace.
Gharb Soheil Village (Colourful Nubian village on the west bank).
– Kato Dool Nubian Resort (££) – Brightly painted domes, peaceful courtyards, and direct Nile views.
👉 Compare the latest Nubian-style hotels in Aswan here.
When to Visit:
– The best time to visit Aswan is October to April, when days are sunny but pleasant for exploring.
– Avoid June–August, when temperatures can soar above 40°C.
Things to Do:
– Visit Philae Temple, one of Egypt’s most beautiful ancient sites.
– Take a sunset felucca ride around Elephantine Island.
– Explore the Nubian villages and try traditional hibiscus tea.
– Day trip to Abu Simbel, Egypt’s most breathtaking temple complex.
👉 Check out my guide to the best budget tours in Egypt for top-rated Aswan day trips.
Looking out at the Nile.
Pick your style of accommodation.
You can find every type of stay in Aswan, from luxury Nile-view resorts and colourful Nubian guesthouses, to peaceful riverside lodges.
If you prefer a luxury Nile-side escape, then the Mövenpick Resort Aswan and Old Cataract Hotel offer elegance, pools, and panoramic river Nile views, perfect for couples or those ending an Egypt Itinerary in style.
If you are seeking authentic Nubian culture, then Elephantine Island and Gharb Soheil Village offer warm hospitality and brightly painted guesthouses where the décor, food, and experiences feel genuinely authentic.
These are the places that show why Aswan is often called Egypt’s most charming city.
A colourful Nubian home at Gharb Soheil Village.
And if you want convenience for tours, like early departures to Abu Simbel or the Luxor to Aswan Train staying on the mainland puts you close to the train station, Aswan Market, and the ferry to Philae Temple.
It all depends on the kind of trip you want to have. Ask yourself:
Do you want to unwind on a terrace overlooking the Nile at sunset?
Immerse yourself in Nubian life on a quiet island?
Or stay central for easy access to day tours and transport links?
Once you know your travel style, it’s easy to choose the perfect area of Aswan to base yourself — whether that’s Elephantine Island, the mainland, or Gharb Soheil Village.
No matter your budget, there’s a place to stay in Aswan that fits your style.
A cruise ship in port.
Staying on Elephantine Island — Peaceful, Scenic & Authentic (Most Popular).
If you picture Aswan as a calm escape from Cairo’s chaos, Elephantine Island is where that dream became reality for me.
Set in the middle of the Nile, this small island feels like another world, car-free, palm-lined, and full of Nubian colour.
Each morning, it was interesting observing the locals paddling across in small boats…
Children were waving from the banks, and the feluccas were gliding by in the distance all day long.
It is not the Egypt I expected, that’s for sure!
A very comfortable stay on Elephantine Island.
Why stay here:
If you want to experience Aswan at its most peaceful and authentic, Elephantine Island is the place. Life here moves at a completely different pace, slow, simple, and effortlessly warm:
Ultimate tranquillity and authentic Nubian vibe.
Staying here means waking up to the peaceful sound of the river, instead of beeping car horns.
I shared the island with Nubian families who still live traditionally, painting their homes in bright colours, and they greeted me with smiles for the duration of my time on the island.
If you’re drawn to culture and community, this is where Aswan’s authenticity is.
Backstrees of Elephantine Island.
Beautiful Nile views and sunsets.
One of the biggest reasons travellers choose to stay on Elephantine Island is for the views.
Nearly every guesthouse, rooftop café, and riverside terrace faces the Nile, giving you uninterrupted scenery all day long. This makes it one of the best Instagram spots in Egypt for sunset shots…
In the mornings, I enjoyed sitting with a coffee and watching the first feluccas set sail, while in the evenings the whole river turns gold as the sun sets behind the West Bank.
It was ideal as I enjoyed a Nubian feast in the restaurant at Bob Marley Guest House.
Whether you’re relaxing at your hotel on Elephantine Island, having dinner on a rooftop, or cruising on a felucca, you’ll constantly be surrounded by those classic Nile scenes that make Aswan so special.
Bob Marley Guest House restaurant terrace.
Short ferry rides to Philae Temple and the mainland.
Although it feels remote, Elephantine Island is just a few minutes by ferry from Philae Temple, the Nubian Museum, and Aswan Market.
Boats run all day, so you can explore Southern Egypt’s highlights by morning, and return to the quiet island life by afternoon. I enjoyed this, as it was the best of both worlds.
