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Things to do in Hurghada

Things to do in  Hurghada

Welcome to Hurghada

With the crystalline waters of the Red Sea to the east and the sands of Egypt’s vast desert to the west, Hurghada attracts vacationers from across the globe who want to relax on its endless beaches, explore its spectacular dive sites, and take day trips to the historic cities along the Nile River. Like its fellow resort cities of Sharm El Sheikh and El Gouna (just a half hour away), Hurghada is known for its incredible water sports and diving; and visitors can take a snorkeling trip along the coastline or across the water to the beautiful Giftun Islands and Mahmaya Island to view coral reefs populated with exotic fish, sea turtles, and rays. Though now a modern vacation destination, Hurghada has a long history, which visitors can learn about on a private tour of Old Town, with stops at the Abdel Monaem Read Mosque (Big Mosque), Church of St. Mary, and the marina. You’ll also want to stroll through the colorful, bustling souks (markets) to shop for souvenirs. Outside the city to the west, take an unforgettable desert safari by 4x4 quad bike or Jeep, stopping for a Bedouin barbecue under the starry night sky. Further west, explore the Nile from Aswan in the south to Cairo and Alexandria to the north. The river is lined with ancient cities and monuments, including Luxor, Qena, the Karnak temple complex, the Giza Pyramids, and the Valley of the Kings—perfect day tours for archaeology buffs.

Top 11 attractions in Hurghada

Giftun Islands

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The two Giftun Islands—Giftun Kebir and Giftun Sughayer—are some of the closest to Egypt’s resort town of Hurghada and comprise part of a marine reserve in the Red Sea with spectacular coral reefs and drop-offs teeming with life. Day-trippers come for snorkeling, diving, and sunbathing on the pair of islands’ pristine, protected beaches.More

Hurghada Marina

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Opened in 2008, Hurghada Marina is the recreational hub of the Red Sea resort. Centered on a 200-berth harbour and bordered by the Marina Boulevard—a walkway flanked by palms, parks, and ochre-painted shops and residential blocks—the marina boasts an abundance of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.More

Hurghada Grand Aquarium

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The Hurghada Grand Aquarium focuses on the the aquatic wonderland lying offshore. Whether you’re a keen snorkeler or merely want to learn more about the world’s rare coral reefs, the museum reveals plenty of insights into the Red Sea’s ecological environment, including all the animals, like sharks and turtles, that call it home.More

Mahmya Island

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Despite the name, Mahmya Island is not actually an island: it’s one section of Big Giftun Island in the Giftun Islands, off Hurghada’s Red Sea coast. Lounge on the sandy beaches; snorkel the coral reef from the beach or a boat; rent a “Sea-Spi’ glass-bottom watercraft; or eat and drink at the restaurants.More

Careless Reef

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The corals of Careless Reef, set in the open waters of the Red Sea about an hour from Hurghada, are flourishing again as it recovers from the crown-of-thorns seastar’s predation. With excellent visibility, shallow pinnacles, and a steep wall with caves and overhangs, it offers something for every diver, including the chance of big pelagics.More

El Dahar (Hurghada Old Town)

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North of Hurghada’s luxury resorts lies the Old Town of El Dahar, where you’ll find the city’s most authentic restaurants and shops. A highlight of the area is a traditional Egyptian souk that’s crammed with shops selling leather, copper, papyrus, spices, and shisha pipes.More

Makadi Water World

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In the Makadi Bay resort area south of Hurghada, Makadi Water World is one of Egypt’s biggest water parks. Fifty different rides and slides include 25 adult-centered experiences such as Twister, Kamikaze, Space Boat, Black Hole, and Turbo Tunnel, and 25 kid-friendly rides. There’s also a surf simulator, wave pool, and lazy river.More

Hurghada 1,001 Nights (Alf Leila Wa Leila)

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The open-air theater at the Hurghada Alf Leila Wa Leila hotel plays host each evening to the spectacular Fantasia show, often known as Alf Leila Wa Leila (1,001 Nights. The 2,500-capacity space delivers a feast of Arab, Bedouin, and Egyptian culture, folklore, history, and dance, complete with a horse show and an illuminated fountain.More
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Red Sea

