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13 Top-Rated Things to Do in Hurghada

Written by Jess Lee Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Hurghada is Egypt's oldest and most famous resort.

Offshore is the colorful underwater spectacle of the Red Sea's world of coral and fish life that first brought Hurghada to worldwide attention.

Back on solid ground, the once-tiny fishing settlement of Hurghada has mushroomed into a resort city with attractions and amenities that cater directly to tourists.

For northern Europeans (who make up most of Hurghada's tourism influx) this is one of the best places to visit for a winter sun-and-sea escape, with sandy white beaches and blue skies in abundance throughout the year.

But while Hurghada's main tourist attraction tends to be flopping on the beach, there are plenty more things to do, both in the water and on dry land, for travelers who want a taste of adventure.

For ideas, see our list of the top tourist attractions in Hurghada.

1. Experience Hurghada's Beach Life

2. take a boat trip to the giftun islands, 3. dive the sites of the straits of gubal, 4. explore the desert by jeep or quad bike, 5. diving at gota abu ramada, 6. dine at hurghada marina, 7. snorkeling in hurghada, 8. get active in el gouna, 9. bedouin dinner tours, 10. go below on the sindbad submarine, 11. camel ride into the desert, 12. astronomical nights, 13. hurghada aquarium, where to stay in hurghada for sightseeing, map of things to do in hurghada.

Hurghada's best patches of sand have all been claimed by the shore-side resorts that stretch along the coast, both north and south of town.

Even if you're not staying in one of the hotels, nearly all of the resorts offer day access to non-guests.

To really sample Hurghada's beach life, though, you should book yourself in for a few nights of resort living. Hurghada has beautiful all-inclusive resorts for the perfect getaway.

The best beaches lie south of the main town area, which is called Sigala .

From here, the main resort area begins sprawling for kilometers down the coast. The areas known as Sahl Hasheesh (18 kilometers south of Hurghada Airport) and Makadi Bay (30 kilometers south of Hurghada Airport) are home to some of the Red Sea coastline's prime pieces of white-sand beach and best hotels.

The Giftun Islands are one of Hurghada's most popular boat excursions, with prime swaths of white sand to soak up the rays and snorkeling opportunities galore on offer.

For those who aren't scuba diving enthusiasts, the easily-accessed coral reefs in the area surrounding the island shore are an excellent taster of the Red Sea's beauty.

During the height of tourism season, when dozens of boats descend on the islands daily, treat a Giftun Islands trip solely as a beach trip, as the crowds scare off any sea life.

In quieter periods, while paddling close to shore, you could spot colorful fish flitting through the clear water,

Those not interested in underwater exploits can simply claim a palm-frond shelter on the beach, sit back, and enjoy the sun.

Diver photographing a wreck in Abu Nuhas

Egypt's Straits of Gubal, a narrow strip of water squeezed between the Red Sea coast and the western shore of the Sinai Peninsula, is one of the Red Sea's major diving destinations and is easily accessed from Hurghada.

This area is known chiefly for its wreck diving and is home to The Thistlegorm (a WWII cargo ship rediscovered by French diver Jacques Cousteau), renowned as one of the world's top wreck dive sites.

Accessed by liveaboard from Hurghada, The Thistlegorm is easily the Straits of Gubal's most popular dive site, but divers who want to explore farther will find plenty of other opportunities to dive.

One of the most rewarding diving areas in the Straits of Gubal is Abu Nuhas , within dive-boat day-trip distance from Hurghada.

This area around Shadwan Island in the Straits is home to six separate dive sites with several wrecks.

The main attraction is the wreck of the Carnatic , a UK cargo ship sunk in 1869, which is still in incredibly good condition, with its skeletal remains home to flourishing coral and abundant fish life.

The Greek ship Chrisoula K (sunk in 1981) and the German Kimon M (sunk in 1978) are two more popular wreck dives in this area, with plenty of opportunities to spot lionfish, triggerfish, and pipefish among the wreckage.

Four-wheel drive expedition in the desert

With so much action happening in the water, some travelers forget that back onshore there's an entire desert world to explore.

Among Hurghada's most popular on-the-ground things to do are quad biking, Jeep expeditions, and dune buggy trips into the sand dune hinterland.

You don't have to travel very far off-road from the resort town to discover the acacia tree studded wadis (valleys), sandwiched in by red-tinged mountains, that make up most of the landscape of the Eastern Desert.

A popular way to experience this desert hinterland is on the five-hour quad bike safari in Hurghada , which includes a break at a Bedouin village and a camel ride.

Also known as "The Aquarium," Gota Abu Ramada is a dive site with huge amounts of marine life and a coral garden of pinnacles.

One of the most popular dive sites near Hurghada, it is used by many dive operators as a try-dive site for novice divers. If you're in Hurghada to learn to dive, you will likely be spending some time here.

For more advanced and experienced divers, the huge variety of sea life is the main attraction.

Triggerfish, lionfish, and clownfish are always whizzing through the ethereal blue waters here, and many divers also manage to glimpse the resident eagle rays.

Hurghada Marina is a rather swish and modern addition to the central district of Sigala. Since it opened, it has become one of the city's major dining destinations and comes alive after dark.

Head here at sunset to promenade next to the Red Sea or sit back with a tea and sheesha (waterpipe) at one of the cafés, while soaking up the last of the evening light. Afterwards, stay on to dine at one of the restaurants here, which offer a range of cuisines from classic Egyptian dishes to international fare .

Dining with views over the bobbing yachts and the Red Sea stretching to the horizon can't be beaten.

Address: Hurghada Marina Promenade, Sigala

Colorful fish in the Red Sea at Hurghada

The best underwater sites of Hurghada's coastline can only be accessed by diving. If diving isn't for you, though, there are still plenty of shallow reefs that can be experienced by snorkeling.

The area surrounding the Gifton Islands is one of the most popular places to visit for snorkeling.

Trips such as this Red Sea snorkeling trip stop on the main Gifton Island for swimming and sunbathing before heading on to two nearby reefs for snorkeling. It includes pickup and drop-off from your Hurghada hotel and a full-day boat trip, with lunch. There is plenty of time for relaxation on board as well.

El Gouna is a purpose-built resort town just 27 kilometers north of central Hurghada , so it is easily visited on a day trip from the city.

It's known for its water sports offerings, particularly kitesurfing and wakeboarding, as well as operators offering scuba diving and sailing.

Specialty kitesurfing centers offer both kitesurfing lessons, multi-day courses, and equipment rental on Mangroovy Beach here.

At the southern end of the resort town is Sliders Cable Park, one of the world's biggest cable parks and a major addition to any wakeboarder's list of things to do if they're in the Hurghada area.

El Gouna is also one of Egypt's top golfing destinations with two world-class courses: one 18-hole course, and another that's currently 9 holes but is slated to be extended to 18 holes.

There are excellent modern international dining options here around El Gouna's marina, so it's also a great choice for an evening visit.

For a night away from the hotel, one of the most popular evening tourist attractions in the Hurghada area are the Bedouin dinner tours offered by many of the resorts.

For foodie travelers this is a must-do for the chance to sample the wholesome Egyptian dishes that never make it onto restaurant menus.

Tours, which sometimes include a camel ride, head out into the desert or to nearby Bedouin settlements to feast on flavorful local cooking while reclining on colorful cushions in a traditional Bedouin tent setting.

It's an atmospheric way to be introduced to Egypt's wonderful array of home-style cooking.

Hurghada's Sindbad Submarine offers the opportunity of seeing some of the Red Sea's famed underwater sights without getting your feet wet.

This tourist submarine is the only one operating in the Red Sea.

It delves below the Red Sea's surface to a depth of 22 meters, so passengers can glimpse the abundant flitting reef fish that inhabit the reefs of colorful soft corals.

Submarine trips take about one hour , and although they don't go very far offshore where the better coral reefs can be viewed, for non-swimmers, it provides an opportunity to see the magical world below the sea's surface, which the Red Sea is so renowned for.

Whether you want to go for a short stroll along the beach (great for the kids) or are looking for a longer one- or two-hour ride into the desert, all of Hurghada's resorts offer a chance to sample camel riding.

Longer trips usually head out to one of the Bedouin settlements not far from town and offer a chance to see the desert landscape, backed by the Red Sea coast's craggy mountains, from the high saddle.

All are guided by Bedouin camel-men, so you don't have to stress about skittish camels suddenly shooting off into a gallop, and you can simply sit back and enjoy the views.

Hurghada's twinkling city lights may scupper any plans of sky-watching while inside the town itself, but one of the most popular nighttime attractions for visitors here are the astronomical night tours, where your nighttime focus is entirely on the star-studded desert sky of your dreams.

Trips journey out of the city after dusk and into the lonely desert, where you'll spend an evening looking up into the wonders of the night sky with a telescope on hand for closer inspection.

With the incredible clear skies in this part of the world, it's one of the best chances most people have of witnessing the full beauty of the stars.

If you've been out snorkeling or diving and want to identify what you've seen, then Hurghada Aquarium in the northern part of the central town area (known as Ad-Dahar) can help you out.

These days, the aquarium is showing its age and could do with an update, but it still has the only decent display of Red Sea marine life in the Hurghada area.

For non-swimmers, it's also a good chance to see the many different varieties of the Red Sea's abundant fish life up close, though to see them in a natural habitat, you'd be better off buying a ticket for the Sindbad Submarine.

Luxury Hotels:

South of town, the Baron Palace Sahl Hasheesh is a luxury beachfront resort with a sprawling pool and multiple restaurants. For families, the animation team and kids' club make this a good choice.

Mid-Range Hotels:

The Sunrise Garden Beach Resort is an all-inclusive resort with a good strip of beachfront and plenty of things to do for those who want to do more than soak up the sun. Amenities and activities include a water park, wonderful spa, and tennis courts, plus horseback riding and archery.
The affordable, all-inclusive Jaz Makadi Saraya Resort is another good choice for a range of activities, with its own aqua park, tennis court, spa treatments, and dive center.

Budget Hotels:

In El Gouna, north of Hurghada, Cook's Club El Gouna has a great location on the central lagoon, comfortable rooms, an inviting pool, and a strip of private beach.

More on Egypt

Egypt Travel Guide: Plan Your Perfect Trip

15 Top Things to do in Hurghada, Egypt

Hurghada is Egypt’s most well-known beach resort town, and it’s home to the country’s best stretches of coastline, its best hotels, and its best diving sites.

Yes, Hurghada can be touristy, but the resorts are here for a reason. The beaches that span the Red Sea coastline of Egypt are absolutely beautiful in many places.

Offshore, the warm waters of the Red Sea are crystal clear and teeming with marine life.

You can laze around on white sands and enjoy the simple vacation life at an all-inclusive beach resort. Or you can learn to dive, you can tackle shipwrecks deep underwater.

You can also speed off into the desert on quad bikes and safari tours.

There’s a lot to experience, and to inspire your Egyptian getaway, here are the best things to do in Hurghada.

Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Egypt (Travel Guide)

15 Best Things to Do in Hurghada, Egypt

Table of Contents

1. Enjoy the Beaches

The beaches are always one of the best things to do in Hurghada because after all, this is a beach resort town.

Hurghada grew from being a sleepy little fishing village into a tourist hub on the Red Sea, because all along the coast, you can find long stretches of gorgeous white sands.

If you’re staying at a resort, then most of the hotels open out onto the beaches, but there are plenty of great public beaches to visit as well.

The Old Vic Beach is a favorite, while the Sheraton Hotel has one of the finest stretches of sand in front of it.

If you have your own vehicle though, then just drive north or south from Hurghada and you’ll be able to find your own empty beach without too much trouble!

2. Visit the Hurghada City Centre and Corniche

Hurghada was only founded at the turn of the 20th century, and it only began to be developed as a beach resort destination in more recent decades.

That means that there isn’t much in the way of history or traditional tourist sites to be found in Hurghada, but it doesn’t mean that it’s not a lively place to explore

The city center is full of local cafes, shisha bars, and shops, while if you head to the Hurghada Corniche and the Marina, you’ll be able to walk uninterrupted along the seafront, with sweeping views over the Red Sea.

Experience the sights of Hurghada on this 3-hour private tour . Traveling between sites by air-conditioned vehicle, visit the beautiful Big Mosque, Church of St Mary, and scenic port area.

Stop midway for a delicious lunch and finish with free time to haggle for souvenirs in Hurghada’s colorful souks.

3. Shop the Hurghada Markets and Souks

Hurghada is also a great place for shopping, or at least, for souvenir shopping. While the markets aren’t quite as big as those you’ll find in Cairo, they are much easier to navigate here.

You can find shops and vendors selling everything from Egyptian headscarves – you will need these if you’re heading into the desert! – to shisha pipes that you can take home with you.

You can haggle and joke with the shopkeepers – yes, haggling is mandatory here, if you don’t want to pay the highest prices! Then you can relax in a local cafe, enjoy fresh juices, or teas and coffees after you’ve made a few purchases.

4. Go to the Marine Museum and Aquarium

The Hurghada Marine Museum and Aquarium offers you the chance to get close to the underwater world of the Red Sea, without ever having to get wet.

If snorkeling or diving isn’t your thing then this is definitely the best way to learn more about the incredible level of biodiversity waiting beneath the waves.

You can stroll through underwater tunnels, turn up at feeding time to see a frenzy, and learn more about the aquarium and the marine life on guided tours all through the day.

5. Spend a Day in the Giftun Islands

One of the best things to do in Hurghada is to visit the beautiful Giftun Islands.

Located just a short boat ride away from the Marina, this small collection of offshore islands is perhaps the most spectacular natural feature in the area.

The rugged islands are surrounded by crystal clear water that shimmers turquoise in the bright sunlight. You can lounge on the beach, hike across the rocky plateaus, and you can snorkel the coral reefs.

You can join organized excursions from Hurghada that will take you island hopping, dropping you off on the best beaches or simply letting you out in the Red Sea at the best snorkeling spots.

Head out on the waters of the Red Sea on a full-day snorkeling tour from Hurghada .

You’ll travel by boat toward Giftun Island, where you can jump in to swim and snorkel with the native marine life. Lunch will also be provided on board.

6. Go Scuba Diving

One of the best things to do in Hurghada is Scuba Diving. Indeed, for many tourists, Scuba Diving is the main reason that they come to Hurghada, and many return year after year once they’ve had their first taste of the Red Sea.

There is a huge range of dive sites along the coast, making Hurghada perfect for divers of all abilities. It’s a great place to learn too.

Many of the resorts have dive schools and swimming pools on-site where you can do the theory and the training before heading out into the open ocean.

Once you’re qualified, there are shallow dives you can reach by walking straight off the beach. There are also deeper wall dives that drop off out in the Red Sea and there are excellent specialty dives if you’re more advanced, including night dives and wreck dives.

Discover the Red Sea’s spectacular visibility and vibrant marine life with this comprehensive package.

Qualified scuba divers can enjoy two dives , accompanied by an instructor, at sites like Abu Ramada, Small Giftun, or Umm Gamar. Non-divers are welcome to come along and stay on the boat.

7. Enjoy the Amazing Snorkeling

If you’re not a qualified diver or just want a more relaxed time on the water, then there are plenty of great snorkeling opportunities along the coast too.

In fact, some of the best dive sites are coral reefs which are just a few meters underwater and that means that you can just as easily snorkel them as you can dive them.

You’ll be impressed by the biodiversity of the Red Sea and the clarity of the water. Walk-in off the beaches to the shallow reefs or take a boat ride out to beautiful snorkeling spots such as the Giftun Islands.

Discover an Egyptian island paradise on a full-day tour from Hurghada to Giftun Island National Park , and enjoy sun, sand and world-class snorkeling.

Watch for dolphins during the 45-minute ride from the coast, then slip into the water to explore a thriving reef system.

Snorkel alongside bright fish and vibrant coral in the protected area, and pause for a scenic picnic lunch onboard your boat.

Head to shore to check out Giftun Island’s many active options, keep exploring the reef or simply soak up the sun before returning to Hurghada.

8. Dive on Shipwrecks

If you’re an advanced diver though then one of the best things to do in Hurghada is to dive the shipwrecks.

Due to the strategic location of the Red Sea and its use as a shipping channel, wrecks abound here.

The most impressive is the wreck of the Thistlegorm, a supply ship that was sunk during World War II.

9. Try Some Watersports

As well as underwater activities, Hurghada is a hot spot for other watersports too. At the resorts and the beaches, you can hire out everything from jet skis to banana boats, to add a little bit of excitement to your beach holiday.

Hurghada is also a great place for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and parasailing too, and you can take lessons on the Red Sea or easily hire out equipment for the day.

You’ll also be able to organize private tours, you can rent kayaks and canoes, or you can just hire out a sun lounger and do nothing at all!

Cruise over the Red Sea to spot and swim with wild dolphins, and ride a banana boat on this full-day trip from Hurghada .

Sail to the Dolphin House, an area known for its high density of wild dolphins. While you’re here, snorkel around the fish-filled corals or sunbathe on deck—the choice is yours.

10. Try Quad Biking in the Desert

The mostly flat deserts that spread inland from the rugged and rough coastline are the perfect terrain for quad biking.

Quad bikes are easy to handle and you don’t need any previous experience to drive them. You can join the regular tours that head out into the desert, searching out hidden canyons or hurtling over sand dunes.

Go 4-wheeling in the Sahara Desert and visit a Bedouin village on a 5-hour quad bike experience from Hurghada with a private guide .

Get a taste of Egypt’s traditional desert culture by learning how to ride a camel, tasting local food and taking in a colorful evening performance.

11. Take a Desert Safari

If you want to travel further afield into the deserts and empty spaces that are found in Egypt, then you can join a Desert Safari.

Strap in tight as you’re thrown around on the off-road tracks and sand dunes in the back of a four by four.

12. Book a Bedouin Dinner

If you have a newfound appreciation for the desert lifestyle, then one way to learn more about the region’s oldest inhabitants is to join a Bedouin Dinner tour.

Head into the vastness of the Egyptian desert, as you journey to a Bedouin Camp hidden in the sands.

This is one of the best things to do in Hurghada, and you’ll spend the evening in the desert, eating in the company of Bedouin nomads, as you learn more about their cultures and more about the desert.

13. Enjoy an Astronomy Tour

Out in the vastness of the desert, you’ll quickly realize that at night time, it might be cold, but it’s beautiful.

The skies are incredibly dark once you get out of sight of the towns and resorts on the coast, and one of the best things to do in Hurghada is to join an Astronomy Tour out into the desert.

Learn about the different constellations and learn how the Bedouin would find their way using the stars.

14. Brave a Submarine Tour

One of the more unique things to do in Hurghada is to go on a Submarine Tour.

If you want to enjoy the beauty of the underwater world but don’t feel comfortable snorkeling or diving, then Hurghada’s very own Submarine gives you the chance to get face to face with the fish.

Join this fun submarine tour for a fantastic excursion underwater . You can clearly see, film and photograph the Red Sea’s most famous corals, fish, and other marine life. Through large panoramic windows and in your personal swiveling chair you surely won’t miss a thing!

15. Hit the Nightclubs

Egypt might be a Muslim nation, but that doesn’t mean that the locals don’t enjoy a good party every now and then!

In fact, you’ll be surprised to find that Hurghada is full of bars and Nightclubs, and they aren’t just aimed at the tourists either.

This is Egypt’s premier nightlife spot and it’s a great place to party and to hit up the night clubs after a day of exploring, or even after a day of doing nothing at all!

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Travel planning resources, about david stock.

I have always been an outdoorsman so becoming an adventure traveler was just the next natural step. I love nature, I love to get off the beaten path and I like to explore. I enjoy scuba diving and cars. And yes, Lina and I have a naked dog.

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Home > Egypt Blog > Things to Do in Hurghada Red Sea Egypt

Things to Do in Hurghada Red Sea Egypt

Hurghada in Egypt is the destination par excellence for those who want to know about the beaches and Things to do in Hurghada that can be developed in this country, away from seeing the Pharaonic monuments in Luxor, like the Valley of the Kings and Aswan .

This is how it has become one of those places for a quiet vacation of sand and sun where relaxation and beautiful landscapes abound, But there is also always something to do so as not to get bored. It is an hour away by internal flight or a five-hour drive from Cairo .

It is precise that getting bored is unlikely in Hurghada since there are not only marine activities. As is known worldwide, diving, but there are Things to do in Hurghada ; you can take trips through the desert and climb.

