How to Experience Luxor & Aswan Like a Local

How to Experience Luxor & Aswan Like a Local

Luxor and Aswan are pharaonic cities and home to ancient wonders with a unique local culture. To experience both towns like a local you need to indulge in the culture from food to clothes to history. You need to live with the locals and experience what they go through daily. More importantly, you need to meet and get to know the people who live there and have conversations with them.

Start Your Day with a Traditional Egyptian Breakfast 

Begin your day by eating the local breakfast: a plate of foul medames, Slow-cooked fava beans paired with a couple of taameya, and Egyptian falafel made from fava beans served with local Egyptian bread. Sit in a local cafe and drink a cup of tea or coffee. As you arrive in Luxor, you should check out the small eateries at the train station, where the locals gather to eat.

Explore Local Markets

Instead of checking the regular tourist shops, go the the local shops. 

• Luxor Markets:
  In Luxor, near the Luxor temple, you will find various shops whether handcrafts, spices, or colorful textiles all could be found at the market.

• Aswan Souq:
  As for Aswan, the Aswan old market known as Aswan Souq is a colorful bazaar that offers Egyptian and African goods. Locally known as Sharia as-Souq, it is the cheapest place to buy souvenirs in Aswan.

Ride a Felucca Along the Nile 

You cannot be near Aswan and Luxor and miss to enjoy a ride along the Nile river, where you will connect with both towns on a different level. Take a break from the bustling streets and markets enjoy a felucca ride along the Nile River and see key landmarks from the water.

Enjoy a lovely local lunch.

If you truly want to experience Aswan and Luxor as locals, skip the hotel lunch or buffet and check out some of the local restaurants try a Nubian dish like "tagen," a slow-cooked clay pot meal packed with flavor. In Luxor, try kofta, grilled meats, or molokhia – a green, leafy soup beloved by Egyptians.

Connect with Nubian Culture 

A trip to Aswan wouldn’t be complete if you didn’t visit the Nubian village. You can reach there through the Nile River as you will be welcomed by friendly locals, colorful houses, and vibrant unique music. 

Finish the Day Like a Local

Join the locals at a café by the river in the evening. Enjoy the slow pace of life while sipping mint tea. If you're fortunate, you may happen upon a local wedding celebration or a traditional music performance.

To enjoy the local life of Aswan and Luxor you should be taking it easy and enjoying the small things around you. Connect with the locals and have conversations with them. Try to visit places and landmarks that are less famous than known ones. Enjoy the local food and try on the traditional customs.