Red Sea

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The Red Sea channel draws tendrils of Indian Ocean water up through Africa and Arabia to Egypt, Jordan, and Israel. Divers and snorkelers appreciate the Red Sea’s clear waters and colorful coral and marine life, while sandy beaches lure sun worshippers from around the world.More

Mons Porphyrites

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Egypt’s rare porphyry was highly valued by the ancient Romans, and this former Roman quarry—once a thriving settlement of houses, temples, and workshops—was mined for its precious purple and white crystalline stone, used to decorate columns, sarcophagi, and temples. Relics and ruins of this activity remain at this archaeological site.More
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Abdel-Moneim Riad Mosque

Abdel-Moneim Riad Mosque

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Named for the Egyptian military hero Abdul Munim Riad, the Abdel-Moneim Riad Mosque can be spelled many different ways in English. Built in the early ’70s, not long after Riad was killed in action, the mosque’s twin minarets tower above El Dahar (Old Town, Hurghada’s most traditionally Egyptian district.More
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Trip ideas

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Top activities in Hurghada

Day Trip to Cairo by Bus

Day Trip to Cairo by Bus

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From
$100.00
4-Days 3-Nights Cruise From Aswan To Luxor including Abu Simbel Hot Air Balloon
Special Offer
Amazing 4-Days Nile Cruise from Aswan To Luxor with sightseeing and Abu simbel
Special Offer
Operators have paid Viator more to have their experiences featured here

What people are saying about Hurghada

Fantastic tour
star-5
jacquelyn_p
, Feb 2023
Fantastic tour
We thoroughly enjoyed the tour and it was really interesting to see life in Hurghada away from the tourist areas too.
Safe pair of hands and knowledgable guide
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Tracy_O
, Feb 2023
Safe pair of hands and knowledgable guide
Fouad was the best guide, excellent English, total gentleman and good fun.
Amazing
star-5
Antonio_P
, Dec 2022
Amazing
Very nice excursion, we had time to see everything and take a lot of pics.
Great afternoon out! Amazing experience
star-5
Dawar_L
, May 2023
Great afternoon out! Amazing experience
He was friendly and spoke good English, helped us make the National park fee payment of $5 each.
5 stars, definitely book it!
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jamie_c
, Mar 2023
5 stars, definitely book it!
Our tour guide Abeer was amazing, so knowledgeable and enthusiastic, she gave us all the time we need, for pictures, to explore inside the pyramids and took us to all the best spots to see everything.
Great trip. Amazing Tour guide.
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Marco_G
, Feb 2023
Great trip. Amazing Tour guide.
All in all, I recommend this tour for anyone who wants to see the sights of Luxor without having to stress about getting to Luxor or getting around the city.
Long but excellent day.
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Christopher_O
, Jan 2023
Long but excellent day.
The children enthusiastically wanted to practice English.
Wonderful Cairo
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James_H
, Dec 2022
Wonderful Cairo
Early start from Hurghada but smoth flight, extremely well organised, full of fun and extra (extra charge) activities.
Amazing experience!!
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Isolde_M
, Dec 2022
Amazing experience!!
Would definitely recommend - great way to see Hurghada, and a nice bit of adrenaline first thing in the morning!
Amazing City!
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Joie_R
, May 2022
Amazing City!
Got to see new and old Hurghada.
Amazing Hurghada Tour
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Santae_R
, Mar 2022
Amazing Hurghada Tour
Very informative and get to see different parts off Hurghada and worth doing 100%.
Amazing glo
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Mohammed_A
, Jan 2022
Amazing glo
This is my first time to come to hurghada and was very amaze friendly crew and pleasant atmosphere unfortunately couldn't have time to see more but promise coming back again great experience thanks guy's hope to see u soon
Fantastic
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Ashu_S
, Jan 2020
Fantastic
Fantastic way to see Cairo in a day, we were picked at 1.
Perfect day in Luxor
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Erin_N
, Nov 2019
Perfect day in Luxor
I went from hurghada to Luxor by bus for 1 day it was very amazing tour and the driver was perfect and it was very safe for me to have a tour like this I enjoyed the time between hurghada and Luxor also the temples was very amazing to see really it have very special history you should have this tour once
Great Accommodation!
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Joseph D
, Jul 2019
Great Accommodation!
They hit all the main highlights you need to see in Cairo.
Enjoyed every second of it! Our tour...
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Michelle J
, Oct 2017
Enjoyed every second of it! Our tour...
Our tour guide Mohammad was excellent and knew all the best sights to see.
Great value for money and so fun!
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Nicola_C
, Nov 2022
Great value for money and so fun!
Our tour guide spoke perfect English and was very friendly.
Worth it!
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Asif_Y
, Oct 2022
Worth it!
Great trip overall, we’ve always wanted to see the pyramids and they did not disappoint!
Thank you Achmed and Saïd for the amazing experience!
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Megan_B
, Aug 2022
Thank you Achmed and Saïd for the amazing experience!
On our summer holiday to Hurghada, we wanted to see something from Egypt.
You need to visit!
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Bethany_M
, Feb 2023
You need to visit!
I would definitely recommend anyone staying in Hurghada to visit these sites in Luxor.