Top 25 Things to See in Hurghada

Visitors to Hurghada can do many things in the city and the surrounding area. You can relax on the beach and do many activities in Hurghada. Go scuba diving in the clear waters of the Red Sea, go on a safari through the desert, or enjoy water sports in Hurghada waters.

1- Visit the Giftun Islands

Taking a boat to Giftun Island is a very popular excursion. There, you have some of the best beaches in Hurghada, and you can enjoy turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and good snorkeling areas on these islands. It is considered a national park.

When planning your trip to the Giftun Islands, consider these tips to make the most of your island adventure:

Book a boat tour in advance.
Bring sunscreen and snorkeling gear.
Respect the marine life and ecosystem.

Additional info.

2- Learn to Dive in Hurghada.

Before traveling to Hurghada, you should know that diving in Egypt is one of the most popular activities. The waters and beaches of the Red Sea are perfect for beginners in this sport.

The water is crystal clear and with turquoise tones. In addition, it has a great variety of marine species with colorful colors. There are many shallow coral areas to learn to dive in Hurghada. For this, you must hire an instructor or tour.

Very important to highlight is that in Egypt, you can find the best quality-price diving in the world. A beginner class costs about $50, and there are few places in the world where, for this price, you can find such beautiful places to dive.

Finally, do not forget that diving can be practiced safely with an instructor, but it is still risky. So to travel to Hurghada, it is better to be forewarned by taking out travel insurance.

At the same time, numerous key points have become diving sites, not of natural origins, like ships in the depths. Whatever the case, these are some of the most recommended places to practice diving in Hurghada:

Bluff Point

This dive site is one of the most popular for doing this practice at a shallow depth, allowing you to do long dives. There is enormous underwater life, so you will find lionfish, giant moray eels, stonefish, and many nudibranchs.

The Ulysses has been sunk in the Red Sea for more than a century, and being next to one of the most beautiful reefs you can find, such as Bluff Point, makes this a mandatory visit for diving lovers. Turtles, dolphins, lionfish, etc. abound, an excellent alternative to learn about the biodiversity that the Red Sea bridles.

Shaab el erg

This reef, about 5 kilometers long, has as its main attraction diving with the resident bottlenose dolphins. Seven dive sites are arranged for you to observe tropical fish, mobulas, turtles, and reef sharks.

Carless Reef

This reef is isolated with healthy soft and hard corals providing excellent views to those who visit. Schools of tuna, dolphins, and longimanus sharks attend this highly colored reef.

Likewise, you can practice snorkeling thanks to excursions with snorkel boats, some of which are destined for Gota Abu Ramada and Small Giftun.

Embarking on a journey to learn to dive in Hurghada? Here are some essential tips to ensure a safe and exciting experience:

Choose a certified diving school.
Follow your instructor's guidance.
Practice safety at all times.

3- Snorkeling in Hurghada

You only need a mask, a tube, and fins, so you don't need to do any courses. The best reefs in Hurghada are not near the coast, so hiring an excursion that takes you to the points with the most marine life and corals is best.

Get ready for an underwater world like no other when snorkeling in Hurghada. These tips will enhance your snorkeling adventure:

Check water conditions before snorkeling.
Wear a life jacket if needed.
Watch out for coral reefs.

4- Diving in Gota Abu Ramada

This oval-shaped reef is a marine wonder with many beautiful rainbow-colored fish and vivid corals to explore, reached with about an hour's boat ride south of Hurghada. Because it is shallow, this area offers excellent conditions to carry out relatively calm immersion practices to enjoy this water sport. They also provide the most specialized dives towards a wreck that is a little deeper in these waters.

Diving in Gota Abu Ramada is a unique experience. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your underwater exploration:

Experienced divers only.
Dive with a reputable operator.
Be mindful of the current.

5- Visit the center of Hurghada

You have already realized that almost everything to see in Hurghada is related to nature, but it is also worth discovering its more artistic side. Although the city has changed a lot in recent decades, the center still retains that traditional Egyptian air and some attractive bazaars like El Dahar, where you can buy those typical souvenirs you have in mind. Don't forget to bring out your bargaining skills.

Discover the heart of Hurghada with these tips to guide you during your visit to the city center:

Explore local markets and shops.
Try traditional Egyptian cuisine.
Respect the local culture.

6- Al-Mina Mosque

If there is a building to see in Hurghada, it is the Al Mina Mosque. It is the largest and most beautiful mosque in the area, located by the sea. Inaugurated in 2012, its construction cost more than 25 million Egyptian pounds (almost 1.3 million euros) and can accommodate up to 10,000 faithful.

What stands out the most about the Al Mina Mosque is its white marble decoration, two minarets, and 25 domes. If it is not time for prayers, the entrance is allowed, and it is free, but keep in mind that you must have your shoulders and knees covered. Although it is already worth seeing from the outside, we recommend you go inside, as you will discover an interior full of wonderful hanging lamps and murals.

The Al-Mina Mosque is a cultural gem in Hurghada. Make your visit more enlightening with these insightful tips:

Dress modestly when visiting.
Remove your shoes before entering.
Maintain a respectful demeanor.

7- Sindbad Submarine

If you want to take a walk underwater without getting wet or you would like to take a ride in a submarine, this attraction that they offer you in the Sindbad Submarine will be to your liking.

This submarine is the only one that operates in the Red Sea; the crew members who board it will give you an unforgettable experience about 22 meters underwater to appreciate the abundant marine life and corals that abound in the Red Sea, all this without the need even having to place a finger in the sea. You and your family may have the opportunity to embark on this adventure under the Red Sea.

Traveling on the Sinbad boat provides an excellent opportunity to explore the fantastic underwater world of the Red Sea for those not fond of diving and snorkeling or vacationing at a resort with children who cannot swim well.

Being in conditions of comfort and safety, tourists can enjoy the beauty and diversity of marine flora and fauna - beautiful corals, various types of fish, and other inhabitants of the underwater kingdom. Passengers are allowed to take cameras and photo cameras with them.

Prepare for an undersea journey with the Sindbad Submarine, and ensure a memorable experience with these tips:

Make reservations in advance.
Enjoy the underwater views.
Follow safety instructions.

8- Parasailing is a great way to see Hurghada from above

On a parasailing trip, you can get excited and see Hurghada, the Red Sea, and the desert from above.

You can choose from various tours that bring the best gear, experts, and safety measures to ensure you have a fun, safe, and memorable time dangling in the skies of Egypt.

The price of parasailing starts at $20 and goes up depending on how many other activities you want to add to your parasailing.

Take your Hurghada adventure to new heights with parasailing. Check out these tips to make your parasailing experience unforgettable:

Choose a licensed operator.
Listen to the safety briefing.
Savor the breathtaking views.

9- Abu Nahas Dive Site

Abu Nahas Dive Site is a unique diving area north of Shadwan Island, 65 km southeast of Hurghada. This place is trendy among diving enthusiasts who come to rest in the resorts of the Red Sea because, during the dive, divers can see the wreckage of ships that sank at different times.

In the Abu Nahas dive site, five ships went underwater due to shipwrecks due to coral reefs. The main attraction of this place is the remains of the boat Karnatec, which sank in 1869. The British ship is well preserved, with many fish and coral colonies in its hull. Other wrecks include the Greek ship Chrysoula Kiya (sank in 1981), the German boat Kimon (wrecked in 1978), and others.

Exploring the Abu Nahas Dive Site? These tips will help you uncover the mysteries of this underwater treasure:

Ideal for wreck diving enthusiasts.
Dive with an experienced guide.
Respect the underwater artifacts.

10- Stargazing Tour in the Desert (Astronomical Night)

If Hurghada has something, it is a beautiful night when the sky is filled with stars. Here, they offer you the opportunity to spend an astronomical night of dreams. These trips are usually carried out at dusk, leaving the city to take you and enter the immense lonely desert that, far from being reckless, is full of a beautiful clear sky that only this part of the world offers.

In this beautiful place, you will have a wonderful sea just for you, with the sound of the waves reaching your ears subtly with the desert as a witness behind you and a starry sky that will make you feel like you are in a fairy tale. This type of night landscape can only be found in your dreams and Hurghada.

Experience the wonders of the night sky with a stargazing tour in the desert of Hurghada. Here are some tips for a celestial adventure:

Book a guided tour for stargazing.
Bring warm clothing for the desert night.
Turn off the lights for a clearer view.

11- Discover the Strait of Gubal

The Gubal Strait is the name of a narrow strip of water between the western coast of the Sinai Peninsula and the coast of the Red Sea. This place is considered one of the most popular areas in Hurghada for experienced diving enthusiasts.

The main attraction of the strait is the remains of sunken ships. Local coral formations have been dangerous to sailors for centuries, so the Gubal Strait bears the sad nickname "cemetery of ships.

During the dives, divers can see the ships that have found their last resting place in the Gubal Strait. The most famous is the British cargo ship Thistlegorm, sunk in the Red Sea by German aircraft in the autumn of 1941.

The team of renowned explorers Jacques Yves Cousteau, in the spring of 1955, first discovered this ship. Although many sunken ships have long been overgrown with corals, divers managed to get into their holds. Due to the frequent change in the direction of the underwater currents, diving here is recommended only for experienced divers and divers.

Prepare to discover the beauty of the Strait of Gubal with these helpful tips for your exploration:

Join a boat tour to explore.
Look for marine life while sailing.
Enjoy the picturesque views.

12- Walk through the Marina of Hurghada

Touring the new Hurghada marina at sunset is another of the most exciting plans in Hurghada. Seeing how the Red Sea changes color as the sun goes down is very special, and it is also the moment when this part of the city begins to come alive. The Marina is full of bars, restaurants, and ice cream parlors.

Walk through the Marina of Hurghada and immerse yourself in its charm. Here are some tips for a leisurely stroll:

Enjoy a leisurely waterfront stroll.
Try local seafood restaurants.
Experience a vibrant nightlife.

13- Explore the Best Beaches in Hurghada

Hurghada is known for its beautiful beaches - wide, covered with fine light sand, clear water, and a gentle entrance to the sea. They stretch along the coastline on both sides of the city. Hurghada has the most private beaches - they occupy the best sandy stretches of the coast and belong to luxury resorts and hotels.

Many travelers travel to Hurghada at the end of their itinerary through Egypt to relax and rest by the Red Sea. Without wanting to discourage you, there are no excellent public beaches in Hurghada, but the best ones are paid, or you will find them inside resorts. You can access the latter if you are a customer and, sometimes, by paying a daily access fee.

For this reason, it is essential to consider this detail when reserving accommodation or choosing which area of the coast we base ourselves on. On the other hand, you will find the best beaches in Hurghada on the neighboring Giftun Islands.

Explore the best beaches in Hurghada with these tips to find your perfect spot in the sun:

Visit Paradise Beach for serenity.
Makadi Bay is ideal for water sports.
Enjoy sunbathing at Old Vic Beach.

14- The Old City of El Dahar

El Dahar is a district of the Old City - the picturesque and most ancient part of Hurghada, located on the Red Sea coast. Surprisingly, the unique Arabic flavor has been preserved here. There are no traditional European entertainment, modern shops, and fashion boutiques in El Dahar.

The area is more interesting for its unique atmosphere and old historical quarters. Why visit: El Dahar consists of intertwining narrow streets and lanes filled with numerous shops, souvenir shops, restaurants, and cozy cafes.

The main local attractions are the largest mosque in the city, El Mina, the Coptic Orthodox Church, and the legendary traffic light of Hurghada. El Dahar is also known for its large agricultural market. In this colorful Arab bazaar with its unique atmosphere, you can always buy fresh fish, meat, fruits, and vegetables at the lowest prices in the city.

The Old City of El Dahar holds a rich history. Make your visit more enriching with these tips for a cultural journey:

Discover historic architecture.
Shop for unique souvenirs.
Savor Egyptian street food.

15- Singing Fountain Show

Open-air performances are held daily after dark. To the sounds of classical music, you can enjoy the play of water and light from a vast fountain that shimmers with all the rainbow colors and dances like a ballerina.

Here you will find whole cascades of bright water jets, changing movements to the beat of melodies. The Singing Fountain Show takes place at the Golden Five Club.

Dozens of tourists visit the best color and music shows in Hurghada daily. The auditorium, located right in front of the fountain, can accommodate about 100 spectators, but often these seats are not enough. After the end of the show, you can go to the national cafe, where they offer a hearty traditional dinner.

Don't miss the enchanting Singing Fountain Show in Hurghada. Enhance your experience with these tips:

Check showtimes in advance.
Capture the magical water display.
Experience the synchronized music.

16- Palace of Alf Leila Wa Leila

The Palace of Alf Leila Wa Leila, located on the outskirts of Hurghada (17 km from the city center), is often called the Egyptian Disneyland. The fairy-tale complex is a large entertainment center designed in an oriental style. In addition to exciting entertainment, many cafes and restaurants are open for visitors on its territory, serving oriental cuisine, preparing various drinks, and offering fragrant hookah.

A visit to the beautiful palace will allow you to plunge into the atmosphere of an authentic oriental fairy tale, and it will be interesting for both children and adults.

The complex was built in the national style - wide gates, bridges, massive domes, miniature turrets, lancet windows, colorful mosaics, and murals. Inside the palace, a great entertainment program awaits you, including a theatrical show about iconic moments in the history of Egypt, a circus performance with camels and Arabian horses, and the final colorful spectacle - an exhibition of singing fountains.

Dive into the Arabian Nights at the Palace of Alf Leila Wa Leila in Hurghada. Here are some tips for a magical visit:

Attend the impressive sound and light show.
Explore the themed attractions.
Shop for Egyptian crafts.

17- Coptic Church

Hurghada's most significant religious sight is the current Coptic Church in the Old City of El Dahar. It was built in 1922 for the British - employees of oil companies working in Egypt.

The Church was consecrated in honor of Senufry, an early Christian saint. After the oil business became economically unprofitable, the British left Hurghada, leaving the temple to the Orthodox Egyptians - the Copts. Today, the Coptic Church is recognized as an architectural and historical monument of the city.

The Church's architecture intricately combines Christian and Islamic architecture. A beautiful light building, crowned with a dome with a cross, is complemented by numerous extensions. Outside, the Coptic Church is decorated with frescoes over the entrance and openwork carvings on the windows.

The main pride and value of the interior decoration of the temple is a three-tiered iconostasis, on which icons with images of biblical scenes and pictures of saints are installed. For tourists, the entrance to the temple is free and allowed even during services; a strict "dress code" is not required.

Immerse yourself in the history of Hurghada with a visit to the Coptic Church. Here are some tips to make your visit more meaningful:

Respect the church's customs.
Visit during non-service hours.
Learn about Coptic history.

18- Museum of Marine Biology

The Museum of Marine Biology is located on the outskirts of Hurghada. It is an extensive research station designed to study and promote the rich flora and fauna of the Red Sea.

A visit to this museum is included in almost all sightseeing tours of Hurghada. Here you can admire the beauty of the underwater world and its inhabitants without diving into the water.

The museum has a library with the world's most extensive collection of publications on the fauna of the Red Sea and the Indo-Pacific region.

During the museum tour, you will learn many exciting things about the Red Sea and its inhabitants. Through the glass walls of the corridor, visitors can watch colorful tropical fish and crustaceans and view fantastic coral reefs, bizarre seaweeds, and more.

Most of the exhibits are presented in aquariums; the rest are preserved. For guests' convenience, explanatory stands with answers to most possible questions that may arise during a visit to the museum are installed on the walls.

Explore the wonders of marine life at the Museum of Marine Biology in Hurghada with these informative tips:

Learn about Red Sea marine life.
Engage in interactive exhibits.
Support marine conservation efforts.

19- Sheraton Street

The main artery of Hurghada is the busy and noisy Sheraton Street, and it connects the historic center - the Old City of El Dahar - with the seaside promenade Marina. The length of the street is 3 km, and its width is 15 m.

The traffic here does not stop day or night. The city authorities closely monitor the order of the central city street - it is always spotless here, and the sidewalks are washed to a shine. The unique oriental flavor of Sheraton Street is given by palm trees growing along the pedestrian alleys.

Numerous hotels and establishments are located along the main artery of Hurghada - restaurants, bars, cafes, snack bars, and hookah lounges with comfortable terraces.

There are many shops and souvenir shops where sellers lure potential buyers with the help of various tricks. Sheraton Street is always full of tourists walking along the pedestrian zones during the daytime.

With the onset of evening, the local establishments fill up. What could be more pleasant than dinner, a glass of wine, and a fragrant hookah on a cozy terrace overlooking the busy evening Sheraton Street?

Strolling down Sheraton Street in Hurghada? Here are some tips to make your visit to this vibrant area more enjoyable:

20- Aquapark "Titanic"

The Titanic Water Aqua Park opened in 2004 and is located 17 km from the center of Hurghada, not far from the road leading to the city from the airport. It is considered one of Egypt's largest water parks and entertainment centers.

Although the Titanic is located on the Prima Sol Titanic Resort & Aquapark Hotel territory, everyone can visit it. Entrance for hotel guests and children under six years old is free.

The water park is open to visitors all year round, as the water in the pools is heated during winter.

In the Titanic water park, you will find a complex of freshwater pools with a total area of 6,000 m², a pool with artificial waves, about 20 different attractions - water slides and towers, a rafting river, and much more.

The youngest guests will enjoy the shallow children's pools - "paddling pools" and game areas. The hotel has a cafe, pizzeria, bars, restaurants, and shops where you can buy food and drinks. In addition to water attractions and entertainment, the water park offers a sauna, a bathhouse, a massage room, and a beauty salon.

Prepare for a day of aquatic thrills at the Aquapark "Titanic" in Hurghada with these helpful tips:

Plan a family-friendly day.
Follow safety rules for water slides.
Enjoy a variety of water attractions.

21- Jungle Water Park

The Jungle Water Park, built at the hotel of the same name, is the most popular of all the water parks in Hurghada. It consists of large pools connected by bridges and exotic islands, on which palm trees are planted, and sun loungers for vacationers are installed. The water park is open daily for visitors, and lunch is included in the entrance ticket price for each guest.

Children and adults will enjoy entertainment on the water park's extensive territory. Fans of extreme sports will enjoy attractions such as Downhill to the Pool, "Free Fall," "Tsunami," "Black Hole," and many others. Children from 5 to 15 years old love to have fun on fun slides.

Children's slides are equipped with a snake, an octopus, and shallow "paddling pools" in which mushrooms and fountains are installed. Family entertainment is also provided - descent from the sled, riding on a quiet river in circles, and swimming in a pool with an artificial wave.

Enjoy a day of water adventures at the Jungle Water Park in Hurghada. These tips will help you have a splashing good time:

Suitable for families with kids.
Enjoy thrilling water slides.
Check park hours and ticket prices.

22- Museum of Sand Sculptures

It is the first and largest outdoor sand sculpture museum in the Middle East and Africa. It is located near the Sunrise Grand Select Crystal Bay Hotel.

About 4 tons of sand and massive water were spent manufacturing unusual museum exhibits. First, blanks were made from densely compacted sand moistened with water.

Then the sculptors, using special tools, carved the sculptures, carefully working out the small details. To prevent the finished figures from crumbling, they were covered with a thin layer of glue.

Giant sand sculptures four times higher than sculptors created human height from 17 countries within seven months. The exhibition of sculptures is divided into two parts.

In the first one, you will see statues of historical figures, as well as famous gods, goddesses, and heroes of legends. The second part presents the heroes of cult Hollywood films and characters from favorite cartoons, including heroes of Soviet cartoons.

Discover the art of sand sculpting at the Museum of Sand Sculptures in Hurghada. Here are some tips to enhance your visit:

Admire intricate sand art.
Learn about the artists' techniques.
Take photos of the sculptures.

23- Mini Egypt Park (Egypt in miniature)

Mini Egypt Park is a beautiful place for a pleasant pastime with the whole family. It is located in the resort area of Makadi Bay, 25 km from Hurghada.

This three km² park is unique in that you can see all the most famous sights of Egypt in miniature copies. Each exhibit has a special plate with brief information about the object in different languages.

Almost the entire history of Egypt is represented in this fantastic park! You will see about 60 copies of things, the originals in different Egyptian cities - Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, and Aswan.

Here you can take a picture next to a copy of the Sphinx or a model of the pyramid of Cheops as high as a two-story building, as well as see copies of such buildings as the Great Cairo Museum, the Library of Alexandria, and much more.

