The souqs (markets) in Aswan are refreshingly exotic without the same level of high-pressure selling found in some tourist towns further north. You will generally find that Nubian handicrafts are of higher quality and better value in Aswan. All other goods will be more expensive than in Cairo due to shipping costs to Aswan and the lower tourist demand. Having said that, the Aswan souk still has a lot of unscrupulous sellers trying to con their way into selling you low quality goods at high price. Try your best to compare the prices before buying and don’t be hesitant to haggle.

Sharia as-Souq. The most charming souq in Egypt, There is far less pressure to buy than in other cities. Buy Nubian talisman, baskets, Sudanese swords, African masks, live produce, food, fruit, vegetables, henna powder, t-shirts, perfume, spices, robes, statues.

As in Luxor some restaurants have two identical menus: one with Egyptian prices in Arab, another one with (double) tourist prices in English. Also keep in mind that many restaurants add charges that increase your bill with about 20% Check before you order.

Aswan is much less strict on drinking alcohol than Cairo or Luxor, and many of the restaurants sell Stella (Egyptian brand not the Belgian brand) and Saqqara, both of which are lagers and comparable to European beers.

Aswan is Egypt’s capital of sugarcane. When you are there you should try the fresh sugarcane juice. There’s a recommended sugarcane juice shop nearby the Catholic basilica near to “the souk”, but remember to ask for a straw because they don’t wash the glass well. You can enjoy many sugarcane juice shops as you walk around.