Travel writing based on first-hand experience
Looking for the best things to do in Hurghada? Discover beaches, diving, desert adventures, and more wit our guide.
Planning More Egypt Adventures?
Hurghada is where Egypt swaps temple dust for salty hair, coral reefs, desert sunsets, and that dangerous little thought: “Maybe we should stay by the Red Sea a bit longer.” Use these guides to build the rest of your Egypt trip without turning your holiday planning into a dramatic archaeological excavation.
- Where to Stay in Hurghada — the best next click if you’re choosing between beach resorts, marina vibes, family-friendly bases, and “please let the sea be close” hotels.
- Best Excursions from Hurghada — perfect for adding Luxor, Cairo, Giftun Islands, desert safaris, snorkeling trips, and other “we came for the beach but now we’re doing everything” adventures.
- Nightlife in Hurghada — handy if you want beach clubs, marina drinks, evening shows, and after-dark ideas that do not involve falling asleep at 8 p.m.
- Best Beach Towns in Egypt — useful if Hurghada has you wondering whether Dahab, Marsa Alam, El Gouna, or Sharm El Sheikh should be next.
- 8 Days in Egypt Itinerary — ideal if you want to combine Hurghada with Cairo, Luxor, ancient sites, and a little Red Sea recovery time.
- 14 Days in Egypt Itinerary — for a bigger route with pyramids, temples, Nile views, desert drama, and enough beach time to feel smug about your planning.
- Best Places to Visit in Egypt — the big-picture guide for deciding where Hurghada fits into your wider Egypt adventure.
- Egypt Travel Tips — practical advice on money, transport, dress, safety, tours, and all the small details that make Egypt much easier to enjoy.
Table of Contents
Top Things To Do In Hurghada
1. Dive in the Red Sea
Hurghada is famed for its stunning diving spots, which showcase the rich marine life beneath the waves. Diving is a must-do activity in Hurghada!
Embark on a day trip to explore the vibrant underwater world filled with colorful fish and corals. Set sail on the Red Sea and prepare for your first dive stop.
For beginners, especially if it’s your first dive, rest assured you’ll be in good hands. Instructors will guide you with essential tips and stay by your side, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
But diving here isn’t just about what lies beneath; it’s also a chance to soak in the breathtaking views above the surface. Whether you’re with family or friends, it’s an outing for all. And for those not quite ready to dive deep, snorkeling offers a wonderful alternative to enjoying the aquatic wonders.
2. Visit Luxor in one day
Luxor, with its millennia-old treasures, is an unmissable jewel. Skipping this city, only a 4-hour drive from Hurghada would be regrettable.
Luxor stands out as a must-visit in Egypt for those wondering what to explore in Hurghada.
Your journey starts early in the morning. You will head towards Luxor’s east bank to witness the grand Karnak Temple, famed for its towering columns.
Wander through this legendary place before embarking on a felucca sail across the Nile, Egypt’s longest river. This traditional voyage comes with insightful commentary from your guide, who’ll be with you throughout the day, illuminating each monument’s history.
Next, a local meal awaits, setting the stage for the Valley of the Kings exploration, the final resting place of iconic pharaohs such as Tutankhamun, Ramses II, and Seti I.
The tour doesn’t end here; you’ll also visit the majestic funerary temple of Hatshepsut and catch a glimpse of the Colossi of Memnon on your journey back.
READ ALSO: Ultimate Guide To Luxor Egypt: Itinerary, Must-See Attractions,& Tips
3. Go to Orange Bay on the Giftun Islands
The coast of Hurghada is blessed with little heavenly spots, including Orange Bay, south of the Giftun Islands. It is a huge seaside resort located in the Red Sea, near the coast of Hurghada.
An excursion also allows you to enjoy the place, enhanced with water activities such as snorkeling or towed buoying.
During the outward journey, you can admire the landscape, before diving into the crystal clear water for snorkeling.
Two stops are planned, as well as lunch on the boat. You will arrive in Orange Bay early in the afternoon, where you can rest for two hours.
You can then relax on beanbags, sunbathe, swim, pose on the large swings, or even order a cocktail at the bar. Beach and relaxation are the keywords of the place!
4. Visit the Hurghada Museum
The Hurghada Museum, although slightly out of the way, brings a cultural touch to a relaxing stay. Opened recently, it offers more than 2000 collector’s items.
If you don’t know what to do at the end of your stay, this is a good visit to Hurghada to discover a part of the country’s history.
You will be able to wander through objects dating back several millennia. Admire these display cases concealing ancestral wonders.
