13 Fun Things to Do in Hurghada in Egypt

Hurghada is a popular vacation destination for many people. Besides spending time in the city, you can also book a tour to nearby locations (Luxor), even the pyramids. This article covers solely the interesting and fun things to do in Hurghada City and its close neighborhoods like El Gouna.

Giftun Islands and Mahmya beach

Giftun Islands consists of two main islands Giftun Kebir, and Giftun Sughayar. Mahmya is a beach on the southern coast of Big Giftun Island. When translating Mahmya from Arabic into English, we get the meaning of “protected area.” The word reflects the status of the marine park. The islands often attract people who enjoy snorkeling and diving. The waters are home to coral reefs, various fishes, and even dolphins. But you can also spend time on the beach. There are amenities like sunbeds, umbrellas, a bar, and a restaurant.

Marina

It is an ideal place for many things. You can walk on the Marina promenade and enjoy the view of modern and luxurious yachts. You can take a boat ride, book a fishing trip, and enjoy watersports. Or you can go shopping (souvenirs, local crafts), dine, or participate in or watch events and festivals at the marina.

Mini Egypt park

The park lies in Makadi Bay, 25 km south of Hurghada. The place is an open-air museum with 60 miniature models. It opened its doors in 2015. The miniatures include Alexandria Bibliotheca, Roman Amphitheatre, Cairo Opera House, Cairo Tower, The Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha, Pyramids, Sphinx, Luxor Temple, Karnak, and Abu Simbel.

Senzo Mall

The list of things to do in Hurghada continues with this mall near the Makadi Bay area on Safaga Road. It opened in 2009. The mall covers a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options (arcade, play area for children, cinema). Besides clothes or electronics, there is a hypermarket where you can buy groceries and household items.

Mosque El Mina Masjid

The mosque lies in the Sakkala district near the marina. It opened in 2012. This Islamic architecture has intricate designs, marble floors, elegant domes, and minarets. It can accommodate around 10,000 worshipers. It has 2 minarets with heights of around 40 meters. Inside, you can find geometric patterns, chandeliers, and calligraphy. The mosque is also a community center, offering many religious and educational activities. When you visit it, dress modestly.

Coptic Cathedral of Saint Shenouda

The cathedral is in the old district of Hurghada, El Dahar. The structure features traditional Coptic architectural elements such as domes, arches, or iconography. The place is also a gathering point for the Coptic Christian population. They offer various community events besides traditional religious ones like liturgies, baptisms, and weddings. The place is usually open daily from 7 am until 12 am.

El Dahar

The oldest and the most traditional district in Hurghada is in the northern part of the city. The place is ideal to visit if you want to experience a more authentic and local place with a bustling souk (market) that offers many fresh goods, textiles, or souvenirs. The district features a mix of traditional Egyptian and modern buildings. There are also many religious sites like the Coptic Cathedral and mosques.

From downtown El Dahar to Al Mina Mosque, it is around 4 kilometers when walking down the El-Nasr streets. I remember walking down the street after returning from El Gouna by bus. Despite it being after sunset, around 7 pm, I decided to explore and see the main mosque. Maybe it wasn’t the best idea to walk that long street at that time because the surroundings felt quite repetitive. I had a similar experience walking from the Hurghada Museum to Sheraton Beach at night.

Grand Aquarium

One of the funniest things to do in Hurghada, mainly for families with children, is visiting the aquarium. It opened in 2015, and you can find it in the Magawish area. It spans over 100,000 square feet and has around 1200 marine life species. The exhibitions follow different themes, for example, rainforest, freshwater aquarium, or saltwater aquarium. The main highlight is the shark tunnel, where you can walk through the transparent tunnel surrounded by sharks and all other marine creatures.

Sand City

You can find the open-air museum Sand City near Senzo Mall. It opened in 2014 and very quickly became a popular tourist attraction. The park has two sections – one for historical sculptures (pharaohs, Greek gods, Roman emperors) and the second for fantasy sculptures (movie characters, fairy tale creatures, or comic book heroes or villains). Altogether, Sand City has 60 large sculptures and 30 reliefs made by international artists.

Urbex

When staying in Hurghada, I noticed that the area near and around Sheraton Beach, down Sheraton Road towards Masjid Alrahman Alraheem, had many abandoned resorts and a partially demolished, half-empty shopping mall.

You will probably find some abandoned sites in the desert, the old marina area, or the industrial outskirts of the city. El Dahar, with its historical charm, and deserted construction sites on the city’s outskirts also offers intriguing spots for urban exploration.

Desert Safari

Desert Safari in Hurghada offers an exhilarating adventure amidst the stunning landscapes of the Egyptian desert. Visitors can embark on thrilling off-road journeys across the dunes, experiencing the thrill of dune bashing in 4×4 vehicles. The safari often includes stops at Bedouin camps, where travelers can enjoy traditional hospitality, camel rides, and cultural performances such as belly dancing and Tanoura shows under the starlit sky.

Hurghada Museum

The museum officially opened in January 2019, showcasing historical artifacts and cultural exhibits. The museum houses a diverse collection of artifacts highlighting the rich history and heritage of Egypt’s Red Sea region. It includes items from the Pharaonic, Roman, and Islamic periods. The museum is located in the Ad-Dahar district of Hurghada, Egypt, near the Sheraton Road, making it easily accessible for visitors.

Golf in El Gouna

Golf in El Gouna offers enthusiasts a world-class experience amidst picturesque surroundings. The El Gouna Golf Club boasts an 18-hole championship course designed by renowned architect Gene Bates. Golfers can enjoy playing amid stunning views of the Red Sea and the desert mountains, with lush fairways and challenging greens that cater to players of all skill levels. After a round, the club’s facilities, including a clubhouse with dining options and a pro shop, provide a perfect setting for relaxation and camaraderie among golfers.

For a more comprehensive look at enjoying your trip while staying safe, check out my article on safety in Egypt.