Located on the Red Sea coastal belt, the city of Hurghada was a quiet fishing village roughly twenty years ago. Nowadays Hurghada, it is one of the most famous holiday destinations in Egypt. So, is worth visiting Hurghada? Definitely yes! It’s trendy among tourists who want an all-inclusive holiday with water activities.
Are you looking for a sun, sea, and sand escape? What better place than Hurghada? Check out 52 Best & Epic Things To Do In Hurghada, a perfect balance between secret spots, historic treasures, and water activities.
If you dream of experiencing some Arabic culture on your next beach holiday, then Hurghada fits the bill perfectly!
Now, whether you are looking for a bit of inspiration or you need a lot more information in order to plan your trip, I definitely have a list of the unmissable things to do in Hurghada.
Iconic Sights in Hurghada
If this is your first trip to Hurghada, then you must see some of the main town attractions. To make it easy for you I’ve compiled a list of the top famous sights in Hurghada!
El Mina Masjid Mosque
You can enter El Mina Masjid Mosque and admire the architecture of Hurghada’s most beautiful mosque just, make sure to be dressed appropriately.
Visit Sakkala City Center
Consider visiting The City Center and one of the busiest places in Hurghada where shops and restaurants line the main road.
Don't Miss Hurghada Museum
Hurghada Museum is a great place to learn a bit more about Egyptian history while visiting all the departments from the Pharaonic age to Modern Egypt.
Abdulmoneim Riadh Mosque
Called as well the Big Mosque, the architectural marvel that stands tall gives you the opportunity to connect with the culture and daily life of Hurghada.
The Old Town El Dahar
If you are looking for the most authentic place in Hurgada, head directly to The Old Town, El Dahar.
Hurghada Grand Aquarium
Non-swimmers interested to get a close glimpse of the beautiful Red Sea marine life should put the Hurghada Grand Aquarium on top of their list of things to do in Hurghada, Egypt.
Hurghada Marina is a modern addition to the downtown city and from the beginning it has become one of the city’s most popular dining locations, especially after dark. Amazing place to enjoy your dinner!
Sand City Hurghada
Sand City is the only open-air sand museum in Africa and the Middle East that blends two different worlds, historical, and wonderland art. Children will love this tour!
Go parasailing and see Hurghada from the sky
This is the best activity to witness the stunning and scenic views of the Red Sea at bird’s eye level. So, make your vacation more exciting and go parasailing in Hurghada!
Take a stroll through the Hurghada Marina Boulevard
What better place to end one of your touring days through Hurghada than with a nice walk along Marina Boulevard? The sun setting over the Red Sea is spectacular!
Go on a Private Hurghada Sightseeing Tour
Apart from endless historical sites and all the water activities, there’s still so much to do in Hurghada. To make it easier, you can take a private sightseeing tour and visit the top attractions of the city.
Go Horse Riding On The Beach
Go horse riding on the beach for a fun time while experiencing a slice of Arabic life.
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Water Activities in Hurghada
I know that all water activities are your major reason to visit Hurghada! There are plenty of things to do that only involve the Red Sea so you can start planning at least a 2 weeks vacation.
Experience Hurghada's Beach Life
Breathtaking, golden-sand beaches and turquoise, crystal-clear water will make you feel in paradise!
Go Scuba Diving
The Red Sea is one of the world’s top diving destinations! For diving lovers, this is a perfect trip to see some of the most fantastic marine life in the world.
Go Snorkeling
If diving is a bit too much for you, then you must go on a snorkeling trip to explore the colorful fish, aquatic life, and beautiful corals.
Explore Marine Universe At Carless Reef
Located approximately an hour’s drive from Hurghada Careless Reef is a unique spot and the large variety of marine life is astounding.
Be a kid again at Jungle Aqua Park
Beat the desert heat and have fun with your friends and family on a day at Jungle Aqua Park. The 35 slides, pools, and games will entertain you for a full day!
Makadi Water World
Makadi Bay Aquapark is Egypt’s biggest water park, the perfect place to get your adrenaline rushing in slides like Turbo Tunnel and Twister or relax in the lazy river all day.
