Introduction To Hurghada Egypt

Thinking of heading to a truly unique tourist destination? Hurghada Egypt is your ultimate escape. Hurghada is a vibrant tourist destination offering a different range of things to do in Hurghada to suit all interests. In this article, you will find a comprehensive Hurghada travel guide that provides you with a full look about this fascinating city with its stunning shores and white sand. This guide will give you a glimpse of the best places to visit in Hurghada and things to do in Hurghada. On the other hand you will know what are the Hurghdad excursions that should be on your bucket list.

So, whether you’re seeking exhilarating adventures in the sea or desert, or simply looking to unwind and soak in the local culture, our Hurghada local guide tips will ensure your trip is seamless and unforgettable. 

We will delve each detail you need to know before you come to Hurghada as follow:

1. Why To Visit Hurghada Egypt?
2. Hurghada Travel Guide: What To Know Before You Go? 
3. Top Things To Do in Hurghada
4. What are the Best places to visit in Hurghada Egypt?
5. What are the Must-Try Hurghada Excursions?
6. General Hurghada Local Guide Tips

Get all the essential information you need for your upcoming trip to Hurghada Egypt, from an experienced tour guide from Simsem app.

Why To Visit Hurghada Egypt?

Hurghada Egypt is renowned as a premier tourist destination, attracting travelers year-round. 

Hurghada’s main attraction lies in its stunning turquoise beaches with pristine white sands, complemented by a vibrant nightlife.

Beyond its coastal charm, Hurghada Egypt consistently ranks among the top 25 global travel destinations, primarily due to its unparalleled diving sites and the rare coral reefs found in areas like Giftun Island. 

The city also boasts unique desert mountain landscapes and diverse cultural attractions, including religious and archaeological sites, alongside the rich traditions of its indigenous communities.

Hurghada Egypt stands out as one of the world’s finest marine environments and richest seas in terms of coral reefs and rare marine life. The governorate encompasses approximately 39 marine islands, surrounded by 60 renowned diving sites. 

These diverse marine areas in Hurghada Egypt are home to a wide scale of marine creatures, with dolphins being particularly abundant, especially in areas like El Gota and Fanous.

If you decide to travel to Hurghada Egypt, contact one of Simsem’s experience local guides to give you the best tour.

Hurghada Travel Guide: What You Should Know Before You Go?

Planning your stay in Hurghada means choosing from a variety of accommodations that can be suitable to your budget and travel style. Here’s a quick guide to prices and types of lodging available:

In the following comprehensive Hurghada Travel Guide, I will provide you with all the necessary details on how to get there, the best times to visit, suitable accommodation options, and convenient transportation methods.

Hurghada Travel Guide: Best Time To Go To Hurghada Egypt

Hurghada, Egypt, is truly a year-round travel destination, but for many, the prime time to visit falls during spring and autumn. 

During these seasons, the weather is simply perfect, offering ideal conditions with comfortably moderate temperatures.

If you’re looking to escape the bitter cold of winter in your home country, Hurghada is an absolutely ideal choice. 

It boasts wonderfully warm and sunny weather throughout the winter months. 

Alternatively, if you prefer to avoid the peak crowds, summer can be a good option, though you’ll need to be prepared for somewhat higher temperatures. 

No matter when you choose to go, this Hurghada Travel Guide aims to help you find the best time for your perfect trip.

Hurghada Travel Guide: How to Get To Hurghada Egypt?

How you get to Hurghada depends on your current location, whether you’re arriving from abroad or from within Egypt, specifically Cairo.

1. If you’re coming from outside Egypt, you can fly directly into Hurghada International Airport. 

You can obtain your visa either online in advance or upon arrival at the airport.

1. For those traveling from within Egypt, particularly Cairo, your options are:

• Flying from Cairo International Airport
• Driving your own car via the new Galala Road
• Taking a bus with companies like Go Bus and Blue Bus, which offer various service levels. 

This Hurghada Travel Guide aims to make your journey as smooth as possible.

Hurghada Travel Guide: Where To Stay In Hurghada Egypt?

Planning your stay in Hurghada means choosing from a variety of accommodations that can fit to your budget and travel style. Here’s a quick guide to prices and types of lodging available:

• Hurghada Hotels: Hurghada hotels offer a wide range of options, from luxurious resorts to more basic stays. 

