If you’re thinking about your very first trip to Egypt, there’s a huge chance your choice will land on Hurghada, Egypt. And honestly, that’s no surprise at all, because this sprawling resort town on the shores of the Red Sea works like a kind of Egyptian classic and an absolute safe bet. Picture this: it’s one of the most well-connected resorts on the coast, the flight goes by fairly quickly, and once you arrive you’ll find absolutely everything you’d expect from a classic beach holiday, without having to overthink a single thing.
While the calmer south tempts you with pristine coral and silence, Hurghada is full of life, buzz, and endless options. You’ll find miles of sandy beaches that slope very gently into the water, which makes it an absolute paradise for families with younger children. Add in massive water parks packed with slides, a modern marina lined with cosy little cafés, and traditional oriental bazaars where you haggle over every pound, and you’ve got yourself a holiday packed with experiences.
In this guide we’ll take a look together at 13 things to see and do in Hurghada, so you can squeeze the absolute most out of your time by the sea. We’ll wander the most beautiful beaches on the surrounding islands, I’ll advise you on how to elegantly avoid the annoying tourist traps, and we’ll also explore the options for big history excursions. You’ll also find out which bay to head to if you don’t fancy battling an unpleasantly strong wind.
TL;DR
- The most accessible resort: Hurghada offers loads of charter and direct flights, and the flight takes just over four hours, so you’re by the sea in no time.
- Ideal for families: Shallow sandy entries into the water and huge hotel water parks make the area a perfect destination for travelling with kids.
- Weaker house reefs: The coral right by the hotel beaches is often damaged, and for proper colourful snorkelling you simply have to head out on a boat trip — let’s not sugar-coat it.
- A paradise for excursions: From town you can very easily reach the paradise island of Giftun, go quad biking in the desert, or visit the ancient monuments in Luxor or Cairo.
- Watch out for the wind: The resort is fairly windy, which is a huge relief in the hot summer, but in the winter months it can feel noticeably cooler here than in the south.
- Two faces of the city: You can stroll along the luxurious promenade in the modern Marina, or dive into the genuine chaos of the old bazaar in El Dahar.
- Tourist visas: At the airport, buy your visa at the official bank counter for 25 USD (~23 €) and don’t be lured by the touts at the so-called VIP desks, who will try to charge you double.
When to Visit Hurghada
Egypt works as an amazing year-round destination, since the sun shines here more than three hundred days a year. Rain in this area is an absolute rarity, and if it does happen to rain, it’s usually just a short, rather symbolic shower. By far the most pleasant time to visit, though, is spring and autumn. If you book your flights for the period from March to May or from October to November, absolutely dreamy conditions await you. Temperatures in these months hover in the range of a very pleasant 25 to 31 degrees, and the sea is just refreshing enough without your teeth chattering when you come out ☺️
If you’re tied to the summer school holidays, prepare yourself for the fact that July and August are extremely hot here. The thermometer regularly climbs towards forty degrees and the sun burns with truly unbelievable intensity. The advantage of summer, though, is that the sea feels like a warm bath, so you can spend hours in it. The summer heat is also dispersed fairly well by the ever-present wind, so those high temperatures are a bit more bearable by the water than somewhere inland. Just don’t forget strong sun cream and a hat, because you can get burnt here in about ten minutes.
A chapter in itself is the Egyptian winter. From December to February daytime temperatures still hold around a very nice 20 to 24 degrees, which is absolutely lovely on a sun lounger. But there’s one fairly big catch. Hurghada is very windy in winter and the “feels-like” temperature can drop quite unpleasantly due to strong gusts. There’s even often a red flag flying, which means a strict ban on swimming in the sea because of the big waves.
If you absolutely long to warm your bones in the middle of January and mainly want to dive to the coral, a more southerly resort is a much better choice. For a detailed comparison of the weather and temperatures in each month, definitely check out our in-depth article on when to visit Egypt. Hurghada is simply brilliant, but in winter you’d best pack a light jumper for the evening walks.