During the tour, you will have the opportunity to choose the sights that you want to see in the original. For children, a walk in the park will be exciting and informative.

Experience Egypt in miniature at Mini Egypt Park. These tips will help you make the most of your visit to this unique attraction:

Explore miniature replicas of Egypt's landmarks.
Learn about Egypt's rich history.
Ideal for educational visits.

24- Desert and Safari

The wonderful wild desert is one of the most popular attractions in Hurghada. Tourism statistics in the Red Sea resorts show that about a third of all vacationers go on desert safari daily.

A few tens of kilometers from Hurghada, a completely different civilization opens up, as well as landscapes typical of the Eastern Desert - valleys (wadis) sandwiched between red rocks dotted with acacias. A desert is an ideal place for lovers of extreme sports and adventure.

During the safari, you will get acquainted with the wildlife of the Egyptian desert - its mountains, plateaus, sands, and valleys, and you can also visit the Bedouin village.

The most popular types of desert safari are trips in jeeps, quad bikes, and buggies through the desert off-road. You will learn about the local nomads' way of life and customs in the Bedouin village and eat Bedouin dinner.

There, you will be offered to ride camels among the sands, taste the tea and freshly baked bread, and in a local shop, you can buy original homemade souvenirs. Travelers will enjoy an unforgettable sunset and an amazing starry sky.

Plan an unforgettable desert and safari adventure in Hurghada with these tips for a thrilling experience:

Book a guided desert tour.
Experience sand dunes and Bedouin culture.
Enjoy a starry desert night.

25- Reef Gota Abu Ramada

Abu Ramada is an island made up of coral deposits. It is located 16 km from Hurghada and is popular among diving enthusiasts. This is a beautiful place to dive.

Both experienced divers and beginners come here to admire the beauty of the reef and the diversity of flora and fauna of the underwater world of the Red Sea. Gota Abu Ramada reef is often used as a test area for first dives by beginner divers.

Gotha is part of Abu Ramada, consisting of a vast coral block. This site consistently attracts divers with its incredible coral and marine life collection, from crustaceans and mollusks to imperial angels.

Because of the sheer number and variety of reef fish, Gota Abu Ramada is often called an aquarium. Yellowfin barbarians, sweetlips, perches, butterflyfish, and glassfish are the most commonly seen during the dive. Sometimes, there are moray eels, barracudas, flute fish, and giant sea turtles that sometimes swim to the sea's surface.

Prepare for an exceptional diving experience at Reef Gota Abu Ramada with these tips for underwater exploration:

Dive with a certified operator.
Witness vibrant marine life.
Practice responsible diving.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Is hurghada egypt worth visiting.

Hurghada is probably Egypt's most well-known resort town, and its 150,000 residents make it an actual city and tourist area. It is one of the country's most important economic hubs on the Red Sea, halfway between Cairo and Marsa Alam.

What is the Best time to travel to Hurghada, Egypt?

The best time to visit Hurghada is during spring or autumn when temperatures are most pleasant. However, Hurghada is a popular year-round destination so that you can see the city anytime.

How to get to Hurghada?

Hurghada can be easily accessed by plane, boat, or bus. The city has an international airport, which receives daily flights from various cities worldwide. Some boats regularly travel to Hurghada from multiple cities in Egypt, such as Cairo and Alexandria. Lastly, some buses depart for Hurghada from various towns in the country.

Where to stay in Hurghada?

Hurghada offers its visitors various accommodation options, from luxury hotels to small hostels. You can choose the accommodation that best suits your budget and needs.

How to get around in Hurghada?

Hurghada is a very compact city, and it is easy to get around on foot. However, if you want to visit the city's outskirts, rent a car or take a taxi. Some buses connect the main sights of the city.

What to do in Hurghada?

Hurghada offers its visitors various activities in the city and the surroundings. You can relax on the beach, dive in the crystal clear waters of the Red Sea, go on a desert safari, or visit the ruins of the ancient port of El-Quseir.

Where to eat in Hurghada?

Hurghada offers its visitors a wide variety of restaurants, serving typical dishes of Egypt and international cuisine. You can choose the type of food that appeals to you and find a restaurant that suits your budget.

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Hurghada: 20 EPIC Things to do! Beaches, Entertainment & History!

Hurghada is one of the most popular resort towns in Egypt and is located along the coast of the Red Sea. It’s the second-largest town along this coastline and is famous for its world-renowned coral reefs, turquoise waters, and pristine beaches.

Although many people choose this destination for a relaxing getaway, you’ll find plenty of amazing things to do in Hurghada! Whether you’re looking to explore the incredible coral reefs, visit a museum, or take a day trip out to Cairo, you won’t be short of places to visit.

things to do in hurghada, places to visit in hurghada, hurghada tourist attractions, hurghada sightseeing

Hurghada is one of my favorite destinations in the world! It’s a budget-friendly destination, with incredible beaches, marine life and attractions. Deciding what to do in Hurghada isn’t easy as there are so many options, but luckily, this guide is going to go through the best ones!

The Best Things to do in Hurghada , Egypt

20. day trip to luxor .

You’ll find plenty of places to visit in Hurghada, but a day trip to Luxor is a must! Luxor is one of the best places in Egypt to learn about the country’s history and visit some of the most popular ancient Egyptian sites.

Often referred to as the ‘world’s greatest open-air museum’, you’ll find plenty of incredible sites to visit here including the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Karnak, and Luxor Temple.

I loved exploring the tombs at the Valley of the Kings . My favorite was Tutankhamun tomb, the only one that still has a mummy inside. Simply spectacular!

If you’re looking to visit the best spots in a short amount of time, then this guided tour is a fantastic option! It’s a full-day trip that lasts between 13-16 hours so it offers great value for money.

19. Take a cruise on the Nile

If you’re heading to Hurghada then you can’t miss out on taking a cruise along the River Nile! The Nile is the longest river in the world with a whopping length of 6,650 km (4,132 miles) although this has been contested over the years, with others claiming that the Amazon is longer.

Either way, it’s not a destination that you want to miss and this 5-day cruise is one of the best ways to experience it. Once you’ve been picked up from Hurghada, you’ll be transported to Luxor which is where the cruise starts. From there, you’ll journey along the Nile visiting a variety of popular sites until you reach Aswan.

18. Go shopping at Senzo Mall

If you’re a keen shopper and you’re wondering what to do in Hurghada then head to Senzo Mall ! This huge mall is home to a variety of international brands and local stores, as well as an indoor children’s amusement park, and a hypermarket.

You’ll also find a diverse food court here, where you can grab fast food or local cuisine. Not only that, but there’s a shuttle bus that runs to Senzo Mall so you’ll have no problem getting there.

The opening hours differ here depending on whether you’re shopping or dining, so take a look at their operating hours online before your visit.

17. Snorkel in the Red Sea

If you’re a fan of nature then snorkeling is one of the best things to do in Hurghada! This resort town is located on the Red Sea, which is known for its turquoise water , marine life, and pristine beaches. It’s also one of the best snorkeling destinations in the world!

There are plenty of fantastic snorkeling spots in Hurghada and you’ll find lots of tour operators in the area who offer this activity. For the best experience, I recommend this tour which also includes dolphin watching.

However, you can snorkel right from your own resort if you choose one that’s situated on the shore. This is very handy, and some of the hotels even offer a private beach. One of the best resort for snorkeling (you can see colorful fish just a few meters from the shore) is Fort Arabesque .

I stayed at Fort Arabesque for a few nights and I really liked it. The rooms are clean and spacious, there are a couple of pools you can enjoy, the food is great and snorkeling here is a unique experience!

You can read more about snorkeling in Hurghada in my article .

16. Admire El Mina Mosque

El Mina Mosque is one of the most beautiful buildings you’ll come across in Egypt, so it’s no surprise to learn that it’s a popular Hurghada tourist attraction! It’s the largest and most impressive mosque in town, and although it only opened in 2012, this fantastic building is one of the best places to visit in the area.

The original mosque dated back to the 1960s until it was replaced with this one! Boasting fantastic minarets, traditional carvings, beautiful chandeliers, and engraved walls, El Mina Mosque is quite the sight. It’s also built entirely of white marble, so as you can imagine it’s very impressive!

The mosque is open 24 hours a day for prayer, but visitors can only enter between 9 am and 5 pm. Keep in mind that visiting a mosque in Egypt requires a certain dress code. You can read more about the dress code when visiting Egypt here .

15. Enjoy a submarine boat trip

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Hurghada then I’ve got just the thing! The Sinbad Submarine will take you on an adventure in the Red Sea, where you’ll get to admire the area’s unique ecosystem.

With 18 panoramic windows, plenty of seating, and an Egyptologist guide, this experience has much to offer! Just sit back, relax and admire the underwater views!

As I previously mentioned, the Red Sea is one of the best snorkeling spots in the world so the marine life here is pretty special. Although you can take a swim to see the wonders underneath the sea, taking a submarine boat trip is a rather special experience!

This tour also includes entrance fees, soft drinks, and transfers.

14. Go Parasailing!

You’ll find plenty of Hurghada attractions to visit, but sometimes it’s an experience rather than a place that will leave you with the best memories. If you’re an adrenaline junkie or you’re seeking a bit of adventure, then this activity will not only get your blood pumping but you’ll be treated to spectacular views as well.

This parasailing adventure includes hotel pickup, marina admission, equipment such as a lifejacket, and all taxes and service charges. Once you’ve arrived at the marina, you’ll hop on to a boat and then you’ll be attached to a parachute. The actual activity lasts between 10-20 minutes, and two people can parasail at once!

13. Take a tour of the White Desert

White Desert National Park (or Sahara el Beyda) is a protected area and is one of the most popular desert locations in Egypt. If you decide to visit you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another world, although there’s a catch – it’s not very accessible.

For this reason, you’ll want to look out for White Desert Tours as they typically offer a package deal including meals, transport, and accommodation. Many of them will also include other destinations like the Black Desert, Bahariya Oasis, and Crystal Mountain so what are you waiting for?

Just keep in mind that tours like this often aren’t very cheap!

12. Go scuba diving!

As the Red Sea is a popular spot for snorkeling, naturally it attracts plenty of keen divers too! There are lots of tour operators in the area including Diving Star , Dive Hurghada , and Hurghada Diving . However, one of the most popular operators is Funny Diving ! There are also plenty of operators that provide online bookings. Here are the best options:

half-day scuba diving trip – click here
full-day scuba diving trip – click here

They offer a variety of courses and daily dives, with the latter ranging in price from €45-60. Funny Diving will also take you to some of the best diving spots in the area including Abu Ramada Island, Carless Reef, El Fanadir, and Banana Reef.

If you don’t know how to scuba dive, don’t worry. You can take your PADI certification if you attend this 3-day course ! If you’re looking for things to do in Hurghada then I highly recommend scuba diving!

11. Take a stroll to Hurghada Marina

The Marina is one of the most popular Hurghada tourist attractions and it’s not hard to see why! Boasting a scenic walkway, spectacular views of the Red Sea, and luxury yachts, you won’t run out of things to do here.

Whether you’re looking to take in the fresh sea air, dine in a seaside restaurant, or browse in the shops, Hurghada Marina has something for everyone. The Souk (one of the traditional markets) is a great place to explore and buy souvenirs from.

With over 20 restaurants and bars along the marina, you won’t be short of food options either. One of the best restaurants in the area is Luca Pub & Grub . Just make sure to add this place to your Hurghada itinerary!

10. Visit Hurghada Aquarium

The aquarium is one of the best places to visit in Hurghada if you’re looking to learn about the local marine life, especially if you’re not a fan of getting in the water yourself.

Hurghada Aquarium is an aquarium like no other, with an indoor rainforest, a mini zoo, a fossil exhibit, and a traditional Arabian tent, alongside its marine and freshwater exhibits. Whether you’re simply looking to marvel at marine life, dive with sharks, or learn about one of Egypt’s fascinating paleontology sites, this place has something for everyone.

Hurghada Aquarium is open 7 days a week from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, and the last entry is 6:30 pm although there’s too much to see to arrive this late.

9. Be amazed at Sand City Hurghada

Sand City is one of the more unique Hurghada attractions but it’s definitely worth a visit! It’s the only open-air sand and sculpture museum, not just in Africa, but in the Middle East too.

With over 20 sculptures depicting historical figures and events, and another 20 ‘Wonderland Art’ sculptures, there’s a lot to see here. During your time in Sand City, you’ll get to see a variety of sand sculptures that represent Egyptian Gods, marvel movies, and significant historical events.

If you’re still not convinced, then there are often workshops and events held here that are a big hit with the little ones. Sand City is open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm!

8. Go on a dolphin-watching cruise

There are plenty of fantastic places to see in Hurghada, but there are also lots of magical experiences awaiting you here too! During your time in this beautiful resort town, you NEED to head out on a dolphin-watching cruise.

This cruise not only allows you to watch the dolphins, but you’ll also be able to get in the water and snorkel with them. It’s a magical experience that you don’t want to miss! The cruise also includes lunch, snorkeling equipment, soft drinks, fresh fruit, and WiFi. You can even try your hand at some water sports like the iconic banana boat.

If you’re looking to go dolphin-watching whilst in Hurghada then this is a great option!

7. Learn how papyrus is made at Selkhet Papyrus

If you’re wondering what to do in Hurghada, then I can’t recommend this experience enough! Selkhet Papyrus is the largest papyrus gallery in Egypt and is named after an Egyptian Goddess. It’s the perfect place to learn about hieroglyphics and watch papyrus being made, which was used as a type of writing material in Ancient Egypt.

An experience at Selkhet Papyrus will make you feel like you’ve been transported back in time, which is why it’s such a big hit with travelers. During your time here, you can also pick up a handmade Egyptian painting made out of Papyrus which is quite the souvenir!

Selkhet Papyrus is open Monday-Sunday between 10:00 am – 7:00 pm.

6. Enjoy a Mega Safari in the desert

Egypt is famous for its deserts and Hurghada is no different! In fact, it’s one of the best places in the country if you’re looking for a bit of adventure. This desert safari tour will allow you to explore the area by ATV and visit a traditional Bedouin village!

Psst, please avoid riding camels if you see that they’re not taken care of. I loved our ATV tour through the desert, it was a lot of fun!

All taxes and entrance fees are included in the tour price, as well as transfers to and from your hotel, a professional guide, and tea. There are endless Hurghada activities to choose from, but an ATV tour through the desert is definitely one of the most adventurous!

5. Visit Mini Egypt Park

As the name suggests, Mini Egypt Park is essentially a ‘mini-version’ of Egypt and other world-famous destinations. It offers a completely different experience from the other more traditional museums that are found in the country.

Mini Egypt Park is home to 60 works of art that have been donated to the museum over the years so there’s a lot to see. If you can, head to this place at the start of your trip as you’ll get to see endless mini-versions of Egypt’s top attractions. This way you can work out what you’d like to see!

Mini Egypt Park is open Monday-Sunday between 10:00 am – 7:00 pm. Make sure to visit it, it’s one of the top attractions in Hurghada!

4. Visit Hurghada Museum

If you’re looking for things to do in Hurghada then don’t miss out on visiting the town’s museum! Hurghada Museum is home to hundreds of historic items and antiquities that depict the history of Ancient Egypt and the Pharaohs. This makes it the perfect place to learn about the country!

There are five main exhibitions at the museum; Ancient Egypt, Greco-Roman, Coptic Period, Islamic Period, and Modern Egypt. All of them are worth a visit so don’t rush your time here.

Hurghada Museum is open twice during the day; 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, and 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm.

3. Take a day trip to Cairo and admire the pyramids

If you’re only spending time in Hurghada, rather than exploring other parts of Egypt then you need to take a day trip to Cairo! Cairo is a 5-hour drive from Hurghada so to make the most of your time here, you’ll want to book a tour .

This full-day trip has a duration of around 16 hours and will take you on a tour of Cairo and Giza. You’ll get to see the iconic Pyramids, visit the Egyptian Museum, and see the Sphinx, among other places. You can even choose to add a River Nile cruise onto your tour for the best experience!

2. Explore Eden Island

Eden Island is one of the top tropical destinations in the country and is known as the ‘Egyptian Caribbean’. It’s located just off the mainland from Hurghada and is one of the most popular places in Egypt for snorkeling , swimming, and sunbathing!

When I visited Eden Island , I was amazed by how beautiful the water was. It had an incredible color! Also, I loved the beach bars and the prices. Visiting Eden Island is a budget-friendly activity!

For the best experience, you may want to book an Eden Island tour and this tour is a fantastic option. It includes a boat trip so you’ll get to admire the stunning turquoise waters, a guided snorkeling excursion, and a buffet lunch.

If you’re looking for places to see in Hurghada then don’t miss out on Eden Island, as this place is known for its diverse marine life. You can read more about this place in my article .

1. End the day on a stargazing tour

Last but certainly not least, you’ll want to spend some time stargazing while in Hurghada. If you decide to do this, not only will you get to experience the desert’s true beauty, but the night sky will take your breath away.

This desert-stargazing adventure will take you on an exciting jeep ride into the desert, where you’ll be treated to a BBQ dinner while you watch the sunset. Then, you’ll get to admire the night sky and you’ll have a professional astronomy guide with you at all times. They’ll teach you everything you need to know about the milky way, outer space, and star science.

You’ll even get to use a professional telescope!

Where to stay in Hurghada

When it comes to hotels and resort, you’ll find a wide range of options in Hurghada. Small hotels, huge resorts, boutique hotels – you name it! There is something for everyone!

I’ve been searching for the best accommodation options in Hurghada, for those who’re looking for a good value-for-money stay and these are my recommendations:

Budget – Panorama Bungalows – beautiful resort with clean rooms and good amenities, friendly staff, close to Hurghada city
Mid-Range – Fort Arabesque – excellent for snorkeling, spacious and clean rooms, all-inclusive option, great food, beautiful pools
Luxury – Rixos Premium – incredible resort with multiple pools and restaurants, luxurious rooms, excellent amenities

If you’re wondering what to do in Hurghada, then you’ll have plenty of options! Whether you’re looking to head out on a cruise of the River Nile or go on a desert safari, this incredible place has something for everyone.

There are so many fantastic things to do in Hurghada, so for the best experience, I’d recommend spending at least 4 days here! I stayed an entire week in Hurghada and I didn’t get bored for one second!

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section below. May the travel bug bite you!

Aurelia Teslaru is a professional travel blogger and the writer behind Daily Travel Pill. With a 4-year experience as a travel writer and photographer, Aurelia only shares travel guides about destinations that she visited.

She has been to more than 40 countries during the past 10 years and aims to explore 50 countries before turning 30 years old. Aurelia is a digital nomad who transformed her passion for travel into a lifestyle. Read more about her here .

To follow her adventures, check out her Instagram and Facebook pages!

Go Parasailing

Submarine ride.

Visit Mini Egypt Park
Take a Trip to the Valley of the Kings
Visit Karnak Temple

Tips and Tricks

Things to do in hurghada.

On our list of things to do in Hurghada Egypt you will find mostly trips. We’ll also let you know what is worth visiting in Hurghada, things we had no time do to, but wish we had seen. One thing you should know is that you won’t be able to take trips everyday. It’s exhausting. For example, if you plan on seeing they pyramids, that takes a whole day. The next day you’ll be so worn out, you’ll probably sleep half of it.

We’ll tell you what we did on each day spend in Hurghada, Egypt.

Booking your trips

To start off, I would like to mention that everything is negotiable. Even the prices for the trips are negotiable. You can try to go as low as half of the price and negotiate from there.

If you find the prices are too high, you can book them with another tour operator. We’ve had friends that have used GetYourGuide and ended up better than booking at the hotel. We’ll post offers from GetYourGuide for each trip we made, so you can see the costs and compare them to the local guide’s, if you plan on going to Hurghada Egypt.

Orange Bay Hurghada Day Trip

We opted in for an Orange Bay Hurghada day trip, for our second day. It’s an 8 to 9 hour long trip, that will keep you occupied for the whole day.

You leave the hotel with a bus, at a given time, and head to Tito’s marina. At the said hours, you need to be either at the reception or in front of the hotel. This goes for all the trips you book. When you pay for the trips, they will give you a paper for each one. You need to have that paper with you when you leave, because it will be given to the driver or guide.

From the hotel to the boat, the drive lasted around 30 minutes. We got off at the small port, and embarked.

