We planned a visit to Egypt for the pyramids, but we also wanted to spend time on the Red Sea. After three days in Cairo, we flew to Hurghada-a one-hour flight that dropped us into a completely different world. The large fishing town felt calm and relaxed compared to the capital. Whether you come for diving, the desert, or the local markets, there are plenty of things to do in Hurghada, Egypt. The Red Sea coast offers white sand beaches, coral reefs, and a slower pace of life.
- Best time
- October to April for mild weather and calm seas
- Where to stay
- Outside central Sakkala district; try Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, or Soma Bay
- Perfect for
- Divers * Souk shoppers * Desert adventurers
- Don't miss
- A day at the Giftun Islands, either diving or snorkeling
Things I'd Tell a Friend
Three experiences that stood out during my time in Hurghada and that I keep telling people about.
Star Gazing in the Desert
We booked a Star Gazing Safari that ended up being a highlight. After a bumpy jeep ride through the dunes, we reached a Bedouin camp for dinner by candlelight. A guide set up a giant telescope and showed us distant nebulas. The night sky in the Arabian Desert is something else.
Source · Done it myself
Quad Biking Across the Dunes
Another must-do: a quad bike safari that takes you 22 km into the desert. You stop at a Bedouin village for tea, flatbread, and camel rides. The sunset from the Red Sea Mountains is worth the dust in your face.
Source · Local guide recommendation
Snorkeling with Dolphins
Boat trips to Shaab El Erg (Dolphin House) offer a real chance to spot wild dolphins in the Red Sea. Even if the dolphins stay hidden, the coral reefs are incredible. A full day on the water with lunch and snorkel stops at two reefs.
Source · Most popular tour I found
Giftun Islands
Two small islands off the coast that are the gateway to the Red Sea's best underwater sights.
- Crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs
- Home to colorful fish, dolphins, and moray eels
- Ideal for both beginner and advanced divers
- Day trips include lunch on a comfortable boat
The Giftun Islands are the top spot for diving and snorkeling near Hurghada. We dove at Little Giftun with Ilios Dive Club and saw an incredible reef filled with lionfish and a six-foot moray eel. The visibility stayed good even with strong winds. Between two dives, the crew served a buffet lunch on board. Snorkelers also love the shallow reefs around the islands. Giftun Island itself has white sand beaches where you can relax between swims. Most tours depart from Hurghada Marina and include hotel pickups.
Strong winds can change your dive plan
Winds are common and may force you to switch sites, but local guides know where to find sheltered spots.
Go for at least two dives to make it worth the trip
Standard day trips include two dives with a lunch break between them. You see more and the boat ride is worth it.
Book a morning trip-the water is calmest and you beat the afternoon wind.
Staying at a beach resort along the Makadi Bay puts you close to boat departures for the islands.
Hurghada Marriott Beach Resort
- 2 swimming pools
- Airport shuttle
- Beachfront
- Spa and wellness center
- Fitness center
- 3 restaurants
- Bar
- Private beach area
- Excellent Breakfast
Steigenberger Aldau Beach Hotel
- 3 swimming pools
- Free Wifi
- Airport shuttle
- Beachfront
- Family rooms
- Spa and wellness center
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
- Private beach area
- Exceptional Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Staying in a hotel within walking distance of the marina makes evening strolls easy.
Seagull Beach Resort - Families And Couples Only
- 2 swimming pools
- Free Wifi
- Beachfront
- Family rooms
- Spa and wellness center
- Fitness center
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
- Private beach area
- Exceptional Breakfast
Sunny Days El Palacio Resort & Spa
- 2 swimming pools
- Free Wifi
- Beachfront
- Family rooms
- Spa and wellness center
- Fitness center
- 4 restaurants
- Bar
- Private beach area
- Good Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
El Dahar Bazaar
A traditional souk where locals shop for spices, clothes, and fabrics in a covered market that feels authentically Egyptian.
- Authentic local market with spices, textiles, and souvenirs
- Sail-covered roof provides shade but it gets very hot
- Haggling is expected; negotiate before you buy
- Less touristy than resort areas, English not widely spoken
El Dahar Bazaar is the old heart of Hurghada. We visited in the evening during Ramadan and the streets were packed with people. The spice market is a feast for the senses-bright piles of turmeric, cumin, and dried herbs. English is rare here, so our taxi driver helped us bargain. The souk has a roof made of sails that keeps the sun off, but it still gets very hot. Bring water and expect to haggle. It's much more authentic than the resort shops.
The souk gets very hot under the sail roof
Drink plenty of water and limit your time. Go in the late afternoon when the temperature drops a bit.
Let a local help with bargaining
A taxi driver or guide can negotiate on your behalf if you're not used to souk bargaining.
Haggle respectfully-half the opening price is a fair starting point.
Staying closer to the old town gives you easy access to the bazaar and its surrounding streets.
