Aswan is a Nile city in southern Egypt, known for Philae Temple, the High Dam, Elephantine Island, Nubian villages and the gateway to Abu Simbel.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Hand-woven Nubian scarves
Hand-woven scarves open at EGP 400-600 and fall 30-40% with bargaining; basic cotton scarves are EGP 50-80.
Price: EGP 50-600 (~$1-12)
Where: Aswan Souk
Nubian dresses and galabiyas
Loose cotton dresses and robes suited to the climate.
Price: EGP 400-800 (~$8-16)
Where: Aswan Souk
Spices and karkade (dried hibiscus)
Cumin, cardamom, fenugreek, turmeric and dried hibiscus flowers; Aswan karkade is among the best in Egypt.
Price: Spice and karkade combo EGP 100-300 (~$2-6)
Where: Aswan Souk spice stalls
Nubian beadwork and silver-plated jewellery
Eye of Horus and ankh pieces; silver-plated first asks are EGP 800-1,200, and solid silver usually exceeds EGP 1,800.
Price: EGP 100-1,800 (~$2-36)
Where: Aswan Souk
Perfume oils
Oils in coloured glass bottles; counterfeits are common, so buy premium pieces from established shops.
Price: EGP 200-600 (~$4-12)
Where: Aswan Souk
Papyrus and small souvenirs
Much papyrus is banana-leaf paper; museum shops are safer for real papyrus. Simple souvenirs cost EGP 50-100.
Price: EGP 50-300 (~$1-6)
Where: Aswan Souk
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Aswan Souk (Sharia as-Souq)
Aswan's main market is a long strip of tourist stalls at each end and local produce lanes in the middle, selling spices, hibiscus, Nubian dresses, scarves, perfumes and souvenirs. Walk past the entrance stalls for better prices.
Where: Central Aswan
Hours: Daily, about 09:00 to 23:00; hot midday hours are slow, evenings are liveliest
Elephantine Island Nubian villages (Siou and Koti)
The island's two Nubian villages have small craft stalls and cafes along their lanes, a calmer place to shop than the souk. Ask the price first and bargain politely.
Where: Elephantine Island
Hours: Daily, mostly daytime; stalls are informal and hours vary
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Sharia as-Souq (Aswan Souk)
Main bazaar from the train station along the Nile, including a Sudanese-goods section.
Best for: Spices, textiles and souvenirs
Corniche (Kornish El Nil) promenade
Shops and stands where cruise boats dock.
Best for: Bottled water, snacks, dried fruit and last-minute items
Elephantine Island villages
Small Nubian craft stalls and cafes in Siou and Koti.
Best for: Nubian crafts and henna
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Open at 30-50% of the first asking price and settle somewhere in the middle.
Compare two or three stalls before buying, and walk deeper into the souk past the entrance stalls for better prices.
Stay friendly; walking away with a smile often brings the vendor back with a lower price.
Buying several items from one vendor can save 20-30%.
Pay in Egyptian pounds in small notes; vendors give poor rates for dollars or euros.
Avoid cards at stalls because of skimming risk; use them only in hotels and larger shops.
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Dress modestly when shopping., Accepting a glass of tea creates no obligation to buy., Ask permission before photographing vendors or stalls., Genuine antiques need an export authorization, so avoid buying them from stalls.