Where to Stay in Hurghada
Hurghada itself doesn’t stretch around just one small bay — it actually forms an enormous belt of hotels along the coast, so choosing the right location is absolutely crucial for your holiday. If you love the buzz and want cafés and nightlife literally on your doorstep, look for accommodation in the centre around the Sekalla district. You’ll just have to accept that the beaches are rather artificial and underwater life there is almost non-existent. Highly rated here is the luxurious Steigenberger Al Dau Beach, which offers a beautiful private beach and absolutely first-class service.
Probably the most popular area for families and snorkelling lovers is Makadi Bay, which lies a little further south. Its huge advantage is that it’s sheltered from the strong wind, so you can swim here even on days when an uncompromising red flag is flying elsewhere. On top of that, you’ll find one of the few genuinely nice house reefs in the area. Here I can recommend with a clear conscience the beautiful Fort Arabesque Resort Spa & Villas, from where the coral is just a few steps off the beach.
If you’re after total peace and quiet and don’t mind being a bit away from all the action, look into the Sahl Hasheesh area. There are amazing long promenades and very high-quality resorts here, but it tends to be a bit windier. A great choice with gorgeous views is the popular Tropitel Sahl Hasheesh. For families with younger children, who mainly care about water fun and slides, an absolute hit is the Pickalbatros Aqua Vista Resort, located fairly close to the airport.
💡 Tip: Before you rush to book a package with the first travel agency you stumble across, definitely have a look at the wide selection of resorts on Booking.com, where you can easily compare prices and reviews for the exact same hotels and dates, which always comes in handy.
💡 Tip for independent travellers: If you’re planning to put your holiday together yourself and you’re just looking for a flight, look for the cheapest connection to Hurghada airport from London or Manchester — there are plenty of direct and connecting routes throughout the season.
13 Things to See and Do in Hurghada
Unlike some sleepier resorts, in Hurghada there really are loads of ways to spend your time outside the safety of the hotel resort. Whether you’re drawn to history, a bit of adrenaline, or just slowly soaking up the local atmosphere with a drink in hand, there’s something here for almost everyone. Let’s take a look at some specific tips.
1. Hurghada Marina
The modern yacht harbour, known as Hurghada Marina, is something of a showcase for the whole resort. Picture a beautifully paved promenade, lined on one side with moored luxury boats and on the other with dozens of stylish restaurants, bars, and little cafés. Everything here is clean, well-kept, and — by ordinary Egyptian standards — almost unexpectedly calm.
During the day it tends to be quite hot and empty, but the real magic arrives at sunset. In the evening the promenade lights up beautifully and becomes the main hub of social life. It’s an absolutely ideal spot for an early evening stroll, a sit-down with a shisha, or a relaxed dinner overlooking the gently bobbing boats.
Compared to the rest of the city, the atmosphere here is also much more relaxed and safe. The local vendors are used to tourists and are nowhere near as pushy as at the classic street bazaars. If you want to enjoy a pleasant evening outside the resort without any stress, the Marina is probably the best possible choice in the whole city.
2. The Old Town of El Dahar and the Bazaar
If you want to escape the polished tourist bubble for a while and see the real, unvarnished face of Egypt, you have to head to the old district of El Dahar. Here, narrow alleys, dusty roads, and above all a huge local bazaar await you, where they sell absolutely everything from fresh fruit and vegetables through fragrant spices to brass lamps and traditional clothing.
But be prepared — it’s quite an assault on all the senses 😅 The ever-present touts are very active here and will try to lure you into their shops, which is probably the most common thing tourists complain about. All you have to do is keep a cool head, say a firm “no, thank you” with a smile, and just keep walking. If you’re not interested in buying, trust me, it’s best not to make unnecessarily long eye contact with them at all.
But once you do spot something, you have to haggle — it’s literally a national sport here. The first price is often absurdly inflated, easily three times the real one.