Palm Beach Resort Families And Couples Only
- 2 swimming pools
- Wifi
- Airport shuttle
- Beachfront
- Family rooms
- Spa and wellness center
- Fitness center
- Bar
- Private beach area
- Exceptional Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Hurghada Museum
A modern museum that opened in 2020, housing over 1,700 artifacts that tell the story of Egypt from Pharaonic to Islamic times.
- Over 1,700 artifacts spanning Egypt's history
- Mummies, sarcophagi, and Coptic icons on display
- Affordable entry fee and free for children under 6
- Open in two blocks daily (morning and evening)
The Hurghada Museum is a welcome addition to the city. It opened in 2020 in the Mubarak 6 district, close to the airport. The building is single-storey but spacious, covering 3,000 square meters. The collection is organized chronologically under the theme 'Beauty and Luxury Through the Ages.' You'll see mummies, coffin lids, and a limestone bust of Queen Merit-Amun from the 19th dynasty. There are also items from the Greco-Roman, Coptic, and Islamic periods. Entrance costs 350 Egyptian pounds for adults, 150 for children aged 7 to 12, and children under 6 go free. Photography inside is allowed for a small extra fee.
Opening hours and ticket prices
Open 10 am to 1 pm and again from 5 pm to 10 pm. Tickets: 350 EGP adults, 150 EGP ages 7-12, free under 6.
Allow about an hour for a thorough visit
The museum is modest in size but packed with artifacts. One hour is enough to see the highlights.
Combine this with a trip to the nearby airport area
Taxis are easy to find from the museum. You can pair it with a visit to Senzo Mall, which is also near the airport.
The museum closes for a few hours in the afternoon, so plan around the 1-5 pm gap.
Hotels near the airport put you close to the museum and are convenient for arrival or departure days.
Meraki Resort - Adults Only
- 3 swimming pools
- Free Wifi
- Airport shuttle
- Beachfront
- Spa and wellness center
- Fitness center
- 8 restaurants
- Bar
- Private beach area
- Very Good Breakfast
Sunny Days Palma De Mirette Resort & Spa
- 2 swimming pools
- Free Wifi
- Beachfront
- Spa and wellness center
- Fitness center
- 2 restaurants
- 24-hour front desk
- Bar
- Private beach area
- Good Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Hotels in the central area or near the marina put the mosque within easy walking distance.
Minamark Beach Resort For Families And Couples Only
- 4 swimming pools
- Wifi in all areas
- Beachfront
- Family rooms
- Spa and wellness center
- 5 restaurants
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
- Private beach area
- Good Breakfast
Arabia Azur Resort
- 2 swimming pools
- Free Wifi
- Airport shuttle
- Beachfront
- Spa and wellness center
- Fitness center
- 2 restaurants
- Bar
- Private beach area
- Excellent Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Hurghada Fish Market
A lively market where fishermen sell the day's catch and you can eat at a restaurant right behind it.
- Watch fishermen sell the daily catch in a lively setting
- Fresh seafood at very low prices
- Al Halaka restaurant cooks your choice on the spot
- Photos and selfies are welcome among the fish displays
The fish market is raw and real. We walked through in the evening and heard fishmongers shouting their prices in Arabic. The selection is impressive: shrimp, crabs, local fish, and sun-dried options. Right behind the market, Al Halaka Fish will cook what you pick. We ordered a feast of shrimp, fish, and crabs for less than 60 dollars for our family of five. The area can feel dark after sunset, so it's better to go earlier. The market sits between the marina and El Mina Mosque, making it easy to visit all three in one trip.
A family meal costs under 60 USD
We fed five people with shrimp, crab, and fish for less than 60 dollars at Al Halaka.
The market gets dark after sunset
Visit in the late afternoon to see the action and eat before the area feels too dim.
Bring cash and let Al Halaka cook your choice-the feast was our best meal in Hurghada.
What are the best things to do in Hurghada for first-time visitors?
Start with a day at the Giftun Islands for diving or snorkeling, then explore the El Dahar Bazaar and the marina. Don't miss the fish market for cheap seafood.
Is it worth visiting the Hurghada Museum?
Yes, if you enjoy ancient artifacts. It has over 1,700 pieces including mummies and Coptic icons. The entry fee is 350 EGP for adults and free for children under 6.
What is the best time of year to visit Hurghada for snorkeling?
October through April offers mild weather and calm seas. Summer can be very hot and windy, which affects water conditions.
Are there free things to do in Hurghada?
Yes. Walk the Hurghada Marina promenade for free, visit the fish market, and wander through El Dahar Bazaar without spending money.
How do I get from Cairo to Hurghada?
Fly with Egypt Air-the flight takes about one hour. A bus takes six hours and driving takes over four hours.
Can I visit Luxor as a day trip from Hurghada?
Yes, but it is a long day. Tours leave early and return late, covering Karnak, Valley of the Kings, and Hatshepsut Temple. Expect a 12-hour day.