For the Orange bay Hurghada trip, you will have lunch included, which will be savored on the island. Free drinks are included on the boat. Bring your sunscreen, as you will need it! Also, there’s a stop for snorkeling to see the reefs and fish that swim in the sea.

The sea is crystal clear. You will be able to see everything down there, so be sure to bring your equipment. We had ours, but we also saw they had some on the boat. Also, if you’re not a good swimmer, ask for a vest.

On our way to snorkel, we passed Mahmya Island and Paradise beach.

After snorkeling, the boat would sail to Orange bay, where you will stay around 3 hours. That’s more than enough, because there isn’t much to do there.

There are multiple bars and places you can sunbathe on poufs, so bring your towels. The beer was around 7 EUR (Stela, local beer) and a fresh was 6 EUR.

Lunch was great, as we had various options to choose from. There were also local dishes, as well as international. You wouldn’t starve and you could get as much as you wanted.

The sea there is magnificent. You have a hammock in the sea where everyone takes pictures, a swing and lots of walking on shallow water. The sea withdraws and after some hours rises again. It’s a place where you would want to go, if you love the sea. Pictures below for Orange Bay Hurghada.

Visiting Cairo and the Pyramids from Hurghada Egypt

On our second day, we had booked a private tour to the pyramids. The reason why we took a private tour was because we were a total of 8 people, and it would save us some time, as opposed to traveling with a larger group.

Friends had warned us about this trip. They told us that they would get up at 2 am and reach the hotel back at around the same time. This was because when traveling with a larger group, some want to stay more in one place, and the guide will have no option but to do that. So if some want to stay more visiting the museum, then all have to stay. If some want to ride the camel at the pyramids, then they all have to wait.

Although it is not suitable for children, we had 2 kids around 5 years old that were just fine. They slept while going to Cairo, and the whole way back. As a consequence, we wouldn’t say it’s not suitable for kids, but definitely not suitable for babies!

We left the hotel around 3am and were back by 22:00. The hotel had packed us lunch, as we were told we could have it to go. So the evening before, we informed the reception we would be heading to Cairo and they had the bags ready for us. It wasn’t something I would call lunch, but more of a snack. The actual lunch was included in the trip in Cairo .

Visiting Cairo and the pyramids from Hurghada is something you should do only if you’re keen on seeing the pyramids. I, myself, would have rather visited Luxor, but we did that on our next trip there. I’ll explain later why it was not a must see for me.

On your way from Hurghada to Cairo, the bus will stop several times for checks. There are military filters that check the passengers and make the drivers stop to rest for 10-20 minutes. The drivers are not allowed to drive for long hours, thus they are obligated to stop. It’s a safety thing and I thought it was a good thing. The bus will also stop in some locations where you can use the restroom. Don’t be afraid to use them, they are cleaner than I have seen in other European countries.

During our drive, the guide told us a lot about Egypt and how it has expanded in the last 7 years. A new city was being built next to Cairo. They’d call it the New Cairo and all the public institutions would be moved there. It would be a high tech city, connected to the old Cairo by electric train. They were also planning on building a new airport next to the pyramids and move the museum there.

In the last 7 years, over 7500km of new roads were built. And this wasn’t stopping. We saw 14 lane roads at one point, all for one way of driving. Driving from Hurghada to Cairo was made much easier after there roads were built.

He also told us new cities were being built in the desert. We saw one where they were building a private college, and a whole campus around it. It was enormous. Wind mill farms were planted in the desert. Expansion is the word for all of Egypt now, if you ask me, after seeing it.

When we arrived in Cairo, we couldn’t believe the traffic. It was like nothing I had ever seen. It was chaotic! Cars looked like they all had their own driving rules, went from one lane to the other without signals, there were no traffic signs and I had only seen one traffic light. They would sometimes come so close to the bus, you thought they would hit us. Two actually did, but everyone carried on. No one was mad. Pedestrians crossed the street wherever they could. Someone was driving on our lane, but opposite way. They would just honk and be on their way. Until you actually see it, you cannot imagine this even exists. Moreover, you cannot understand how they can even function this way. But they do.

The guide told us before that being a private tour, we get to do and stay as much as we want everywhere. He said we could visit the Papyrus institute, a factory perfume shop, a shop from where we could buy clothes made of Egyptian cotton (factory shop), cruise on the Nile, the Cairo Museum and the pyramids, plus take a tour on the camels. We chose all of them, minus the camel ride. We had that included in our safari tour for the following days. Also, the Nile cruise would be an extra 10 EUR per person.

The papyrus institute in Cairo

The papyrus institute can be skipped. After visiting, I would never ever come back. They did greet us with tea. This is something you will see everywhere. They would pour some red (berry maybe) tea and invite you to have some when you arrive.

It’s a small shop-like place, where there’s an Asian looking guy that explains how papyrus is made: how it’s weaved and how much it takes for it to change color and be painted. That takes around 10 minutes.

The guy that explained was so annoying. I was trying to translate what he was saying and he would look at the rest continuously telling them to pay attention. If they don’t want to pay attention, they can leave. We had 2 kids with us and he was annoyed that they weren’t curious about how the papyrus is made. I’m not sure if he’s the only guy there explaining this, but if he is, he will make you feel so bad you even entered the place.

After he had finished explaining, he would push you to a tunnel like room, where papyrus was listed on the walls. And he would shut the door. Neatly framed papyrus, of all sizes, were hung up for display. He turned off the light and we were able to see them glow in the dark. While in the light there was something painted on them, when it would get dark you would see a totally different drawing.

Prices for the papyrus were out of this world, extremely expensive. You will see some prices in Egyptian Lira (E.L.) in the photos below. He told us that he would give us 50% discount on any of them. Still, even with that discount, they were expensive. Even if you would have negotiated to 20% of the price, it would have been expensive. Plus, we later purchased papyrus in Hurghada Egypt at decent rates. We’ll get to that later.

So, if you’re planning on visiting the papyrus institute in Cairo, don’t expect much. At least that is how I felt. Don’t get me wrong, the papyruses are great! A couple of pictures below for you to see.

Factory perfume shop in Cairo

This guy here knew how to do business. We ended up purchasing 8 bottles of perfume from him. Prices were decent and the man would not lower them. Scents are magnificent. We even got his business card and said he could ship to our country anytime.

To start with, you would never find this shop on your own. It’s like a basement. You descent from the street and enter the perfume shop in Cairo. They will great you again with tea. This time he saw we weren’t too fond of that tea so he asked if we would like some coffee instead. We all agreed to that.

He spoke our language which was a nice surprise. After we got a sip of coffee, he started explaining to us that these scents could help with various problems, like sleep issues, headaches, back pain and so on. He also started listing the names of famous perfumes that he had replicated there, in a manner that you would not be able to tell which one is which.

After giving us several samples to sniff and tested on our skin, we were addicted. The scents were wonderful. It was not your average perfume, but an oily essence, packed in a painted glass bottle. You just had to have one! Or, as in our case, several.

The perfumes were sold in groups of four. You couldn’t purchase one, just 4 of the same quantity. That is you could have 4 bottles of perfume, but with different scents. We took 4 smaller bottles of Jasmine and Lotus flower (2 bottles of each) packed in a nice box, and 4 larger of Ramses and Nefertiti (2 of each) packed in a velvet red box. The smaller ones cost 60 EUR and the larger ones 110 EUR. He also added some very small but elegant perfume bottles that we could later use as a gift.

We were kind of afraid that once we got home we would find that the perfumes would be changed, or somehow altered, but it was not the case. Those were the same perfumes we tested, so don’t be afraid to purchase from the perfume shop in Cairo. They were all sealed with a tape, to prevent them from leaking. As for the prices, they were very good, compared to other places we went. As an example, we bought just one large bottle of perfume from Hurghada Egypt, which ended up costing us around 72 EUR – way more expensive. And we also couldn’t negotiate that one. He just gave us an extra bottle, a smaller one, half the size as extra.

If you plan on taking a trip from Hurghada Egypt to Cairo and love perfumes, then his factory perfume shop is something you shouldn’t miss!

Egyptian cotton shop

This is yet again something you might want to skip. It’s just a shop where they have doubled the prices or more for clothing and some accessories.

Being our first visit to an actual shop with clothes made out of Egyptian cotton, we had to purchase something. I ended up spending 15 EUR for a small t-shirt which I planned on gifting to my 1 year old niece. They asked for 25 EUR at first and I ended up purchasing it for 15 EUR. I thought I made a bargain, but I later found that the t-shirt were being sold at 6-8 EUR.

If you plan on getting something from the Egyptian cotton shop in Cairo, make sure to really negotiate. If they ask for 25 EUR, you can get it at 8EUR for sure. Don’t let them intimidate you.

I don’t have any photos from this location, as it would be your normal clothing shop. Nothing worth photographing.

Cruise on the Nile

For 10 EUR per person, you can take a short cruise on the Nile in Cairo. There isn’t much to see, except abandoned floating restaurants that give you the feeling that there was once something marvelous there.

It’s a short ride, with the wind blowing, that will make you relax. All you’ll see are buildings, palm trees and some hotels. We maybe could have negotiated the price too, since we were a larger group, but we didn’t try to do it. We just went with it.

Visiting the pyramids in Cairo from Hurghada Egypt

We didn’t come all the way from Hurghada Egypt to Cairo not to see the pyramids! But before we did that, we stopped to have lunch with an awesome view. The place had the windows facing the pyramids. Food was great as we were also famished. It took a while from Hurghada Egypt to the pyramids, so we were hoping for a nice meal, which we had. Drinks not included, just so you know.

Now, the pyramids are everything you see in the pictures and just that. The guide advised us about visiting them inside, as there was nothing to see. Inside the pyramids there are no hieroglyphs, no paintings on the wall, nothing. You just go inside a narrow tunnel and come back. At a certain point you would need to actually crawl, as in gets lower. And that’s all there is inside to see.

Another thing you should be careful about is those people trying to make you ride the camel. They will tell you it’s free to ride the camel, but what they don’t tell you is that it costs you to get off it. The guide told us that we should stay away from them and just ignore them. They would make you hop on the camel, start a tour with you, and when you’re a bit far away and want to come back they would ask for money. Sometimes it would cost you 100 EUR to get off the camel. Don’t try it, at least not without your guide next to you.

We toured the pyramids and then went to see the Sphinx with the bus. We saw an amazing panoramic view at the top, where the guide showed us some other pyramids far, far away. There are multiple pyramids all over Egypt, but these are the ones that are the most marketed.

Visit the pyramids only if you’re actually keen on seeing them. If you’re more interested in knowing the history of Egypt, go to Luxor and Aswan. That’s where the magic is!

Visiting the Cairo Museum

This is something you should not miss. It packs all the history in Egypt, and if you have a great guide like we had, you will leave with enormous information.

It’s full of ancient relics, tombs, mummies and golden masks that each tell a tale.

Before you enter the museum, you will see a pool of lotus flowers and papyrus outside. They represent the South and the North: Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt. The lotus flowers symbolize rebirth, as they would close during the night and blossom again in the morning. They would also be associated with the sun God – Ra. On the other hand, papyrus is associated with growth, youth and freshness . Placed together they depict the unification of Egypt.

Don’t be frightened by the long line that awaits to enter. It moves fast and you’ll be in the Cairo Museum in a few minutes. You’ll walk freely there, but be sure to pay attention to the guide. He’s your main source of information and will walk you to the most important artefacts in the museum, so you don’t waste your time.

Did you know that pharaohs didn’t exactly look like their statues? They weren’t tall or muscular? Even their faces were different. This was because the Egyptians looked at pharaohs as Gods, and thus they represented them through imposing and beautiful sculptures. There’s one life size statue of a pharaoh in the Museum and you’ll see they were kind of normal sized.

Today, King Tutankhamun’s mummy is in the Valley of the Kings, but his golden mask is still on display in Cairo’s Museum. By late 2022 it is said the museum will be moving to a location closer to the pyramids and a new airport will be built there.

Until then, upon entering the current Museum in Cairo, you will have to scan your luggage, backpack, anything you have on you. It’s a security measure, don’t worry. This is kind of normal throughout Egypt.

After we finished touring Cairo, we left for Hurghada Egypt. We didn’t realize how tired we were, but we slept most of the next day. Traveling from Hurghada Egypt to Cairo to visit it, is a bit exhausting. But, given that we slept the entire night, and we had a bit of rest while coming back to the hotel, made it less discomforting. It was worth it.

And I almost forgot to mention that at the end of our trip, when we were reaching the hotel, the guide told us that if we wanted we could tip the driver and him. He handed us 2 envelopes for us to place the tips. We all tipped them a total of 20 EUR the driver and 70 EUR the guide. We appreciated all the attention he gave with explaining the recent history of Egypt, how he warned us about not going for a camel ride without us, how he cared for us at the museum and all of that. We didn’t appreciate the driver that was talking on the phone and almost crashed us into another bus, if we didn’t scream about it.

Safari in Hurghada Egypt

This is the trip I loved most from Hurghada Egypt, taking a safari. We embarked again on a bus, but this time it wasn’t a private safari. You can also opt in for that, but we thought it would be much more interesting if we went with a larger group. Given that the 2 kids and their parents didn’t go, we were 4 out of 8 and it was better with a group.

What you do in the safari: go around the desert with a buggy, an ATV and then visit a Bedouin site, where you get to ride a camel.

The safari in Hurghada Egypt started around 10 am and we reached the hotel back at around 19:00, so you could say it was a full day. They picked us up at the hotel and rushed us at the safari site, where they had the ATVs, buggy and other cars to transport you to the Bedouin site.

Before going inside the place, the bus would be scanned and the driver would report how many passengers he had and from where. This became normal for us, when we did trips. We grew accustomed by now. The same thing would happen when you left the site.

When arriving at the actual location, the guide would talk a bit about Hurghada Egypt and if you would have any questions, we would answer. Not included in the safari cost were the googles for the wind and the scarf for your head. Renting the googles would be 2 EUR each and to purchase a scarf would be 4 EUR each. It summed up to 12 EUR for us and we gave the guide a 20EUR paper. He wrote on his paper the change he would have to give us back and left. The guide later forgot about giving us the change, but we kindly reminded him at the end of our whole trip and he excused himself for forgetting and paid us back 8 EUR. He didn’t forget, and we all know that.

We got to drive in the desert for around 40 minutes maybe, on ATVs. I have no idea when time flew by. We stopped to take photos with our phone, as you couldn’t take photos while you were on the ATV. The wind blew so much sand, it was obvious we couldn’t handle it without the googles and scarf.

There was another guy that took photos and filmed the entire time, from the start of the safari until the very end. Be careful in the end when he will charge you 25 EUR for the photos. He’ll take 13 EUR. Also, if you’re in a larger group, tell them that only you want the photos. This is because they will place the photos in bulk on a stick, so you will all have them! This is a tip we wish we knew before. We actually realized that after we paid the money, that there was no way he would remember which one is which, so the photos will all be on the stick, as they were.

After the ATV ride which you could take by yourself, or 2 on the ATV, you would try out the buggy. This car was so rudimental, that you had to start it by connecting two wires, just like you see in the movies! But boy, did it run! It was much more comfortable then riding the ATV, but you still had to keep your googles and scarf. Again, you followed the group in the desert and would wave at the cameraman whenever he was around you.

After that, you would hop in a car that was more like a van. You sat in the back on a bench and hung onto anything you could. Around 8 people could fit in, so it was us 4 and a family with 2 kids. The kids were no older than 4 years, maybe less, and one would start to feel sick, but was okay in the end.

Now there is a reason as to why that kid felt nausea. It was because of the driving. That van would go up the hills and dive down like you have never seen before. If there was a steep hill, that driver would climb it. And the desert didn’t lack them. He could go around them, but the feeling was fantastic. It was like going to an amusement park. That was the best ride I had in Hurghada Egypt! I would recommend taking a safari trip in Hurghada Egypt anytime!

When we arrived at the Bedouin site, there wasn’t much to see. We were greeted with their traditional tea, which resembled more with a black tea. We have no idea what it was, but we’re still here. You should try sipping from it, just to see how it is.

They also had a sort of a pharmacy with medicinal plants and ointments. The guide told us that the “doctor” skills were passed down from generation to generation. There were bags filled with plans and the doctor told us that they were collected from the desert and used to treat diseases. He told us about each plant and then invited us to buy. The costs were around 5 EUR for a bag filled with plants, or ointments. We bought an ointment that was supposedly going to help with our back pains. It did absolutely nothing. It smelled like one of those Chinese yellow balms if you’re familiar with them, but less pronounced.

On the same table there would be some bracelets hand made by the Bedouins themselves, so they said. One bracelet would be 3 to 5 EUR and a hand made camel would strip you off of 10 EUR. Negotiation is the key, so if you ever actually want to buy something, be sure to have that in mind.

Anyway, I started wondering from where all of those were collected, given that the desert was just sand and wind. You might think that all of that is staged and even that it’s not actually a Bedouin site. I’ll explain why. First of all, the guide told us that the Bedouin women cannot be photographed with other men. They can be photographed with other women instead. Same goes for the men: not to be photographed with other women. Actually, the Bedouin women and men were kind of not allowed to even make eye contact with people of the opposite sex.

In this Bedouin location we found a woman that was making traditional bread. You could even taste it after it was done. It was something made from grains, that were grounded with a stone, by a very small girl. She would flip it several times for it to cook, and it would come out the size and thickness of a pancake. It was actually pretty good to taste. Everyone took photos with the lady cooking the bread and the little girls, even men. You had a plate where you could tip them. Yes, everything is based on tips, as I mentioned in the beginning.

After you had tasted some Bedouin bread, you went to ride the camel. It was just a few feet from the location. You would hop on the camel and take a short ride. The person, man or woman, that held the harness would ask for your phone to take pictures of you. Of course, once they handed your phone back, they would expect a tip. We gave him 1EUR. Most of us did so. Some gave 2EUR and they received a big hug. You went to ride the camels in pairs of 2, no more and no less.

After this we could all buy some Cola or Fanta at a local sort of shop, for 2 EUR and then head back to the truck. The ride back was the same as it was to get there, like a rollercoaster!

When we got back, people were preparing dinner and we had yet again plenty to choose from. Of course, we didn’t forget to tip the driver before dropping us off to the site. The night ended with a show: belly dancing, a flame thrower and a guy that swirled around in a traditional costume – which I loved. The atmosphere was so nice, the wind a was blowing a bit, people were eating, drinking and socializing.

Before the show, the guide would walk to everyone with the cameraman and told them about how much it would cost them to buy the photos. He also had 1 photo printed out for each family, which would cost you 3EUR – a ripoff if you ask me, but we took it as a souvenir, as I told the guide he owed us some money from the googles and scarves. I left him 5 EUR as tip.

All in all, this safari trip in Hurghada Egypt was the best time I had there. I have no idea how time went by and it got dark. It was an experience totally worth it.

Bedouin tradition

The guide also told us in the beginning about the Bedouins. He talked about how they came to Egypt, running from wars in their countries. The Bedouins had no rights whatsoever. They were not allowed to live in the cities, not allowed to go to hospitals, to the police and so on. They were exiled in the desert because they came with lots and lots of animals and they couldn’t fit it. So, they settled there.

It was later when their former president Mubarak granted them permission to marry Arab women, go to the hospitals, police, and settle in the cities – but this was, of course, without their animals. Given the fact that this was the only lifestyle they knew, living in the desert, they never moved.

Bedouins have their own law and a sort of a chief. When they have issues, they don’t go to the police, they go to their chief and he decides how things are handled.

Also, you can trade camels for women. That’s a true fact. Marriage is tricky, and they can get married as young as 13-14 years old. Maybe even younger. The marriage can be imposed on them, and they would have nothing to say, or there is a ritual.

Let’s say the mother has found a suitable man for her daughter. They will both meet at a sort of a tea ceremony. The girl’s face is covered with a vail, but when she pours the tea for her and the man, she lifts the vail. If the man likes her and wants to marry her, he will taste the tea. The same goes for the girl. If she likes the man, she will sip the tea. Both have to like each other in order to marry. If one of them doesn’t sip from the tea, the girl puts back her vail and that’s that.

Other Bedouins marry their children without them ever meeting. And they cannot oppose the marriage, they are just told that they would be marrying that person. They would have nothing to say about it.

