Hurghada is one of the most popular resort towns in Egypt and is located along the coast of the Red Sea. It’s the second-largest town along this coastline and is famous for its world-renowned coral reefs, turquoise waters, and pristine beaches.
Although many people choose this destination for a relaxing getaway, you’ll find plenty of amazing things to do in Hurghada! Whether you’re looking to explore the incredible coral reefs, visit a museum, or take a day trip out to Cairo, you won’t be short of places to visit.
Hurghada is one of my favorite destinations in the world! It’s a budget-friendly destination, with incredible beaches, marine life and attractions. Deciding what to do in Hurghada isn’t easy as there are so many options, but luckily, this guide is going to go through the best ones!
The Best Things to do in Hurghada, Egypt
20. Day trip to Luxor
You’ll find plenty of places to visit in Hurghada, but a day trip to Luxor is a must! Luxor is one of the best places in Egypt to learn about the country’s history and visit some of the most popular ancient Egyptian sites.
Often referred to as the ‘world’s greatest open-air museum’, you’ll find plenty of incredible sites to visit here including the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Karnak, and Luxor Temple.
I loved exploring the tombs at the Valley of the Kings. My favorite was Tutankhamun tomb, the only one that still has a mummy inside. Simply spectacular!
If you’re looking to visit the best spots in a short amount of time, then this guided tour is a fantastic option! It’s a full-day trip that lasts between 13-16 hours so it offers great value for money.
19. Take a cruise on the Nile
If you’re heading to Hurghada then you can’t miss out on taking a cruise along the River Nile! The Nile is the longest river in the world with a whopping length of 6,650 km (4,132 miles) although this has been contested over the years, with others claiming that the Amazon is longer.
Either way, it’s not a destination that you want to miss and this 5-day cruise is one of the best ways to experience it. Once you’ve been picked up from Hurghada, you’ll be transported to Luxor which is where the cruise starts. From there, you’ll journey along the Nile visiting a variety of popular sites until you reach Aswan.
18. Go shopping at Senzo Mall
If you’re a keen shopper and you’re wondering what to do in Hurghada then head to Senzo Mall! This huge mall is home to a variety of international brands and local stores, as well as an indoor children’s amusement park, and a hypermarket.
You’ll also find a diverse food court here, where you can grab fast food or local cuisine. Not only that, but there’s a shuttle bus that runs to Senzo Mall so you’ll have no problem getting there.
The opening hours differ here depending on whether you’re shopping or dining, so take a look at their operating hours online before your visit.
17. Snorkel in the Red Sea
If you’re a fan of nature then snorkeling is one of the best things to do in Hurghada! This resort town is located on the Red Sea, which is known for its turquoise water , marine life, and pristine beaches. It’s also one of the best snorkeling destinations in the world!
There are plenty of fantastic snorkeling spots in Hurghada and you’ll find lots of tour operators in the area who offer this activity. For the best experience, I recommend this tour which also includes dolphin watching.
However, you can snorkel right from your own resort if you choose one that’s situated on the shore. This is very handy, and some of the hotels even offer a private beach. One of the best resort for snorkeling (you can see colorful fish just a few meters from the shore) is Fort Arabesque.
I stayed at Fort Arabesque for a few nights and I really liked it. The rooms are clean and spacious, there are a couple of pools you can enjoy, the food is great and snorkeling here is a unique experience!
You can read more about snorkeling in Hurghada in my article.
16. Admire El Mina Mosque
El Mina Mosque is one of the most beautiful buildings you’ll come across in Egypt, so it’s no surprise to learn that it’s a popular Hurghada tourist attraction! It’s the largest and most impressive mosque in town, and although it only opened in 2012, this fantastic building is one of the best places to visit in the area.
The original mosque dated back to the 1960s until it was replaced with this one! Boasting fantastic minarets, traditional carvings, beautiful chandeliers, and engraved walls, El Mina Mosque is quite the sight. It’s also built entirely of white marble, so as you can imagine it’s very impressive!
The mosque is open 24 hours a day for prayer, but visitors can only enter between 9 am and 5 pm. Keep in mind that visiting a mosque in Egypt requires a certain dress code. You can read more about the dress code when visiting Egypt here.
15. Enjoy a submarine boat trip
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Hurghada then I’ve got just the thing! The Sinbad Submarine will take you on an adventure in the Red Sea, where you’ll get to admire the area’s unique ecosystem.
With 18 panoramic windows, plenty of seating, and an Egyptologist guide, this experience has much to offer! Just sit back, relax and admire the underwater views!
As I previously mentioned, the Red Sea is one of the best snorkeling spots in the world so the marine life here is pretty special. Although you can take a swim to see the wonders underneath the sea, taking a submarine boat trip is a rather special experience!
This tour also includes entrance fees, soft drinks, and transfers.
14. Go Parasailing!
You’ll find plenty of Hurghada attractions to visit, but sometimes it’s an experience rather than a place that will leave you with the best memories. If you’re an adrenaline junkie or you’re seeking a bit of adventure, then this activity will not only get your blood pumping but you’ll be treated to spectacular views as well.
