Things to Do in Hurghada, Egypt (Tried and Honest Guide)
We have been to Hurghada three times, and every time we stayed at an all-inclusive resort and mostly relaxed. On our last trip, we finally went out to explore the city too, and I’m glad we did.
Below I’m sharing everything we did and saw ourselves, plus a few extra things worth knowing that we haven’t tried yet. I’ll be clear about which is which, so you know exactly what comes from real experience.
1. Relax at an All-Inclusive Resort
When you come to Hurghada, most probably your main reason is a relaxing beach vacation, and that’s exactly what we did on all our trips.
Choose a resort that sits directly on the beach and fits your needs. For a good standard, look for a 5-star, all-inclusive resort. Check the dietary options if you need any, and how many pools, slides and kids’ activities they offer.
Also look at the beach itself. Is the entrance gradual, is there a pier, can you snorkel from it? Check how far it is from the airport or city center in case you want to visit, and read reviews from previous guests before booking.
We stayed in three different resorts in Hurghada: Pickalbatros White Beach, Pickalbatros Dana Beach, and Titanic Royal. We were happy with all three.
2. Visit El Mina El Kabeer Mosque
El Mina El Kabeer Mosque is a small but beautiful mosque near the marina, and it’s worth the short visit.
Entrance is free, but as a woman you need to be covered, including your hair. I recommend bringing your own scarf and a dress that covers your full body. Otherwise, you can rent one there for $1.
3. Spend an evening at Hurghada Marina
From the mosque, it’s about a 5-minute walk to Hurghada Marina, passing the fish market and getting a glimpse of real, everyday life in Egypt along the way.
The marina itself is a closed-off tourist area, clean and modern, with restaurants and shops on one side and boats and yachts docked on the other.
This was one of my favorite spots in Hurghada, and I highly recommend an evening walk here.
4. Visit the old town, El Dahar
Visiting El Dahar was on our list, but we didn’t manage to do it on this trip. From what I’ve researched, it’s where you’ll see everyday Egyptian life, along with some government offices.
El Dahar is also home to the largest souq in Hurghada, where you can enjoy the typical Egyptian shopping atmosphere and try your negotiating skills.
You can also visit Saint Shenouda Cathedral, a Coptic Orthodox church.
5. Take a trip to the Islands
If you want to see more of the coast, most resorts offer boat trips, or you can book one yourself through GetYourGuide or Viator.
Popular options include Giftun Island, Paradise Island, Mahmya Island, Eden Island, and Orange Bay.
They all offer soft white sand, crystal-clear water, snorkeling, and food and drinks included.
6. Take a trip to the desert
Besides the beach, a desert trip is a great way to see a different side of Hurghada. Depending on the tour, activities can include camel riding, quad biking, star gazing, a visit to a Bedouin camp, and a BBQ dinner.
7. Go shopping
You really can’t skip shopping when you’re in Egypt, and Hurghada has plenty of options. If you enjoy bargaining, head to the souq.
If negotiating isn’t for you, there are also plenty of fixed-price shops. The most popular of these are Cleopatra shops, which you’ll find all over Hurghada, near several resorts and one on the corniche.
They sell everything from souvenirs and clothes to shoes and cosmetics. We also found small, fixed-price souvenir shops in the marina with really good prices.
For malls, Senzo Mall is the largest in Hurghada, and Hurghada City Center Mall has a Carrefour. Each resort also has its own shops, but expect higher prices there.
8. Visit Hurghada Grand Aquarium
The Grand Aquarium is a great activity if you’re traveling with children. It has a marine aquarium with a tunnel and over 1,200 species, a rainforest area with reptiles and birds, a mini zoo, and whale fossils. You can even dive with sharks here.
We haven’t visited this one ourselves yet, so I can’t share a personal opinion on it, but it’s worth knowing about if you’re traveling with kids.
9. Spend a day at an aqua park
Many resorts in Hurghada already have pools with slides and splash areas, especially for younger kids.
If yours doesn’t, Makadi Aqua Park and Neverland Aqua Park are both popular day-trip options that are fun for older kids and adults too.
Where to stay in Hurghada
Hurghada is full of all-inclusive beach resorts, so your choice really comes down to your own preferences.
As I mentioned, we stayed at Pickalbatros White Beach, Pickalbatros Dana Beach, and Titanic Royal across our three trips, and we’d happily recommend all three.
How to Move Around Hurghada
For getting around Hurghada, you have a few options: hotel taxi, private transfer, or Uber.
Uber is the cheapest option, but it comes with its own issues in Egypt. I wrote a separate article about using Uber in Hurghada, with a few things to know before you rely on it, so make sure to read that before your trip.
What to pack for Hurghada
- Swimwear
- Beach dress
- Shorts, skirts, t-shirts
- Evening outfit (dress for women, trousers and shirt for men)
- Flip-flops and sandals
- More conservative clothing and a scarf if you plan to visit a mosque
- A light layer – for winter months or if you do a desert evening trip
- Pyjamas
- Sunscreen, after-sun cream, and lip balm
- Sunglasses and a hat
- Snorkeling equipment if you plan to snorkel
- Camera or phone, plus charger
- Plug adapter – Egypt uses the European two-pin plug (type C/F)
- Passport (and printed visa confirmation if you arranged one in advance)
- Money and a debit/credit card (USD, EUR, and EGP are all accepted)
- Personal medication, especially for digestion issues
- Tissues or wet wipes – some public bathrooms outside resorts don’t stock them
- Travel insurance
Visiting Hurghada: FAQs
Is Hurghada worth visiting?
Yes, definitely. We keep going back for the beaches, the marine life, and the shopping, and we always have a great time.
Can you drink alcohol in Hurghada?
Yes, you can drink alcohol in licensed venues like resorts, restaurants, and bars.
Can you visit the pyramids from Hurghada?
Yes, though Giza is fairly far away. You can fly there in about an hour, or take a private transfer, which takes around 5 to 6 hours.
Can you drink tap water in Hurghada?
No. Never drink tap water in Hurghada, or anywhere in Egypt. It’s fine for brushing your teeth, but always stick to bottled water for drinking.
What are some fun activities to do in Hurghada?
Aqua parks, snorkeling, and water sports like parasailing, jet skiing, and banana boats are all popular. Most resorts also run their own activities for both kids and adults.
