Aswan Airport is a fairly compact and small airport. There is only one terminal at this airport. The terminal building’s architecture features elements of local Nubian design. Shopping and dining areas are located in the departures section after passport control. Aswan Airport does not have a shopping area as large as Cairo Airport. The terminal has boutique shops where you can meet your last-minute needs and buy souvenirs unique to Egypt.
The Aswan Airport terminal has a small duty-free shop, boutique shops selling souvenirs, cafes, currency exchange offices, and ATMs. In other words, the shopping areas in the terminal are limited.
What are the Aswan Airport shop opening times?
Aswan Airport terminal has two floors. Most shops in the terminal operate according to flight schedules. During peak seasons, shops stay open until late at night. Most shops are located in the departures area. You can find boutique shops selling souvenirs in the airside area. The shops sell Egyptian-themed products, small figurines, magnets, and textile products.
Aswan Airport Duty-Free shopping
There is a small duty-free shop at Aswan Airport. The variety of products here is less than at Cairo Airport. The duty-free shop sells a variety of women’s and men’s perfumes. You can find global brands such as Chanel, Dior, Versace, and Azzaro here. The store also sells cosmetic products such as skin care creams, facial care sets, and hand cream.
Alcoholic beverages are also sold in the duty-free shop. There are classic drinks such as whiskey, vodka, and rum. The duty-free shop also sells cigarettes, cigars, and tobacco products. However, you should pay attention to the quantity limits. This is because each country has different customs limits. There are also boutique stores in the terminal shops selling small souvenirs related to Egyptian culture.
Everything About Shopping in Aswan
The markets and shops in Aswan’s city center are like a real treasure hunt. While shopping here, you also feel the rhythm of local life. You can chat with the vendors while shopping and discover the local culture.
Aswan Market: Sharia el-Souq and Colorful Streets
Sharia el-Souq should be your first stop in Aswan. You should definitely visit here. This market is a long and lively street market. As you walk here, the colors and spice scents will transport you to a different world.
What can I buy in Aswan?
Spices and teas: You should definitely try natural tea blends, especially Aswan’s famous karkade. Don’t forget to buy some of these teas for your loved ones. I’m sure everyone will love them.
Nubian clothing and textiles: Colorful galabeyas, shawls, and hand-embroidered fabrics are among the most authentic souvenirs at the market. Each of these products is a trace of the local weaving tradition.
Wood and handicrafts: This market has eye-catching pieces ranging from solid wood masks to miniature figures.
Hanafi Bazaar
If you are interested in local jewelry, Hanafi Bazaar should be your stop. It is particularly famous for jewelry and metalwork. Gold and silver jewelry are sold in this market. There are also custom-made cartouche necklaces or Pharaoh-motif bracelets.
El-Sadat Street and Papyrus Art
If you are looking for an art-filled shopping stop, you should visit El-Sadat Street. Here, you can find Aswan-specific papyrus paintings and decorative pieces adorned with ancient Egyptian scenes. You can buy souvenirs that tell the story of Egypt’s history here.
The Art of Bargaining
When you step into the markets of Aswan on the banks of the Nile, you also feel the rhythm of local life. As you wander among the stalls, you talk to the vendors and listen to the stories behind the local products.
The markets in Aswan are crowded with both locals and tourists. The local people also shop at these markets. The initial price given for products is usually unrealistic. Therefore, never accept the first price offered by vendors. Start bargaining with a price well below the offered price. Continue bargaining with a smile and a sincere attitude. My recommendation is to try to shop with the local currency. Prices are higher when shopping with dollars and euros.