Sharm El Sheikh Attractions Guide 2026

Top attractions

The most popular and significant attractions in Sharm El Sheikh.

1. 1

   Ras Mohammed National Park

   Nature / marine parkAbout USD 5-7 (~EGP 250-350) per foreigner at the gate; fees change, so confirm on arrivalHalf to full day

   Egypt's first national park, with coral reefs at Shark and Yolanda Reef, the Eel Garden, mangrove channel and desert viewpoints.

   Tip: Carry a physical passport; the gate checkpoint will not accept photocopies · Arrive near 08:00 to beat the tour buses that crowd the reefs from late morning · Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a rash vest and plenty of water; shade is scarce · Do not touch or stand on coral and never collect shells; fines apply · Check whether the tour price includes the park fee, usually about USD 5-7

2. 2

   Tiran Island and Straits of Tiran

   Marine / boat tripBoat trip about EGP 1,250-2,500 (~$25-50) per adult including lunch; national park fee usually extraFull day (8-9 hours)

   Reef snorkelling at Jackson, Woodhouse and Gordon Reefs in the narrow straits between the Sinai and Tiran Island.

   Tip: Choose smaller boats for fewer crowds at the reefs · Check whether the national park fee is included in the price · Stay close to the crew on Jackson Reef where currents are strong · Take seasickness tablets if prone to nausea, as winter seas can be rough · Bring a hat, rash vest and reef-safe sunscreen

3. 3

   Naama Bay Promenade

   Waterfront / entertainment districtFree1-3 hours

   Pedestrian strip of cafes, shisha lounges, shops and bars along the sheltered bay at the centre of the resort area.

   Tip: Visit after 18:00 when the atmosphere and lighting are at their best · Agree prices before ordering shisha, drinks or boat trips · Politely decline touts; a firm no is usually enough · Keep phones and wallets secure in busy stretches · Compare restaurant menus on side streets for lower prices

4. 4

   Old Market (Sharm El Maya)

   Market / old townFree1-2 hours

   The original town, with Egyptian cafes, spice and perfume stalls, a mosque square and the small fishing harbour nearby.

   Tip: Visit after 18:00 for the best atmosphere · Bargain politely and start at roughly half the first price · Dress modestly out of respect for the local community · Try fresh juices and tea at local cafes rather than tourist-priced venues · Agree the taxi fare or use the meter before leaving Naama Bay

5. 5

   Ras Um Sid Reef and Lighthouse

   Reef / viewpointFree viewpoint; beach club entry about EGP 100-300 (~$2-6) for the reef platform1-3 hours

   A lighthouse promontory with a snorkelling reef accessed from a short pier and a popular sunset viewpoint.

   Tip: Arrive 45 minutes before sunset to find a good viewing spot · Use the ladder to enter the water and avoid standing on coral · Wear reef shoes; rocks and urchins are sharp · Bring your own snorkel gear to avoid rental costs · Visit in the morning for the calmest, clearest water

6. 6

   Al Sahaba Mosque

   Mosque / architectureFree; modest dress and head covering for women required20-40 minutes

   A large white mosque with a prominent minaret and domes, a landmark of the resort area; visitors should dress modestly and avoid prayer times.

   Tip: Dress modestly; women should bring a scarf for hair · Avoid visiting at prayer times, especially Friday midday · Remove shoes at the entrance · Ask staff before taking photographs inside · Visit in late afternoon for the best light on the exterior

7. 7

   Al Mustafa Mosque

   Mosque / architectureFree; modest dress and head covering for women required20-30 minutes

   A decorated mosque near the Naama Bay promenade, a quiet counterpoint to the nightlife.

   Tip: Dress modestly and bring a scarf for women · Avoid the five daily prayer times · Remove shoes before entering any prayer area · Ask staff before taking photographs inside · Combine with a walk along the promenade

8. 8

   Soho Square

   Entertainment complexFree entry; individual attractions and rides charged separately2-4 hours

   A pedestrian entertainment square with restaurants, a fountain show, an ice rink and an events area.

   Tip: Arrive around sunset for a calmer start and easier seating · Check show and rink timings on the day of the visit · Bring a light layer for the ice rink and indoor venues · Compare menus; prices vary between venues · Expect crowds from 20:00 to midnight at weekends

9. 9

   Alf Leila Wa Leila (1001 Nights) Show

   Show / entertainmentAbout EGP 1,000-2,000 (~$20-40) per ticket; verify at the box office2-3 hours

   An Arabian Nights themed show venue in the Naama Bay area, offering live music, belly dance and a stage production.

   Tip: Confirm what is included in the ticket before paying · Book ahead in high season for good seats · Check the current show schedule at the box office · Arrange a return taxi in advance · Ask before using flash or filming during performances

10. 10

    Sharks Bay House Reef

    Reef / snorkellingFree from public jetties; hotel jetty fees EGP 150-400 (~$3-8)2-3 hours

    A shallow reef off Sharks Bay's hotel jetties with coral gardens, reef fish and occasional turtles.

    Tip: Snorkel in the morning for the best visibility and calmer water · Use jetty ladders and never stand on the coral · Wear a rash vest and reef-safe sunscreen · Ask about the non-guest fee at hotel jetties · Stay near the jetty if the current picks up

Attractions by category

Explore by your interests.

Hidden gems

Off-the-beaten-path attractions worth seeking out.

Practical information

What you need to know before you go.

Opening Note

Ras Mohammed, Nabq and St Catherine are controlled areas; carry the physical passport.

Currency

Egyptian Pound (EGP); about EGP 50 = $1 in October 2026. Carry small notes for tips and entry fees.

Getting Around

Taxis and ride-hailing (Uber, Careem, inDrive) between bays; Naama Bay is walkable.

Heat

Summer highs reach 38-40 C; schedule sightseeing before 11:00 and after 16:00.

Dress

Swimwear on beaches and hotel pools only; cover shoulders and knees in town and in mosques.

Tickets

Prices are indicative October 2026; verify on site.

Tips for visiting attractions

Make the most of your sightseeing time.

Frequently asked questions