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About Hurghada
Hurghada stretches along the Red Sea from El Dahar, the old town in the north, through Sakkala and the Marina to the Villages Road resort strip and on to Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay and Soma Bay. The draw is the water: snorkelling and diving on offshore reefs, day boats to Giftun Island and Orange Bay, and kitesurfing at Soma Bay. On land, Hurghada Museum, the Grand Aquarium, Dahar souq and the Marina give a rainy-day and evening programme. Hurghada International Airport (HRG) receives direct European flights year-round. Weather is warm and dry throughout; the best months are October to April.
- Capital
- Hurghada (capital of Red Sea Governorate)
- Largest city
- Hurghada
- Population
- About 214,000 (2023 estimate)
- Languages
- Arabic, English (tourism), Russian, German and Italian (common in resorts)
- Currency
- Egyptian Pound (EGP)
- Time zone
- Africa/Cairo (UTC+2; UTC+3 during daylight saving)
Explore Hurghada by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Hurghada
The 16 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Orange Bay (Giftun Island)
Mahmya Island (Mahmya Beach, Giftun)
Hurghada Museum
Hurghada Grand Aquarium
El Dahar Old Town and Souq
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Hurghada Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Hurghada, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Hurghada
- Days 1-2Hurghada city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Hurghada
- Days 1-3Hurghada comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Hurghada, departure
Where to stay in Hurghada
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget EGP 2,000-3,500 (~$40-70)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range EGP 5,500-10,500 (~$110-210)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury EGP 16,000-40,000 (~$320-800)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Hilton Hurghada Plaza
Hilton-branded hotel with 204 rooms in the Dahar district, within reach of the old town, souk and local restaurants. Rooms typically EGP 4,500-9,000 (~$90-180) per night.
Check rates on Booking.comSunny Days El Palacio Resort & Spa
Beach resort with a spa in northern Dahar; part of the Sunny Days group with Palma de Mirette and Mirette nearby. Rooms typically EGP 4,500-9,000 (~$90-180) per night.
Check rates on Booking.comSunny Days Palma de Mirette Resort
Four-star resort in the Sunny Days cluster in northern Dahar. Rooms typically EGP 2,800-5,500 (~$56-110) per night.
Check rates on Booking.comRoyal Star Beach Resort
Four-star beach resort at the Dahar end of the corniche. Rooms typically EGP 2,800-5,500 (~$56-110) per night.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Hurghada
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Starfish Seafood Restaurant
Moby Dick Restaurant
Al Halaka Fish Restaurant
The Greek Bar & Restaurant
Luca's Pub & Grub
The Moon Restaurant & Bar
Book a food tour in Hurghada We may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Getting around Hurghada
Transportation options in Hurghada include local buses, taxis, and rental cars. Check local conditions before planning your travel.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in EGP, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | EGP 800-1,500 (~$16-30) | EGP 2,500-5,000 (~$50-100) | EGP 8,000-25,000 (~$160-500) |
| Food (per day) | EGP 300-600 (~$6-12) | EGP 800-1,600 (~$16-32) | EGP 3,000-6,000 (~$60-120) |
| Transportation | EGP 100-250 (~$2-5) | EGP 400-1,000 (~$8-20) | EGP 1,500-4,000 (~$30-80) |
| Activities | EGP 500-1,200 (~$10-24) | EGP 1,800-3,500 (~$36-70) | EGP 3,500-8,000 (~$70-160) |
| Daily total | EGP 2,000-3,500 (~$40-70) | EGP 5,500-10,500 (~$110-210) | EGP 16,000-40,000 (~$320-800) |
Best time to visit Hurghada
Weather through the year in Egypt
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Egypt.
Hurghada has a hot desert climate with almost no rain and sunshine on about 350 days a year. Winters are mild, the sea stays swimmable all year (about 22 C in February to 29 C in August), and the wind is strongest from April to September.
Essential travel tips
- Book day boats the evening before and confirm pickup time in writing.
- Carry EGP cash; the national park fee ($5-10, EGP 250-500) is often paid in cash at the marina.
- Visit Hurghada Museum in the evening session (17:00-23:00).
- Go to Dahar and the Marina after 18:00.
- Check wind forecasts on windfinder.com before booking boat trips in summer.
- Use hotel taxis or ride-hailing late at night.
Safety information
Drink bottled or filtered water only; avoid ice from street vendors and raw salads from unlicensed stalls.
Agree taxi and boat fares before departing, or use Uber, Careem or inDrive where the price shows in the app.
Keep valuables and the passport original in the hotel safe; carry a phone photo of the passport and entry stamp.
Use reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a rash vest; the Red Sea sun burns in minutes even in winter.
Swim only where lifeguards or flags permit, follow the boat crew's briefing, and never touch coral, sea urchins, lionfish or stonefish.
Wear reef shoes in the water; sea-urchin spines and fire coral are common injuries.
Check that dive and snorkel operators hold a Red Sea Governorate or Egyptian Chamber of Diving and Watersports licence; insist on a life vest for weak swimmers.
Buy travel insurance that covers diving, quad bikes and jet skis, and medical evacuation.
Check the latest national travel advisory before travel and avoid the Eastern Desert off-road without a licensed operator.
Keep to main roads and use licensed or app taxis at night; avoid walking on the unlit Sahl Hasheesh and Safaga roads.
Wear a seatbelt, since road traffic is the largest everyday risk; Egyptian driving is fast and lane discipline is poor.
Dress for heat: June-August highs reach 38-40 C and the sea breeze hides the sun's strength.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Hurghada?
October to April for warm, dry weather and calm seas; July and August are very hot.
How much do the main attractions cost?
Hurghada Museum is EGP 300 (~$6) for foreign adults, the Grand Aquarium $35 (~EGP 1,750), and a Giftun Island group boat trip about EGP 1,250-2,250 (~$25-45) plus a $5-10 national park fee. Prices converted at EGP 50 = $1.
Is Hurghada safe?
It is a major tourist destination with a visible police presence. Follow beach flag warnings, snorkel only with a supervised group, and check current official travel advisories.
How many days are needed?
Four to five days covers Giftun Island, the museum and aquarium, Dahar and the Marina; add a day for a Luxor or Cairo trip.
How far is the airport from the hotels?
Hurghada Airport (HRG) is about 5-10 km from Sakkala and 20-45 minutes from the southern resorts; a taxi to central Hurghada costs about EGP 150-300 (~$3-6).