Try Some Watersports
Besides all underwater activities, Hurghada is a hot spot for other watersports! You can hire out everything from jet skis, banana boats, windsurfing, and kitesurfing to add a little bit of excitement to your trip.
Go water skiing
Experience the breathtaking feeling of skiing atop the Red Sea while being pulled by a speed boat on this water activity.
Sea Cruises from Hurghada
As I’ve said, many this to do on the water as well as so many other things to do on day cruises!
Explore Giftun Island
Giftun Island, also known as Paradise Island, is a famous desert island in Hurghada and one of the most popular boat excursions.
Mahmya Island
Mahmya Island is a luxury day trip on a private island! Definitely, a great place to relax on a sun lounger underneath a palm tree, or take a dip in the clear blue ocean.
Cruise over the Red Sea to Dolphin House a very well-known area for its high density of wild dolphins, and watch or swim with them!
Gota Abu Ramada
Known among divers as “The Aquarium”, this dive site is a perfect place for you here in Hurghada to learn diving.
Sindbad Submarine
Looking for a great opportunity of seeing some of the Red Sea’s famed underwater sights without getting your feet wet, then try Hurghada’s Sindbad Submarine.
Dive the Sites of the Straits of Gubal
If diving is your thing, The Straits of Gubal is one of the country’s major diving destinations and definitely should be added to your list of things to do in Hurghada!
Explore the Abu Nahas Shipwreck Sites
This fantastic area offers no less than five shipwrecks to explore!
Day Trips from Hurghada
If you want to take a break from the sea, then you definitely should explore the tradition and the culture on countryside trips!
Experience a Jeep Safari in the Sahara Desert
Jeep Safari in the Sahara Desert was definitely an interesting experience. I had an opportunity to experience a crazy Jeep ride, visit a Bedouin village, and see how Bedouin bread is made.
Day Trip To Luxor
Luxor, also called “the world’s greatest open-air museum”, is a must-do thing on your trip to Hurghada, Egypt. And if you decide to take this trip, check out the 27 best things you can do in Luxor.
With its own historic center, Aswan is a famous destination in Egypt. A bit far from Hurghada but still a must-see destination whether you choose to go on a day trip or you prefer to spend there a couple of days.
Day Trip To Cairo
Cairo is by far one of the most famous places in Egypt and a guided trip day can bring you the opportunity to explore and experience some of the most famous landmarks. Here are some of the best things to do in Cairo.
Mini Egypt Park
Located just outside Hurghada, Mini Egypt is an open-air museum featuring miniature replicas of Egypt’s most famous buildings and monuments. It’s a great way to get a glimpse of Egypt’s magnificent history without having to travel all over the country.
Hiking on the Red Sea mountain trail
Looking for some more activities? Red Sea Mountain Trail is a 170 kilometers long path, where you can hike with a local guide from the Beduin tribes.
Get Active in El Gouna
El Gouna is a spectacular resort close to Hurghada where you can get active while exploring the restaurants, clubs, and bars in the area.
Try Quad Biking in the Desert
Go on an adventurous ride through the desert on quads or buggies. No better way to literally taste the desert’s sand!
Experience an Oriental Camel Ride
Camel ride is one of the most popular things to do in Egypt, although, for an Arabic vibe, is preferable to experience this activity in the desert.
Embark on a Full-Day Dendera Temple Tour
Experience a full-day tour led by a professional Egyptologist and visit the vast compound of shrines, chapels, and temples that were built over thousands of years.
Enjoy a Full-Day Red Sea Monastery Tour from Hurghada
Probably not one of the most famous things to do in Hurghada. However, you can travel to the Eastern Desert to see Egypt’s oldest Coptic Christian Monasteries, St. Anthony’s Monastery, and St. Paul’s Monastery where you can admire the architecture of the sites.
Shopping and Food in Hurghada
What better place to test your barging skills than in an Egyptian souq?
Hurghada Fish Market
The Fish Market is well worth a visit! Not polished for tourists, you’ll experience the real, everyday life in Egypt and learn about the local fish and seafood specialties.