💡 Tip: Aim to knock it down to at least 50 to 70% of the original amount. The very best tactic is the so-called “put it down and walk away”. When you can’t agree on a reasonable price, simply hand the item back and walk away slowly. In most cases the vendor will immediately run after you with a much better offer. You’ll also experience the best atmosphere here in the early evening, between five and nine o’clock.
3. Water Parks for Kids
Hurghada is, without the slightest exaggeration, an absolute paradise of water fun, and you’ll find the very largest and best-equipped water parks in all of Egypt here, which makes it a dream destination for all children. The best-known giant is Makadi Water World, which lies a little south of the city and offers dozens of crazy slides, giant flumes, and calm lazy rivers where you can rest for a while.
Another huge complex is Jungle Aqua Park, located fairly close to the airport. It’s designed as a big tropical village, and you’ll even find pools with an artificial wave machine here. Similarly popular is the Aqua Park at the Titanic resort, which reliably delights mainly the fans of adrenaline and steep plunges into the water.
A huge advantage is that many big hotels have their own sprawling water parks right within their grounds. So if you’re travelling with small children, it definitely makes sense to choose your accommodation primarily based on the quality of the pools, because entry to other people’s water parks can get quite unpleasantly expensive when you buy separate tickets for the whole family.
4. Grand Aquarium Hurghada
When it happens to be really windy, or you want to take a break from the blazing sun for a bit, a visit to the Grand Aquarium is an absolutely ideal activity. It’s an enormous complex that is home to more than a thousand different marine creatures. It’s a great choice for non-swimmers and families with really small children who want to see the beauty of the Red Sea, so to speak, nice and dry and at ease.
The absolute biggest draw of the whole complex is the amazing glass shark tunnel. Picture walking through it while large sharks, giant rays, and shoals of brightly coloured little fish glide majestically right above your head. It’s a fairly fascinating sight that will definitely keep you glued for a good while.
The whole tour takes you about two hours at a relaxed pace. The aquarium may not quite compete with the most modern facilities in the world, but as a way to liven up your holiday it’s a really nice stop. It pays to buy tickets online in advance, so you avoid any queues at the ticket desks.
5. Al Mina Mosque
Right by the coast not far from the modern marina stands a building you simply can’t leave out of your photos. The enormous Al Mina Mosque, with its dazzling white walls, big domes, and two slender minarets, is without doubt the most photogenic building in the whole city. Especially in the early evening, when it’s beautifully lit and the call to prayer rings out, the place has an incredibly captivating and romantic atmosphere.
It’s an actively used place of worship, so if you want to look inside at the beautifully decorated interiors too, you must strictly observe the dress code. Men must wear long trousers and women must cover their shoulders, legs, and hair. You can borrow appropriate clothing at the entrance, but it’s much better to turn up already prepared.
Even if you decide not to go inside at all, the mosque is worth a short stop just for the photos from outside. The contrast of the pure white building against the deep blue sky is simply gorgeous. It tends to be quiet here and you’ll get at least a fleeting touch of genuine local culture.
6. The Sindbad Submarine
This is an experience you won’t find just anywhere in the world. Moored in Hurghada is the Sindbad submarine, one of the few genuine recreational submarines operating in tourist resorts. It’s not a glass-bottomed boat, but a real underwater vessel that descends with you to a depth of around twenty-five metres below the surface.
From a comfortable seat, through large round portholes, you can calmly observe the stunning world of coral reefs, shoals of colourful fish, and with a bit of luck even sea turtles. It’s an absolutely brilliant choice for grandparents or people who are afraid to dive but don’t want to miss out on the underwater beauty Egypt is so famous for.
The whole trip, including the hotel transfer and a short boat ride to the submarine itself, usually takes around three hours, and you’ll spend roughly fifty minutes in the submarine underwater. The price ranges around 40 to 50 € (~1,000 to 1,250 CZK) and inside there’s surprisingly plenty of room and air conditioning, so you needn’t fear any unpleasant claustrophobia.