There you can find furniture, accessories, weapons, jewelry, everyday objects, sculptures, paintings, and even mummies! These latter come in particular from the Valley of the Golden Mummies.
It’s a fairly short visit since only an hour is enough to explore its 3000 m2. You will then follow a route that exposes different eras, namely ancient Egypt, the Greco-Roman era, the height of Coptic art, the Islamic period, and the modern era.
Among the most notable elements, we find jewelry that belonged to the dynasty of Mehemet Ali, a statue of Merytamon, Osiris, and that of the God Ptah.
5. Take a trip to the desert
The excursion into the desert takes you on an exotic and authentic journey. Beyond the wilderness and rocky mountains, we find a Bedouin camp that we discover before going to admire the stars.
From Hurghada, board a jeep, before taking the road towards the desert. You are offered a short camel ride before setting off on the sand on a jeep ride to reach the Bedouin camp.
Sitting on cushions in the middle of the desert, you will be served a traditional tea. Then they will explain their way of life, including a bread-making demonstration.
As the day ends, it’s a great time to watch the sunset over the mountains. Climbing the cliffs gives you an amazing wide view, the best part of the day.
After eating dinner by candlelight, you can look at the stars. The guide will show you some of the brightest stars and explain about them before you head back to your hotel.
6. Swim with dolphins
Swimming with dolphins is a must-do in Hurghada. You can try this incredible experience by joining a boat excursion that takes you off the coast. This trip also offers a chance to snorkel.
Once on the boat, you’ll head to a spot known for dolphins. There, you can dive into the water and swim alongside these friendly creatures. It’s a brief, yet unforgettable experience for both kids and adults.
After enjoying lunch on the boat, there’s time for a snorkeling stop. You can explore the underwater world of the Red Sea, full of colorful fish and coral. The instructors will provide all the necessary gear, including fins, a mask, and a snorkel. There’s even another stop planned to give you more time to enjoy the vibrant marine life.
7. Take a quad ride in the desert
If you’re in Hurghada and unsure what to do, try a quad tour in the desert. It’s a thrilling way to see the surroundings of the seaside resort and experience a bit of local culture. When you arrive, guides will show you how to use the quads and go over safety instructions.
Then, after a practice lap, you’ll head into the desert. Riding through the desert is enchanting, with distant cliffs and swirling sand that add a timeless charm. You’ll also get a scarf to protect you from the dust.
About an hour into the ride, you’ll reach a Bedouin camp where you can take a quick camel ride and enjoy some tea in the village.
The return trip is just as impressive, featuring a stunning sunset over the mountains, providing a perfect, refreshing end to your adventure.
8. Enter the El Mina Mosque
Visiting the Al Mina Mosque is a must when you’re in Hurghada for the first time, especially to admire its architectural beauty. Constructed from white marble in 2012, the mosque features two large minarets and several domes. The interior is equally stunning, with grand chandeliers, traditional oriental motifs, and Islamic calligraphy. You’ll see small manuscripts of the Quran stacked along the walls, and arches that add charm to the space. It’s a serene and authentic spot where locals come to pray and can be visited every day.
Before entering, you’ll need to remove your shoes. Women are required to cover their hair, upper body, and ankles. You can rent prayer clothing from an annex building to wear before stepping into this sacred place.
9. Go snorkeling
Due to the stunning beauty of the Red Sea seabed, snorkeling is a must-do activity in Hurghada. It’s unimaginable to visit without booking a sea trip to explore underwater.
Instructors provide all the necessary equipment—mask, fins, and snorkel—and will be with you throughout the day. After a quick briefing to go over the basics and safety, you’ll dive into the clear turquoise waters to marvel at the vibrant fish and coral reefs. There are two stops planned to ensure you get the most out of these underwater treasures.
These excursions often include additional activities, such as swimming with dolphins or exploring Orange Bay on the Giftoun Islands, known for its incredible and exotic landscapes.
At the end of the day, there’s usually a fun water activity like tubing to round off the adventure with some excitement.
10. Go to the beach
Hurghada’s coast is dotted with numerous beaches, essential for any vacation. Most of these are private, accessible mainly through seaside hotels. These beaches are often filled with colorful deckchairs, perfect for resting and sunbathing. The private setting allows you to enjoy the beach peacefully and enjoy water activities like snorkeling without much disturbance.
However, the seaside resort has only a few public beaches. Among these, El Sawaky Beach, located north of the historic heart, and Orange Beach, close to the city center, stand out. Generally, there’s a fee to access these beaches, and they tend to have more facilities available.
