Hurghada is Egypt's largest Red Sea resort city, a 40 km coastal strip of dive centres, beach resorts and marinas, with boat trips to Giftun Island, Orange Bay and the reefs offshore.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Hurghada.
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1
Giftun Islands National Park (Giftun Island)
Tip: Confirm whether the national park fee (about $5-10) is included in the boat price · Book the earliest departure for quieter sandbars and calmer water · Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a rash vest, a hat and a towel; island shade is limited · Do not touch, stand on or collect coral, shells or marine life · Between June and August check weather: wind can cancel sailings · Carry cash in small notes for tips and drinks not included in the package
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2
Orange Bay (Giftun Island)
Tip: Ask whether the island entry fee (about EUR 10 adults, EUR 5 children) is included in the price · Choose the earliest boat to enjoy the quietest sand before 11:00 · Bring sun protection, a hat and water shoes for entry points · Agree prices for water sports before starting any add-on activity · Take rubbish back to the boat and avoid touching coral · Check wind forecasts in summer; trips can be cancelled
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3
Mahmya Island (Mahmya Beach, Giftun)
Tip: Confirm the national park fee (about $5-10) is covered by the package · Choose a trip departing from the nearest harbour to reduce sailing time · Bring reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes and a hat · Book a weekday trip for the emptiest beach · Do not touch coral or collect shells · Check whether drinks are included or charged separately
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4
Hurghada Museum
Tip: Visit between 17:00 and 20:00 for fewer tour groups and cooler travel · Foreign adult tickets are EGP 300; students pay EGP 150 with a valid card · Arrive before the last ticket times, 12:00 and 22:00 · Hire the EGP 50 audio guide for context · Check Ramadan hours before going · Use ride-hailing apps or agree the taxi fare before departure
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5
Hurghada Grand Aquarium
Tip: Book online for $32 instead of $35 at the gate for adults · Last entry is at 18:00, so arrive earlier to see everything · Visit on weekday mornings for the shortest queues · Use the free hotel transfer booking page or a taxi from Sakkala for about EGP 250-350 · Check show times when arriving to catch feeding sessions · Avoid flash photography in dim tunnels
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6
El Dahar Old Town and Souq
Tip: Go after 18:00 for cooler weather and the busiest market · Bargain politely; start around half the opening price · Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered · Ask before photographing shopkeepers or residents · Use taxi apps or agree fares first; minibuses along the main road cost EGP 10-20 · Keep phones and wallets secure in crowded lanes
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7
El Mina Mosque (Marina Mosque)
Tip: Dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees, and women should cover their hair · Remove shoes before entering and speak quietly · Avoid visiting at prayer times, especially Friday midday · Do not photograph worshippers without permission · Combine with a stroll along Marina Boulevard · Ask the caretaker politely whether entry is possible
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8
Hurghada Marina and Marina Boulevard
Tip: Go in the evening for cooler air and lit-up views · Confirm prices before sitting down at restaurants or accepting offers from touts · Arrive early if boarding a trip; departures start about 08:00 · Combine with El Mina Mosque at sunset · Take a taxi or ride-hailing; fares from Sakkala are about EGP 50-80 · Carry small notes for tips and snacks
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9
Sakkala Square and Harbour
Tip: Visit from late afternoon for cooler weather and the busiest atmosphere · Compare excursion prices at several desks before booking · Confirm menu prices before ordering at tourist-facing restaurants · Agree taxi fares first; rides to the Marina cost about EGP 50-100 · Dress modestly when walking beyond hotel areas · Keep valuables secure in crowds
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10
Sahl Hasheesh Old Town and Arrival Piazza
Tip: Go in the evening when fountains and lanterns are lit · Arrange a return taxi or ride-hailing in advance; late fares are harder to find · Expect resort-style prices at restaurants · Check shop hours, which vary by business · Combine with a beach or sunset walk on the promenade · Dress modestly outside beach areas
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Islands And Boat Trips
Museums And Family
Old Town And Waterfront
Resort Districts
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Tickets
- Boat trips are bought from hotel desks, marina operators or online resellers; national park fees ($5-10, EGP 250-500) are sometimes extra and collected in cash at the marina. Museum tickets are sold at the museum desk and prices are in EGP for foreigners.
- Opening Hours
- Boat trips run roughly 08:00-17:00; Hurghada Museum has a morning and an evening session; the Grand Aquarium is open 09:00-20:00 daily.
- Dress
- Beachwear is fine at resort beaches and on boats. Cover shoulders and knees in Dahar, the souq and at El Mina Mosque; carry a shirt or scarf.
- Photography
- Phones and cameras are allowed in the aquarium and most outdoor sites; flash and food are restricted inside Hurghada Museum galleries. Do not photograph military or police installations.
- Getting Around
- Taxi and ride-hailing (Uber, inDrive) are the main options; agree a fare before entering an unmetered taxi. Shared minibuses run along the main coast road for EGP 10-20 (~$0.2-0.4).
- Currency Note
- Prices in this guide are converted at EGP 50 = USD 1 (October 2026).
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Book boat trips the evening before and confirm the pickup time and place in writing; pickups are often between 06:30 and 08:00.
Carry EGP 50 and 100 notes for park fees, tips and taxis; many small vendors do not take cards.
Snorkel only inside the marked areas and with the boat crew; do not stand on or touch coral, which is fined in the national park.
Wear reef-safe sun cream, a hat and a rash vest; shade on the islands is limited.
Visit Dahar and the Marina after 18:00, when temperatures drop and the shops are open.
Check the sea forecast on windfinder.com or windy.com before booking; strong wind cancels boat trips and kitesurf lessons most often from June to August.
Frequently asked questions
How many days are needed in Hurghada?
Four to five days: one for Giftun and Orange Bay, one for Hurghada Museum and the Grand Aquarium, one for Dahar and the Marina, plus beach days. Add a day for a Luxor or Cairo trip if desired.
Do I need a visa for Hurghada?
Most visitors pay about $25-30 for a visa on arrival or apply for the e-visa at visa2egypt.gov.eg; fees change, so check the current fee before travel.