Looking for the best things to do in Sharm El Sheikh? I’ve got you covered. I visited solo and had an amazing time. It’s full of history, a prime scuba diving destination, and has beautiful restaurants. I recommend spending at least 3 days in this beach town.
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Activities
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Is Sharm El Sheikh Safe?
Sharm El Sheikh felt very safe. In fact, it felt much safer than Cairo. There is less catcalling and you’ll see visitors from all over the world. It’s a tourist town full of hotels, shopping centers, and beaches. There’s also lots of police and military officers patrolling tourist areas.
Where is Sharm El Sheikh?
Sharm el-Sheikh is about 340 miles southeast of Cairo, Egypt’s capital city. Depending on traffic and road conditions, the journey from Cairo to Sharm el-Sheikh can take 5-6 hours by car. It’s considered a resort town along the Red Sea coast at the southern tip of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.
How Long Should You Stay in Sharm El Sheikh
Three to four days is sufficient time to see the major attractions and take great photos. You should add a few days if you plan on diving or day tours. Three days and four nights are usually enough time to gain a good sense of this coastal city, mainly if this is your first visit.
Sharm El Sheikh Hotels
Sharm El Sheikh has luxury, budget, and mid-range hotels. When looking for the best neighborhood to stay in, I would consider the type of experience you’re looking for and which activities you prefer doing. Choose Naama Bay for lots of shopping and nightlife. It’s a very busy area with lots of casinos and clubs. It’s close to everything but can get very crowed.
Sharks Bay or Ras Umm Sid is great for ocean lovers and is only a quick walk to some of Sharm El Sheikh’s best diving spots. If you want a resort feel, Nabq Bay is the best place to go. It’s perfect for families. Old Market or Sharm El Maya has a more authentic feel and is usually more budget-friendly.
Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh
Welcome to one of the most chill cities in Egypt. Sharm El Sheikh has everything: history, outdoors, water activities, and amazing restaurants.
From exploring the Magical Mountains of Mt. Sinai to snorkeling along the shore, here is my list of the most dreamy things to do in Sharm El Sheikh.
1. Visit the Most Beautiful Cafe in Africa: Farsha Mountain Lounge
Farsha Mountain Lounge wasn’t on my list when I planned on visiting Sharm El Sheikh but it is a muat-visit. The owner is an artist and environmentalist who built the original structure with repurposed wood and materials. The decor is very eclectic, and I can assure you there’s no place like it.
It really comes alive at sunset, but if you want a good seat, you’ll have to get there almost three hours beforehand. Once it gets crowded, they may even turn people away at the door. We noticed that groups of men without women were not permitted to enter at a particular time.
Overall, it’s an excellent place to drink coffee, hang with friends, and take cute photos. They also have hookah if that’s your thing.
2. Al-Mustafa Mosque
The Sahaba Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques ever. Local Egyptian architect Fouad Tawfik Hafez designed it. He was inspired by Ottoman and Mamluk architecture. Construction was completed in 2008, and it cost around 33 million dollars.
With its towering minarets and silhouette, it’s definitely a notable landmark. It’s a place of worship, so make sure to dress modestly. You can rent a hijab downstairs or bring your own. Sleeves should go down to your wrist and dresses should reach your ankles and be loose.
3. Diving and Snorkeling in Sharm El Sheikh
As an American, I didn’t realize how famous the Red Sea is. Thousands of people visit Sharm el-Sheikh for its beautiful coral reefs and diverse marine life. Whether a seasoned diver or a beginner, there are plenty of dive sites suitable for all levels. For a day trip consider visiting Ras Mohammed National Park.
4. Quad Riding and Desert Safari
If you want thrill and adventure, consider quad biking with your friends. Enjoy a desert safari with sandboarding, dune bashing, and professional belly dancing. For a new experience, consider visiting Bedouin camps to learn more about the unique local culture.
5. Visit the Coptic Orthodox Church of St. Mary & St.Mina
The Coptic Orthodox Church of St. Mary & St. Mina was founded by Pope Cyril V of Alexandria. Pope Cyril was the longest-serving pope and worked tirelessly to strengthen the Coptic Church and its community. He advocated for religious rights and social justice for Coptic Christians in Egypt.
This cathedral was built in 2010. The interior of the Coptic Orthodox Church of St. Mary is stunning. Prepare to be awed by the stained-glass windows and chandeliers. You will enjoy this cathedral if you love beautiful architecture and religious history.
Mass is open to the public and draws a small local crowd.
6. Hike Mt. Sinai
If you prefer the outdoors, add a tour to hike Mt. Sinai. Most tours start at night so you can reach the top by sunrise. It’s a beautiful hike, and the journey is also known as the Moses Hike, as it is believed to be where Christians believe Moses (Musa) saw the burning bush and received the Ten Commandments. I would consider this hike as challenging and you can read more about it here.
7. Go Shopping in Naama Bay
Spend a day relaxing at Naama Bay, the vibrant heart of Sharm el-Sheikh. Here, you’ll find many restaurants, cafes, and shops. Or take a walk along the beach while stopping to shop at some local boutiques. Make sure to try some freshly squeezed sugar cane juice to stay hydrated.
8. Shopping at Old Town Market
Explore the charm of Sharm el-Sheikh’s Old Town, also known as the Old Market. Lose yourself in the maze of narrow streets filled with bustling souks, where you can haggle for spices, textiles, and souvenirs. Don’t forget to sample some traditional Egyptian street food along the way.
9. Water Activities in Sharm El Sheikh
In addition to diving and snorkeling, Sharm el-Sheikh offers a wide range of water sports for thrill-seekers. There’s no shortage of ocean-friendly adventures, from parasailing and windsurfing to jet skiing and glass bottom boat rides.
These are just a few activities and attractions awaiting you in the area. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, this enchanting resort town has something for everyone.
FAQs
Are their pyramids in Sharm El Sheikh?
No, there aren’t any pyramids in there, but other architectural landmarks like Al-Mustafa Mosque, the oldest mosque in the and the Coptic Orthodox Church of St. Mary.
Are there sharks in Sharm El Sheikh?
Yes, there are sharks, and that’s good because it means our oceans are healthy. Sharks are not typically a cause for concern for most visitors. The Red Sea is home to several species of sharks, such as tiger sharks, hammerhead sharks, and whale sharks. These sharks are typically small to medium in size and are generally not seen as posing a significant danger to humans.
Does Uber Work in Sharm El Sheikh?
Uber does not work in Sharm El Sheikh so you usually have to find a local taxi driver through your hotel or online. Taxi drivers in the area are known for overcharging, so ask around before committing to one driver. The only cities in Egypt with Uber are Cairo and Alexandria. And honestly, even the Uber Drivers scam and they’re very creative.
Do Muslims, Christians, and Jews get along in the Sinai region?
Yes, the area is full of residents from different religions who live and interact with one another daily. It’s a pretty diverse city.
Read more here:
- The Ultimate Egypt Travel Guide
- Dahab: A Guide to Egypt’s Red Sea Beach Town
- Things You Should Know Before Hiking Mt.Sinai In Egypt
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