7. The Paradise Island of Giftun (Orange Bay and Mahmya)
If you want to bring back photos from Egypt that look like they’re from the Caribbean, you have to head out on a boat trip to Giftun Island. It’s a protected national park near the coast that hides the very most beautiful beaches in the whole area. The sand here is incredibly white and the shallows glow the most vivid turquoise.
The trips are divided depending on which specific beach on the island you’re heading to. The most popular and slightly cheaper option is the stretch called Orange Bay (trip prices start at around 25 USD / ~23 €). It’s beautiful here, shallow, and great for kids, but hand on heart, around midday it gets absolutely insanely overcrowded. The pricier and more exclusive choice is Mahmya beach (costing 50 USD and up / ~46 €), which is calmer and offers a somewhat more eco-friendly and relaxed approach to nature.
💡 Tip: Many tourists think these beaches are great for snorkelling, but that’s a big misconception. Right by Orange Bay or Mahmya beach there’s just sand and no coral at all. The snorkelling is done exclusively at stops out on the open sea during the boat ride to the island. If you want at least a bit of peace on the beach, go strictly on a weekday and look for trips that leave as early in the morning as possible (ideally with hotel pickup before eight o’clock).
8. Snorkelling and Diving
The underwater world of the Red Sea is among the best in the world, but at Hurghada you need to know one fairly fundamental rule that no one will tell you in the brochure. Due to decades of massive development and the building of artificial beaches, the house reef right by most hotels is very weak and damaged. If you expect to put on a mask by the loungers and see crowds of fish, you’ll probably be very disappointed at the central beaches.
For the real colours and living coral, you absolutely have to travel by boat. But you only need to head out a little way from the shore and the sea literally lights up before you like an artist’s palette. For beginners, the shallow reefs near the islands are nice, while experienced divers usually head out to the open sea, for example to the renowned Careless Reef site north of Giftun Island.
💡 Tip: If you want to avoid paying for boat trips and long for nice snorkelling for free straight from the beach, choose a hotel in Makadi Bay or Sahl Hasheesh. There the coral still holds up fairly nicely. For divers, Hurghada has excellent certified centres such as Aquarius Diving Club or Scuba Hurghada, where experienced instructors will look after you. Always take water shoes into water where there’s a risk of contact with the bottom, because of sea urchins and venomous scorpionfish. And remember, you must never touch so-called fire coral — it causes a very nasty rash.
9. Swimming with Dolphins at Dolphin House
An encounter with dolphins in the wild is an experience that will give you goosebumps long after you get home. From Hurghada there are regular boat trips on a full-day excursion to the shallow lagoon of Shaab El Erg, fittingly nicknamed Dolphin House. In this area, huge pods of wild dolphins commonly hang out, and they’re already fairly used to the presence of boats and often come closer of their own accord out of sheer curiosity 😉
You’ll get a mask and fins, and on the guide’s signal you jump into the open sea. If you’re lucky, these incredibly intelligent animals will swim just a few metres from you, which is an absolute dream. On top of all that, the trip usually also includes two or three stops at really lovely coral reefs, so you’ll enjoy snorkelling to the max.
It’s hugely important to bear in mind, though, that they’re still wild animals and strict rules apply. Under no circumstances may you touch them, you mustn’t chase them anywhere, and you must let them set the pace and closeness themselves. Reputable trip operators thankfully adhere very strictly to this rule, and that’s exactly how it should be.
10. Desert Safari
When you get a little tired of the sea for a while, all you have to do is turn your back to the water and head off to explore that endless parched landscape just behind the city. The desert safari is probably the most popular land excursion of all, and you can choose whether to saddle up a noisy quad bike, hop into an off-road buggy, or get a ride deep among the sand dunes in a big jeep.
Most of these half-day or early-evening trips include a stop in a traditional Bedouin village, where you’ll taste their strong tea, ride a camel, and watch how bread is baked right in the sand. Prices tend to be very reasonable, starting at around 18 to 35 € (~450 to 875 CZK) per person depending on the specific programme you choose.
