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Philae

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Philae

Overview

Philae is an ancient Egyptian temple complex situated on an island in the Nile River near Aswan. When the construction of the Aswan High Dam threatened to submerge the site, UNESCO led an international project to relocate the monuments to higher ground. Travellers visit to study well-preserved temple structures, stone pylons, and detailed wall reliefs dedicated to the goddess Isis.

Getting There

From central Aswan, take a taxi or car south to the marina landing, which takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes. From the dock, a motorized boat ride to the island takes an additional 10 to 15 minutes.

Time to Allow

Plan to spend between 1.5 and 2 hours on the island to walk through the courtyards, sanctuaries, and outer colonnades at a comfortable pace.

When to Go

Arrive in the early morning to tour the complex before large tour groups arrive and before temperatures peak. The cooler months between October and April offer the most comfortable conditions. Midday visits should be avoided during warmer periods, as the open stone courtyards have very little shade.

Nearby Attractions

A visit can be combined with several surrounding locations:

  • Bigeh (0.4km)
  • Trajan's Kiosk (0.6km)
  • Agilkia island (0.6km)
  • Temple of Isis in Philae (0.7km)

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near Philae

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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Philae Nearby stays

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Itineraries including this place

2 nights, 3 days

Aswan 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)

A 3-day route through Aswan grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

3 nights, 4 days

Aswan 4-Day Itinerary (3 Nights)

A 4-day route through Aswan grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Bigeh

Nature

Bigeh

Bigeh is an island in the Nile at Aswan that preserves ruins from the ancient Nubian region. It came to lie within the present-day reservoir after the old Aswan Dam was completed in 1902.

0.4 km away
Trajan's Kiosk

Heritage & monuments

Trajan's Kiosk

A roofless temple on Agilkia Island south of Aswan, originally serving as the gateway to the Temple of Philae. It is said to have been built during the reign of the Roman emperor Trajan, and its unfinished columns are striking.

0.6 km away
Agilkia island

Nature

Agilkia island

Agilkia Island lies in the reservoir of the old Aswan Dam and is home to the Temple of Philae. When the temple's original site was submerged by the dam's construction, a UNESCO project relocated it stone by stone to this island.

0.6 km away
Temple of Isis in Philae

Temples & religious sites

Temple of Isis in Philae

An ancient Egyptian temple complex situated on an island in the Nile at Aswan. Its striking setting makes it look as though it's floating on the water.

0.7 km away
Heisa Island

Nature

Heisa Island

Heisa Island is an inhabited basalt island in the Nile at the site of the former First Cataract in Aswan, which came to lie within the reservoir after the Aswan Low Dam was completed in 1902. It is home to Kenzi Nubian-speaking residents, offering a taste of Nubian culture.

1.5 km away
International Museum of Nubia

Museums & galleries

International Museum of Nubia

An archaeology museum in Aswan, Egypt. It opened in 1997 in connection with a UNESCO campaign to save Nubian monuments, and displays artifacts from Nubian civilization.

6.4 km away