10 Things To Do In Hurghada: Unveil Unmatchable Experiences

An aerial view of Hurghada adjacent to the Red Sea, featuring white buildings all over.

Hurghada is Egypt’s sun-drenched gem nestled along the coast of the Red Sea. It is a paradise for beach lovers, water sports enthusiasts and culture seekers. With clean sands, coral reefs and historical marvels, Hurghada is perfect for relaxation and adventure. With Hurghada’s range of activities, the top things to do in Hurghada will ensure that your trip to this coastal town will be unforgettable. From sunbathing on beaches to exploring ancient ruins and indulging in thrilling safaris, Hurghada has something for everyone.

Top 11 Things To Do In Hurghada

From marine wonders and desert safaris to cultural excursions, these are the various things to do in Hurghada for best experiences:

1. Stroll Along Hurghada Marina

Some white motorboats are resting at a marina in Hurghada during a colorful sunset.

Photo: bassel zaki / Pexels

Located at Saqala Square, the Hurghada Marina is a must-visit spot to explore the city. This is a new seafront promenade where you can take a stroll with an eye to the harbour. While you walk, take in the fancy yachts and sailboats on the water. The cafes, boutiques and restaurants here are abundant in local and international food. There are really gorgeous sunsets from the marina. This is the best part of it to relax after a day of exploring. The marina is also a good place to watch people, being alive with locals and tourists.

Location: Saqala Square, Hurghada, Red Sea Governorate
Best Time To Visit: March to May and September to November

2. Go On An Off-Road Adventure Safari

Tourists are riding on quad bikes on the sand dunes of a desert to enjoy adventure safari.

Photo: Moussa Idrissi / Pexels

For adrenaline seekers, an off-road adventure safari is one of the best things to do in Hurghada. You will find the Sahara Desert, where you can ride in a dune buggy or quad bike ride, a few kilometres away from the city. Feel the rush as you zoom across the arid landscapes, with the mountains and desert stretching out in every direction. Many safaris also include a stop at a traditional Bedouin village. Here you can enjoy authentic desert food and learn about the Bedouin way of life. As night falls, stargazing under the clear desert sky is an unforgettable experience.

Location: Hurghada, Red Sea Governorate
Best Time To Visit: October to April

3. Explore El Dahar

A marketplace in El Dahar, the Old Town of Hurghada, is looking lively during night.

Photo: Blueshade / Wikimedia Commons

Experience the real Egyptian culture in El Dahar, the Old Town of Hurghada. The area is full of old markets, local restaurants and ancient Egyptian monuments. The star of the show is El Dahar Bazaar, a maze of stalls selling anything from jewellery and spices to textiles and souvenirs. There, you get to do the centuries-old act of haggling with the sellers for special local produce. The sounds of the street hawkers and the smell of freshly grated spices are sensory overload.

Location: El Dahar, Hurghada, Red Sea Governorate
Best Time To Visit: October to March

4. Try Scuba Diving And Snorkeling In The Red Sea

Three scuba divers are posing underwater inside the Red Sea, featuring reefs and fish.

Photo: Oleksandr P / Pexels

The Red Sea is one of the world’s top destinations for underwater exploration, and Hurghada is at the heart of it. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a newbie, you can go snorkelling and diving around. Go to Giftun Islands or Utopia Island to see beautiful coral reefs and swim with many species of fish, dolphins, eels and others. The waters are clean and the underwater photography is excellent. Dive excursions will usually be guided by professional instructors who offer safety and guidance to novice divers.

Location: Giftun Islands, Hurghada, Red Sea Governorate
Best Time To Visit: May to October

5. Explore The Underwater Museum Of Hurghada

A little boy is standing in front of a big aquarium while facing a stingray and other fish.

Photo: Chris F / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Hurghada Underwater Museum is a totally unique and amazing experience. This museum is in the Red Sea with submerged sculptures and sculpture installations that you can dive into. The museum is an artificial reef and offers a wonderful mix of art, culture and conservation. It is a fantastic place for divers and snorkelers to get into an underwater paradise. The sculptures are meant to aid the development of coral reefs. It’s a fantastic way to get some views of the Red Sea and give back to the environment at the same time.

Location: Hurghada, Red Sea Governorate
Best Time To Visit: Year-round

6. Discover The Wonders Of Hurghada Grand Aquarium

A car is parked in front of the Hurghada Grand Aquarium, referring to one of the best things to do in Hurghada.

Photo: Hatem Moushir / Wikimedia Commons

The Hurghada Grand Aquarium is a wonderful, family-friendly museum to get closer to life in the Red Sea. In the aquarium, there are a range of locally endemic animals, from sharks and turtles to tropical fish. You can stroll around the aquarium’s zones and hear about the Red Sea’s ecology and coral reefs. It even has an underwater tunnel where you can go through the marine animals and see how the underwater environment looks.