Resorts often include extensive services and various meal plans like Full Board, All-Inclusive, and Half Board. You’ll find hotels catering to families with many activities, or adults-only resorts designed for peaceful relaxation.

• Hurghada Hostels: Hostels are available in lively areas like downtown and Sakala.

They offer flexibility, social environments, and local insights, making them a great choice for backpackers and budget travelers looking for an authentic experience.

• Budget Hotels: Budget hotels are common in Hurghada, typically rated two or three stars.

They provide basic facilities and services at lower prices than luxury hotels, often offering a decent level of privacy and sometimes a half-board option.

• Hurghada Apartments: Rental apartments are a popular choice for daily or weekly stays, especially for families or larger groups.

These apartments provide essential amenities like kitchens and bathrooms but generally don’t include hotel-style dining or recreational services.

• Hurghada Local Guest-Houses: Local guest houses offer a unique and simple accommodation experience, resembling family homes.

They provide significantly cheaper rates, personalized service, and quick check-in/check-out processes, offering a cozy alternative to larger hotels.

Costs of accommodation in Hurghada vary based on the level of services and amenities provided. So, luxury hotels typically range from $145 to $200 per night for a double room with an all-inclusive plan. In additions, hostels generally cost $9 to $11 per person per night, while budget hotels range from $18 to $42. Meanwhile, the apartments are about $9 to $10 per night, and guesthouses start around $100 per night, often providing multiple rooms for greater privacy.

Hurghada Travel Guide: How to Get Around?

When staying in Hurghada, you’ll find several convenient ways to get around, ensuring a smooth experience during your trip. 

This Hurghada Travel Guide outlines your best transportation options:

• Regular Taxis: You can easily flag down a passing taxi. 

Meters often aren’t used, so it’s best before starting your journey, to agree on the fare with the driver, to avoid overcharging.

• London Cab: This is a comfortable and reliable option for getting to and from the airport, or if you prefer a larger, more dependable car than standard cabs. 

You can book London Cab in advance via their website or app.

• ABC Taxi and Other Chartered Taxis: If you prefer fixed rates and want to avoid haggling, ABC Taxi is an excellent choice.

They operate in Hurghada city but can be booked from the airport, El Gouna, Soma Bay, or other resort towns. You can request a car immediately or book for later.

• Uber & Careem: Both Uber and its Middle Eastern counterpart, Careem, are available in Hurghada Egypt, primarily within the main city area. 

These ride-hailing apps provide a convenient way to book cars directly from your phone.

Start looking for the suitable Hurghada travel guide? Look no more, Simsem can enhance your experience while in the country.

Top Things To Do in Hurghada

Hurghada is a vibrant tourist destination offering a different range of activities to suit all interests. 

Whether you’re seeking adventure in the sea or desert, or simply want to explore local culture and relax, you’ll find something for everyone here.

Marine and Water Activities:

• Diving and Snorkeling: You can explore the incredible underwater world of the Red Sea, renowned for its diverse marine life and rich coral reefs.
• Various Water Sports: Dive into fun with a wide array of water sports such as kitesurfing, water-skiing, catamaran sailing, and parasailing.
• Swimming with Dolphins: Experience an unforgettable encounter by swimming alongside dolphins in their natural habitat, a popular activity for families.
• Fish Watching from a Submarine: Discover marine life from a unique perspective by taking a submarine ride, diving up to 20 meters to observe colorful fish and coral reefs.

Desert Adventures and Activities:

• Desert Safaris: Embark on an exciting adventure into the Eastern Desert, where you can enjoy ATV/quad bike rides and even horseback or camel riding. 

Visit Bedouin camps to learn about their traditional way of life, savor authentic Bedouin bread made before your eyes, and enjoy a cup of the finest Bedouin tea. Witness breathtaking sunsets and marvel at the starlit desert sky.

• Other Desert Activities: Try dirt biking or go hiking along the Red Sea Trail for nature enthusiasts.

City Exploration and Culture:

• Taste Egyptian Cuisine: No visit is complete without sampling authentic Egyptian dishes like Koshary, Ta’ameya (falafel), and Ful Medames, found in many local and traditional restaurants.

