Close to other top sites, including the Nubian Museum and Elephantine Island, the Unfinished Obelisk is often a stop on tours covering the area's attractions. In the quarry, you’ll see uncut stone that ancient workers turned into monuments, but the main attraction is the Unfinished Obelisk itself. Look for the cracks at the base of the obelisk, which are thought to be the reason construction was halted.
Located off Dr Abd al Rady Hanafe street, the Unfinished Obelisk is just east of the Fatimid Cemetery in Aswan. If you’re not visiting the Unfinished Obelisk as part of a tour, it’s possible to reach the site by taxi or microbus. While the Unfinished Obelisk is close to the Nubian Museum, walking there requires a detour around the Fatimid Cemetery that takes roughly 20 minutes.
An hour is plenty for exploring the quarry and the Unfinished Obelisk, which are open daily. Hours may vary somewhat, so check locally before making the trip; tour operators will also have updated schedules. There is little shade at the site, and travelers arriving in the heat of midday should plan to bring sun protection.
Tours of the Unfinished Obelisk often combine the relatively small site with attractions on the southern end of Aswan, but there are a handful of attractions in the immediate area. At the Fatimid Cemetery, see Islamic tombs made from mud brick, while the excellent Nubian Museum explores the history and culture of Upper Egypt. Also nearby is the departure point for ferries across the Nile River to Elephantine Island.