All about Hurghada

When to visit

Hurghada boasts year-round sunshine; when you land here, you’re almost guaranteed a blast of warm, dry air. The period from November to January brings milder (but still sunbathing-perfect) weather with almost no rain, though even hardy swimmers may find the sea chilly. Winter is also when Hurghada’s popular sporting events take place, including the Ironman competition in November and International Fishing Festival in February. Summer and the shoulder season see regular temps above 90°F (32°C).

Getting around

Hurghada doesn’t have much public transportation, largely because most visitors flop at the pool or beach for the duration of their trips. If you want to visit the Marina or Old Town, hop on a hotel shuttle, or do like the locals do and catch a public microbus. These cheap, cheerful (usually white) minivans will collect you and drop you off at the roadside on request. Cabs are also plentiful, but to avoid haggling with drivers who don’t use meters; use Uber or Careem instead.

Traveler tips

If you want to see a slice of authentic Egyptian life, head for the El Dahar souk in old Hurghada. The market is full of ramshackle fruit, vegetable, fish, and meat stalls, as well as colorful trinket and clothes stands, and offers a fascinating insight into locals’ everyday routines. 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.

People Also Ask

What is Hurghada famous for?

Hugging Egypt’s Red Sea coastline, Hurghada is known for its hot sun, beaches, and abundant marine life above all else. Beach fans come to tan on its golden sands, while water babes and scuba divers book snorkel and diving trips to encounter the area’s dazzling coral reefs and underwater species.

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Can you visit the pyramids from Hurghada?

Yes, it’s easy to visit Cairo’s Giza pyramids. Popular day trips include cheap-and-cheerful bus tours to Egypt’s capital to view the extraordinary ancient tombs. A more comfortable option is by air; flying to Cairo and back in a day, which allows you more time at Giza and the city’s other sights.

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Which is better Hurghada or Sharm?

Much depends on what you want from your vacation. Both offer great beaches and diving, but Sharm is livelier, with more shops, restaurants, and nightlife—the latter concentrated in Na’ama Bay. Hurghada is quieter, and closer to Cairo and Luxor, letting you squeeze day trips into your Red Sea vacation.

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Is there a dress code in Hurghada?

The dress code in Red Sea resorts, including Hurghada, is less strict than in other places in Egypt. Swimwear is fine for women at the beach and pool; as are shorts in hotel areas, shops, and most restaurants. However, women still need to cover their heads and shoulders if visiting mosques.

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Is Hurghada expensive?

No, Hurghada is pretty budget-friendly. While it’s one of the pricier resorts on Egypt’s Red Sea and boasts numerous upscale hotels; dining out and activities here are still cheaper than say, across the Med. Dinner for two, with wine, at a tourist restaurant will likely come in around US$30, for instance.

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Is Hurghada worth visiting?

Yes. For sun and sea any time of year, Hurghada ticks the boxes. Beach-lovers come to enjoy warm or mild temps from September to May especially, although the heat is oppressive between June-August. Hurghada is also diving heaven, with good visibility and comfortable sea temps particularly during April-May and October-November.

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Hurghada information

Number of Attractions

11

Number of Tours

3,410

Number of Reviews

20,176
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
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