This parasailing adventure includes hotel pickup, marina admission, equipment such as a lifejacket, and all taxes and service charges. Once you’ve arrived at the marina, you’ll hop on to a boat and then you’ll be attached to a parachute. The actual activity lasts between 10-20 minutes, and two people can parasail at once!
13. Take a tour of the White Desert
White Desert National Park (or Sahara el Beyda) is a protected area and is one of the most popular desert locations in Egypt. If you decide to visit you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another world, although there’s a catch – it’s not very accessible.
For this reason, you’ll want to look out for White Desert Tours as they typically offer a package deal including meals, transport, and accommodation. Many of them will also include other destinations like the Black Desert, Bahariya Oasis, and Crystal Mountain so what are you waiting for?
Just keep in mind that tours like this often aren’t very cheap!
12. Go scuba diving!
As the Red Sea is a popular spot for snorkeling, naturally it attracts plenty of keen divers too! There are lots of tour operators in the area including Diving Star, Dive Hurghada, and Hurghada Diving. However, one of the most popular operators is Funny Diving! There are also plenty of operators that provide online bookings. Here are the best options:
They offer a variety of courses and daily dives, with the latter ranging in price from €45-60. Funny Diving will also take you to some of the best diving spots in the area including Abu Ramada Island, Carless Reef, El Fanadir, and Banana Reef.
If you don’t know how to scuba dive, don’t worry. You can take your PADI certification if you attend this 3-day course! If you’re looking for things to do in Hurghada then I highly recommend scuba diving!
11. Take a stroll to Hurghada Marina
The Marina is one of the most popular Hurghada tourist attractions and it’s not hard to see why! Boasting a scenic walkway, spectacular views of the Red Sea, and luxury yachts, you won’t run out of things to do here.
Whether you’re looking to take in the fresh sea air, dine in a seaside restaurant, or browse in the shops, Hurghada Marina has something for everyone. The Souk (one of the traditional markets) is a great place to explore and buy souvenirs from.
With over 20 restaurants and bars along the marina, you won’t be short of food options either. One of the best restaurants in the area is Luca Pub & Grub. Just make sure to add this place to your Hurghada itinerary!
10. Visit Hurghada Aquarium
The aquarium is one of the best places to visit in Hurghada if you’re looking to learn about the local marine life, especially if you’re not a fan of getting in the water yourself.
Hurghada Aquarium is an aquarium like no other, with an indoor rainforest, a mini zoo, a fossil exhibit, and a traditional Arabian tent, alongside its marine and freshwater exhibits. Whether you’re simply looking to marvel at marine life, dive with sharks, or learn about one of Egypt’s fascinating paleontology sites, this place has something for everyone.
Hurghada Aquarium is open 7 days a week from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, and the last entry is 6:30 pm although there’s too much to see to arrive this late.
9. Be amazed at Sand City Hurghada
Sand City is one of the more unique Hurghada attractions but it’s definitely worth a visit! It’s the only open-air sand and sculpture museum, not just in Africa, but in the Middle East too.
With over 20 sculptures depicting historical figures and events, and another 20 ‘Wonderland Art’ sculptures, there’s a lot to see here. During your time in Sand City, you’ll get to see a variety of sand sculptures that represent Egyptian Gods, marvel movies, and significant historical events.
If you’re still not convinced, then there are often workshops and events held here that are a big hit with the little ones. Sand City is open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm!
8. Go on a dolphin-watching cruise
There are plenty of fantastic places to see in Hurghada, but there are also lots of magical experiences awaiting you here too! During your time in this beautiful resort town, you NEED to head out on a dolphin-watching cruise.
This cruise not only allows you to watch the dolphins, but you’ll also be able to get in the water and snorkel with them. It’s a magical experience that you don’t want to miss! The cruise also includes lunch, snorkeling equipment, soft drinks, fresh fruit, and WiFi. You can even try your hand at some water sports like the iconic banana boat.
If you’re looking to go dolphin-watching whilst in Hurghada then this is a great option!
7. Learn how papyrus is made at Selkhet Papyrus
If you’re wondering what to do in Hurghada, then I can’t recommend this experience enough! Selkhet Papyrus is the largest papyrus gallery in Egypt and is named after an Egyptian Goddess. It’s the perfect place to learn about hieroglyphics and watch papyrus being made, which was used as a type of writing material in Ancient Egypt.
An experience at Selkhet Papyrus will make you feel like you’ve been transported back in time, which is why it’s such a big hit with travelers. During your time here, you can also pick up a handmade Egyptian painting made out of Papyrus which is quite the souvenir!
Selkhet Papyrus is open Monday-Sunday between 10:00 am – 7:00 pm.
6. Enjoy a Mega Safari in the desert
Egypt is famous for its deserts and Hurghada is no different! In fact, it’s one of the best places in the country if you’re looking for a bit of adventure. This desert safari tour will allow you to explore the area by ATV and visit a traditional Bedouin village!
