Hurghada is a coastal city on Egypt’s Red Sea, located around 450 kilometers from the capital city, Cairo. Spanning 50 kilometers along the coastline, it’s nestled between the Red Sea to the east and the towering Red Sea Hills to the west, where mountains reach over 3,000 meters. This unique setting makes Hurghada a stunning blend of sea and mountains.

Along the coast near Hurghada, you'll find equally stunning and inviting destinations, such as El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay, and Soma Bay, each offering its own unique charm.

Hurghada is renowned for its year-round hot, dry climate, crystal-clear waters, and vast deserts framed by mountains, making it a top destination for both local and international travelers. Adventure seekers can dive into a range of activities, from snorkeling, diving, and parasailing to desert adventures like biking, safaris, horse and camel riding, and camping.

Boasting a rich collection of attractions, Hurghada offers a mix of history, culture, and entertainment. The Hurghada Museum houses over 2,000 artifacts spanning Ancient Egyptian, Greco-Roman, Jewish, Christian, Islamic, and Modern eras. Al Mina Mosque, the largest mosque in the Red Sea Governorate, is another must-see. The Grand Aquarium, home to over 1,200 animals and 100 species, features a massive 3,500 cubic meter fish tank, making it one of Africa's largest aquariums. Hurghada Marina is also popular, offering a lively boulevard lined with venues, cafes, lounges, restaurants, and bars.

Islands Near Hurghada

Hurghada is surrounded by stunning islands, famous for their pristine waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Among the most popular are Giftun Island, Mahmya Island, Orange Bay, and Hula Hula.

These islands are typically offered as individual excursions, with prices varying based on the package and season. Trips start at around €15 for a 4-hour snorkeling tour, including refreshments, and can go up to €75 per person for a full-day luxury experience, featuring an open buffet lunch, with snorkeling and diving equipment included.

Hurghada’s Climate

Hurghada enjoys a generally hot climate, with summers sometimes reaching scorching temperatures. Winters are warm, with daytime averages between 18-20°C and evening lows around 10°C in December, January, and February.

March, April, and November offer comfortable warmth, averaging 25°C during the day and 18°C at night. May and October are moderately hot, with daytime temperatures around 30°C and cooler evenings at 22°C.

The peak summer months of June through September see the hottest weather, with temperatures climbing to 40°C during the day and dropping to 28°C at night.

When to Visit

If water activities are your thing, summer is ideal, as the sea temperature hits a perfect 27°C, making for comfortable swims without any shivers. Plus, the light breeze keeps you cool while you soak up the sun on the beach.

However, if desert adventures are on your agenda, try to avoid visiting in June, July, or August when the heat can get intense and make exploring less enjoyable.
For a mix of water sports, desert fun, nightlife, or cultural experiences, you’re good to go year-round—just pack the right clothing for the season!

Hurghada International Airport

Hurghada International Airport is the city's sole airport, offering scheduled flights to Cairo and other international destinations.

Hurghada is connected to the world with direct flights to over 80 cities in 25 countries and has scheduled international flights from many major cities around Europe, including London, Berlin, Zurich, Prague, and Moscow.

If you plan on visiting Cairo to get more pleasurable experiences, such as visting The Pyamids or taking a Felucca in the Nile, you will find plenty of scheduled flights that fly to Cairo on a daily basis through different airlines, including EgyptAir, AirCairo and Nile Air. A return ticket costs around €140.

The Local Culture

Founded in 1905 as a small fishing village, Hurghada’s history has revolved around fishing and the Red Sea. Over time, it has transformed into a vibrant, multicultural hub. Egyptians from across the country have moved for tourism jobs, and many Europeans have traded their homelands for Hurghada’s warm weather, affordable (and fun!) lifestyle, and slower pace.

Russians make up the largest expat community, often moving for work or after falling in love with a local. Besides Russians, you'll find residents from Britain, Germany, Ukraine, Poland, and Italy. Hurghada’s international influence is evident in its wide range of shops, restaurants, and bars offering a taste of home for expats from around the world.

A Life of Harmony and Coexistence

In Hurghada, the presence of both mosques and churches highlights the city's rich tradition of religious harmony and coexistence. Among these, Al Mina Mosque (Masjid Al Mina) stands out as a prominent landmark. Established in 2012, this mosque, located by the sea, can host around 10,000 worshippers. Its impressive design features two soaring minarets and 25 domes, making it a stunning sight to behold.

Another notable place is Saint Shenouda Coptic Orthodox Church, a popular site situated in downtown Hurghada (Al Dahar). Although its exterior may seem modest, the interior is a marvel of architectural beauty, adorned with intricate glass religious murals, painted ceilings, and a striking altar painting.

Where to Shop and Walk

Hurghada offers a variety of shopping experiences, with Sheraton Street being the most renowned. This bustling avenue has clothing stores, bazaars, cafes, restaurants, bars, and more. In the evenings, it comes alive with people as the temperature cools and the weather becomes more inviting for shopping.

Another vibrant area is Al Kawther, where you'll find a range of local shops and restaurants serving international cuisine, including Mediterranean, Italian, Lebanese, Chinese, and Indian dishes. This ensures that you won’t miss out on familiar flavors from home.

For a more local shopping experience, Al Dahar is the go-to spot. It features streets full of shops selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to Egyptian clothing brands. Visiting Al Dahar provides a glimpse into local shopping habits and offers a chance for some fun haggling.

