Sharm El Sheikh, as a holiday destination, has a lot of attractions and things to do. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to visit both natural wonders and popular tourist spots in the region.
Discover Best Things To Do In Sharm El-Sheikh:
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1. Shop at Old Market
For an authentic experience in Sharm El-Sheikh, don’t miss the Old Market. It’s a shopper’s paradise, and you’ll find some of the best prices here. Plus, you can haggle for deals. The highlight of this area is the Al Sahaba Mosque in the center, which is truly captivating to see.
2. Admire Al Sahaba Mosque
The Al Sahaba Mosque, situated in the heart of the Old Market, is the second largest mosque in the city, following the Al Mustafa Mosque. Its magnificent structure is amazing. Surprisingly, it was constructed by the Egyptian army in 2011 and opened its doors in 2017. The mosque boasts minarets that reach an impressive height of 76 meters, drawing inspiration from Ottoman architecture.
I must mention that this place is an absolute gem for Instagram-worthy photos. Every visitor to Sharm el-Sheikh should strike a pose here. To capture the most stunning shot, I recommend snapping a photo during sunset. When the setting sun’s warm light bathes the mosque’s authentic surroundings, it creates an incredible ambiance.
3. Stroll through Naama Bay- the liveliest street
Naama Bay is undeniably the liveliest street in Sharm el-Sheikh, essentially the beating heart of the city. It’s bustling with numerous shops for shopping, cafes nestled in between, nightclubs, and a variety of restaurants. If you haven’t visited the Hard Rock Cafe and snagged a t-shirt for yourself, you can find it here as well. In front of the shops, you’ll often hear the rhythmic beats of darbukas and melodies sung. One of the best places I came across here is the Alaadin store in Soho Square. It’s filled with genuinely unique items.
4. Have some entertainment in Soho Square
Soho Square is conveniently just a 15-minute drive from Sharm el-Sheikh Airport. It’s an open-air shopping center that boasts international restaurants, cafes, shops, a plethora of entertainment options, and various activities. Soho Square also has a market area showcasing Egypt’s traditional arts and crafts. Here you can find jewelry, leather products, lacework, handmade toys, and other handcrafted products.
5. Discover marine life at Ras Mohammed National Park
Ras Mohammed National Park is a natural reserve situated at the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula. It’s located at the meeting point of the Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea, and it’s renowned for its incredibly beautiful coral reefs and the rich diversity of marine life it hosts.
When you’re exploring Sharm El Sheikh tours, you’ll undoubtedly come across the Ras Mohammed National Park tour. The park is home to a wide variety of marine life, with a special emphasis on its vibrant corals and tropical fish, which dazzle with their brilliant colors. This makes it a top choice for diving enthusiasts. After experiencing a dive here, it’s hard to imagine being as awestruck by any other underwater location.
6. Visit St. Catherine’s Monastery
St. Catherine’s Monastery, situated approximately 120 kilometers to the south of Sharm el-Sheikh, is renowned as one of Egypt’s oldest monasteries. Its history is fascinating: it was constructed by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I during the 4th century as a place to commemorate St. Catherine, who was martyred there. Inside the monastery, there’s a chapel believed to house the remains of St. Catherine.
St. Catherine’s Monastery holds a treasure trove of historical artifacts, with one of the most famous being the Katerina Codex, thought to date back to the 4th century AD. This manuscript contains a Latin translation of the Bible and is considered one of the world’s oldest manuscripts.
The monastery’s walls are adorned with frescoes and mosaics, showcasing some of the most beautiful examples of Christian art. Additionally, it houses icons and artworks dedicated to various saints who played significant roles in Christian history. If you’ve made it this far, be sure to visit this monastery, which holds a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
7. See Mount Sinai & Sinai Desert
Mount Sinai is situated in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, majestically rising amidst the barren expanse of the Sinai Desert. Its unique and mystical aura has made it a place of reverence in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. The mountain, along with the surrounding desert, boasts a captivating beauty.
The Sinai Desert is a vast and seemingly endless expanse situated to the west of the Sinai Peninsula. This desert, steeped in history, stories, and cultural significance, offers ample opportunities for capturing striking photographs.
8. Live the adventure with ATV Safari in Sinai Desert
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience riding a quad bike through the Sinai desert. Leave Sharm el-Sheikh and head to the desert to see the sunset, visit a bedouin tent, and enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner.
You can book it here.
9. Sunset in Santorini & Farsha
A spot just 15 minutes from the Old Town offers you a taste of Santorini in Sharm el-Sheikh. Santorini & Farsha Cafe, situated side by side in an area designed in ancient Egyptian style, are beloved destinations in the region.
Both places provide a chance to gaze out at the sea from an elevated position, affording a breathtaking view of the sunset. During your stay in Sharm, I recommend a visit to one of these two spots; I personally chose Farsha.
The moment you step inside, it’s as though you’ve entered the pages of an Aladdin tale. The interior is a treasure trove, filled with flea market-style art, trinkets, cups, and brand logos, all artfully arranged in a seemingly chaotic yet charming manner. After sunset, when the lights come on, the place transforms into a true fairy tale, with the lights complementing the eclectic decor.
A must-try here is the hookah, which comes in a stylish bottle. Even if you’re not a fan, don’t miss the opportunity to give it a try while you’re here.
As the evening progresses, the music gets louder, and the venue’s waitstaff start dancing to the lively rhythm. Turkish songs are frequently heard, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
Santorini:
Address: El-Bahr, Sharm Al Shiekh, South Sinai Governorate, Egypt, https://www.instagram.com/santorini.sharmelsheikh/
Farsha:
Address: هضبة ام السيد, Sharm Al Shiekh, South Sinai Governorate 46619, Egypt
https://www.instagram.com/farsha_mountain_lounge/?hl=en