11. Go to Cairo from Hurghada
Traveling to Cairo from Hurghada is a great way to see some of Egypt’s most iconic sights, despite the journey being about 5 hours each way. This excursion, though long and tiring, is worth it for a first-hand look at Egypt’s rich history.
Once in Cairo, you’ll have the chance to marvel at the majestic Pyramids of Giza, including the famous temples of Khufu, Kephren, and Mykerinos. Don’t miss passing by the iconic Sphinx before heading to the Valley of the Temples.
The afternoon is spent in downtown Cairo, where you’ll visit the Egyptian Museum, the largest museum in the world dedicated to Egyptian antiquities. It’s particularly known for its extensive collection of mummies. Optionally, you can also enjoy a Nile cruise or a camel ride.
The excursion includes lunch at an oriental restaurant and hotel pickup, making for a convenient and comprehensive day trip.
READ ALSO: 11 Best Places to Visit in Cairo: Top Attractions & Tips
12. Stroll around the Marina
The Marina is a major highlight of the city, conveniently located just a short distance from the mosque. It offers a delightful stroll along the waterfront, where the setting is both pleasant and picturesque. This area becomes particularly bustling during high season, attracting tourists day and night.
Here, you’ll find a lot of international à la carte restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood for Greek, Japanese, Egyptian, or English cuisine, there’s something to satisfy every palate. To keep cool during the day, there are also ice cream vendors.
Additionally, a small souk in the marina is a good spot for some shopping. The pier for sea excursions is also located within the marina, making it a convenient starting point for water-based adventures.
Beyond these activities, simply walking along the marina lets you take in the vibrant and original architecture, adding to the charm of your visit.
13. Stroll through the old souk of El Dahar
If you’re keen to experience local Egyptian life, make your way north to the historic part of Hurghada, where you’ll find the El Dahar district and its vibrant souk.
This area offers a true immersion into the typical atmosphere of the country. As you navigate through the chaotic maze of the market, you’ll encounter local merchants selling many products in small shops.
El Dahar is older than the modern city center and is known for its local market. Here, you can find stalls brimming with fresh fruits and vegetables, meats and fish, spices, and even live chickens.
This is the go-to place for locals to do their daily shopping. Although it’s mainly local, there are also a few souvenir shops scattered around, attracting the occasional tourist who ventures into this authentic part of the city.
14. Go to the Hurghada Aquarium
Visiting the Hurghada Aquarium is another great activity to do in Hurghada. There, you can see sharks, turtles, and seahorses in uniquely decorated tanks. Additionally, there’s even a zoo section where you can spot crocodiles, monkeys, and more.
The visit takes you on a path that alternates between the indoors, where the aquariums house various marine species, and the outdoors, where you can see larger land mammals. You can cross a rope bridge over crocodiles, watch turtles in a large aquarium, and then step outside again to see pelicans.
It’s important to note that the aquarium is somewhat removed from the hustle and bustle, located along the main boulevard away from the city center, so you’ll likely need to take a taxi to get there.
Despite the remote location and the high entrance fees for tourists, the aquarium remains an ideal outing for families, entertaining both the young and the old.
15. Observe fish from a submarine
If you’re looking for a unique activity in Hurghada, try the submarine tour. It’s both entertaining and educational, particularly for children, offering a different way to explore aquatic life.
The adventure starts with a short boat ride from Hurghada, taking you out to sea. This journey gives you a chance to admire the beautiful Red Sea landscape. Once you reach the submarine, you’ll enter its large cabin, accommodating around forty people.
The submarine then embarks on a 50-minute underwater journey, diving up to 20 meters deep. From the comfort of the submarine, you can watch divers interact with multicolored fish and explore the vibrant underwater world. This experience is particularly captivating for kids, making it a fun-filled educational outing.
16. Treat yourself to a spa session
Enjoying a spa session is a wonderful way to enhance your stay in Hurghada. It’s a relaxing experience that includes a variety of treatments designed for maximum relaxation.
Your spa day starts with a soothing cup of oriental tea, setting the tone for a day of pampering. From there, you’ll move to the hammam, or Turkish bath, where you can unwind and let go of any stress. In the hammam, you’ll enjoy a body scrub followed by a foam cleanse, which leaves your skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Next, you’ll have a 45-minute massage session. This is designed to release tension and soothe your muscles with gentle, effective techniques. After your massage, you can relax even further in the sauna or jacuzzi, allowing your body to fully unwind.
The spa experience concludes with a transfer back to your hotel, leaving you relaxed and revitalized.