Hurghada Egypt city tour

On our sixth day, we decided to tour Hurghada Egypt with a group. It was an organized trip, given as a bonus to us. It was a bonus probably because we didn’t negotiate well on the other trips and they thought to give us something in return, because we paid too much. If they don’t give you any bonus trips, you can say you negotiated better than us!

The Hurghada Egypt tour included a trip at the marina, the mosque, a Christian church, a candy shop where the prices were non negotiable, a visit to their local market place and go shopping in a shopping center – again, non negotiable. Non negotiable meant that you would be paying the price that was displayed. Nothing extra, no tips. Fair prices for tourists, not doubled or tripled, as seen in other touristy locations.

The trip started around 12:00 and lasted a few hours. Keep in mind that the actual city is not where the resorts are located. It takes about 35-40 minutes to reach it by bus.

Hurghada Egypt Marina

Hurghada Marina is actually a pretty nice spot to visit. It has nice terraces along its main path. You can enjoy a stroll with a wonderful view of the Red Sea.

If you’re only doing the tour of Hurghada, unfortunately you won’t be able to sit down and enjoy a coffee there. There’s no time for that.

Parked there are yachts, small boats and submarines or sea scope boats for tourists. You can embark with a group to see the amazing underwater life. Sadly, we didn’t have the opportunity to do so, but from others had told us, it’s worth a ride.

Hurghada Egypt El Mina Mosque

From the Marina you can actually see the El Mina Mosque. It’s not so far and you would expect to simply walk to it. Instead, you will hop in the bus again and it will leave you in front of it.

While passing to see the mosque, you will also get a glimpse of the fish market in Hurghada Egypt. There are lots and lots of fresh fish there, piled one on top of another. The guide also told us that you can have you fish prepared there and eat it. It looked delicious.

Before entering the mosque, women had to wear a long dress with long sleeves and something that would cover your head. It costs 1 EUR to rent one. You will be shown a small room with dresses on hangers and a guy would just give you one. Mine was for a woman that would have been one meter taller than me. I could barely walk in it.

Once you have your dress on, you will exit the room into the mosque’s front yard. Before actually entering it, you would have to take off your shoes and go barefoot. It was a nice feeling, as the floor had some sort of foam cushion under the rug.

The guide explained to us that each mosque would have a nice with a certain shape, that would be pointing towards the Mecca. That’s the way they have to pray, towards that direction. More precisely, towards the sacred Kaaba in Mecca. Every Muslim prays towards the Mecca, anywhere they are.

Women are not allowed to pray with men. In the first rows sitting in the mosque there would be men, followed by children. Women had a separate place where they would pray, upstairs. If the mosque didn’t have a separate place for women, they would pray in the corner.

You could also find brochures about Islam in several languages, for free. You can take them with you and read them in your own time.

After you finish your tour, as a woman, you go back to that room outside to change. You take off the dress, place it on the hanger and leave.

Coptic Cathedral of Saint Shenouda

With stained glass and long benches to sit on, this church is small in size, but the story that the guide told us made it feel so spacious.

Going back a while ago, ‘coptic ’ used to mean Egyptian and Christian as well. Nowadays, when you say you’re Coptic, you mean you’re Christian. In the old days, there were hardly any Muslims in Egypt so their was no need for distinction.

This church also serves as a hospital and educational center for the needy ones, which we found was heartwarming.

If you haven’t visited this church, honestly, you haven’t missed much. It’s just a nice church where you’ll get some extra (but interesting) information from your guide.

Candy shop El Zahraa

It’s a small but delightful shop, where you will be able to buy chocolate at decent rates. We took 3 small boxes of chocolate that had some figurines taped, referencing Egypt. They were all 18 EUR.

You were greeted with some chocolate samples you could try and they had an ice cream display at the door, which you could also taste.

We later found that the same brand had a shop in the Airport, in the food court area. Worth buying to gift to your loved ones back home.

Local Market

Before we entered the local market, the guide told us that we had to follow him and not stop anywhere. And so we did. We were in and out of the Hurghada Egypt market in 2 minutes or less.

The market was packed with fresh vegetables and fruits. In a corner you could see cages that held chicken, rabbits and other small creatures.

The prices were all listed for every visitor to see. Egyptians would normally tour the market at least once, before even purchasing anything. We found out that they eat fresh food, and barely taste anything that is frozen.

Hurghada Egypt Shopping center

From the market we headed straight to the shopping center. This was much closer to our resort, so we passed by the airport and headed back.

The shopping center was actually in Hurghada Museum. It kind of looked like it was closed and abandoned. And that’s because it was closed, but the shopping gallery was open. At least for us it was.

At first, we thought we would go to their mall for shopping, Senzo mall. One guide told us it was the largest in that area. But, we ended up at this gallery instead.

It was a gallery with a few shops: clothes, silver, perfume, papyrus and other souvenirs. You would take a trolly and put everything in it, and pay at the counter – where you came in.

There were some locals there that would help you with your purchases and convert Egyptian Lira to EUR or USD so you would kind of know how much it would cost you. It was like you had your personal shopping assistant. They would advise what to purchase, look for the sizes, add it in the trolley and walk with you in every shop. For that, we tipped 2 USD at the end.

We were first kind of reluctant to buy anything, thinking it would be expensive. But when we reached the counter and the cashier said it summed up to about 140 EUR, we went back to make some more shopping.

T-shirts were 6-8 EUR, dresses the same, some costing up to 14 EUR depending on the quality of the material. We bought 2 silver pendants for 18 EUR. We also bought a papyrus which was 6 EUR and it was beautifully placed in a papyrus box, as opposed to the exorbitant prices at the papyrus institute in Cairo. Perfumes were more expensive than those we found in Cairo, but there was a scent we had not sniffed back there and we liked it, so we took it. Magnets, keychains, everything else was at a very decent rate so we bought everything we liked.

We ended up with two loaded bags for around 250 EUR. That’s 6 adult t-shirts, 2 small t-shirts for kids, 2 perfume bottles (one large and one small, given as “bonus”), 3 long dresses, one pair of slit trousers, around 8 magnets, 1 papyrus, some 2 keychains, 1 cola and 1 pepsi can. The 2 silver pendants were paid separately and the perfume alone was around 75 EUR. There might have been something else we bought, but I don’t remember at this time. In the end, we thought it was worth it!

We went parasailing in Hurghada on our third trip. We stayed at a 4 stars hotel this time, because we booked 14 days of relaxation and you can read here about Labranda Club Makadi review .

The booking was made with a local operator that had an office in the resort and it cost us 35 EUR per person for one ride. They would take you to sea with a boat at the settled time and then you will change boats – hop on the parasailing boat. There, a few other people will be waiting their turns.

The parasailing itself doesn’t last long, but it’s a memorable and fun experience. We thought we’d give it a try since this was something we wanted to do years back. They will strap you in a harness with a life vest and up you’ll go! A photographer will be there to take a few photos (like 50 of them) and charge you 10 EUR per session. He’ll try asking for 20 EUR, but you can bargain for a decent price.

If you have kids, don’t worry. They will enjoy the ride as much as you’ll do. Be sure to have them looking up and not down, as they might get sick.

One thing you’ll thank me later for telling you: they will dip you 1-2 times in the sea, so make sure you hold on tight to your underwear 😀 We saw other parasailing rides that just dipped your toes, but this guy had us all in!

This was another awesome thing we did, when we went to Sentido Pam Royale – which was much closed to Safaga than Hurghada. But if you’re in Hurghada and you’re wondering what to do there, then make sure to book a submarine ride! This also included a snorkeling stop, but we loved seeing the fish and turtles from the submarine! We never got off for snorkeling. The underwater life is amazing there so make sure you don’t skip this!

You might be thinking it’s something the kids will enjoy, but we loved it too! We went with the Sea Scope submarine on the Read Sea for 3 hours, and pricing was 35 EUR/person – we did not negotiate this, but you can try if you feel it’s worth less.

What to do in Hurghada – Take a Speed Boat

If you’re feeling bored after so many days off at the beach, you can try taking a tour of the shores with a speed boat. It’s both relaxing and fun and you might even get to drive it – we had that luck!

On this tour, they will also stop the boat in a gorgeous spot where the sea is turquoise and shallow and you can swim and take pictures. This was right in the middle of the sea! You can even see the crabs and small fish swimming with you! Pricing wise, I remember paying 100 EUR for the boat – we were the only ones on it.

Tour Mini Egypt Park

If you don’t plan on visiting all of Egypt, then this park might just be what you need to see the highlights! Although it is slightly a tourist trap, just because they charge you too much for what it’s worth, it’s a great way to read about Egypt’s history and take pictures with the monuments.

The replicas are well made, but the whole so called park is rather small to begin with. After we went inside, the moment we stepped in, we felt a bit sorry.

First of all, it’s Egypt, you have very high temperatures there, and there’s absolutely no shade in this park! You don’t have any bars or anything from where you can purchase a bottle of water. There are no trees or anything at all. We were lucky enough we had some water, but we visited at around 14:00 and it was just impossible to admire the miniatures because of the sun and overwhelming heat.

Secondly, it was just empty, like deserted! I guess we saw a couple walking at some point, but I’m thinking they left when they saw what it was about. We’ll post a video on our 7DaysAbroad Youtube channel where we’ll show you the whole park. I got to film it as I was walking, just so you’ll have an idea if it’s worth visiting or not.

If we probably would have visited in the morning or late afternoon, it would have been so much better. It might have been one of the reasons why nobody was there – we were literally melting. But, leaving that aside, we found the park interesting and the miniatures well made. They respected the scale or the original monument and they all had a tablet written in a few languages.

If you’re in Hurghada and looking to visit the mini Egypt park, you should know it’s like 22km away from Hurghada, in Makadi Bay. In the middle of nowhere, as I would say. Prices are very high for one ticket – like around 30 EUR and you will need to get there yourself. You can also book on their website and they will pick you up from your hotel.

do not drink tap water. Or any water besides bottled water. Egypt doesn’t have drinking water and you will have stomach problem;
be careful what you eat. Food is not bad, it’s just your stomach that might not be used to new things;
take mosquito repellent, you’ll need it;
SPF +50 sunscreen is a must;
do not buy souvenirs from touristy places as they are expensive. Buy them from malls or shop galleries. Or, if you want, you should negotiate. A fair price would be at least half of what they are asking;
do not go on a “free” camel ride at the pyramids. There’s no such thing as “free” in Egypt. They will charge you up to 100 EUR to take you down from the camel;
tip the staff at the hotel, it will do you wonders;
drivers and guides expect tips at the end of the trips;
do not pack towels with you. You have towel cards at the hotel and you can exchange them for towels;
everything is negotiable.

If you have any questions regarding our trips, just leave a comment and we’ll be sure to answer! Have a safe trip, wherever you plan on going!

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Hurghada travel guide

Hurghada tourism | hurghada guide, you're going to love hurghada.

Hurghada has developed from a small fishing village into Egypt's most popular seaside resort. It has superb beaches, great diving, and is a good choice for those who want to combine a beach vacation with visits to Egypt's famous archaeological sites.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Hurghada

1. watersports.

Hurghada is a great place to try out all sorts of watersports, from scuba diving and snorkeling to parasailing and windsurfing.

2. Adventure Sports

Hurghada doesn't just offer fun in the sea. You can try quad biking in the Sahara, camel riding, and BBQ with local Bedouins.

3. Hurghada City

Get to know your surroundings with a tour of Hurghada City, taking in the bazaars, Big Mosque, port area, and the Church of St. Mary.

4. Boat Trips

Take a trip on a glass-bottomed boat to see the fabulous reefs and tropical fish, or explore the uninhabited islands of Big and Little Gifton.

5. Local Delicacies

Hurghada offers lots of opportunities to try the local specialties like the hibiscus drink of karkaday, sheesha, or a refreshing chai.

What to do in Hurghada

1. new marina: where the magic never ends.

Located in Hurghada, Egypt, New Marina is a heaven on earth. Experience the beautiful sight of the large ships at the harbor, engage your taste buds in a variety of delicious dishes at the numerous hotels available, sample all your favorite drinks at the bars in sight and shop all you want at the chic malls such as Abanoub Jewellery and Al Nol. You can also take part in exciting sports such as scuba diving.

2. Giftun Island: Unwind in Style

Giftun Island is an island located in the Red Sea. This remarkable mass of land is home to warm lagoons, coral reefs, and pristine beaches. Immerse under the calm turquoise waters and treat your eyes to all types of sea life such as dolphins, and fish with dazzling colors. Have a tasty dish of fish, sunbathe as you take in the attractive landscape and swim within the magnificent surroundings of the subtropical island.

3. Hurghada Grand Aquarium: Make a Date with Amazing Creatures

Started in January 2015, Hurghada Grand Aquarium houses over 1,000 animals and 100 species. For just $12 watch interesting creatures such as eagle rays and green sea turtles in action. Come eye to eye with riveting reptiles and colorful crustaceans, take part in a refreshing activity of scuba diving in the aquarium, grab something delicious to eat at the unique aquarium café and watch animals such as snakes in the beautiful mini zoo.

4. El Mina Mosque: Explore Muslim Beauty

El Mina Mosque is a uniquely large and incredible monument in Egypt. Learn about the fascinating Muslim religion, get a chance to share in the simple Muslim attire, engage the friendly caretaker in a series of questions, get awestruck at the impressive designs in the mosque and have some quiet alone time with Allah after understanding his tolerant Sharia. Take some lovely photographs of the mosque from the large and elegant domes.

5. El Gouna Beach: Experience Limitless Leisure

Located in Egypt, El Gouna Beach is an oasis of fun opportunities that suit everyone. Enjoy the refreshing sun as you relax on the warm sand and take part in fun activities such as kayaking. Take advantage of the fast winds and fly kites or swim into the vast waters and mingle with the friendly dolphins. Engage in a game of golf and after that, visit bars such as Bartender in the evening. Here, you get to move your body to some lovely mixes as you savor the cold drinks.

Activities & attractions in Hurghada

Where to Eat in Hurghada

The Nubian Cafe on the Hurghada Marina Promenade offers Egyptian cuisine such as tagens, with mains from E£25. White Elephant has Thai dishes, again on the Promenade, with mains from E£60.

When to visit Hurghada

Hurghada has a subtropical desert climate with hot summers and warm winters. November-February are good months for those who prefer milder weather.

How to Get to Hurghada

The city is served by Hurghada International Airport (HRG), which has international connections with Europe and the Middle East and domestic services from Cairo and Sharm el-Sheikh. A taxi into town will cost around E£30 or you can take a minibus from E£5.

Route 65 is the main highway into Hurghada from Cairo. The road is long and straight and the trip takes around seven hours, but driving conditions can be challenging for foreign visitors.

Hurghada has regular bus services from Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, and Aswan. The trip from Cairo takes around seven hours and costs from E£100.

Airports near Hurghada

Airlines serving hurghada, where to stay in hurghada.

The Triton Empire Inn on Hospital & Sayed Korrayem St has modern rooms and excellent pools and amenities on the beach. The Dana Beach Resort on Sahl Hasheesh Road is another quality resort hotel, popular with visitors.

Popular Neighborhoods in Hurghada

Sahl Hasheesh - this is located on a pretty bay with lots of islands, an artificial reef, good beaches, and plenty of hotels.

Dahar - this is old center of the town and has a number of interesting markets offering fish and local products.

Scaffold District - this is the area around the old port, which is the center for clubs, restaurants, and shopping.

Where to stay in popular areas of Hurghada

Most booked hotels in hurghada, how to get around hurghada, public transportation.

Hurghada does not have any official public transport but a fleet of white minivans will take you almost anywhere for E£2.

Taxis in Hurghada are poorly regulated and meters can be unreliable. It is best to agree upon the fare with the driver before your journey begins and have the correct money ready. A typical trip across town will cost E£10-E£20.

Roads in Hurghada are modern and well surfaced but driving habits can be unpredictable. Car rental is from E£550.

The Cost of Living in Hurghada

Shopping streets.

Sekalla High Street and the bazaars of el Dahar are where to look for local goods and souvenirs, while the New Marina has more international brands.

Groceries and Other

A quart of milk in Hurghada costs E£11 and a loaf of bread is E£2.50.

The Top 10 Things To...

The Top Things to Do and See in Hurghada, Egypt

Make sure to stroll by the Marina during your time in Hurghada, Egypt

The city of Hurghada has year-round sunshine, white-sand beaches and plenty to do (or not do), whatever your bag and your budget. It’s got a killer location by the waters of the Red Sea, and, as a holidaying destination, it’s incomparable. Here are the best things you can do in Hurghada, the heavenly resort town in Egypt .

Go diving in the caves of the careless reef.

Diver watching many different fishes on a coral block, Makadi Bay, Hurghada, Egypt, Red Sea, Africa

Visit the Abdel-Moneim Riad Mosque

Watch the sunset at the hurghada marina boulevard.

Architectural Landmark

Marvel at sand sculptures at See Sand City

Hurghada, Egypt. 4th July, 2021. A sand sculpture is seen at the Sand City in Hurghada, Red Sea province, Egypt, on July 4, 2021. Credit: Ahmed Gomaa/Xinhua/Alamy Live News

This open-air museum, just outside Hurghada centre, has two distinct concepts. One focus is on historical and mythological art, borne out in ancient sand sculptures that depict various stories and celebrated military leaders among legendary characters. Contrastingly, there’s Wonderland Art, a display of Walt Disney statues and figures from children’s stories. Compressed sand and water are used in the construction of each figure, which, once set, get finished with varnish. Your children can learn how to do this at the Magic Castle, while you take a breather at the coffee shop.

Learn to windsurf or kitesurf

Building, School, Sports Center

Hurghada, Egypt. November 19 2018 Kitesurfing Kiteboarding action photos man among waves quickly goes. A kite surfer rides the waves.

If you’re the type who can’t idle on holiday, wiggling your toes in the sand, try learning to windsurf or kitesurf for a breath of fresh air. Whichever activity you sign up for, Hurghada is one of the best locations in the world for beginners. Harry Nass Hurghada Windsurf & Kitesurf Center will soon have you up and running – it has direct access to shallow waters and, crucially, a standing area on the sandbanks of a small bay, where you learn to balance before taking the plunge. Instructors are professionally accredited, and safety equipment is all present.

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Wave hello to sharks at Hurghada Grand Aquarium

Explore the monasteries of st anthony and st paul.

The Monastery of St Anthony was founded by St Anthony’s disciples in the fourth century CE, just a short distance beneath the cave where he lived. When you visit it today, Deir Mar Antonios, as it’s also known, is an impressive sight. It is a high-walled complex with several churches, a bakery and a well-cultivated garden with shady trees, and it is the oldest functioning monastery in the world. The resident monks will guide you around the Church of St Anthony, which is the oldest part of the monastery and built over the saint’s tomb. The church contains one of the most significant collections of Coptic (Egyptian Christian) wall paintings in Egypt. Neighbouring St Paul’s is smaller and gets fewer visitors – but it is serene and holds more Coptic art.

Eat Bedouin food in the desert

Restaurant, Egyptian

Hurghada is a bustling resort town – and, sometimes, you’ll fancy an escape from the action. Heading out into the sands of the Egyptian Desert is a tranquil, atmospheric experience. Take a tour in a 4×4, which culminates in a sizzling barbecue prepared according to local Bedouin tradition. You’ll pass through arid plains and enter deeper into the hot wilderness, completing the last stretch on foot. You’ll meet Bedouin people in their ancestral territory before feasting on traditional barbecue dinner as the sun sets.

Go diving at Giftun Island National Park

Natural Feature

Coral reef with Giant Gorgonian or Sea fan and scuba diver, Hurghada, Giftun Island Reef, Red Sea, Egypt. Image shot 2015. Exact date unknown.

This is one of the best-loved boat excursions in Hurghada: head out east from Hurghada to the Giftun Islands to don snorkels and masks and explore. Part of a marine reserve, it teems with colourful marine life lighting up the clear waters, while endangered bird species flap overhead. Surrounding this biodiverse spot are a number of spectacular reefs, where intermediate to advanced scuba divers can get down deep with the wildlife. Alternatively, just flop under a palm-frond parasol on the white sand, and top up your tan.

Visit Sindbad Submarines

We all love a yellow submarine – and, sure enough, Sindbad has its fleet in bright, sunshiney colours, whisking you down 22m (72ft). It’s a comfortable, dry way to observe the life aquatic. During the 50-minute underwater odyssey, you’ll see intricate, exuberant coral formations and rainbow-vivid tropical fish. Panoramic windows mean amateur Attenboroughs are guaranteed great shots and videos.

