- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Hurghada
Hurghada, originally a small fishing village, traces its roots to the early 20th century. Beyond the modern resorts, the old town of El Dahar showcases traditional Red Sea architecture. Discover the Grand Mosque and Saint Shenouda Coptic Church there, revealing what is Hurghada famous for.
The Red Sea coast offers unparalleled diving and snorkeling. With 300+ sunny days a year, its coral reefs are truly among the best reasons to visit Hurghada. Explore Giftun Islands' protected marine park. Evenings often feature a stroll through Hurghada Marina, culminating in a local shisha experience by the sea.
For an authentic Hurghada travel guide experience, explore local cuisine beyond hotel buffets. Try "Foul Medames" for breakfast at a street cart or fresh seafood at the Fish Market, cooked on the spot. Don't miss "Sayadeya," a delicious fish and rice dish, often made with daily catch from the Red Sea.
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- HurghadaEgypt
- HurghadaEgypt
- HurghadaEgypt
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-OctWarm, fewer crowds
- Jul-AugHot & busy
- WinterMild, occasional rain
- #LightClothing
- #Swimwear
- #Sunscreen
- #ComfortableSandals
- #Hat
- #PowerAdapterTypeC
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 6-7 days with beaches & excursions
- Egyptian Pound (EGP)
- Arabic
- English widely understood in tourist areas
- #GiftunIsland
- #HurghadaMarina
- #DesertSafari
- #DolphinHouse
- #SubmarineTour
- #Aquarium
- #CopticChurch
- Snorkeling at Giftun Island
- Visit Hurghada Marina
- Desert safari tour
- Scuba diving experiences
- Try koshari at local restaurants
Recommended Hotels in Hurghada by Experience
Things to do in Hurghada
Discover
Take in the seaside highlights of Hurghada by visiting stunning spots like El Dahar district, Giftun Islands, and the Hurghada Marina. Discover unique Hurghada attractions and breathtaking views throughout your journey.
Experience
Engage in activities like snorkeling at coral reefs, enjoying live shows, and exploring local markets. Join in on exciting Hurghada cultural activities, from workshops to festivals, making it an unforgettable experience.
El Dahar District
Cultural area showcasing traditional markets and architecture.
Giftun Islands
Scenic islands perfect for snorkeling and relaxing.
Hurghada Marina
Vibrant harbor with shops and stunning sunset views.
Hurghada Grand Aquarium
Aquarium featuring diverse marine life and exhibits.
El Mina Mosque
Stunning mosque with unique architecture and history.
Hurghada Desert Safari
Adventure tours into the stunning desert landscapes.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
How to get to Hurghada? Fly into Hurghada International Airport (HRG). For Hurghada airport to city center, taxis or a Hurghada shuttle bus take 20-30 min. A train to Hurghada isn't direct; combine a train to Luxor/Cairo, then a bus.
Getting Around
Public transport in Hurghada primarily relies on taxis; negotiate fares. Local mini-buses are cheap, route-based, but lack fixed stops. Walking covers short distances. Car rental in Hurghada is available, but driving requires caution.
Local Essentials
Hurghada travel tips for first-timers: haggle taxi fares, starting at 50-75% of the initial quote. Always carry small Egyptian Pounds (EGP); cash is king for local purchases. Driving in Hurghada is chaotic; consider a local driver for ease.
Where to Stay in Hurghada
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
In Hurghada, indulge in traditional food like koshari (rice, lentils, pasta) and fresh seafood. Sample local sweets such as basbousa while enjoying late-night dinners prevalent in Egyptian culture. Check this Hurghada food and drink guide for more.
Enjoy
For the best restaurants in Hurghada, visit Moby Dick for outstanding seafood. Enjoy drinks at MOODS Beach Club, known for its lively beach atmosphere. Don't miss the cozy ambiance of The Heaven Restaurant, expect it to be popular - book ahead!
Moby Dick
Fresh seafood and international dishes, great views.
The Heaven Restaurant
Mediterranean seafood and international cuisine, popular spot.
Granada
Italian and seafood dishes, family-friendly dining experience.
Grill & Chill Restaurant
Offers grilled dishes and a lively bar setting.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Hurghada cultural activities include celebrating Ramadan with Iftar feasts and Eid al-Fitr joy. Explore the Mawlid al-Nabi festival, honoring the Prophet Muhammad. These religious festivals offer insight into authentic Egyptian life.
Enjoy
Explore Hurghada's modern scene with music festivals and art exhibitions of Hurghada attractions. There are lots of things to do, including creative performances and light shows during special events.
Ramadan Iftar Gatherings
Communal feasts celebrating Ramadan, fostering community spirit. Daily.
Eid al-Fitr Celebrations
Joyful end of Ramadan, with prayers, feasts, and family gatherings. June.
Hurghada International Festival
Annual event featuring music, art, and cultural performances. November.
Red Sea Diving Festival
Showcasing marine life and conservation efforts with events. Spring.
Eid Beach Carnival
Summer festival with parades, live music, and family activities. July.
New Year's Eve Gala
Spectacular fireworks display over the Red Sea. December 31st.
The Red Sea is even better in person
The water at Sahl Hasheesh beach is so clear it almost looks fake. Snorkeling here was something else - fish everywhere, coral in great condition. The sun is strong but the sea breeze makes it totally bearable. Great spot if you just want to switch off for a week.
Warm, sunny, and easy to get around
Came in February and the weather was perfect - not too hot, just right. The Marina area is lovely for an evening walk. Loads of restaurants along the waterfront. Food is fresh and cheap compared to back home. Kofta and grilled fish were my go-to every night.
Perfect winter sun escape
Booked this trip last minute to get away from the grey January weather at home and it was absolutely the right call. Beaches are clean, the sea is warm enough to swim in even in January, and everything is so affordable. Sigala area had a good mix of shops and local spots.
Diving scene here is top tier
Came specifically for the diving and it did not disappoint. Giftun Island reef is one of the best dive sites I have been to in years. Visibility was great, lots of marine life, and the dive centers are well-organised and not overly expensive. Solid week.
Great family holiday, kids loved it
Travelled with two kids and it worked out really well. The hotels on the strip have brilliant pools and the beaches are safe and calm. Kids went crazy for the local flatbread with honey at breakfast. Staff everywhere were warm and patient with the little ones.
Exactly what I needed after a rough year
Sun, sea, good food, and genuinely kind people. Old Hurghada market has a totally different feel from the tourist strip - worth a wander if you want something more local. Ful medames for breakfast by the road was a highlight for me. Very relaxed pace overall.