17. Have fun in front of the Sand City sculptures
Not far from the aquarium and archaeological museum in Hurghada, Sand City stands out as an impressive open-air museum featuring a variety of sand statues. With over fifty statues to see, the visit is quick and spans two distinct thematic routes.
One route focuses on cultural themes, showcasing statues related to history and mythology, primarily from ancient civilizations like Egypt and Greece. Highlights include statues of the Udjat eye, Poseidon, the pyramids of Egypt, the goddess Isis, and the temples of Abu Simbel. You’ll also find representations from other mythologies, such as the Hindu god Ganesh.
The second route is particularly family-friendly, geared more towards children’s themes, making it an ideal visit for families.
18. Taste Egyptian cuisine
Exploring the seaside resort of Hurghada gives you the perfect opportunity to dive into the culinary specialties of Egypt, catering to both meat lovers and vegetarians.
Dishes to Try:
- Kochari: Often referred to as the “poor man’s dish,” this is a must-try. It’s made from a mix of starchy foods like pasta, rice, and lentils, topped with chickpeas, onions, and garlic vinegar, all smothered in tomato sauce.
- Taameya: Egyptian falafel made from fava beans rather than chickpeas, offering a unique flavor.
- Foul: A hearty dish of cooked fava beans seasoned with oil, lemon, and garlic.
- Kefta: Grilled meatballs or patties seasoned with spices.
- Fatta: A comforting dish of rice, chickpeas, crispy bread, and meat, all dressed with garlic vinegar and a rich tomato sauce.
While many restaurants in the marina serve a variety of international dishes, for a more authentic experience, it’s worth exploring the side streets.
Local Restaurant Recommendations:
- Almustafa Fish: Located near El Bahr Avenue, this spot is famed for its fresh fish dishes at great prices, and is considered the best fish restaurant in the city.
- El Dar Darak: Near Al Fondok Avenue, this restaurant offers delicious Egyptian cuisine such as fatteh, lentil soup, and other mezze-like dolmas (stuffed vine leaves).
Getting Around Hurghada
Getting around Hurghada is fairly easy, but let’s not pretend it is a perfectly polished public transport paradise. It is more of a “negotiate, wave, ask twice, and somehow arrive” kind of place. The good news? Most travelers only move between a few main areas: the hotel zone, the marina, Sheraton Road, El Dahar, and the beaches or boat-trip departure points.
If you are staying at a resort, you may not need much transport at all. Many hotels are built like small holiday kingdoms, with pools, restaurants, beach access, diving centers, and tour desks all waiting inside the gates. But if you want to explore local markets, restaurants, the marina, or nearby islands, you will need a plan.
Taxis in Hurghada
Taxis are the most common way to get around Hurghada. They are easy to find near hotels, the marina, tourist streets, and shopping areas. The catch? You should agree on the price before getting in. Do not leave it vague unless you enjoy surprise mathematics at the end of the ride.
Ask your hotel roughly how much a ride should cost before you go, then use that as your bargaining anchor. Some drivers may start high, especially in tourist areas, but a calm smile and a firm price usually work better than dramatic haggling.
Ride-Hailing Apps in Hurghada
Ride-hailing apps can be useful in Hurghada, especially if you prefer seeing the price before the journey starts. Availability can vary depending on where you are staying, but it is worth checking before relying only on street taxis.
For short trips around the main tourist areas, apps can save you from the classic taxi-price guessing game. For airport transfers or very early morning journeys, it is still wise to arrange transport through your hotel or book ahead.
Hotel Transfers and Private Drivers
If you are arriving at Hurghada International Airport, the easiest option is usually a hotel transfer or pre-booked private driver. After a flight, luggage, heat, and the usual airport chaos, sometimes the most glamorous travel decision is simply not negotiating in a car park.
Private drivers are also useful if you are planning a longer outing, such as visiting El Gouna, Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, or the desert. For day trips, agree on the total price, waiting time, and return details before setting off.
Minibuses in Hurghada
Local minibuses are the budget option in Hurghada. They run along main roads and are used mostly by locals. They are cheap, frequent, and practical once you understand the route — which, naturally, may not be obvious at first glance.
If you are a confident traveler, minibuses can be a fun and inexpensive way to move between central areas. If you are traveling with children, luggage, or limited patience, taxis or transfers will probably be easier.
Can You Walk Around Hurghada?
You can walk in some parts of Hurghada, especially around the marina, resort promenades, and certain shopping streets. But Hurghada is spread out, and many areas are not especially pleasant for long walks. Pavements can be uneven, distances are larger than they look, and the heat does not exactly whisper “let’s stroll for an hour.”