Andreea Pavaloiu contributed additional reporting to this article.

Places to Stay

The best hotels to book in hurghada, egypt.

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Panoramic seascape on colorful Marina promenade street from Red Sea with moored motor yachts. Marina, Hurghada, Egypt.

Things to Do in Hurghada: A Guide to Top Activities, Attractions, and Hidden Gems

Hurghada, once a modest fishing village, has transformed into one of Egypt’s premier beach destinations, renowned for its Red Sea coral reefs, vibrant marine life, and sun-soaked shores. For those contemplating things to do in Hurghada, embarking on a diving or snorkeling adventure in the Giftun Islands, a protected marine area, and wandering through the bustling streets of El Dahar, the old part of the city with its traditional bazaars and eateries, are top recommendations.

The city’s Marina Boulevard, with its line-up of modern cafes, shops, and yachts, offers a glimpse into Hurghada’s contemporary side. Nearby, the Hurghada Grand Aquarium showcases the diverse marine species of the Red Sea, providing an educational experience for families and marine enthusiasts.

Beyond its coastal attractions and vibrant urban life, Hurghada serves as a gateway to the Eastern Desert’s landscapes and ancient sites. For those seeking the best places to visit in Egypt , Hurghada’s blend of underwater wonders, beach relaxation, and desert adventures makes it a standout destination.

Table of Contents

Attractions & Things to Do in Hurghada, Egypt

1. giftun islands.

Wooden Pier at Orange Bay Beach, paradise coastline of Giftun island, Mahmya, Hurghada, Red Sea, Egypt.

The Giftun Islands are a popular attraction for visitors to Hurghada. They are a group of islands off the coast of Hurghada, known for their beautiful sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. It’s a great spot for snorkeling, diving, and sunbathing.

Travel Tip: Don’t forget to bring your snorkeling gear and a camera to capture the beautiful underwater world.

2. Hurghada Marina

Beautiful architecture of Hurghada Marina in Egypt.

Hurghada Marina is a modern marina located in the center of Hurghada. It is home to many shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it a great place to spend an afternoon or evening. You can also take a stroll along the marina and enjoy the beautiful views of the Red Sea.

Travel Tip: Visit in the evening when the area is lively with locals and tourists.

3. Makadi Water World

Makadi Water World is a large water park located in Hurghada. It features over 50 different water slides and attractions, making it a great place for families and kids to have fun. There are also several restaurants and cafes inside the park.

Travel Tip: Make sure to wear water-resistant sunscreen and bring a hat and sunglasses for protection from the sun.

4. El Dahar Square

El Dahar Square is the old part of Hurghada, and it is full of life and character. You can find many traditional Egyptian goods here, from spices to leather goods. It’s a great place to experience the local culture and do some shopping.

Travel Tip: Remember to haggle when shopping, as it is a common practice in Egypt.

5. Hurghada Grand Aquarium

The Hurghada Grand Aquarium is a large aquarium that features a wide variety of marine life from the Red Sea and other parts of the world. It’s a great place to learn about the marine life of the region and see some amazing creatures up close.

Travel Tip: This is a great place to visit on a hot day as it is air-conditioned.

6. Sand City Hurghada

Sand City Hurghada is an open-air museum featuring incredible sand sculptures created by artists from around the world. The sculptures depict various scenes from Egyptian history and mythology, as well as famous landmarks from around the world.

Travel Tip: Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the amazing artistry of the sculptures.

7. Desert Safari

Safari on jeeps and quads in a desert in Egypt near Hurghada.

A desert safari is a must-do activity when visiting Hurghada. You can take a jeep or quad bike tour of the desert, and experience the beauty and vastness of the Egyptian desert. Some tours also include a visit to a Bedouin village, where you can learn about the traditional way of life of the desert people.

Travel Tip: Make sure to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.

8. Mahmya Island

Mahmya Island is a beautiful island located off the coast of Hurghada. It is a protected area, and is home to many species of birds and marine life. The beaches are pristine, and the waters are crystal clear, making it a great spot for snorkeling and relaxing.

Travel Tip: Bring your own snorkeling gear and a camera to capture the beautiful scenery.

9. Submarine Tour

A submarine tour is a unique way to explore the underwater world of the Red Sea without getting wet. You can see a wide variety of marine life, including colorful corals and fish, from the comfort of a submarine.

Travel Tip: This is a great activity for those who are not comfortable with snorkeling or diving.

10. Hurghada Museum

Jackal-headed wooden canopic jar for the storage of organs at Hurghada new museum.

The Hurghada Museum is a new addition to the city, and features a wide variety of exhibits on the history and culture of Egypt. It is a great place to learn about the history of the region and see some amazing artifacts.

Travel Tip: Make sure to check the opening hours before you visit, as they may vary.

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Hurghada, Egypt: Ratings

Kid-Friendly Activities in Hurghada: 8/10 – Hurghada offers numerous family-friendly activities, including water parks like Makadi Water World, the Hurghada Grand Aquarium, and various snorkeling and diving trips suitable for children. Many resorts have kids’ clubs and entertainment programs, making it an excellent destination for families.

Nightlife in Hurghada: 8/10 – Hurghada has a vibrant nightlife scene with a variety of bars, nightclubs, and beach parties. Areas like the Marina Boulevard and Sheraton Street are popular for their lively nightlife options, including live music, dance clubs, and relaxed beachfront bars. The city’s nightlife caters to a wide range of preferences.

Sport in Hurghada: 9/10 – Hurghada is a hub for water sports, including snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, and kiteboarding. The Red Sea’s clear waters and rich marine life make it ideal for underwater activities. The city also offers desert safaris, quad biking, and golfing, providing a broad range of sports and adventure options.

Culture and Attractions in Hurghada: 7/10 – While Hurghada is primarily known for its beach and water activities, it also offers cultural attractions such as the Sand City Hurghada, Coptic Church, and trips to nearby ancient sites like Luxor . The city hosts cultural festivals and events, adding to its appeal.

Gastronomy in Hurghada: 8/10 – The food scene in Hurghada is diverse, featuring Egyptian cuisine and a wide range of international options. Fresh seafood is a highlight, with dishes like grilled fish and calamari being popular. The city has numerous restaurants and street food vendors, catering to various tastes and budgets.

Shopping in Hurghada: 7/10 – Shopping in Hurghada includes modern malls like Senzo Mall and traditional markets such as the Dahar Souk, where visitors can buy spices, textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs. The city offers a mix of traditional and modern shopping experiences, suitable for different preferences.

Prices in Hurghada: 7/10 – Hurghada is relatively affordable, with reasonable prices for accommodation, dining, and activities. The city provides good value for money, making it accessible for both budget and mid-range travelers.

Average price for a hotel night: $70 Cost of a lunch at a local restaurant: $10 Price of a beer: $3 Price of a coffee: $2

Beyond the City: Exploring Surroundings and Stays in Hurghada, Egypt

For those looking to explore beyond the Red Sea’s coral reefs, top day trips near Hurghada lead to the wonders of Egypt’s Eastern Desert. The monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Paul, nestled in the mountains, offer a spiritual journey, while the desert safaris to Bedouin villages provide a glimpse into the traditional life of the region’s indigenous people.

When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay, Hurghada accommodations cater to all desires, from all-inclusive resorts that offer every imaginable amenity to cozy dive lodges that specialize in underwater adventures, ensuring that every traveler finds their ideal home base for exploring the Red Sea’s treasures.

FAQ About Things to Do in Hurghada, Egypt

What are the top attractions in hurghada.

Some of the top attractions in Hurghada include the Giftun Islands, Hurghada Marina, El Dahar Square, and the Hurghada Grand Aquarium.

Is it worth taking a desert safari in Hurghada?

Absolutely! Desert safaris in Hurghada offer a unique opportunity to explore the Bedouin lifestyle, enjoy quad biking, and witness the stunning desert sunset.

Can I go scuba diving in Hurghada?

Yes, Hurghada is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Numerous dive centers offer courses and trips suitable for both beginners and experienced divers.

Are there any historical sites near Hurghada?

While Hurghada is primarily a beach resort, the nearby city of Luxor is rich in ancient Egyptian history, with temples and tombs that can be visited on a day trip.

What are the popular water sports in Hurghada?

Hurghada offers a plethora of water sports including windsurfing, kite surfing, jet skiing, and parasailing among others.

Are there family-friendly activities in Hurghada?

Certainly! Families can visit the Hurghada Grand Aquarium, take a submarine trip to view the coral reefs, or enjoy the many beaches and water parks in the area.

What local foods should I try in Hurghada?

When in Hurghada, you should definitely try traditional Egyptian dishes such as koshari, molokhia, and fresh seafood from the Red Sea.

Are there any cultural events or festivals in Hurghada?

While Hurghada is mainly known for its beach activities, various hotels and resorts often host traditional Egyptian nights, belly dancing shows, and folkloric events that introduce visitors to the rich culture of the country.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurghada https://www.getyourguide.com/hurghada-l403

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David Zacik

I like to travel and I run a website about interesting places, food, countries and customs, sharing practical tips and inspiring others. Follow me on YouTube and Instagram .

Egypt: Pyramids, Nile Cruises & History

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Things To Do In Hurghada – A Guide To The Top Experiences

If you’re looking for a perfect place to relax and soak up the sun, Hurghada is the ideal spot. You can find plenty of things to do here, including exploring the ancient ruins and enjoying the stunning views. You can also spend your time swimming in the clear waters or taking a day trip to one of the nearby villages. Whatever you choose to do, make sure to enjoy yourself in this beautiful destination! Here are some of the best things to do in Hurghada to get you started.

This post contains affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to buy anything from them. This is at no extra cost to you and In doing so you help to keep this site running, so thank you in advance.

Things to Do in Hurghada Table of Contents

Go for a cool dip in the hot summer weather.

When considering activities in Hurghada, do you prefer to chill out with some company in the pool or enjoy a drink in the gardens? If yes, you will love Hurghada’s warm and humid summer weather. From May to August, this weather is characterised by hot, humid weather and many tempting options for the soul. You can indulge in some swimming and use the pool’s cooling temperature. Your hotel might even have a swim-up pool so you can keep hydrated and cool at the same time.

Explore the ocean without getting wet with a Submarine Tour

Things to do in Hurghada - Sinbad Submarine Tour

Are you looking for a unique way to explore the coastal waters of Hurghada? Sinbad Adventures offers submarine tours that take you on a journey beneath the surface.

Since 1994, Sinbad Adventures has provided exciting submarine tours around Hurghada and its surrounding islands. On board the vessels, guests can explore sunken treasure chests and see different coral reefs and marine life up close. The tours are interesting for children and adults, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way, and are one of the best things to do in Hurghada.

The best time to embark on a Sinbad submarine tour is during the high season when the weather is warm and clear. Alternatively, you can also book a tour at low tide if you prefer more tranquillity. Regardless of when you choose to take a tour, be sure to bring your swimsuit!

Stroll along the Hurghada Corniche and the Marina,

Things to do in Hurghada egypt, talk a walk along the marina

The Hurghada Corniche and the Marina are two of the most popular destinations in Hurghada. The Corniche runs along the coastline, while the Marina is at the water’s edge. Both offer stunning views of the sea and a variety of activities, including swimming, sunbathing, and shopping. From finding authentic restaurants to just enjoying the views of the Marina, an afternoon here is a great place to go sightseeing in Hurghada.

Take a day trip to Orange Bay on the Giftun Islands.

The Giftun Islands are a beautiful place to visit and the perfect spot if you’re looking for a day trip from Hurghada. Turquoise waters, golden sandy beaches, and plenty of exciting and quirky attractions are set within modern wooden architecture designs. Grab some drinks or snacks or even shop for some traditional souvenirs. The Orange Bay national park is one of the most raved-about things to do in Hurghada.

Why not take a boat trip that includes snorkelling and lunch, and you’ll have a day filled with fun and relaxation? You can even get one that includes a banana boat ride or island-hopping around the wider Giftun Island.

Related read : Orange Bay Egypt, A Day Trip To Paradise

Take a day trip from Hurghada to Cairo.

Hurghada to Cairo Day Trip - camel ride at the giza pyramids

The cultural city of Cairo is only a day trip from Hurghada. The drive is easily doable in a single day, and there are plenty of sights to see. Start your journey in Hurghada and visit the lively markets for local souvenirs or enjoy discovering the artefacts at the Egyptian Museum.

Next, drive through the palm-lined streets of El Gouna before arriving in downtown Cairo. You’ll find the famous Giza Pyramids, mosques, palaces, and other ancient sites here. Spend the afternoon exploring this fascinating city on foot or taking one of the many available tours. While the journey may be long if you’ve exhausted the attractions in Hurghada, a trip to Cairo will undoubtedly shake things up.

Related read: Hurghada to Cairo Day Trip – Discover Egypt’s Culture

Take a day trip to Luxor.

Things to do in Hurghada, take a trip to Luxor temples

Consider a Luxor day trip if you’re looking for an unforgettable day trip from Hurghada.

Luxor is a city in Upper Egypt renowned for its ancient temples and tombs. There are many things to do in Luxor, including visiting the temples, getting lost in the markets, exploring the banks of the Nile River, or simply soaking up the atmosphere at one of the town’s many restaurants.

You can easily get to the city by bus or taxi and explore its famous tourist attractions. Highlights include the Temple of Karnak, the Great Sphinx of Giza, and the Valley of the Kings. Luxor is one of the best things to do in Egypt, so make time in your itinerary to visit.

Go Quad Biking in the Desert

Things to do in Hurghada, quad biking in the desert

Daring quad bikers will love quad biking tours in the deserts of Hurghada, Egypt. ATV tours in Hurghada take you through rolling dunes; some even take you onto secluded beaches. Depending on your chosen provider, you can include camel rides, tea, or food at traditional Bedouin villages or visit top landmarks next to the coastline.

With a knowledgeable guide at your side, these fun Hurghada activities will ensure you have a blast as you zip through this fascinating destination’s hidden corners and dunes.

Take a desert safari to a Bedouin village.

Things to do in Hurghada, Bedouin Village

If you’re wondering what to do in Hurghada, a desert safari to a Bedouin village is a unique and unforgettable experience. The Bedouins are one of the Middle East’s oldest and most traditional cultures. They live a simple life, hunting and gathering, in small villages scattered across the desert.

In addition to being a unique cultural experience, a desert safari to a Bedouin village is also an excellent way to get close to nature. The Bedouins are some of the most nomadic people on earth, constantly on the move in search of food and water. You’ll get to see their unique way of life up close, and you’ll be able to learn about their history and culture.

Go stargazing at night.

Looking up at the night sky in Egypt is a must-do for visiting the country. There’s no better way to spend an evening than gazing at the stars above.

While you can do this at your local resort, taking a stargazing tour in Hurghada is better. Be sure to choose a clear night to see the unobstructed views of the stars. On particularly clear nights, you may be able to see faint objects beyond our galaxy, such as Virgo and Draco.

Try Hurghada’s famous hummus .

If you love hummus, you will love the summer heat in Hurghada. Khalil’s famous restaurant in the Old Town is loaded with it. You can expect to pay between Rs. 1,500 and Rs. 2,000 for a dinner or night set. The menu offers diverse options, but the iconic hummus is still one of the best sellers. You can expect a lunch set from around Rs. 1,500 and a dinner set from around Rs. 2,000. First, register for a table through a recommended online source or phone. Then, you can also order off the menu.

Relax at a hotel spa

Some people prefer to relax in the hotel spa, while others prefer to relax on the beach. Most big hotels, resorts, and even smaller accommodations have an on-site spa. From fish spas to Hamman baths, there is something for everyone. While many spas offer standard treatments, some offer up-scale pampering sessions that feature treatments such as deep tissue, hot stone massage, and much more.

Plan a spa visit or facial early on in your Hurghada trip; cleansing your skin coupled with the hot Egyptian weather is good for you.

Go Scuba Diving in the Red Sea .

The Red Sea is one of the world’s most popular scuba diving destinations and certainly one of the best things to do in Hurghada. It offers divers a wide variety of dive sites, each with unique character and beauty. With more than 150 sites to explore, PADI diving in Egypt’s red sea can offer an incredible experience.

Some of the best dives in the red sea include the wrecks of shipwrecks, including MV Paradise Star and MV Zenith; coral gardens and mangrove habitats; and spectacular caverns filled with colourful fish and coral. The clear waters and calm seas make it perfect for novice divers and experienced scuba enthusiasts. There are also plenty of accessible dive sites that offer excellent photography and underwater exploration opportunities.

Most resorts will have in-house dive sites where you can take your open-water PADI diving certificate at a much lower cost than doing it in other countries. Diving is something you don’t want to miss off your Egypt itinerary , so consider booking a dive in advance to secure your spot:

Eat Local Cuisine

things to do in hurghada, taste the local cuisine

The city has so many options that it isn’t easy to choose just one. However, if you are in the mood for local cuisine, try the dhabba at Jasmine, hummus at Khalil, or eat at Al-Mansur in Old Town. You will be spoilt for choice when eating local cuisine in the country.

Vegetarianism is on the rise in Egypt, with more and more people choosing to eat without meat. There are many local, authentic vegetarian dishes to try while in Hurghada. So, whether you’re a vegan or just looking for something different, try local veggie dishes such as koshari, a rice and lentil soup famous around Egypt.

Related read: Best vegetarian dishes in the world

Haggle for some bargains at the Hurghada markets and souks

things to do in hurghada, markets and souks

Regarding shopping, the markets and souks provide brilliant sightseeing in Hurghada and are a great place to shop. Some people may be vary of visiting the markets, worrying whether Hurghada is safe , however aside from some overly-enthusiatic vendors you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.

Within these lively spaces, shoppers can find unique and interesting items, from traditional Egyptian souvenirs to locally made jewellery and textiles. A wide variety of food is also available, from freshly cooked shawarma sandwiches to mouth-watering falafel bowls. t. So, whether you’re looking for something specific or want to explore everything on offer, the markets and souks of Hurghada are worth a visit.

Visit one of the Shopping Malls.

If you’d rather cool off in air-conditioned shopping centres, or want to escape haggling for a moment, then visit one of the many shopping malls in Hurghada:

3 Pyramids Shopping Center
Hurghada City Centre Shopping Center

Like most malls, these shopping centres have great restaurants and food stalls, indoor market stands and traditional shops stocking various practical items and clothing.

Things to do in Hurghada in Conclusion

If you’re looking for things to do in Hurghada, there are many places to go sightseeing or activities to enjoy. From world-renowned diving sites to ancient tombs and archaeological sites, there is something for everyone in the town. One of the best ways to explore Hurghada is on foot, so take a stroll down the main street or head out to the harbour for some swimming and sunbathing. When it’s time for lunch or dinner, don’t forget to check out one of the local restaurants – they serve some delicious Egyptian cuisine! There’s no need to worry about being bored in Hurghada with all this to choose from.

Whatever your plans in Hurghada be sure to read up on travel tips for Egypt to be prepared (and excited) for your visit.

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Best of all, booking through me doesn’t cost you any more, and you often will get access to the agent only deals. So what are you waiting for? Contact me for a no-obligation discussion about your dream holiday.

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How to Visit Hurghada, Egypt's Popular Red Sea Resort Town

If you're planning to visit Hurghada, you will find information about hotels, transport, day trips, and more below. Hurghada (Ghardaga in Arabic) was once a sleepy fishing village and is now a booming resort town on Egypt 's Red Sea Coast. Hurghada is a good diving destination, with coral gardens and fantastic shipwrecks to explore. It's a very fine place for those looking to enjoy the beach, sun, and an active nightlife at a reasonable price.

If you're looking to dive in a quieter location check out Marsa Alam , and if you want to go more upmarket, check out El Gouna . Hurghada is still adding more hotels to its 20km beach, so parts resemble a construction site and you have to take care when choosing a hotel. Hurghada is very popular with Russian and German tourists.

Hurghada is split into three sections. The northern end of town is El Dahhar which is where most of the budget hotels are located. This is the most "Egyptian" part of town, there are souqs, local restaurants, and general authentic bustle. Al-Sakkala is Hurghada's midsection; it's crowded with hotels on the beach and lower-end establishments in the back. South of Al-Sakkala is the resort strip, filled with high-end resorts, half-finished resorts, and some Western-style shops.