The most magical moment of all, though, is when the sun sinks below the horizon. In the desert there’s no light pollution from hotels, so an incredibly clear starry sky lights up above you. Stargazing through a powerful telescope is often part of the programme too. Definitely take a scarf for your mouth and nose, though, because you’ll swallow more than enough dust.
11. A Full-Day Trip to Luxor
This is exactly why so many history lovers head to Hurghada in particular. The city lies at such a distance that you can manage a one-day round trip to ancient Thebes, today’s Luxor. But be prepared for the fact that it’s a really demanding and packed day — this simply has to be worth those sleepless hours on the bus. You usually set off from the hotel while it’s still pitch dark, and the journey takes roughly four hours one way.
The reward for getting up early, though, is phenomenal. With your own eyes you’ll see the colossal pillared halls of Karnak Temple, walk through the chilling Valley of the Kings where the ancient pharaohs rest, and admire the terraced temple of Queen Hatshepsut set right into the rock face. It’s the absolute essence of ancient Egypt nicely in one place.
During summer it’s truly brutally hot in Luxor and the sun bakes like an oven in those enclosed valleys, so it’s probably better to plan this trip for the spring or autumn months. If you don’t fancy spending eight hours on a bus in a single day, you can also find slightly calmer two-day versions with an overnight stay on site.
12. Cairo and the Pyramids
Seeing the last surviving wonder of the ancient world with your own eyes is probably the dream of just about every traveller. From Hurghada you can get to Cairo to the pyramids in Giza, but again, it’s not exactly a restful trip where you’ll nod off. The bus journey takes a brutal six hours there and six back, which means leaving the hotel well after midnight and returning around dinnertime.
A much more comfortable, though of course noticeably pricier, option is a flying excursion to Cairo. The domestic flight from Hurghada airport takes just about an hour and a quarter, so you save loads of precious time and energy. Besides the majestic pyramids and the mysterious Sphinx, you’ll also manage to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum and see the famous treasure of the pharaoh Tutankhamun.
If you’re travelling with children, think really hard before choosing the bus option — it tends to be excessively long and tiring for them. Cairo is also a gigantic and unbelievably chaotic city, so by flying you’ll at least make that culture shock a little more bearable.
13. A Trip to El Gouna
About twenty-five kilometres north of Hurghada lies a little town you probably wouldn’t quite expect in Egypt. El Gouna boasts the nickname “the Egyptian Venice”, because it’s an absolutely luxurious and elegant resort woven through with a network of artificial water canals and turquoise lagoons. Even if you’re staying elsewhere, it’s definitely worth taking a relaxed half-day trip here.
You can wander the beautifully maintained marina, admire millionaires’ yachts, or just sit in one of the stylish little cafés by the water and soak up the sun. The whole resort is very clean and has that premium, slightly snobbish atmosphere that sharply contrasts with the dust and noise of the rest of Egypt.
💡 Tip: The very best thing about El Gouna, though, is what’s missing here. There are no pushy touts or shouting vendors. It’s absolutely peaceful and one hundred percent safe, even at two in the morning while walking the night-time alleys. If you absolutely can’t stand haggling and the pressure of street vendors, El Gouna will work for you like the perfect balm for the soul.
Where to Eat in Hurghada
Dining in Egypt mostly works by relying on the all-inclusive buffet right in your hotel, but the quality of this food tends to be very variable. While in the more luxurious resorts you’ll find themed evenings and a wide selection, in the cheaper ones the food gets quite repetitive and tends to be a bit bland. For vegetarians, though, Egyptian cuisine is a hugely pleasant surprise, I can promise you that. You absolutely must try koshari, an utterly brilliant and filling national dish made of a mix of rice, pasta, lentils, chickpeas, fried onions, and a spicy tomato sauce.