Relaxation and Wellness:

• Spa Sessions: Indulge in a luxurious spa experience with Turkish baths, massages, and saunas to rejuvenate your body and mind.

To fully know the best things to do in Hurghada, consider hiring an experienced tour guide through the Simsem App. 

What are the Best places to visit in Hurghada Egypt?

Hurghada excursions have a rich tapestry of attractions, blending historical insights, vibrant city life, thrilling entertainment, and stunning natural beauty. 

When considering the best places to visit in Hurghada Egypt, these excursions and sites truly stand out:

Hurghada Museum

For a deep dive into Egypt’s fascinating past, the Hurghada Museum is a must-visit. 

The museum is a home for a wide scale collection of artifacts that span various historical periods, from ancient Pharaonic times to the Greco-Roman era, Coptic, Islamic, and modern periods. 

You can trace the evolution of Egyptian civilization through meticulously displayed exhibits, including sculptures, jewelry, ancient tools, and even mummies from the Valley of the Golden Mummies. 

It offers a cultural respite from the beach, providing an insightful look into the country’s heritage.

Sand City Sculptures

Located not far from the aquarium, Sand City is an intriguing open-air museum where art meets nature.

 It features over fifty impressive sand statues, divided into two distinct themed routes. 

One route explores history and mythology with sculptures related to ancient Egypt, Greece, and other cultures, while the second path is designed with families in mind, focusing on popular children’s themes. 

It’s a unique artistic experience and a great way to spend an hour or two.

City Districts for Local Immersion

• El Dahar (The Old Town): To truly experience the authentic pulse of Hurghada Egypt, venture into El Dahar. 

This “old town” area is where the majority of locals live, offering a stark contrast to the resort zones. 

Here, you can wander through bustling souks and bazaars, filled with local vendors selling anything you can imagine from fresh produce and spices to traditional crafts and souvenirs. 

It’s an eye-opening glimpse into the daily life and vibrant culture of the city’s inhabitants.

• Hurghada Marina Boulevard: In stark contrast to El Dahar, the Hurghada Marina Boulevard is a modern, chic area that exudes a cosmopolitan vibe. 

Lined with gleaming yachts, this promenade is a center of activities featuring an array of upscale restaurants, lively cafes, and boutique shops.

It’s the perfect spot for an evening wander, enjoying a meal with a view, or simply soaking in the luxurious atmosphere.

• Old Sheraton Road (El Sekala): This long, bustling street serves as a melting pot where local life and tourist activity seamlessly blend. 

Running parallel to the sea, El Sekala is dotted with budget hotels, dive centers, tour agencies, local shops, and bazaars. 

You’ll find a mix of local and tourist-oriented restaurants, banks, and coffee shops, making it a vibrant commercial and social hub for both residents and visitors.

• El Mamsha: This long pedestrian promenade is a central attraction in Hurghada Egypt, hosting a significant concentration of the city’s hotels, restaurants, and bars. 

It’s a popular place for evening walks, dining out, and enjoying the lively atmosphere.

Water Parks and Hurghada Grand Aquarium:

1. Makadi Water World: For a day of thrilling family fun, Hurghada’s water parks are an excellent choice.

Makadi Water World offers a vast array of slides and water attractions that are considered suitable for all ages. 

1. Hurghada Grand Aquarium: This impressive aquarium in Hurghada city provides an engaging experience for all ages, showcasing a diverse range of marine and terrestrial creatures. 

You can observe sharks, turtles, seahorses, and various colorful fish in beautifully designed aquariums. 

Beyond the marine exhibits, it also features a mini-zoo section with animals like crocodiles and monkeys, making it a comprehensive wildlife experience.

Religious Sites

• El Mina Mosque: A stunning architectural marvel, El Mina Mosque is situated right on the Hurghada Red Sea harbor. 

Its majestic presence, with 25 domes, a large marble courtyard, and two towering minarets, creates a striking image against the backdrop of fishing boats and yachts.

The mosque’s eclectic architectural style incorporates various Islamic motifs, offering a serene space for contemplation and a glimpse into local religious life.

• St. Anthony’s Monastery: Approximately a two-hour drive from Hurghada, St. Anthony’s Monastery is a profound historical and spiritual site. 

As the oldest inhabited Christian monastery in the world, it dates back to the 3rd century. 