The beautiful Philae Temple.
Unexpected nature for walks.
Elephantine’s footpaths wind past palm trees, small farms, and sandy trails with wide Nile views.
I didn’t see too much greenery in Egypt on my visits due to its hot temperatures and desert landscapes, so it was awesome when I found some.
It added some character to my daily morning walks on Elephantine Island.
Nature on Elephantine Island.
Things to keep in mind:
Even though Elephantine Island is one of the most relaxing places to stay in Aswan, there are a couple of practical things worth knowing before you book, nothing major, but they can shape the experience depending on your travel style:
You’ll rely on small ferries or boats to reach the city (but that’s part of the charm).
To reach restaurants, Aswan Market, or day tours, you’ll need to take the public ferry or a small boat across to the mainland.
They run frequently and only take a few minutes, but it’s something to factor into your timings, especially for early tours like Abu Simbel or Philae Temple.
I had no issue getting one in the middle of night when I was heading for an early morning flight.
Fewer nightlife options, evenings are peaceful and quiet.
Elephantine Island has very little nightlife.
Once the sun sets, the atmosphere becomes calm and slow, with most travellers relaxing on rooftops or enjoying dinner at their guesthouse. If you want bars, cafés, or late-night energy, the mainland is where you’ll find it.
Ferries queuing for tourists.
🏨 Top picks on Elephantine Island:
Here are the most popular choices on Elephantine Island. Bob Marley is my favourite, but each option offers unique stays:
👉 Bob Marley Guesthouse (£) – A warm, backpacker-friendly option with rooftop views over the Nile and a famously social vibe. Great for solo travellers who want relaxed evenings, tea on the terrace, and easy ferry access to town.
👉 Nile View Guest House (££) – A relaxed, friendly stay right on Elephantine Island with some of the best river views on this side of Aswan. Rooms are simple but comfortable, and the rooftop terrace overlooks the Nile, feluccas, and the West Bank hills.
👉 Mövenpick Resort Aswan (££££) – Technically on Elephantine Island, but luxurious with its own boat transfer, infinity pool, and panoramic Nile views. The most exclusive option on the island.
Bob Marley terrace is a great place to chill in the evening.
Staying on the Mainland — Central, Convenient & Connected.
If you want the easiest and most practical base in Aswan, the mainland (city centre) is your best choice.
This is where you’ll find the Corniche, the train station, the main taxi rank, local restaurants, cafés, supermarkets, and quick access to almost every tour.
It’s ideal for first-time visitors who want a smooth, hassle-free stay, especially if you’re arriving by train from Luxor, flying into Aswan International Airport, or planning early-day trips to Abu Simbel.
Compared to Elephantine Island or Gharb Soheil, the mainland has fewer cultural touches, but it wins for pure convenience and comfort.
If Aswan is one stop on a longer Egypt itinerary, this side definitely simplifies everything.
The main Exhibition room at Nubian Museum.
Why stay here:
The mainland is the only part of Aswan where you can genuinely explore the city on foot, and that’s what makes it such a practical base….
You can walk from your hotel to the market for spices and Nubian crafts, wander along the Corniche at sunset, grab dinner at a local restaurant, or catch the ferry across to Elephantine Island without needing a taxi every five minutes.
Everything feels close and connected, which is a world away from Cairo.
Walkable to Aswan Market, train station, and river promenade.
It is very easy to get around. While on the mainland, I could grab a coffee, walk down to the river, and be at the ferry point or train station within minutes.
After spending weeks travelling through Egypt’s busier cities, it was refreshing to have a place where I didn’t need to negotiate with drivers or plan routes constantly.
If your priority on your Aswan trip is convenience, walkability, and quick access to transport, especially if you’re taking the Aswan–Luxor train or planning day trips, the mainland is a great option.
A local feel to Aswan Market.
Great practical choice with some home comforts.
Staying in mainland Aswan means:
– Reliable food options (air-conditioned restaurants for hot days).
– Supermarkets, shops, pharmacies, and McDonalds nearby (the cravings can be real in the Egyptian cities).
– Faster access to taxis and Uber-style services.
– Close proximity to banks and cashpoints (important in Egypt).
If you’re travelling during Aswan’s extreme heat (40–45°C in summer), having quick access to indoor restaurants and shaded streets is an absolute life saver… Believe me!
This is the defintely the most comfortable base for long days of sightseeing.