Besides that, prepare for perfect falafel, creamy hummus, wonderfully mashed aubergine baba ganoush, and a great fava bean mash called ful medames. There’s also plenty of fresh and grilled vegetables everywhere, plus classic pizza or pasta. For meat and seafood lovers, the local restaurants prepare fresh fish, prawns, and various lamb kebab specialities, so even without the vegetarian treats you can eat very richly and tastily here 🙂
If you want to head out for a meal outside the hotel, the best and safest choice is the aforementioned Hurghada Marina. There are nice places here such as The Greek or the popular restaurant Waves, where they cook excellently, have great vegetarian options, and the setting is very European.
💡 Tip: Be very careful about what you drink, though. The so-called pharaoh’s revenge can ruin your whole holiday. Drink strictly only bottled water, and please do so even when brushing your teeth. In restaurants outside your resort, it’s best not to put ice in your drinks, because it’s often made from ordinary tap water, which our European stomachs simply aren’t used to.
Where to Go Next from Hurghada
If you’re keen to explore the Red Sea coast a little more, definitely check out our other guides. If you’re still hesitating about whether the busy north is the right choice for you, read our article Hurghada or Marsa Alam?, where we compare both resorts in detail and very honestly. For those of you who mainly long for perfect snorkelling and don’t mind a somewhat calmer atmosphere, we’ve prepared detailed tips in the article Marsa Alam: 13 Tips.
More interested in history and grand ancient buildings? Take a look at our overview What to See in Egypt, where you’ll find the most beautiful monuments from the pyramids to the temples in the south of the country. For a general overview of which bay in Egypt to head to, our big guide Where to Go on Holiday in Egypt: 20 Tips comes in handy. And so you don’t forget anything important while packing your suitcase, definitely go through our practical list What to Pack for a Holiday in Egypt before you fly.
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Compare car prices in Egypt →Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Hurghada suitable for?
It’s an absolutely ideal choice for families with children, first-time visitors to Egypt, and people who want a great selection of excursions and entertainment. The beaches here are rather shallow and sandy, huge water parks operate here, and the resort comes alive well into the night. On the other hand, those seeking absolute tranquility and the best corals right off the beach should head south instead.
How far is Hurghada from Prague?
Direct flight from Prague airport takes approximately four and a quarter hours. A great advantage is that by far the most charter flights head here from Czechia, and during summer season even from airports in Brno or Ostrava, so the journey is very comfortable.
When is the best time to go to Hurghada?
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The most pleasant conditions are in spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November), when it’s beautifully warm but not extremely hot. In summer, temperatures climb towards forty degrees. In winter it’s usually sunny, but feels quite cold due to strong winds.
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Can you snorkel well right from the beach in Hurghada?
Mostly unfortunately not. The house reefs near central hotels are often destroyed or have given way to artificial sandy beaches. A beautiful exception is the protected Makadi Bay. For truly colorful corals and rich marine life, you otherwise have to take boat trips here.
Do I need water shoes?
It depends on the hotel. If you have a fine sandy beach, you don’t need shoes. However, in areas with dead coral substrate near the shore or when snorkeling, we definitely recommend them – they’ll protect you from accidentally stepping on a sea urchin or poisonous stonefish.
Are there sharks in Hurghada?
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In the Red Sea, sharks naturally live, as it’s their natural habitat. However, in the Hurghada area, incidents almost never occur and the beaches at hotels are usually shallow and safe. During normal swimming and snorkeling, you don’t need to be afraid of them.
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How much to tip in Egypt?
The so-called baksheesh is an unwritten rule here, because the staff’s wages are very low. You leave the housekeeper roughly 20 EGP (~€0.30) per day on the bed, and similar amounts are given to porters or waiters. With a pre-arranged taxi at a fixed price, however, an extra tip is no longer expected.
Is Hurghada Boring?
It really depends on what you expect from your holiday and which hotel you’re staying in. Compared to smaller resorts, Hurghada offers the beautiful Marina promenade, the old bazaar, desert safaris and plenty of water fun, so you definitely won’t be bored if you venture outside the resort gates for a while.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