Visitors can explore ancient paintings from the 7th and 8th centuries and view a collection of 1,700 ancient documents. 

It is considered a unique opportunity to get insights about early Christian history in the desert.

Want to know the best places to visit in Hurghada? Consider hiring one of the local guides from Simsem App.

What are the Must-Try Hurghada Excursions?

Hurghada excursions have a vibrant array of excursions that promise adventure, natural beauty, and unforgettable experiences. 

Here are the top must-try Hurghada excursions to add to your itinerary:

• Diving and Snorkeling Excursions: Plunge into the incredible underwater world of the Red Sea, renowned globally for its rich coral reefs and myriad marine life. 

Whether you’re an experienced diver or a beginner, you can explore breathtaking dive sites teeming with colorful fish. 

If diving isn’t your preference, easily arrange a boat trip to excellent snorkeling spots where you can marvel at the vibrant aquatic ecosystem from the surface.

• Boat Trips to the Islands (e.g., Giftun Island, Blue Lagoon and Orange Bay): A trip to Hurghada excursions isn’t complete without experiencing its stunning islands.

Take a scenic boat trip to picturesque destinations like Giftun Island and its famous Orange Bay. 

These Hurghada excursions typically allow you to spend the day either swimming or snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, or simply relaxing on beautiful, fully serviced beaches.

• Desert Safaris: Embark on an exhilarating adventure into the Eastern Desert.

These safaris often involve ATV/quad bike rides across the dunes, and you can even experience horseback or camel riding. 

A highlight is visiting Bedouin camps, where you’ll learn about their traditional way of life, savor authentic Bedouin bread made before your eyes, and enjoy a cup of the finest Bedouin tea.

Witness breathtaking sunsets over the desert mountains and marvel at the starlit night sky, offering a truly unique cultural and natural experience.

• Swimming with Dolphins: This is an absolutely unforgettable experience that ranks high on many visitors’ lists.

Take an Hurghada excursion out into the Red Sea to swim alongside dolphins in their natural habitat. 

It’s a magical and engaging activity that delights both adults and families, offering a rare chance to connect with these spectacular creatures in their wild environment.

Still thinking, what are the must-try Hurghada excursions? Simsem app will guide you through the whole journey.

General Hurghada Local Guide Tips

To make the most of your visit and ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience, here are some essential Hurghada local guide tips:

• Haggle for Fares (Especially Taxis): In Hurghada Egypt, it’s common practice to negotiate the fare with regular taxi drivers before you get in, as meters often aren’t used. Remember to agree on the price, that is suitable to you, before starting your journey to avoid any misunderstandings. For fixed, upfront pricing, consider using ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem.

• Protect Yourself from the Sun: The sun in Hurghada is incredibly strong, particularly during summer. Be sure to use high-SPF sunscreen, wear something on your head like a hat, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

• Pack Light and Comfortable Clothing: Hurghada’s climate is warm for most of the year. Opt for light, loose-fitting cotton clothing to keep cool and comfortable throughout your stay.

• Dive into Local Cuisine: Don’t miss the chance to savor authentic Egyptian dishes like Koshary, Ful Medames, Ta’ameya (falafel), and fresh seafood. Seek out local restaurants for delicious and often more affordable options.

• Be Ready to Bargain in Markets: When shopping in local bazaars and souks, especially in the El Dahar area, haggling over prices is expected. Embrace the experience and don’t hesitate to ask for a better deal.

• Respect Local Customs: While Hurghada is a tourist-friendly city, it’s always good practice to show respect for Egyptian local customs and traditions, particularly when visiting religious sites like mosques.
• Book Excursions and Activities in Advance: If you’re planning specific activities like diving trips, desert safaris, or boat excursions to the islands, it’s advisable to book ahead of time. This helps ensure availability, especially during peak season, and can sometimes secure you better prices.

• Manage Your Currency: The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). You can always exchange foreign currency to EGP pounds at banks, exchange offices, or your hotel. You can use your credit cards at most hotels and resorts and larger restaurants.

• Desert Safari Preparations: If you’re heading out on a desert safari, wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and suitable desert attire. Don’t forget a scarf to protect your face from dust and the sun.

Do you think that these Hurghada local guide tips aren’t enough ? If yes, then consider hiring a local guide from Simsem App.