Where to Stay in Hurghada

There are more than a hundred hotels to choose from; most people opt for a package that includes their flight and accommodation. The hotels listed below offer good access to the beach and water sports and get good user reviews.

Budget: Triton Empire Inn, and Sol Y Mar Suites.

Mid Range: Iberotel Arabella and Jak Makadi Star and Spa

Luxury: Hurghada Marriott Beach Resort, Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh, and Citadel Azur Resort.

Hurghada Activities

Watersports - you can dive, snorkel, kiteboard, jet ski, and parasail. Responsible dive shops that help protect the coral reefs include James and Mac, Subex, and Divers Lodge.
Submarine Tour - Explore the underworld without getting wet.
Giftun Island - Take a boat trip out to the island for lunch and enjoy snorkeling and the lovely Mahmya beach.
Desert Safaris - Organize a trip into the desert on a quad bike, a 4x4, or on the back of a camel.

Getting to and From Hurghada

There's an international airport in Hurghada (code: HRG) with direct flights (including many charter flights) from Russia, Ukraine, England, Germany, and others. Egyptair offers domestic flights to Cairo . The airport is about a 20-minute drive from the center of town.

By land, you can take a long-distance bus from Luxor (5hrs) and Cairo (7hrs).

By sea, you can catch a ferry to and from Sharm el-Sheikh.

14 Very Best Things to Do in Hurghada, Egypt

Looking for cool things to do in hurghada don’t forget to check out this list of the very best things to do in hurghada, egypt ..

Hurghada is one of the most popular travel destinations in Egypt. With cheap rates and a sun guarantee, the city attracts many travelers every single year.

In fact, Hurghada is the oldest and most famous resort in Egypt with the most beautiful coastlines and excellent hotels. Most people do not leave their hotel during the vacation, but that’s a real shame. Because there are so many fun and memorable things to do in Hurghada and the surrounding area.

I must admit that I’m not exactly the biggest fan of Egypt. It’s a breathtaking and adventurous country , but I felt very insecure because of the intrusive Egyptian men. However, it must be said that there are extremely different attitudes about whether people feel insecure in Hurghada or not.

Egypt is either a place you’ll hate or love. There’s not really anything in between. The only way to figure out how you feel is by visiting Egypt and getting your own impressions . Even though I’m not the biggest fan of Egypt, you’ll still get a list of the very best things to do in Hurghada, Egypt.

14 Best Things to Do in Hurghada - Endless Travel Destinations

Table of Contents

The best things to do in Hurghada:

1. el dahar bazaar.

In the Old Town of Hurghada, you’ll find the El Dahar Bazaar, an authentic bazaar with real Egyptian touch. This old area is filled with narrow streets, old buildings, and colorful shops . The bazaar is brought to life every day from around noon to late evening.

Inside the bazaar, you’ll find a myriad of small stalls selling all sorts of traditional Egyptian goods. You can simply buy everything from rugs, clothes, and spices to hookahs, brass, and more. When visiting the El-Dahar Bazaar, be sure to negotiate the price . It isn’t uncommon to reduce the price to half the starting price. The authentic atmosphere in the bazaar definitely makes it one of the best things to do in Hurghada.

2. Diving and snorkeling in the Red Sea

One of the best things to do in Hurghada is to dive or snorkel in the Red Sea. The Red Sea is actually known to be one of the best places in the world for diving and snorkeling! It’s absolutely amazing to see the beautiful coral reef and the thousands of colorful fish below the surface of the sea.

If you want to settle for snorkeling in Egypt, I highly recommend this full-day snorkeling trip from GetYourGuide . The trip involves you being sailed around the Red Sea with the opportunity to jump into the sea at several different locations. If you’re lucky, you might even spot free dolphins frolicking in the waves. The trip also includes a longer stopover at Giftun Island as well as a delicious lunch onboard the boat. It really is a great and cheap full-day trip that’s incredibly popular.

Diving in the Red Sea - Endless Travel Destinations

3. Mini Egypt

Mini Egypt is located just outside Hurghada and is an open-air museum with miniature models of Egypt’s most famous buildings and monuments. Here you can learn about Egypt’s exciting history and architecture without having to travel around Egypt.

When visiting Mini Egypt, you can see miniature models of many iconic buildings. For example, you can see the pyramids of Giza , the great temple complex of Luxor, and more. If you’re interested in a visit, you can book this trip to Mini Egypt from GetYourGuide . One of the best things about the trip is that you don’t have to think about transportation as it’s already included in the trip.

4. Water sports activities

Hurghada is an extremely popular destination for water sports activities. The Red Sea has the best conditions for great experiences at sea. At the various resorts and beaches of Hurghada, you can find all kinds of water sports activities . Here you can rent everything from jet skis and banana boats to kayaks and canoes. You can also try parasailing, windsurfing, and more. Trying out some of the water sports activities is definitely one of the best things to do in Hurghada.

14 Best Things to Do in Hurghada - Water Sports Activities - Endless Travel Destinations

5. Sand City Hurghada

In a hotel area just outside the city, you’ll find Sand City Hurghada. This is an open-air museum with a large number of sand sculptures . The large sculptures are very impressive and are made by artists from several countries. You can find mythological sculptures, Disney animated sculptures, superheroes, and much more. Sand City Hurghada is a fun attraction in Hurghada and well worth a visit.

6. Hurghada Marina

Hurghada Marina is a lovely and modern marina with a wonderful atmosphere . It’s one of the best things to do in Hurghada at night as it really comes to life after dark. Along the marina promenade, there are countless great restaurants, bars, and shops just waiting to be explored.

Slip past Hurghada Marina at sunset, enjoy the atmosphere and the last rays of the sun over the Egyptian landscape. It’s really beautiful when the sun goes down in the Red Sea! You can also enjoy the sight of fine and expensive yachts , drink Egyptian tea, or smoke some hookah.

7. Makadi Water World

Just outside Hurghada is Makadi Water World, one of the largest water parks in Egypt . Here you’ll find more than 50 water rides and activities, swimming pools, and much more. You can also find several different water slides, one of which has a free fall.

The water park also offers a children’s pool with a pirate theme, a lazy river, and so much more. If hunger strikes, you can slip past the restaurant with fast food already included in the entrance ticket. How smart! A visit to Makadi Water World is seriously one of the funniest things to do in Hurghada , Egypt.

8. El Mina Mosque

Close to Hurghada Marina, you’ll find the El Mina Mosque. This isn’t only the largest but also the most beautiful mosque in Hurghada . The magnificent mosque is located on the waterfront and is decorated with white marble and beautiful architectural carvings. There are also two tall minarets, each about 40 feet high.

If there’s no prayer or other religious event, you are allowed to enter the mosque. However, you should be aware that you need to be decently dressed just like at most other religious places. Inside the El Mina Mosque, it’s incredibly beautifully and colorfully decorated with chandeliers, detailed carvings, and Islamic murals . A visit to the El Mina Mosque is one of the most cultural things to do in Hurghada.

El Mina Mosque - Endless Travel Destinations

9. Senzo Mall

Senzo Mall is a shopping mall located about a 10-minute drive from Hurghada. Inside the center, there’s a large selection of local and international shops and restaurants as well as a supermarket. Senzo Mall also has a cinema, slot machines, and an excellent playground for the kids. If you’re looking for shopping in Hurghada, this is definitely the place to go!

10. Go on a submarine trip

One of the most unique things to do in Hurghada is to go on a submarine trip in the Red Sea. When you’re on vacation in Hurghada, you simply must explore the colorful corals and wildlife of the Red Sea. If you don’t like diving or snorkeling, then it’s completely obvious to go on a submarine trip. This way, you can explore the amazing life beneath the surface of the ocean, completely without getting wet. Amazing, right?

The popular submarine in Hurghada is called Sinbad Submarine. This submarine dives into the magical world of the sea at a depth of 22 meters. Onboard the submarine there are 18 panoramic windows and plenty of seating, making it easy for you to enjoy the view. I recommend booking a trip with Sinbad Submarine at GetYourGuide .

14 Best Things to Do in Hurghada - Submarine Trip - Endless Travel Destinations

11. Jungle Aqua Park

Jungle Aqua Park is located just outside the city and is one of the largest water parks in Hurghada . Here you’ll find about 35 water slides and almost as many swimming pools. It’s a true water paradise for the whole family and is among the best things to do in Hurghada on a sunny day.

The many water slides in Jungle Aqua Park all have different adrenaline levels to suit the whole family. There are reportedly 21 water slides for adults and 14 for children. In addition to water slides, there are also children’s pools and many fun water activities for children . You can also find a large selection of eateries in Jungle Aqua Park.

12. Quad Bike Safari in the desert of Egypt

One of my best experiences in Hurghada was a day trip on an ATV in the desert of Egypt . We were each assigned an ATV and drove off into the endless dunes while the sun shone from a cloudless sky. It was eerily hot but also incredibly fun! We made sure to bring scarves and sunglasses, so we didn’t get sand in our eyes, noses, and mouths.

After driving in the desert for some time, we stopped at a small village in the middle of the desert. Here we were allowed to ride camels, smoke hookahs, and drink Egyptian tea in a small house. However, I really regret my camel riding as I’ve become much more aware of animal welfare since then. We booked our desert trip through our travel agency, but you can also book cheap Quad Bike Safari trips from GetYourGuide .

Quad Bike Safari - Endless Travel Destinations

13. Day trip to Luxor

Although Luxor is located about a 4 hours’ drive from Hurghada, it’s still one of the best things to do in Hurghada. Luxor is just one of those places you must see in Egypt at least once. But why, you might be thinking? Because Luxor is the largest temple complex in Egypt ! In fact, it’s often called the largest open-air museum in the world.

When visiting Luxor, you’ll be greeted by an eventful history, beautiful archeological buildings, and ancient royal tombs. Luxor is located on the banks of the Nile which is believed to be the longest river in the world . Thus, it’s obvious to go on a boat trip on the Nile. There are many different day trips from Hurghada to Luxor. However, I highly recommend this full-day trip to Luxor on Getyourguide.com .

14. Full day trip to Cairo

Cairo is the capital of Egypt and offers many exciting sights. Most notable are the ancient and world-famous pyramids of Giza . You’ve definitely already heard of them before! They’re one of the seven ancient wonders of the world and are an absolute must-see sight in Egypt.

You should be aware that Cairo is located far from Hurghada, and it takes a day trip of more than 12 hours to reach it. Even though it’s a long drive, it’s still one of those places in Egypt that you shouldn’t miss. Most travel agencies arrange day trips to Cairo. Alternatively, book GetYourGuide’s popular day trip to Cairo and Giza .

Pyramids of Giza - Endless Travel Destinations

One last remark on this article of the best things to do in Hurghada …. You really should avoid visiting Dolphin World . The dolphins do not feel well in captivity and suffer every single day because the tourists are entertained at the expense of the animals. If you visit Dolphin World, it means you support animal cruelty, no matter what the sellers try to portray you.

That’s all on this list of the very best things to do in Hurghada, Egypt. What are your favorite things to do in Hurghada? What are you looking forward to on your trip to Hurghada? Feel free to leave a comment!

Traveling to Hurghada 5 things you need to know before traveling to Hurghada

Discover our ultimate guide to traveling to Hurghada with ease and joy. From local cuisine to “off the beaten path” attractions, to accommodation for all budgets, and essential Arabic phrases—get prepared for an unforgettable journey.

Your Ultimate Guide To Travelling To Hurghada With Ease And Joy!

1- get acquainted with local customs, 2- health preparations, 3- activities galore in hurghada, 4- currency exchange and business hours in hurghada, 5- best time to visit hurghada, 1- get a taste of hurghada, 2- some hidden gems of hurghada, 3- sleep like royalty or bunk with backpackers, 4- speak like a local: arabic basics, in conclusion, frequently asked questions.

Introduction : Planning a trip to Hurghada? Here are the top 5 things you need to know to ensure a remarkable and trouble-free journey to this spectacular Egyptian destination.

Whether you’re a seasoned travel veteran or planning your first major expedition, Hurghada offers a fascinating blend of culture, culinary delights, and azure beaches for all types of nomads.

5 Things You Need to Know Before Traveling to Hurghada

Before jetting off to this mesmerizing Egyptian city, there are valuable points you need to acquaint yourself with. The enchanting city of Hurghada, nestled on the Red Sea coast, offers a bounty of attractions and cultural delights for its visitors. That’s why we’re delving into 5 things you need to know before traveling to Hurghada.

Before setting off on your journey, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with the local customs and values of Hurghada. Why, you may ask? The deep-rooted respect for their culture and adherence to traditional aspects makes the locals warm to visitors who appreciate and respect their customs. It’s as simple as saying “as salam alaykum” (peace be upon you), which is bound to earn you smiles and nods of approval from the locals.

Before embarking on your Egyptian adventure, be sure to check any mandatory vaccinations or essential medicines required. You wouldn’t want your journey to be marred by health woes, would you? A pre-travel health check-up is a must. Prior knowledge about travel insurance, local medical emergency numbers, and hospitals could come in handy.

Known for its bustling marine life and sandy beaches, Hurghada offers a smorgasbord of activities. Whether you’re a fan of water sports, desert safaris, or if you fancy a visit to the Grand Aquarium, you’re in for a treat. Isn’t it thrilling to know you won’t run out of things to do in Hurghada?

No money, no fun, right? Being au fait with the currency exchange rates, local banking hours, and ATM locations can save you a good deal of bother and assure a smooth, cash-flow-uninterrupted journey. To top it off, knowledge of the general business hours can help you budget your time and plan your activities effectively.

Before traveling to Hurghada , it’s crucial to know the best time to visit. Would you love to soak up the sun or prefer cooler climes? With scorching summers and milder winters, the months from October to April are considered the best time to visit Hurghada.

What you Can Do When Traveling to Hurghada

Your Ultimate Guide To Travelling To Hurghada With Ease And Joy!

Hungry for adventure? You ought to try the local cuisine. Hurghada offers a plethora of dishes, ensuring that your tastebuds have as much a journey as you do!

From the fresh catch of the day served in a local ‘Matbakh’ (kitchen) right by the beach to a fine dining experience at an Arabesque restaurant, there is a delightful variety to choose from. Ever heard of the famed Kushari? A simple dish of rice, macaroni, and lentils, topped off with a tomato-vinegar sauce and crispy fried onions! Sounds delicious, doesn’t it?

Beyond the bustle of the beaches and unfamiliar foods, you can explore the “off the beaten path” destinations. Consider visiting the Coptic Orthodox Church or experiencing a Bedouin family’s warm hospitality in the surrounding desert.

Accommodation options in Hurghada are as varied as the city. From beachside resorts like “Continental Hotel Hurghada” that redefine luxury to wallet-friendly hostels like “Abo Ashara”, Hurghada accommodates every type of traveller.

Wondering how to ask for directions to the nearest falafel stand or a beautiful coral reef for snorkeling in Arabic? Brush up on common phrases and greetings for a truer taste of the local culture.

Could you imagine the warmth you’d receive when you say “ Shukran ,” the Arabic word for thank you?

These are just titbits of what awaits you in Hurghada. Your adventure promises to be a journey of joy and ease—with the right prep, of course! Ready for that unmatched Hurghada experience?

Important links for everyone planning to traveling to Hurghada

Snorkeling VS Diving in Hurghada Discovering Underwater Wonders: All information
Desert Safari in Hurghada: Everything You Should Know
Travel to Egypt vs Turkey: Unlocking Historical Wonders, Delectable Cuisines and unfamiliar Bazaars
The Hidden Gems of Nightlife in Hurghada: Unveiling the Secrets
Understanding Shark Encounters in Hurghada: A Guide to Safe and Enjoyable Visits

traveling to Hurghada can be an unforgettable adventure, provided you’ve armed yourself with the right information and preparations. Enjoy your journey and immerse yourself in the splendid experiences that the city has to offer.

the best way to experience Hurghada or any place in the world is not through a travel guide but with an open mind and heart. So, grab your backpack (or suitcase), and let’s explore this vibrant city together! Shukran.

Highest temperatures range from April to October, with July being the hottest month with an average daily maximum of 39 C.

Currency Exchange Offices in Hurghada open from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Did You Planning a trip to Egypt’s pyramids, Cairo, Giza, Luxor, and Valley of the Kings are worth visiting; it is better to traveling to Hurghada it is closer proximity and offers numerous one-day tours.

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My travel tips for Hurghada, Egypt

annetravelfoodie on January 9, 2023

On this page I’m sharing my travel tips for Hurghada in Egypt. This city, located at the coast of the Red Sea, is very popular with tourists. But I’m telling you how to experience Hurghada, Egypt off the beaten track. With a stay in a boutique hotel instead of in an all-inclusive resort for example. And I’m sharing my tips for what to see, what to do and where to eat.

Boutique Hotel Hurghada Marina

I dislike the big, all-inclusive resorts a bit. So I went looking for a nice hotel that isn’t an all-inclusive resort, but that has a nice location so that you can go out for lunch or dinner nearby. I found the pretty Boutique Hotel Hurghada Marina . It’s located next to the new marina at the start of a strip of restaurants and some shops. It’s a pretty designed hotel with a rooftop restaurant where they serve breakfast and dinner. You can choose for the option to have breakfast and dinner included during your stay. The area is well protected so we felt very safe there.

Olie’s Restaurant Hurghada Marina

Right underneath the Boutique Hotel Hurghada Marina you can find Olie’s Restaurant. A lovely restaurant where we went to quite often. They have comfortable sofas with soft pillows and you look over the boulevard. They’ve got tasty vegetarian dishes on the menu and besides breakfast, lunch and dinner, they also have a nice menu with fingerfood like garlic bread and mozzarella sticks.

Egyptian restaurant Nubian Sky

The restaurants at Hurghada Marina are very touristic, but there are all kinds of kitchens to choose from. Besides Olie’s, I also liked Egyptian restaurant Nubian Sky. When you’re in Egypt, I think it’s nice to eat Egyptian food I think. Nubian Sky also has great vegetarian options. Pictured you see some mezze that we shared: Baba Ganoush, Pita Bread, Falafel and Tahini salad.

Friends Restaurant

The best place for ice cream at Hurghada Marina is restaurant Friends. You can choose your flavor for a cup or a cone, but you can also order one of their sundaes. Pictured you see their Snickers ice cream sundae with chocolate and vanilla ice cream, Snickers, cookies, whipped cream and chocolate sauce.

Diving from Hurghada

Before I went to Egypt, people told me that the Red Sea is one of the best diving spots in the world. I’ve got my PADI diving certification, so I went on two dives in the Red Sea. There are several good diving schools in Hurghada. We went with Sea Gate and had an excellent experience with them. Dutch Marieke and Egyptian Khaled are the owners of this diving school in Hurghada. I loved it that Marieke speaks Dutch so that we could do all the communication in Dutch and that I knew that all the diving equipment would be well maintained. We had two very pleasant dives. Although it was quite busy with other boats at the spot we went to, you didn’t notice that underwater. The water was very clear and we saw quite a few nice fish. Many small tropical fish, and also Moray eels, Clown fish and Lion fish.

El Dahar Bazars

It’s really worth stepping out of the gates of your resort in Hurghada and visit the parts where the locals live. I can’t really call it the ‘old town’ because it’s only about 30 years old, when tourism started to flourish in Hurghada. The best place to have your taxi driver drop you off is at the El Dahar Bazars. Here you can find tens of shops where the locals buy their clothes, food and more.

Al Mina Mosque

Right next to the Hurghada Marina and the Fish Market you can find the Al Mina Mosque. If you’ve been on a boat trip from Hurghada, you’ve probably seen its minarets towering above the rest of the town. It’s a beautiful mosque. You can also visit the inside of the mosque if you’re suitably dressed.

A bit more of an adventurous trip, is to go sailing. There are several boat owners renting out their boat including the service of a captain on board. It’s a must to have sea legs, and it’s a pre if you have sailing experience. Most of the trips include lunch on board and you can often choose between a full day and a half day.

Day tours from Hurghada

From Hurghada you can go on a day tour to Luxor to visit the Karnak temple complex and the Valley of the Kings. You’ll go by minivan with a small group. They’ll pick you up at your hotel in Hurghada in the early morning (prepare to be ready at 4/4:30am), and they’ll drop you off at your hotel in the evening (around 9/10pm). But it’s great to see more of the country than just your hotel, and besides it’s very impressive to see these ancient Egyptian temples and tombs.

Click here to read more about Cairo and Luxor.

