Things to Do in Hurghada: Coral Reefs, Desert Safaris & Local Secrets

Without even trying, Hurghada is where the Red Sea goes off-script. As the largest city and capital of the Red Sea, it offers a more grounded charm than its glitzy cousin, Sharm El Sheikh. More locals live here year-round, which contributes to the city's atmosphere. 

So many visitors arrive in Hurghada to explore its stunning coral reefs and end up staying longer than expected, caught by that irresistible “just one more day” feeling we’ve all experienced on holiday. It’s no wonder plenty of holidaymakers find themselves turning into permanent expats. Hurghada has a way of sneaking into your heart like that, and the locals know it.

To make the most of Hurghada attractions, settle in at Mercure Hurghada Hotel. The resort is situated right on the water with a private beach that brings the best of the Red Sea to your doorstep.

Its Islamic-inspired arches, beautiful palm trees, and warm earth tones echo Egyptian elegance, making it a great backdrop for a mini photo-shoot or simply soaking in the traditional, yet refined atmosphere. The hotel has a pool, as well as spacious rooms with serene views of the sea or gardens. 

If you’re planning to visit Egypt soon and are feeling inspired to explore the Red Sea, make sure to bookmark this curated list of the best things to do in Hurghada. 

You don’t need to dive or snorkel to enjoy Hurghada’s underwater views. Yacht cruises or glass-bottom boat tours allow you to check out the Red Sea’s marine life in comfort and style. You can also opt for a sunset cruise for a romantic evening on the water or spend the day on a luxury catamaran with stops for snorkelling and swimming. Whatever your preference or price point, there are options for booking boat tours in and around Hurghada. 

For more coastal inspiration, check out our guide to the best beaches in Hurghada. 

Quad tours take you into the Sahara with an experienced guide who knows all the ins and outs of the desert. They typically take groups to visit local Bedouin villages and allow time to enjoy majestic mountain views at golden hour. All in all, it’s an adrenaline-packed trip that’s safe enough for everyone, even the faint of heart.

Insider tip for foodies: We recommend choosing a tour that includes a traditional barbecue in the desert. You’ll get to enjoy authentic delicacies like Egyptian beef kofta (minced meat skewers), tender lamb, goat, or perfectly grilled vegetables cooked over a charcoal fire. 

Hurghada has earned its reputation as one of the world's most prominent diving sites. The city attracts diving enthusiasts from around the globe for its underwater beauty and vibrant marine life – it’s a haven for those who know their reefs.

To see some of the best reefs near Hurghada, take a 60-minute boat ride to Abu Ramada, or Geziret Abu Ramada (which means “island” in Egyptian Arabic). Although most locals in Hurghada are bi- or even tri-lingual, learning a few local words here and there can be helpful. 

Abu Ramada is known as "The Aquarium" for good reason: it’s home to unicorn fish, barracuda, octopus, firefish, as well as colourful hard and soft corals. Although it’s fairly exposed, the marine life sanctuary has retained much of its untouched beauty. 

For another local favourite, make your way to Giftun Island, or Geziret Giftun – which is a short boat ride from Abu Ramada. The entire archipelago is a must-see, known for its crystal-clear waters, coral gardens, and colourful fish. Both islands are ideal for snorkelling or diving.  

If you’d rather stay on the mainland, try out some windsurfing or kitesurfing at Mercure Hurghada Resort’s private beach. Harry Nass Windsurf & Kite Centres is based right at the hotel, and they’ll be ready to help you get sorted. 

For a more immersive desert adventure, jeep safaris unlock remote corners of the Sahara you can’t always reach on a quad. With an expert guide at the wheel, you’ll get to climb dramatic dunes, making this day trip a slightly more intense option than a quad bike ride. The tour can take you into tranquil desert oases, lush hidden gems right in the heart of the arid landscape, where you’ll have the chance to connect with Bedouin culture and enjoy a traditional barbecue with locals.

Like most trips in Hurghada, this one can be booked online for a fee.

If you’re the type of traveller who feels sad saying goodbye to places, then you’ll enjoy stargazing on your last night in Hurghada. There’s something poetic about the Egyptian Sahara, and with little pollution, the desert outside Hurghada is one of the best spots for stargazing. You can expect breathtaking views of stars and planets, as well as occasional shooting stars. 

With Egyptians historically drawn to the mystical and ethereal, there are experienced astronomy tourism centres like Space Observers Egypt based right in Hurghada. For a reasonable price, they offer curated stargazing packages and even romantic overnight stays in the desert.  

You don’t just get to gaze aimlessly at the stars – though there's nothing wrong with that. You’ll have the chance to use GPS-guided telescopes to explore planets and deep space objects while hearing local myths and tales around the campfire.

From coral gardens to desert dunes, the list of unforgettable things to do in Hurghada is longer than you'd expect - no matter what kind of traveller you are.

Most Hurghada attractions don't require leaving the city. The Hurghada Marina is perfect for evening strolls, dining, and browsing through local Egyptian crafts that showcase the country’s intertwined Arab and North African heritage.

If you want to pick out your own seafood and get to choose how it’s cooked, head to Al Halaka Fish Restaurant for a contemporary, local vibe. They serve a diverse selection of fresh fish, shrimp, and a creamy seafood soup that's unique to Egypt's coastal cities. Make sure to try the Sayadeya rice, which means fisherman's rice in Arabic. Another local delicacy native to Egypt's coasts, this rice dish is cooked with caramelised onions and local spices that warm the heart. 

You can also opt for some quick bites at Gad's sandwich shop, a fast-food favourite amongst locals. Here you can try the crispy falafel, shawarma, or Egyptian pickled eggplant. This traditional dish is tangy and bursting with garlic, fresh parsley, and paprika. If you like a kick of heat, don’t forget to ask for chilli sauce. Pair it with some laban rayeb, which is basically kefir milk, to help soothe the fiery aftertaste.

Local tip: If you’re really into contemporary takes on traditional flavours, try Koshary El-Tahrir. This popular Egyptian chain serves up koshary — a beloved national vegan dish made with rice, pasta, lentils, chickpeas, topped with crispy fried onions, and drenched in garlic vinegar and fresh tomato sauce. (Fair warning: it’s a carb-heavy comfort food, so you may want to give it a little time to settle before heading out for a swim.)

If you're looking to extend your evening with some local entertainment, our guide to nightlife in Hurghada highlights the best spots to enjoy live music.

The best time to visit Hurghada and cities across the Red Sea in general is October to April. It’s an ideal time for cooler temperatures and allows you to make the most of both desert and sea activities.  

As for getting around, local taxis and hotel-arranged tours are going to be your best options. 

While Hurghada is a resort town, modest dress is recommended if you are heading to the old town or more traditional areas, such as Dahar or El-Mamsha. 

El-Mamsha, which means walkway in Arabic, is one of the most prominent areas packed with local restaurants, shops, and lively Middle Eastern vibes.  

Last but not least, it’s good to know that most international visitors can get a visa on arrival in Egypt, but always make sure to check current entry requirements before travelling, so there are no surprises. With that sorted, you’re all set to enjoy everything Hurghada has to offer!