Psst, please avoid riding camels if you see that they’re not taken care of. I loved our ATV tour through the desert, it was a lot of fun!
All taxes and entrance fees are included in the tour price, as well as transfers to and from your hotel, a professional guide, and tea. There are endless Hurghada activities to choose from, but an ATV tour through the desert is definitely one of the most adventurous!
5. Visit Mini Egypt Park
As the name suggests, Mini Egypt Park is essentially a ‘mini-version’ of Egypt and other world-famous destinations. It offers a completely different experience from the other more traditional museums that are found in the country.
Mini Egypt Park is home to 60 works of art that have been donated to the museum over the years so there’s a lot to see. If you can, head to this place at the start of your trip as you’ll get to see endless mini-versions of Egypt’s top attractions. This way you can work out what you’d like to see!
Mini Egypt Park is open Monday-Sunday between 10:00 am – 7:00 pm. Make sure to visit it, it’s one of the top attractions in Hurghada!
4. Visit Hurghada Museum
If you’re looking for things to do in Hurghada then don’t miss out on visiting the town’s museum! Hurghada Museum is home to hundreds of historic items and antiquities that depict the history of Ancient Egypt and the Pharaohs. This makes it the perfect place to learn about the country!
There are five main exhibitions at the museum; Ancient Egypt, Greco-Roman, Coptic Period, Islamic Period, and Modern Egypt. All of them are worth a visit so don’t rush your time here.
Hurghada Museum is open twice during the day; 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, and 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm.
3. Take a day trip to Cairo and admire the pyramids
If you’re only spending time in Hurghada, rather than exploring other parts of Egypt then you need to take a day trip to Cairo! Cairo is a 5-hour drive from Hurghada so to make the most of your time here, you’ll want to book a tour.
This full-day trip has a duration of around 16 hours and will take you on a tour of Cairo and Giza. You’ll get to see the iconic Pyramids, visit the Egyptian Museum, and see the Sphinx, among other places. You can even choose to add a River Nile cruise onto your tour for the best experience!
2. Explore Eden Island
Eden Island is one of the top tropical destinations in the country and is known as the ‘Egyptian Caribbean’. It’s located just off the mainland from Hurghada and is one of the most popular places in Egypt for snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing!
When I visited Eden Island, I was amazed by how beautiful the water was. It had an incredible color! Also, I loved the beach bars and the prices. Visiting Eden Island is a budget-friendly activity!
For the best experience, you may want to book an Eden Island tour and this tour is a fantastic option. It includes a boat trip so you’ll get to admire the stunning turquoise waters, a guided snorkeling excursion, and a buffet lunch.
If you’re looking for places to see in Hurghada then don’t miss out on Eden Island, as this place is known for its diverse marine life. You can read more about this place in my article.
1. End the day on a stargazing tour
Last but certainly not least, you’ll want to spend some time stargazing while in Hurghada. If you decide to do this, not only will you get to experience the desert’s true beauty, but the night sky will take your breath away.
This desert-stargazing adventure will take you on an exciting jeep ride into the desert, where you’ll be treated to a BBQ dinner while you watch the sunset. Then, you’ll get to admire the night sky and you’ll have a professional astronomy guide with you at all times. They’ll teach you everything you need to know about the milky way, outer space, and star science.
You’ll even get to use a professional telescope!
Where to stay in Hurghada
When it comes to hotels and resort, you’ll find a wide range of options in Hurghada. Small hotels, huge resorts, boutique hotels – you name it! There is something for everyone!
I’ve been searching for the best accommodation options in Hurghada, for those who’re looking for a good value-for-money stay and these are my recommendations:
- Budget – Panorama Bungalows – beautiful resort with clean rooms and good amenities, friendly staff, close to Hurghada city
- Mid-Range – Fort Arabesque – excellent for snorkeling, spacious and clean rooms, all-inclusive option, great food, beautiful pools
- Luxury – Rixos Premium – incredible resort with multiple pools and restaurants, luxurious rooms, excellent amenities
Conclusion
If you’re wondering what to do in Hurghada, then you’ll have plenty of options! Whether you’re looking to head out on a cruise of the River Nile or go on a desert safari, this incredible place has something for everyone.
There are so many fantastic things to do in Hurghada, so for the best experience, I’d recommend spending at least 4 days here! I stayed an entire week in Hurghada and I didn’t get bored for one second!
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section below. May the travel bug bite you!
Aurelia Teslaru is a professional travel blogger and the writer behind Daily Travel Pill. With a 4-year experience as a travel writer and photographer, Aurelia only shares travel guides about destinations that she visited.
She has been to more than 40 countries during the past 10 years and aims to explore 50 countries before turning 30 years old. Aurelia is a digital nomad who transformed her passion for travel into a lifestyle. Read more about her here.
To follow her adventures, check out her Instagram and Facebook pages!