Situated along the beautiful Red Sea coast, Hurghada is one of Egypt's most popular beach resort towns. With its deep blue waters, stunning coral reefs, and year-round warm climate - it's no surprise that this city attracts tourists from all over the world looking to soak up some sun. You must know some of the best places to visit in Hurghada when you are going to visit an amazing city like this.
Top Places to Visit in Hurghada: An Egyptian City That Must Be on Your List to Visit
Hurghada offers beautiful beaches, diving, and a lively tourist scene in a safe, affordable destination. Spending a few relaxing days here immersed in the coastal vibes and Egyptian flavors provides a great Red Sea experience for all budgets. Visitors in Hurghada can craft an unforgettable tropical Egyptian getaway. From ancient temples to bustling local markets, when in this Egyptian oasis, here are the top 8 places to visit in Hurghada:
- Hurghada Beaches
- Giftun Island
- Soho Square
- Hurghada Grand Aquarium
- Makadi Bay
- Mini Egypt Park
- El Dahr
- Souk Hurghada
1. The Smokery Beach: The Ultimate Coastal Experience
Hurghada trip is incomplete without spending days relaxing on its major beaches across the coast which are considered some of the best beaches in Egypt. One of the top beaches includes Smokery Beach. Stretching for several kilometers, this wide sandy beach have soft white sand and calm crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, water sports or simply taking a stroll. Come sunset, this beaches make for a beautiful scenic spot to watch the sun dip below the horizon.
Address: Hurghada 2, Red Sea Governorate 1982710, Egypt
Nearby Hotels: Mangroovy Residence El Gouna, Mosaique Hotel El Gouna, Fanadir Hotel El Gouna, Captains Inn, Turtle's Inn
Nearby Places to Visit: Mangroovy EL Gouna A F, CLUB 88 Pool & Restaurant, New Marina, El Gouna
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2. Giftun Island: A Quiet and Beautiful Island
For a tranquil island getaway, just a short boat ride away from the crowds, be sure to visit the idyllic Giftun Island. As you approach by boat, you're greeted by postcard-worthy views of powdery white sandy beaches surrounded by azure waters. There are no vehicles or buildings to spoil the natural beauty. On Giftun, you can spend the day sunbathing, snorkeling amongst vibrant coral reefs or just floating in the clear waters. Make sure to add a visit to Giftun Island on your list of Hurghada things to see.
Address: Hurghada, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt
Timings: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Nearby Hotels: Available on mainland Hurghada.
Nearby Places to Visit: Mahmya Island, Orange Bay, Paradise Island Hurghada, Eden Island Hurghada.
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3. Soho Square: Perfect Place for Evening
For a taste of modern Hurghada, head to the lively downtown area of Soho Square. Lined with shops, restaurants, and bustling pedestrian streets, it's the city's social and commercial hub. People watch from one of the many sidewalk cafes while enjoying freshly brewed coffee, shisha, or ice cream. In the evenings, some of the best restaurants in Egypt in this neighbourhood come alive as locals and tourists gather to dine, drink, and party well into the night. With its buzzing atmosphere and amenities, Soho Square is a great place to experience the heartbeat of contemporary Hurghada.
Address: Hilton Hurghada Plaza, Gabal El Hareem Street, Hurghada, Red Sea Governorate 84511, Egypt
Nearby Hotels: Hilton Hurghada Plaza, Jewels Sahara Boutique Resort, Cleopatra Resort Hurghada, Tiba Rose Hurghada.
Nearby Places to Visit: Hurghada City Center, Hurghada Corniche, Tauchen Hurghada, Family Beach 2.
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4. Hurghada Grand Aquarium: Experience the Sealife
Home to over 5000 marine creatures large and small, a visit to Hurghada Grand Aquarium is a fun way to learn about Red Sea aquatic life. Highlights include giant rays gracefully gliding through the tanks, playful sea otters, and enormous green turtles. But the stars of the attraction are undoubtedly the sharks that can be seen up close from a submerged tunnel area. Add on encounters with sea lions, a tropical reef, and other exhibitions and there is plenty to keep all ages entertained for hours. It's a unique day out in Hurghada.
Address: Grand Aquarium، Villages Road, Km 12, Red Sea Governorate 84511, Egypt
Timings: 9 AM – 7 PM
Nearby Hotels: Jungle Club House, Mercure Hurghada Hotel, La Vista Resort Hurghada, Platinum Resort and Mall
Nearby Places to Visit: Harry Nass Wingfoiling Hurghada, Pirates 5 Stars Diving Center, Mohamed Fathe Happy Horse Stable
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5. Makadi Bay: Red Sea on your Offshore
A few kilometers south of Hurghada city center lies the pristine beach oasis of Makadi Bay. With excellent amenities and activities on offer, it has become a very popular resort area for tourists. Stretching for some 14km along the Red Sea coast, Makadi Bay is home to several beachside hotels, bungalows, and resorts nestled between white sandy coves and palm tree-edged shores. Within the secure boundaries of Makadi Bay, you'll find water sports centers renting equipment for everything from jet skiing and waterskiing to snorkeling, scuba diving, and glass-bottom boat tours. For tropical luxury Hurghada places to visit, Makadi Bay is a perfect place to base yourself.