The only McDonald’s I saw outside of Cairo.
Home to Aswan’s most iconic hotel:
The Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan is one of the most legendary hotels in Egypt, and one of the best luxury Nile-view hotels in the country.
It’s perched high on a granite cliff overlooking the river, Elephantine Island, and the desert beyond.
Why it’s iconic:
– Agatha Christie stayed here and wrote Death on the Nile.
– Winston Churchill visited multiple times.
– Stunning 19th-century architecture and old-world charm.
– Fabulous sunset views from the terrace and pool.
– A truly ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ stay.
If you’re looking for luxury hotels in Aswan for a honeymoon, special occasion, or bucket-list experience, The Old Cataract is unmatched.
👉 View rooms and availability for the Old Cataract here — perfect if you want that iconic Nile sunset experience from your own terrace.
Entrance to Aswan’s most famous hotel.
Easier for organising Abu Simbel tours and day trips.
If you’re planning to do multiple tours in Aswan, especially Abu Simbel, Philae Temple, or Gharb Soheil Village, staying on the mainland is by far the most convenient option
Most tour companies, private drivers, and group pickups start in central Aswan, meaning you’ll be the first to be collected and the first to return.
This saves both time and hassle, which really matters when you’re waking up at 4:00am for an Abu Simbel trip.
Many iconic tours start in Aswan.
Staying on the mainland also means:
– Guaranteed early-morning pickups (Elephantine Island ferries can be less frequent in early hours).
– Easier communication with drivers and guides.
– Faster access to major sites like the Nubian Museum, High Dam, and Unfinished Obelisk.
– Better choice of group tours and budget-friendly options (great for anyone following my Best Budget Tours in Egypt guide)
If you’re fitting a lot into your Egypt itinerary, or jumping between Luxor and Aswan, the mainland cuts out delays and keeps your schedule running smoothly.
Abu Simbel Temple.
Things to note:
Before you book a hotel on the mainland, here are a couple of things worth knowing so you can decide whether this side of Aswan fits your travel style.
Can be busy and noisy during the day.
The mainland is the working side of Aswan, so expect normal city noise, like car horns, school traffic, tuk-tuks buzzing around, and the general chaos of Egyptian cities…
It's nowhere near the chaos of Cairo, but it definitely isn’t the quiet, slow-paced vibe you’ll find on Elephantine Island or in Gharb Soheil Village.
If your trip in Southern Egypt is to relax, then the mainland may feel a bit full-on compared to the islands.
Lacks the charm of the islands or villages.
Mainland Aswan is practical, central, and convenient, but it’s not the most atmospheric place to stay…
You won’t get the colourful domes, hand-painted Nubian houses, or peaceful riverbank sunsets you’ll find on Elephantine Island or in Gharb Soheil.
If you're dreaming of slow mornings, authentic Nubian hospitality, and scenic Nile views right outside your door, you’ll want to choose one of those instead.
Less charm on the mainland.
🏨 Top picks on the mainland:
If you prefer to be closer to restaurants, Aswan Market, and day-tour departures, the mainland has plenty of solid hotel options. These are the most popular stays for first-time visitors:
👉 Citymax Hotel Aswan (££) – A modern and reliable mid-range choice right by the Corniche. Clean rooms, good service, and easy access to the ferry and city centre make it ideal for short stays or anyone planning early-morning tours.
👉 Tolip Aswan Hotel (£££) – A well-known Nile-side hotel with spacious rooms, a rooftop pool, and panoramic river views. Great for travellers who want comfort and facilities without paying luxury prices.
👉 Basma Hotel Aswan (££) – Located near the Nubian Museum and the Fatimid Cemetery, Basma offers a peaceful setting with colourful gardens, a pool, and city views from the hillside. A good fit for those who want a quieter environment while still staying close to the main attractions.
👉 Check prices and availability for hotels on Aswan’s mainland here.
Some quirky street art on the main corniche.
🏡 Staying in Gharb Soheil Village — Colourful & Cultural.
If you want to experience the most authentic side of Aswan, Gharb Soheil is the place to be…
This vibrant Nubian village sits along a beautiful curve of the Nile, known for its colourful houses, warm hospitality, and traditional markets.
It felt like a unique experience, from all of the popular destinations in Egypt I had visited.
It’s a completely different pace of life compared to the mainland, slower, sunnier, and full of character… But very hot!