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Recently, what was a small sleepy fishing village, Hurghada (Al-Ghardaqah) has grown into a booming resort town – the Red Sea Coast ’s largest. Hurghada now comprises of three sections: at the northern end, the old downtown (El Dahhar) is the most “Egyptian” part with souqs, local restaurants, general authentic bustle; the mid-section, known as Al-Sakkala, is like any modern Mediterranean package resort and has several boat and dive operators running from its marina; and then the developed strip running south along the coast for over 20km (12.5 miles), with five-star resorts and Western-style shopping malls.

Travel tips for visiting Hurghada

Best things to do in hurghada.

Where to stay

Best restaurants and bars

How to get there, how many days do you need in hurghada, tips for getting around, best time to visit hurghada, travel ideas for egypt, created by local experts.

The Best of Egypt

Explore the history and culture of Egypt and its ancient rulers on this trip throughout the country. Start and end in Cairo and make your way down to Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel. Instead of domestic flights, you will hop on luxurious sleeper trains for your journey.

Cairo & a luxurious Dahabieh sailing cruise

Explore Egypt at a leisurely pace on board a dahabieh, a traditional sailing ship. In Cairo, visit the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, and in Giza, the pyramids; cruise to world-renowned sites alongside lesser-known treasures, such as Luxor’s tombs, el Kab and Gebel Silsileh’s Temple of Horemheb.

A Nile Cruise in Egypt

Experience Cairo with the pyramids of Giza and the Egyptian museum before flying to Luxor to board your Nile cruise. Highlights include Karnak temple, Valley of Kings, Hatshepsut temple and an optional visit to Abu Simbel. Spend your last night in fascinating Cairo.

Five Star Egypt

A tour through the ancient wonders of Giza, Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. Start and end your trip in beautiful Cairo, exploring the surroundings before heading down to Aswan: you will spend four nights on a luxurious Nile cruise ship, discovering ancient sites such as Abu Simbel.

An introduction to Egypt

Marvel at the pyramids in Giza, explore busy Cairo, sleep on a luxurious sleeper train and explore more temples close to Luxor. This itinerary is fast-paced, with several nights in Cairo at the beginning and end, enabling you to see many fascinating sights in Egypt.

El Dahhar was the original Hurghada village and has some of the Red Sea’s earliest hotels, built between the Gabal al-Afish hill and the sea. The hill itself is slowly being hacked away as houses and hotels push further back, and it could disappear completely within the next few years.

The crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea provide excellent opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and other water sports, while the nearby desert offers thrilling off-road adventures. The modern town is not particularly attractive, but it is rich in history and culture, with ancient temples and ruins to explore. The warm and sunny climate ensures year-round enjoyment, and the local cuisine is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

With a wide range of accommodations and activities to suit all budgets and preferences, Hurghada is an ideal destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. So come and experience the magic of Hurghada for yourself – you won't be disappointed!

Keen on travelling to Egypt? Perhaps our local experts can help you out.

Hurghada El Mina mosque, Egypt © Pixabay

The beaches are small, but the hotel pools are large and more than compensate for the fly-and-flop crowd, but with each of the major beach resorts offering activities and excursions, there’s lots to do in Hurghada.

#1 Partake in some watersports

Snorkeling and diving are particularly popular here, with the Red Sea's vibrant coral reefs and marine life providing a stunning underwater playground. You can also try your hand at windsurfing, kiteboarding, jet skiing, parasailing, or banana boating.

For those looking for a more relaxing experience, take a leisurely boat tour and explore the surrounding islands and beaches. With so many options to choose from, Hurghada is the perfect destination for water enthusiasts.

#2 Visit the Hurghada Grand Aquarium

This fantastic aquarium offers insights into the Red Sea’s rich marine life. A trip here affords the opportunity to observe the many types of fish close-up, including sharks, turtles, rays and stone fish. This impressive facility is home to over 1,200 marine animals from over 100 different species, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles.

You can stroll through the aquarium's numerous themed exhibits, each showcasing a different aquatic environment, and observe the creatures in their natural habitats. The highlight of the visit is the massive 24-meter long tunnel, where you can walk through and witness the majestic creatures of the deep swimming all around you.

#3 Head underwater with Sindbad Submarines

Dive to a depth of 25 metres (82ft) on a submarine and view the underwater life through large portholes – an activity guaranteed to delight children. These semi-submersible vessels allow you to descend into the depths of the Red Sea and observe its incredible marine life from the comfort of a cozy, air-conditioned cabin.

You'll be able to see colorful coral formations, exotic fish, and even shipwrecks up close and personal, all without getting wet! The Sindbad Submarines tour is perfect for those who may not be able to snorkel or dive due to physical limitations.

#4 Dive some shipwrecks

If you're an experienced diver or want to take your diving skills to the next level, Hurghada is the perfect place to explore some stunning shipwrecks. The Red Sea is known for its rich maritime history and has a plethora of well-preserved wrecks that are just waiting to be explored.

Some of the most popular wrecks to dive in Hurghada include the SS Thistlegorm, a British cargo ship sunk by the Germans in World War II, and the Rosalie Moller, another World War II-era vessel.

From Hurghada there are day trips to Shaab Abu Nuhas, where four wrecks are lined up against the reef, including the steamer Carnatic, which hit this infamous reef in 1869, and the more recent Giannis D, sunk in 1983.

#5 Spent a day at the beach

No visit to Hurghada would be complete without spending a day relaxing on one of its stunning beaches. The city boasts miles of pristine sandy beaches, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the warm, crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea.

Some of the most popular beaches in Hurghada include the public beach in El Dahar, the picturesque Makadi Bay, and the luxurious private beaches of the many resorts lining the coastline. You can soak up the sun on a beach chair or take a refreshing dip in the sea to cool off.

#6 Go kitesurfing

Hurghada is considered one of the best kitesurfing destinations in the Africa , making it one of the best things to do in Egypt . With its consistent winds and perfect water conditions, Hurghada provides the ideal environment for kitesurfing enthusiasts of all levels.

You can take lessons at one of the many kitesurfing schools in the area, or if you're already experienced, rent equipment and hit the waves solo. The most popular spots for kitesurfing in Hurghada include the beaches of El Gouna, Soma Bay, and Magawish Island..

Hurghada has a large range of accommodation , from basic hotels catering to backpackers to up-market resorts. Many of these villages, which rival each other for splendour, the size of their pools and the number of rooms, are operated by international four- and five-star chains.

This is where you’ll find most of the budget hotels and cheap guesthouses.

This part of Hurghada is rowded with mid-range hotels along the public beach.

Further south

A developed strip runs south along the coast for over 20km (12.5 miles), with plenty of private self-contained high-end resorts.

Browse the best hotels in Hurghada .

There are plenty of places to eat in Hurghada from up-market fine dining to Greek mezze via steakhouses, pizzerias, and plenty of authentic Egyptian restaurants as well. Here’s where to eat.

This is where you’ll find the pick of budget restaurants with lots of good places selling fresh, Middle Eastern fare.

Expect fast-food restaurants, international chains and ice cream parlours. Hurghada Marina Boulevard is packed with decent choices as well.

Many of the high-end resorts have appealing restaurants but book ahead if you’re not staying.

coral-fish-red-sea-egypt-shutterstock_114130168

As the Red Sea coast’s largest resort, Hurghada is easy to get to with flights, ferries and direct coaches all an option. Here’s how to get to Hurghada.

There’s an international airport in Hurghada with direct flights (including many charter flights) from the UK, Germany, Russia, the Ukraine and others. There are domestic flights from Cairo (one hour) and Sharm El Sheikh (35 minutes).

There is also the option of coming from Cairo by luxury coach, but given that it’s a seven hour drive, this can mean departing very early morning and getting back late at night. The coach ride between Hurghada and Luxor takes five hours.

The modern ferry service between Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh operates four times a week and takes two hours.

Find out the best ways to get to Egypt .

You will only need to spend around 3-4 days in Hurghada. This will give you enough time to explore the coral reefs and marine life, take a boat trip to nearby islands, and enjoy the beautiful beaches.

However, with so many resorts, most people stay a week or two and use Hurghada as a base for visiting ancient sites such as Luxor and Karnak or taking a camel ride into the desert. Chuck in some great swimming, snorkeling, and diving and it's easy to fill a fortnight.

Looking for inspiration for your trip? Talk to our Egypt travel experts .

By hire car

Lots of reputable, international car rental companies have offices in Hurghada, though driving in Egypt can be a honking nightmare at times.

For one of the experiences of your life, take an Egyptian taxi. Drivers seem to need to fill every empty space on the road (and sometimes the pavement).

All taxis have orange licence plates and are identified by a number on the driver’s door. Drivers are required to display their licence and identity numbers on the dashboard.

Alternatively, Uber operates in Hurghada.

Minibuses whizz up and down the coast here, stopping at all the major (and minor) hotels and places of interest.

With an arid desert climate, summers are hot and dry throughout Egypt, and humidity is high in the peak months of July and August. Summer temperatures can average is around 37ºC (99ºF).

Spring and autumn are short here; during the 50 days (khamseen) between March and April, dust storms may occur.

The water is warm all year round except for a few weeks in December and January; the sun is always shining and even in the hottest months there is a good breeze, which can sometimes turn into a strong wind.

Find out more about the best time to visit Egypt .

The Rough Guides to Egypt and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Find even more inspiration here

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written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 31.01.2024

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COMMENTS

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Hurghada (2024)
2. Mahmya Island. 2,731. Islands. Snorkeling adventure with provided equipment to explore vibrant coral and marine life, inclusive of a scenic boat trip to a pristine reef and island with a clean beach for sunbathing. See ways to experience (10) 2024. 3. Hurghada Marina.
13 Top-Rated Things to Do in Hurghada
For ideas, see our list of the top tourist attractions in Hurghada. See also: Where to Stay in Hurghada. On This Page: 1. Experience Hurghada's Beach Life. 2. Take a Boat Trip to the Giftun Islands. 3. Dive the Sites of the Straits of Gubal.
Hurghada, Egypt: All You Must Know Before You Go (2024)
By Management. 296,415. Hurghada, Egypt. Stunning coral reefs and turquoise waters perfect for windsurfing have made Hurghada, on Egypt's Red Sea Coast, a busy resort town. Within easy reach of the stunning Giftun Islands and the Eastern Arabian Desert, Hurghada has seen enormous amounts of development in the past decade—and yes, it does seem ...
15 Top Things to do in Hurghada, Egypt
Lunch will also be provided on board. 6. Go Scuba Diving. One of the best things to do in Hurghada is Scuba Diving. Indeed, for many tourists, Scuba Diving is the main reason that they come to Hurghada, and many return year after year once they've had their first taste of the Red Sea.
Hurghada travel
Hurghada. Egypt, Africa. Plucked from obscurity during the early days of the Red Sea's tourism drive, the fishing village of Hurghada has long since morphed into today's dense band of concrete that marches along the coastline for more than 20km. Still, it's a convenient destination for combining a diving holiday with the Nile Valley sites.
25 Things To Do In Hurghada
6- Al-Mina Mosque. If there is a building to see in Hurghada, it is the Al Mina Mosque. It is the largest and most beautiful mosque in the area, located by the sea. Inaugurated in 2012, its construction cost more than 25 million Egyptian pounds (almost 1.3 million euros) and can accommodate up to 10,000 faithful.
Top 30 Things To Do In Hurghada, Egypt
Soak up some holiday sun in Hurghada. 1. Experience stargazing on the desert (from USD 22.73) Source: www.getyourguide.com. Enjoy sightseeing in Hurghada's Red Sea desert at night! This five-hour tour will help you appreciate the beauty of the desert while on a jeep safari.
Things to do in Hurghada
If you want to see a slice of authentic Egyptian life, ... Take Egyptian currency and haggle. While Hurghada is a safe place to travel, you may want to carry two purses or split your cash and cards into two sections, in case you run into pickpockets. Attractions. 13. Tours. 4,375. Reviews. 41,516. EN. 88f4174b-e0f5-4e7d-afee-347e418b8271. geo_hub.
Hurghada: 20 EPIC Things to do! Beaches ...
There are five main exhibitions at the museum; Ancient Egypt, Greco-Roman, Coptic Period, Islamic Period, and Modern Egypt. All of them are worth a visit so don't rush your time here. Hurghada Museum is open twice during the day; 10:00 am - 1:00 pm, and 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm. 3.
What To Do in Hurghada Egypt
Travel to Cairo from Hurghada to see the pyramids and many more. Take a safari in Hurghada Egypt. Tour Hurghada Egypt. Go Parasailing. Submarine ride. Speed boat. Visit Mini Egypt Park. Take a Trip to the Valley of the Kings. Visit Karnak Temple.
Hurghada Travel Guide
Take a trip on a glass-bottomed boat to see the fabulous reefs and tropical fish, or explore the uninhabited islands of Big and Little Gifton. 5. Local Delicacies ... View the KAYAK Hurghada city guide for the best Hurghada travel tips. To help you organize your Hurghada trip ideas, this Hurghada visitors guide provides travel information and ...
The Top Things to Do and See in Hurghada, Egypt
Wave hello to sharks at Hurghada Grand Aquarium. There's something utterly transfixing about watching colourful shoals swarm in clear depths beyond clear panes. That's the secret to the success of Hurghada Grand Aquarium, or the Red Sea in Glass as this one-million-gallon (4,546,090 litres) tank likes to call itself.
10 Things to Do in Hurghada: Top Activities & Attractions
The Hurghada Grand Aquarium is a large aquarium that features a wide variety of marine life from the Red Sea and other parts of the world. It's a great place to learn about the marine life of the region and see some amazing creatures up close. Travel Tip: This is a great place to visit on a hot day as it is air-conditioned. 6. Sand City Hurghada
15 Best Things To Do In Hurghada, Egypt For A Varied Trip
Take a desert safari to a Bedouin village. Go stargazing at night. Try Hurghada's famous hummus. Relax at a hotel spa. Go Scuba Diving in the Red Sea. Eat Local Cuisine. Haggle for some bargains at the Hurghada markets and souks. Visit one of the Shopping Malls. Things to do in Hurghada in Conclusion.
Hurghada, Egypt's Popular Red Sea Resort Town
If you're planning to visit Hurghada, you will find information about hotels, transport, day trips, and more below. Hurghada (Ghardaga in Arabic) was once a sleepy fishing village and is now a booming resort town on Egypt 's Red Sea Coast. Hurghada is a good diving destination, with coral gardens and fantastic shipwrecks to explore.
Hurghada, Egypt: All You Need to Know Before You Go (2024 ...
Hurghada Tourism: Tripadvisor has 739,871 reviews of Hurghada Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Hurghada resource. ... Bed and Breakfast Hurghada Hurghada Holiday Rentals Flights to Hurghada Hurghada Restaurants Hurghada Attractions Hurghada Travel Forum Hurghada Photos Hurghada Map. ... See all. 2024. Mahmya Island ...
14 Very Best Things to Do in Hurghada, Egypt
Inside the El Mina Mosque, it's incredibly beautifully and colorfully decorated with chandeliers, detailed carvings, and Islamic murals. A visit to the El Mina Mosque is one of the most cultural things to do in Hurghada. 9. Senzo Mall. Senzo Mall is a shopping mall located about a 10-minute drive from Hurghada.
THE 30 BEST Places to Visit in Hurghada (UPDATED 2024)
3. Hurghada Marina. 4,120. Marinas. Admission tickets from ₹4,309. Starting from June 2008 Hurghada Marina Boulevard has offered Hurghada city a great opportunity to enjoy the sea breeze in a quiet, amazing place. Hurghada Marina Boulevard offers you a different …. See ways to experience (298) 2024.
Essential Guide: 5 Tips to Know Before Traveling to Hurghada
5 Things You Need to Know Before Traveling to Hurghada. 1- Get Acquainted with Local Customs. 2- Health Preparations. 3- Activities Galore in Hurghada. 4- Currency Exchange and Business Hours in Hurghada. 5- Best Time to Visit Hurghada. What you Can Do When Traveling to Hurghada. 1- Get a Taste of Hurghada. 2- Some Hidden Gems of Hurghada.
My travel tips for Hurghada, Egypt
annetravelfoodie on January 9, 2023. On this page I'm sharing my travel tips for Hurghada in Egypt. This city, located at the coast of the Red Sea, is very popular with tourists. But I'm telling you how to experience Hurghada, Egypt off the beaten track. With a stay in a boutique hotel instead of in an all-inclusive resort for example.
Hurghada
Travel tips for visiting Hurghada El Dahhar was the original Hurghada village and has some of the Red Sea's earliest hotels, built between the Gabal al-Afish hill and the sea. The hill itself is slowly being hacked away as houses and hotels push further back, and it could disappear completely within the next few years.
Wonders of Ancient Egypt & Jordan: Cairo, Aswan, Nile Cruise, Hurghada
Discover the remnants of ancient temples, tombs, and cities on this 10-day tour across Egypt and Jordan. In Cairo, visit landmarks like the Egyptian Museum and the Giza Pyramid Complex before flying to Aswan to board a three-day cruise along the Nile River. Stop at temples in Edfu and Luxor along the way, then spend a day snorkeling in the Red Sea off Hurghada. Finally, fly to Jordan to dry ...
Red Sea Gate Hotel Hurghada
Red Sea Gate Hotel Hurghada in Hurghada, Egypt: View Tripadvisor's unbiased reviews, photos, and special offers for Red Sea Gate Hotel Hurghada. ... View prices for your travel dates. Check In. Sat, Aug 24. Check Out. Sun, Aug 25. Guests. ... See all Hurghada car hire. 298 Restaurants. within 10 kilometers. View on map.
RED SEA GATE HOTEL HURGHADA
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RED SEA GATE HOTEL HURGHADA
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RED SEA GATE HOTEL HURGHADA
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13 Top-Rated Things to Do in Hurghada

1. Experience Hurghada's Beach Life

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15 Top Things to do in Hurghada, Egypt

15 Best Things to Do in Hurghada, Egypt

1. Enjoy the Beaches

2. Visit the Hurghada City Centre and Corniche

3. Shop the Hurghada Markets and Souks

4. Go to the Marine Museum and Aquarium

5. Spend a Day in the Giftun Islands

6. Go Scuba Diving

7. Enjoy the Amazing Snorkeling

8. Dive on Shipwrecks

9. Try Some Watersports

10. Try Quad Biking in the Desert

11. Take a Desert Safari

12. Book a Bedouin Dinner

13. Enjoy an Astronomy Tour

14. Brave a Submarine Tour

15. Hit the Nightclubs

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Attractions

Plan with a local

Book popular activities in Hurghada

Things to Do in Hurghada Red Sea Egypt

Top 25 Things to See in Hurghada

1- Visit the Giftun Islands

2- Learn to Dive in Hurghada.

Bluff Point

Shaab el erg

Carless Reef

3- Snorkeling in Hurghada

4- Diving in Gota Abu Ramada

5- Visit the center of Hurghada

6- Al-Mina Mosque

7- Sindbad Submarine

8- Parasailing is a great way to see Hurghada from above

9- Abu Nahas Dive Site

10- Stargazing Tour in the Desert (Astronomical Night)

11- Discover the Strait of Gubal

12- Walk through the Marina of Hurghada

13- Explore the Best Beaches in Hurghada

14- The Old City of El Dahar

15- Singing Fountain Show

16- Palace of Alf Leila Wa Leila

17- Coptic Church

18- Museum of Marine Biology

19- Sheraton Street

20- Aquapark "Titanic"

21- Jungle Water Park

22- Museum of Sand Sculptures

23- Mini Egypt Park (Egypt in miniature)

24- Desert and Safari

25- Reef Gota Abu Ramada

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Best time to travel to Hurghada, Egypt?

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What to do in Hurghada?

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Egypt Planners

Hurghada: 20 EPIC Things to do! Beaches, Entertainment & History!

The Best Things to do in Hurghada , Egypt

19. Take a cruise on the Nile

18. Go shopping at Senzo Mall

17. Snorkel in the Red Sea

16. Admire El Mina Mosque

15. Enjoy a submarine boat trip

14. Go Parasailing!

13. Take a tour of the White Desert

12. Go scuba diving!

11. Take a stroll to Hurghada Marina

10. Visit Hurghada Aquarium

9. Be amazed at Sand City Hurghada

8. Go on a dolphin-watching cruise

7. Learn how papyrus is made at Selkhet Papyrus