Address: Hurghada 1, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt
Timings: 24x7
Nearby Hotels: Madinat Makadi Golf, Resort & Spa, Jaz Makadina, Jaz Makadi Blue, Iberotel Makadi Beach.
Nearby Places to Visit: Makadi Water World, Coral Reef Makadi Bay, Bimbo Island, Aquarius Diving Club.
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6. Mini Egypt Park: History with Excitement
Among the places to see in Hurghada history buffs will appreciate this open-air museum-styled Mini Egypt Park located just outside Hurghada city. Wander the paths bordered by palms and take in the painstakingly recreated monuments and artifacts that showcase different eras in ancient Egyptian civilization. Walk through Pharaonic villages composed of detailed huts, grain silos, and marketplaces. Pause to admire sculptures of Egyptian gods and hieroglyph-decorated obelisks. The park's highlight is no doubt the full-sized replica of the Great Sphinx of Giza, one of Egypt's most iconic landmarks. A fascinating cultural experience that teaches about the glory of ancient Egypt right on Hurghada's doorstep.
Address: Mini Egypt, Hurghada 1, Red Sea Governorate 84517, Egypt
Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM
Nearby Hotels: Ostaf Grand Makadi housing, Green Village Resort, Tia Backpacker Hostel.
Nearby Places to Visit: Dolphin World Egypt, Green Village Resort Makadi Bay, Boulevard Makadi, Tolle Tours.
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7. El Dahar: A Perfect Place See the Local LifeI
For a taste of local Egyptian life, the old town of El Dahar is worth exploring. Located on the mainland just near the Red Sea, this settlement has narrow lanes dotted with traditional houses with wooden balconies and embellished windows. Wander through the quiet backstreets watching the fishermen mend their nets or craftsmen at work in small shops. Stop in at a local bakery or coffeehouse to sample fresh bread, fruit, and mint tea served with hospitality. It's fascinating to witness everyday village scenes far removed from the resort zones. El Dahar’s old town offers a glimpse into authentic Red Sea coastal culture.
Address: Hurghada 2, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt
Nearby Hotels: Bella Rose, Canary Hotel, St. George Hotel, Jungle Aqua Park Hurgada, Palm Inn Hotel
Nearby Places to Visit: Meraki Resort, Horus Reisen, Masjed Al Dahar Al Kabeer, Saint Shenouda Coptic Orthodox Church.
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8. Souk Hurghada: Be the Part of Bazaar
To experience the lively heart and soul of any Egyptian town, a visit to the local souk or markets is a must places to go in Hurghada. Souk Hurghada located in the southeast part of the city is no exception. Stalls piled high with fresh produce, seafood, and colorful spices intermingle with bakeries, butchers, and shops peddling everything from pottery, to souvenirs and knick-knacks. Listen to merchants animatedly touting their wares while browsing crafts stalls for authentic finds. Emerging with an armful of treasures is part of the souk experience too.
Whether you're looking for stunning beaches or history and culture, these are the best places to visit in Hurghada. The city has something interesting for every type of traveler. From iconic landmarks, unique attractions, and charming villages to lively markets, spending a week exploring these top 8 places is sure to give you memorable experiences and a true taste of the Red Sea destination. The history, scenery, amenities, and year-long warm climate make Hurghada a worthwhile tropical getaway anytime. To experience this amazing city, look and book our Egypt Tour Packages today!
Places to visit in Hurghada FAQs
Hurghada is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters of the Red Sea. It has over 160 km (about 100 mi) of coastline. The town also has a lively tourist scene with many restaurants, shops, and hotels.
Hurghada can get quite crowded during the peak winter season from December to February when European tourists flock to enjoy the warm weather. However, it is less busy during the summer months.
The best times to visit are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild and sunny without too much humidity.
Most visitors spend 3-5 days in Hurghada. That's enough time to enjoy relaxing on the beaches, do 1-2 dives or snorkeling trips, and check out the downtown area and El Dahar walking street at night.
The most popular public beaches include Cleopatra Beach, Al Abu Seera Beach, and Edtha Beach. Some top private beach clubs include Coco Beach Club, Makadi Coral Beach Club, and Alf Leila Beach Club.
All-inclusive resorts provide maximum convenience in Hurghada, with meals, drinks, entertainment, and facilities all under one roof. This lets you fully relax without worrying about budgets.
Top things to do other than relaxing on beaches include scuba diving and snorkeling trips to experience vibrant reefs, boating to nearby islands and more.
Being a popular tourist town, most locals in Hurghada speak enough English to communicate. However, the official language is Arabic. Locals are generally warm and friendly towards visitors.
Top local specialties include kofta kebabs, ful medames (stewed fava beans), molokhia (jute leaf soup), fatta (rice and meat salad), shawarma sandwiches, and full (mashed fava beans dip).
Top options include metered taxis, microbuses, buses, rented cars, or motorbikes. Taxis are readily available and affordable for short trips though rates aren’t always set.