As I did, many travellers visit on day trips from Aswan, however, staying overnight lets you enjoy the village once the crowds leave.
If you enjoy culture-rich destinations, you’ll love it here.
Gharb Soheil is awash with colour and character.
Why stay here:
Gharb Soheil is the best place to stay if you want a real taste of Nubian culture…
It’s colourful, friendly, and very different from staying in the city, and you are going to enjoy something that you can’t experience in cities like Cairo and Luxor. If you’re interested in culture, food, and seeing a more authentic side of Aswan, this village is a great option:
Authentic Nubian hospitality.
Gharb Soheil is famous for its people: friendly, welcoming, and genuinely proud to share their culture.
As I wandered around the village I could see the locals interacting with international visitors everywhere. As I entered inside Nubian homes, there was dancing and singing happening, and the constant flow of Nubian tea being served by the very hospitable villagers.
Staying here definitely means you will enjoy chats over their famous mint tea, and home-cooked feasts.
Nubian traditions include sharing and socialising, and all of the accommodation options have their own version of including guests.
This is the perfect base if you're interested in experiencing Nubian culture.
Inside a Nubian Guest House.
Ideal for cultural immersion and photography lovers.
Despite melting in 45°C heat, I was genuinely fascinated by the architecture, culture, and everyday life in Gharb Soheil Village.
The colours are unbelievable in person, with bright blues, pinks, oranges, and those classic Nubian domes that make the whole village feel like an open-air gallery.
If you enjoy capturing local life (or you’re building an Egyptian photo collection for Instagram), this is one of the best places in the country. Painted doorways, spice stalls, camel murals, and real life camels resting in the shade near the Nile.
It’s also a great place to learn about Nubian customs and crocodile culture, try proper Nubian food, and meet locals who are incredibly welcoming…
If you’re into meaningful travel memories rather than just ticking off temples, then stay here.
Another colourful street.
The lively market is popular with international visitors.
Unique accommodation options for the full travel experience.
You won’t find big resorts here, instead, expect boutique lodges, domed eco-stays, and family-run guesthouses right on the river. These places are a highlight on some visitor’s Aswan itineraries.
It is perfect for travellers who want something more memorable than a standard city hotel.
A very local feel.
Things to know.
Gharb Soheil is a remote village in Southern Egypt, there are of course some downsides, and important things to note, to ensure your trip runs smoothly:
It’s further from the main sites (15–20 mins by car or boat).
Gharb Soheil is peaceful, but remote.
Expect a 15–20 minute boat ride up the Nile to reach Philae Temple, Aswan Market, or Elephantine Island. For some travellers, this is part of the charm. For others, it may feel too far removed.
A day trip was enough for me, As I get restless if I am in remote areas.
Riding on the Nile.
Limited luxury options — Mostly guesthouses and eco-lodges.
Accommodation in Gharb Soheil is simple, authentic, and very different from what you’ll find on the mainland.
Most places are small guesthouses or eco-lodges run by Nubian families, with colourful domes, painted courtyards, rooftop terraces and Nile views… But not much in the way of luxury amenities.
You won’t find big pools, air-conditioned lobbies, or international resort facilities…
And in the peak heat (40–45°C+), that’s something to really think about… I massively underestimated the heat here!
Rooms can get warm quickly, generators can be a bit hit-and-miss, and walking around the village in the afternoon sun is tough unless you’re used to desert conditions.
If you want comfort, strong AC, shaded pools, or relief from the heat after sightseeing, you’re better off basing yourself on Elephantine Island or the mainland, then doing a half-day visit to Gharb Soheil.
A village full of character.
Top 3 places to stay in Gharb Soheil Village.
Here are the most popular places to stay in Gharb Soheil, ideal if you want colourful Nubian architecture, quiet evenings, and front-row Nile scenery:
👉 Anakato Nubian Guesthouse (£) – One of the best-known Nubian guesthouses in Aswan, right in the heart of Gharb Soheil. Expect bright colours, cosy rooms, homely breakfasts, and a warm community feel. Perfect for travellers who want an authentic stay without breaking the bank.
👉 Artika Wadi Kiki Hotel (££) – A stylish boutique hotel set right on the Nile, offering peaceful terraces, modern Nubian-inspired design, and direct river views. Ideal for couples or families who want comfort while staying inside a traditional village.