For short evening walks near your hotel or around the marina, walking is fine. For moving between districts, take a taxi or transfer. Your feet will thank you, and frankly, so will your mood.
Getting to Boat Trips and Beaches
Many Hurghada boat trips include hotel pickup, which is the easiest option if you are heading to Giftun Island, Orange Bay, snorkeling stops, or diving trips. Check the pickup time carefully, because Egyptian “we leave soon” energy and tourist punctuality do not always live in the same universe.
If pickup is not included, ask exactly where the boat leaves from and arrange a taxi in advance. Hurghada has several marina and harbor areas, and turning up at the wrong one is a very efficient way to start your day with unnecessary drama.
Should You Rent a Car in Hurghada?
For most travelers, renting a car in Hurghada is not necessary. Taxis, hotel transfers, and organized tours cover the main routes well enough. Driving can feel chaotic if you are not used to Egyptian roads, and parking around busy areas may be annoying.
A rental car only really makes sense if you are planning a wider Egypt road trip or want full independence for places outside Hurghada. Otherwise, save yourself the paperwork and use taxis or private drivers.
Our practical tip: carry small cash, confirm prices before every taxi ride, save your hotel location on your phone, and do not assume every driver will know your resort by name. Hurghada is easy enough once you get the rhythm — a little chaotic, a little sunny, and somehow it works.
FAQs: Things To Do in Hurghada
1) What are the absolute must-dos in Hurghada?
Snorkel or dive the Red Sea, boat out to Giftun/Orange Bay, take a desert quad or 4×4 safari with sunset and stars, then stroll the Marina for dinner.
2) Which islands and beaches are best?
Orange Bay and Mahmya (on Giftun) for silky sand and turquoise shallows; Sahl Hasheesh and Makadi Bay for easy beach days and house reefs.
3) Snorkeling vs diving—what’s better for beginners?
Snorkeling is easy and brilliant over shallow reefs; first-timers can also try a supervised “intro dive” from a boat with an instructor.
4) Can I dive without certification?
Yes—book a Discover Scuba/intro dive. For repeat dives and deeper sites, consider a 2–3 day Open Water course.
5) Where are the best snorkeling spots?
Boat trips to Giftun reefs are classics; many resorts have jetties to drop into coral gardens. Always ask about currents and visibility.
6) Are dolphin trips ethical?
Choose operators who observe from a distance, never chase or touch, and skip captive shows. Wild encounters are luck, not a guarantee.
7) What desert activities can I do?
ATV and dune buggy rides, jeep safaris to Bedouin camps, sunset barbecues, and astronomy sessions under very dark skies.
8) Submarine or glass-bottom boat—worth it?
Great for non-swimmers and kids: you’ll see reefs and fish without getting wet. Bring a lens cloth for clear photos.
9) Family-friendly picks?
Hurghada Grand Aquarium, Mini Egypt Park, Sand City sculptures, water parks in Makadi Bay, glass-bottom boats, and calm beach days.
10) Day trips: El Gouna or Sahl Hasheesh?
Both. El Gouna brings chic marinas and kites; Sahl Hasheesh is scenic and laid-back with a lovely promenade and snorkeling.
11) Where to kitesurf or try watersports?
El Gouna is a kitesurf hub; along the coast you’ll find parasailing, banana boats, wakeboarding, and SUP rentals.
12) What’s good at night?
Hurghada Marina and Sheraton Street for dinner, gelato, shisha, and lounges; resorts run shows and live music in season.
13) Best time to visit for sea conditions?
April–November has warm water and calmer days; winter can be windier and cooler—still good, just pack layers.
14) What should I pack for sea and desert days?
Reef-safe sunscreen, rash guard, hat, sunglasses, water shoes, a dry bag, electrolytes, and a light scarf for dust.
15) How do I book tours safely?
Use reputable operators, check reviews and insurance, confirm boat size, safety gear, guide ratios, and what’s included (fees, lunch, photos).
16) Any reef etiquette I should know?
Don’t touch coral, don’t stand on reefs, keep fins off the bottom, no feeding fish, and take all trash back to shore.
17) Can non-swimmers still enjoy the sea?
Yes—life vests, guided float boards, glass-bottom boats, submarines, and calm lagoon beaches make it easy.
18) Can I add Luxor or Cairo as a day trip?
Yes. Early starts make it possible, but it’s a long day; many travelers prefer an overnight to enjoy more calmly.
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