Bazaars can be found throughout the city, with almost every street featuring one. These markets are particularly appealing to tourists, offering a variety of items such as Ancient Egyptian crafts, including papyrus scrolls, cartouches, and pharaonic statues. You’ll also find traditional garments like galabeyas and scarves, as well as handmade jewelry, often adorned with local gemstones or traditional designs. The selection extends to paintings and carvings that showcase different Egyptian themes, leather goods, home décor, and a range of spices and herbs.

Whether you visit a small bazaar or a multi-storey bazaar mall, you’ll find a broad array of products, making it easy to pick out a special gift for your loved ones back home.

Shopping Malls

Hurghada boasts two major shopping malls that draw the most visitors. Hurghada City Center, located on Arabia Cornish Road, is centrally positioned and features a variety of clothing stores, cinemas, a food court, and cafes.

Senzo Mall, located just outside the city, is the largest shopping mall in Hurghada. It features an extensive selection of shops and products, including a spacious food court, local and international clothing brands, a duty-free shop, a kids' area, telecom services, accessories, a supermarket, and much more.

The Egyptian Pound

The official currency of Hurghada, Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Its exchange rate fluctuates, so it's a good idea to check the current rate by searching “EGP to GBP” (or any other currency) on Google. While USD, Euros, and British Pounds are commonly accepted in tourist areas, it's advisable to carry some cash for local shops or tips.

Moving Around the City

Taxis are the most commonly used option for moving around Hurghada. The “Orange Taxi” cabs are easily recognizable and readily available without needing to book in advance.

If you prefer using apps, you can choose between Uber and inDrive, with inDrive being a more popular and slightly cheaper alternative.

Microbuses, or small buses, are also available and typically operate on specific routes around the city.

For travel to other cities such as Cairo, Luxor, or Aswan, Go Bus and Blue Bus provide convenient options with multiple destinations and pricing available around the clock.

Things to do in Hurghada

Adventure

Hurghada is like heaven for adventure seekers of all sorts. Whether you are an adrenaline addict or a casual adventurer, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Hurghada, including all-day snorkeling and diving trips, which usually involves multiple stops at the sea, with food and drinks included, parasailing, boat tours, submarine tours, dolphin and whale watching, surfing, to name a few.

Food & Drink

Egyptian cuisine is known for its abundant use of poultry, legumes, vegetables, and fruits sourced from all corners of the country. Koshary, considered the national dish, is a must-try while in Egypt. It’s a filling mixture of rice, lentils, and macaroni, topped with a flavorful tomato sauce, garlic, vinegar, and garnished with chickpeas and crispy fried onions. Koshary shops are everywhere, so you won’t have trouble finding this Egyptian staple.

Other popular dishes include bamia (okra stew), ful medames (slow-cooked fava beans), fetir (layered pies), hawawshi (pastry filled with spiced minced meat), and mahshi (rice stuffed inside vegetables like grape leaves, tomatoes, eggplants, or cabbage). One cannot miss molokheya, a famous Egyptian soup made from finely chopped jute leaves.

Egyptian desserts share similarities with other Mediterranean sweets, featuring options like basbousa (semolina cake), konafa (shredded pastry soaked in syrup), baqlawa (layers of filo pastry with nuts), atayef (stuffed pancakes), and couscous. These desserts are typically very sweet and often topped or filled with various nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, and pistachios.

The national drink in Egypt is tea, specifically black and slightly sour, similar to English breakfast tea but more intense in flavor. Turkish coffee, served strong and often sweetened, is another popular option. For juice, asir asab, or sugar cane juice, is a beloved favorite across the country. Egypt, one of the oldest and largest sugar cane producers, has made this refreshing drink a staple for locals and visitors alike.

Sights & Attractions

Hurghada is packed with amazing sights and sceneries, including Hurghada Marina, the bustling hub of activity offering a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Bedouin Villages, where you get to experience the Bedouin culture and take camel rides, or sunset dinners. Sand City, an outdoor museum of sand sculptures. To name a few.

Wellness & Relaxation

Hurghada is home to many luxury spas and wellness centers, offering treatments like massages, facials, and body scrubs. A steamy bath, body exfoliation and traditional treatments are also available in many of the Hammams (Turkish baths). Hot Stone therapy is also a popular choice offering deep relaxation and healing.

Health centers are offered in many of the hotels around Hurghada, or as private places that you book in advance.

Nightlife

Hurghada's nightlife has seen rapid growth over the past few years, earning it a spot as one of Egypt's top party destinations. The city boasts numerous nightclubs, especially around Sheraton Street, the Touristic Promenade, Arabia Corniche Road, and El Gouna. Unlike many European clubs, Hurghada's nightlife kicks off earlier, with most clubs opening around 10:30 PM and winding down by 3 AM.

Afterparties are becoming increasingly popular, with several venues keeping the music going from 2 AM until dawn. Among the hottest spots are Little Buddha, Elements, B2 Club, Club 61, and Papas Club.

Where to Stay in Hurghada

Hurghada offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every type of traveler, from those seeking luxury and exclusivity to those on a budget. No matter your price range, you'll find a place that fits your needs. Hotels are the most popular choice, stretching along the coastline and often offering inclusive meal plans. You can find a variety of hotels online through platforms like Booking.com, Kayak, Expedia, or Trivago.

Resorts are another great option, providing hotel-like amenities such as pools and beach access, but with more flexibility regarding meals. For a more authentic Hurghada experience, consider staying at a resort or budget-friendly accommodation and explore the local dining scene. Airbnb is ideal for booking these stays, though you'll also find options on Booking.com or in local Facebook groups.