👉 NEBRO Nubian Guesthouse (£–££) – Friendly, colourful, and great value. NEBRO offers simple, clean rooms, rooftop views, and welcoming hosts — a fantastic choice for travellers who want a quiet, relaxed base close to boat tours and village cafés.
👉 Check prices and availability for Gharb Soheil hotels here.
🚢 Staying on the Nile — The Cruise Experience.
Many travellers choose to start or finish their Aswan trip on a Nile cruise, and it truly is one of the most unforgettable ways to experience Egypt…
A cruise covers Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan in total comfort, with guided tours, all meals, and some of Egypt’s most spectacular scenery included.
It’s ideal for first-timers, couples, and anyone planning a bigger route (like a Cairo–Luxor–Aswan loop, or ideal if you can’t decide between Luxor and Aswan, as you can do both).
👉 Check availability for the top-rated 3-Day Aswan to Luxor Nile Cruise — including a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Luxor.
A cruise ship parked up in Aswan.
Best time to visit Aswan.
The best time to visit Aswan is October to April, when the weather is warm, dry, and perfect for exploring Egypt’s popular temples, sailing on a felucca, or relaxing along the Nile.
Winter (December–February) is the most comfortable, with clear skies and cooler evenings.
From June to August, Aswan becomes extremely hot, often over 40°C,, which makes sightseeing difficult unless you’re spending most of your time on a Nile cruise or by the pool.
If you’re unsure which season suits your Egypt itinerary, you can check my guide to the worst time to visit Egypt for a month-by-month breakdown.
No matter when you come, Aswan delivers some of the best sunsets, culture, and river scenery in the country, one of the many reasons to visit Egypt in the first place.
Felucca riding on the Nile.
FAQs About Staying in Aswan.
To help you choose the best place to stay in Aswan, from Elephantine Island hotels to Nile-view resorts, here are the key questions travellers ask before booking:
What is the best area to stay in Aswan for first-time visitors?
For most first-time visitors, Elephantine Island is the best area to stay in Aswan. It offers calm Nile views, authentic Nubian hospitality, and is only a few minutes by ferry from the mainland.
👉 Compare top-rated hotels on Elephantine Island here.
Are there luxury hotels in Aswan?
Yes, Aswan has some of Egypt’s most iconic luxury hotels. The Mövenpick Resort Aswan (on Elephantine Island) and the historic Old Cataract Hotel (mainland) are two of the best luxury hotels in Aswan with Nile views.
👉 Check availability for luxury Aswan hotels here.
Is Aswan safe for tourists?
Yes, Aswan is considered one of the safest cities in Egypt, including for solo travellers. The Nubian community is extremely friendly, and both Elephantine Island and the mainland feel welcoming day and night.
How many days do you need in Aswan?
Most travellers spend 2–3 days in Aswan to visit Philae Temple, the Nubian Museum, Elephantine Island, and take a felucca cruise. If you’re doing Abu Simbel or a Nile cruise, consider staying 3–4 days.
What is the best Nile-view hotel in Aswan?
For classic Nile views, the Old Cataract Hotel is the most iconic option.
Is Elephantine Island easy to reach?
Yes, the public ferry runs throughout the day and takes less than 5 minutes to cross. It’s inexpensive and reliable, making island life feel close to everything while still peaceful.
Should I stay in a Nubian village like Gharb Soheil?
Gharb Soheil is brilliant for a day visit, colourful, lively, and full of shops and cafés. But it’s very hot, dusty, and isolated, so most travellers prefer to stay on Elephantine Island and visit Gharb Soheil on a half-day trip instead.
The iconic Cataract Hotel.
My honest recommendation.
After spending time in all three parts of Aswan, I genuinely think Elephantine Island is the best base for first-time visitors.
You get the perfect balance….
The colour and calm of Nubian island life, with the convenience of the mainland only a short ferry ride away.
I loved being able to explore Aswan Market, grab dinner in the city, or take a tour to Philae Temple — then return to complete peace on the island at night. It felt like the best of both worlds.
A full day at Gharb Soheil is great for experiencing Nubian culture, taking photos, and enjoying the colourful streets, but staying overnight can feel too hot and too intense for most travellers.
It’s a brilliant day trip, but not my top choice for basing yourself.
If you’re travelling on a budget (or even if you’re not), Bob Marley Guest House is one of those stays that’s worth far more than its price.
The food, rooftop views, and friendly atmosphere made my time in Aswan feel special, and waking up to the Nile each morning was something I’ll always remember.