Location: Hurghada, Red Sea Governorate
Best Time To Visit: Year-round

7. Experience Hurghada’s Nightlife At Papas Beach Club

A nightclub is full of young crowds with good disco lights, referring to one of the best things to do in Hurghada.

Photo: Edoardo Tommasini / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Hurghada isn’t just about the day; its nightlife is equally vibrant and exciting. Papas Beach Club is one of the most popular spots to experience the city’s lively nightlife scene. With its beachside location, trendy vibe and upbeat music, this venue draws both locals and tourists. This is for a night of dancing, live DJ performances and beach parties. It’s a great place to relax with a drink in hand, listen to international tunes and enjoy the cool breeze from the Red Sea. Whether you want to enjoy a calm evening or dance till dawn, Papas Beach Club is the perfect place.

Location: Hurghada, Red Sea Governorate
Best Time To Visit: March to May and September to November

8. Visit The 1,001 Nights Show

A man in a vibrant dress is performing a cultural dance, referring to one of the best things to do in Hurghada.

Photo: Tsidoti / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Try some Egyptian culture and history at the 1,001 Nights Show in Hurghada. It is an elaborate open-air show whose traditional Egyptian music, dance and myths are performed amid a light and sound show. It is an Arabian Nights wistfulness that is joined by fantastic acrobats, dancers and horsemen. That’s a fun way to explore Egypt’s culture while getting entertained in an outdoor setting.

Location: Alf Leila, Hurghada
Best Time To Visit: November to March

9. Shop At Senzo Mall

The entrance of a not-so-crowded Senzo Mall is radiating serenity, referring to one of the best things to do in Hurghada.

Photo: Almondox / Wikimedia Commons

For those looking to shop, Senzo Mall is one of the largest shopping complexes in Hurghada. Located just south of the city centre, it offers a variety of local boutiques, international brands and eateries. The mall is perfect for those who want to shop for fashion, electronics or souvenirs. It also houses a food court offering everything from fast food to sit-down restaurants. This provides plenty of options for dining after a shopping spree.

Location: Senzo Mall, Hurghada, Red Sea Governorate
Best Time To Visit: Year-round

10. Relax In Sahl Hasheesh

Exotic resorts lined by the Red Sea beach in Sahl Hasheesh, referring to one of the best things to do in Hurghada.

Photo: Marc Ryckaert (MJJR) / Wikimedia Commons

For a tranquil experience, you can go to the resort town of Sahl Hasheesh, just south of Hurghada. Known for its captivating beaches and luxurious resorts, Sahl Hasheesh is perfect for unwinding in a more peaceful setting. Take a walk along its picturesque promenade, relax at a seaside café or explore its artificial reefs by snorkelling. Sahl Hasheesh also hosts various local events, from beach festivals to marathons. This makes it an ideal place to experience Hurghada’s charm in a more laid-back manner.

Location: Sahl Hasheesh, Hurghada, Red Sea Governorate
Best Time To Visit: April to May and October to November

11. Explore Sand City Hurghada

A number of ancient jugs, slightly damaged, referring to one of the best things to do in Hurghada.

Photo: James Frid / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Sand City Hurghada is a one-of-a-kind outdoor art museum made entirely of sand. This fascinating attraction features over 60 giant sand sculptures created by international artists. People are allowed to roam around the park and marvel at the works, from ancient Egyptian pharaohs to pop culture icons. Its statues are super-sized and a great time pass for kids and adults. Sand City is more than an art museum allowing visitors to actually sand-sculpt in specified sections.

Location: Saqala Square, Hurghada, Red Sea Governorate
Best Time To Visit: Year-round

Hurghada, besides being a beach resort, is an adventure waiting to be discovered. Whether it is lying on the shoreline, diving in the Red Sea or uncovering ancient Egypt, there’s no shortage of things to do in Hurghada. Whether it’s the vibrant port or exotic islands, the desert safari or the archaeological wonders, Hurghada has something for everyone. Book your trip to Hurghada with TripXL to experience the best of this destination.

Cover Photo: Bahaa Mourad / Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

The ideal time to visit Hurghada is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The mild temperatures during these months make outdoor and water activities more enjoyable.
A stay of 3 to 4 days is sufficient to explore Hurghada’s highlights, including the beaches, water activities and desert safaris. If you wish to explore Luxor or take part in other excursions, you can consider extending your stay.
Yes, Hurghada is an excellent place for beginners to try scuba diving. There are many dive shops offering introductory courses and guided dives in the Red Sea. Here you can experience the beauty of coral reefs and marine life under professional supervision.
In Hurghada, the currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Although USD or Euros can be used at some big resorts and shops, it is best to go with local money if possible, especially at markets and small stores.
Aside from water activities, Hurghada offers many adventure and cultural experiences such as desert safaris, shopping in local bazaars, exploring ancient ruins in Luxor and enjoying the nightlife at various beach clubs and restaurants.

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