Learn To Make Papyrus At Selkhet Papyrus history museum
A great place to learn more about Egyptian culture, how to produce papyrus papers, and view artworks depicting ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs.
Take a break from all the sightseeing and enjoy a shopping day. Don’t forget that haggling is mandatory here!
Great Memory, Get a portrait of yourself drawn
You can take home a beautiful memory! At the New Marina, you can have someone hand-draw a portrait of yourself.
Dine-in at the Sofra Middle Eastern Cuisine
Take Arabic Cuisine to a different level! Experience an oriental atmosphere with special lighting and typical architecture while tasting a variety of cuisines including Egyptian, Lebanese, and Middle Eastern.
Go on a Fun Shopping Spree at the Senzo Mall
Do you want a fancy atmosphere for some more shopping? Head to Senzo Mall, the largest shopping complex of its kind in the Red Sea Riviera.
Experience a Spa Day in Style at Hilton
And when all these countless activities are enough you can relax and enjoy the spa facilities at Hilton Hurghada Plaza Hotel! From thermal areas like steam baths, indoor waterbeds relaxation rooms, or outdoor thermal gardens to restaurants, bars, and the infinity pool you have plenty of things to do for a peaceful day.
Night Things to Do in Hurghada
Although most of the adventurous activities are happening during the daytime, Hurghada still has many things to do at night.
Dinner On The Beach
Enjoy a dinner under the stars in some of the most breathtaking places. This is not only for romantic couples!
Witness the 1001 Arabian Nights Show
This show [Alf Leila Wa Leila] is one of the things you shouldn’t miss out on when you’re on a vacation in Hurghada, it’s a classic! You will experience scenes from the times of the Pharaohs and ancient cults. Book your ticket ahead as this is one of the most popular activities in Hurghada.
Bedouin Dinner Tours
This is probably the best way to experience Egyptian food and culture! You can enjoy flavorful local cooking and traditions in a Bedouin tent setting.
Dance the night away at Elements Club & Lounge
This is an American lively club that features karaoke nights, vocal performances, and offbeat dance floors. A perfect spot to get a taste of Hurghada’s nightlife!
Pamper yourself with a Turkish bath
For a gorgeous experience, you can get rejuvenated with a relaxing treatment for your body in a typical Turkish bath.
Gaze at the Stars during an Astronomical Night Tour
The Egyptian desert’s clear night sky is one of the most beautiful in the world, so go on an astronomical night trip and enjoy a relaxing night out.
As soon as darkness descends, Hurghada transforms into a vibrant party town. In fact, Hurghada is the leading nightlife city in Egypt and the preferred destination for most locals.
FAQs
Unforgettable experiences in Hurghada
Is Hurghada better than Sharm el Sheikh?
While both Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh are popular Egyptian resort destinations, the choice between them depends on personal preferences. Hurghada is known for its vibrant nightlife, diverse water activities, and family-friendly atmosphere. On the other hand, Sharm el Sheikh is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, world-class diving sites, and a more upscale atmosphere. Consider your interests and priorities to decide which destination suits you best.
How many days is enough in Hurghada?
The ideal duration for your stay in Hurghada depends on the activities you plan to engage in and your overall travel goals. However, a stay of 4 to 7 days is generally recommended to fully enjoy the diverse experiences Hurghada has to offer. This allows time for exploring the underwater world, relaxing on beautiful beaches, and enjoying the local culture and cuisine.
Why should I visit Hurghada?
Hurghada is a captivating destination for various reasons. Its stunning Red Sea coastline offers exceptional snorkeling and diving opportunities with vibrant coral reefs and marine life. The city also boasts lively markets, vibrant nightlife, and a range of water and land-based activities. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or cultural experiences, Hurghada provides a well-rounded destination for an unforgettable vacation.
Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking scenes beneath the crystal-clear waters.
Overall
Unique adventures in Hurghada
While Hurghada’s main tourist attraction tends to be flopping on the beach, as you can tell by now, there are many more other things to do in Hurghada. In the water as well as on dry land, you have plenty of activities if you want to taste the adventure.
