Things to do in Hurghada

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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) 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 relax 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 rideshare services 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 fruit, vegetable, fish, and meat stalls, as well as colorful trinket and clothing stands. It offers 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hurghada famous for?

Hugging Egypt’s Red Sea coastline, Hurghada is known for its hot sun, beaches, and abundant marine life. 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. In addition to all the things to do in Hurghada itself, the city also serves as a good jumping point for other Egyptian excursions.

Can you visit the pyramids from Hurghada?

Yes, it’s easy to visit Cairo’s pyramids of Giza including the Great Sphinx. 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 allows you more time at Giza and the city’s other sights.

Which is better Hurghada or Sharm?

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

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.

Is Hurghada expensive?

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

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 in particular, although the heat is oppressive between June-August. Hurghada is also a diving heaven, with good visibility and comfortable sea temps during April-May and October-November.

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