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

As the largest city and capital of Egypt’s Red Sea Governorate, Hurghada offers a more locally rooted alternative to the resort-centred atmosphere of Sharm El Sheikh. More locals live here year-round, which contributes to the city's atmosphere.  Coral reefs, island escapes, working neighbourhoods, local markets, and Egyptian food are among some of the best things to do in Hurghada.

Many visitors arrive for the underwater scenery and discover a city that tempts them to stay for “just one more day”. Whether you want to snorkel around the Giftun Islands, cross the Eastern Desert, explore El Dahar, or try fresh seafood, this guide will help you experience Hurghada from the Red Sea to its local streets.

• Best for first-time visitors: Giftun Island, Marina, and a Desert Safari
• Best for couples: Stargazing, Orange Bay, and sunset cruises
• Best for food lovers: El Dahar and seafood restaurants
• Best for families: Grand Aquarium and glass-bottom boat
• Best for adventure seekers: Quad bikes, Jeep safaris, and kitesurfing

Hurghada is best known for its Red Sea experiences, from yacht cruises and coral reefs to island escapes and watersports.

You don’t need to dive or snorkel to enjoy Hurghada’s underwater views. Glass-bottom boat tours let you see the Red Sea’s marine life while staying comfortably on board, making them ideal for families, non-swimmers, or anyone who’d rather keep their feet dry. If you’re happy to take the plunge, spend the day on a yacht or catamaran with stops for swimming and snorkelling. For something more romantic, choose a sunset cruise and watch the coastline change colour as you sail.

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

Hurghada has earned an international following among divers for its coral reefs and abundant marine life. To see why, set out by boat for Gota Abu Ramada (around 45-to-90-minute travel time), a reef nicknamed “The Aquarium” because of the many fish gathered around its coral formations. Beneath the surface, schools of glassfish, anthias, sweetlips, and other Red Sea species bring the hard and soft corals to life.

The site appeals to newer and experienced divers alike, although conditions and dive routes can vary. It’s a haven for those who know their reefs, and an unforgettable introduction for those just beginning to discover them.

For another local favourite, set out from Hurghada for the Giftun Islands, an archipelago made up of Big Giftun and Small Giftun. Surrounded by clear water, coral gardens, and colourful fish, the islands offer some of the area’s most memorable Red Sea scenery. A boat excursion may combine time ashore with swimming, snorkelling, or diving, making it a convenient choice if you want to experience the reefs and islands in one day.

For a more relaxed beach day, consider visiting Orange Bay or Paradise Island, two popular stops within the Giftun Islands area. Both give you time to step ashore and enjoy the clear turquoise water and soft sand that make this part of the Red Sea so inviting. At Orange Bay, you’ll find beachfront areas, restaurants, watersports, and places to settle in between swims. These excursions suit couples, families, and travellers who want more beach time alongside their boat trip.

If you’d rather stay on the mainland, try windsurfing or kitesurfing from the private beach at Mercure Hurghada Hotel. Harry Nass Windsurf & Kite Centres operates directly from the hotel beach, so you won’t have to travel far to get out on the Red Sea. Beginners can book lessons and practise around the shallow sandbanks, while more experienced windsurfers and kitesurfers can ask about equipment rental and independent sessions.

Beyond the coastline, Egypt's Eastern Desert offers quad biking, jeep safaris, Bedouin experiences, and some of the region's best stargazing opportunities.

A quad bike tour takes you beyond Hurghada’s coastline and into the mountain landscapes of Egypt’s Eastern Desert. After a safety briefing and practice ride, you’ll follow an experienced guide who knows the desert routes and terrain, crossing sandy tracks with time to admire the views and stop for photos.

Afternoon excursions may also reveal the mountains in the golden-hour light. It’s an exhilarating way to discover a side of Hurghada far removed from the coast. Some itineraries include tea, a hosted visit with a local Bedouin community, or a meal, while others concentrate on the quad-bike ride.

For a more immersive desert adventure, take a guided 4WD jeep safari into the Eastern Desert. As Hurghada’s coastline disappears behind you, an experienced driver will handle the rocky tracks while you take in the valleys, mountains, and open desert scenery. Some tours include a hosted visit to a Bedouin camp, where you may share tea, learn about desert traditions, or enjoy a barbecue-style dinner. It’s a good choice if you’re more interested in the landscape and cultural context than driving a quad bike yourself.

If you’re the type of traveller who feels sad saying goodbye to places, spend your final evening stargazing in Hurghada’s Eastern Desert. There’s something poetic about leaving the city lights behind and watching the night sky emerge above the mountains. Depending on visibility, you may see stars, planets, constellations, and the occasional shooting star. You don’t just get to gaze aimlessly at the stars, though there’s nothing wrong with that.

On specialist excursions, an astronomy guide can explain what you’re seeing and help you observe distant celestial objects through a telescope. Some experiences also include a jeep journey, desert dinner, or overnight stay.

To experience everyday life in Hurghada, explore local neighbourhoods, browse traditional markets, and sample regional Egyptian food.

To experience a more traditional side of the city, spend a few hours exploring El Dahar, Hurghada’s old town. Its working markets, independent shops, and everyday street life offer a different perspective from the beachfront resorts, making it one of the best places in Hurghada to experience local culture. Browse stalls selling fresh produce, spices, clothing, and household goods alongside shops carrying Egyptian souvenirs and keepsakes. Take your time, look beyond the souvenir stalls, and leave room to stop for local street food or tea as you explore.

You don’t have to leave the city to enjoy another side of Hurghada. Take an evening stroll along Hurghada Marina, a modern waterfront development on the Red Sea. Wander beside the moored boats, pause to admire the coastal views, or settle in for dinner at one of the marina’s restaurant outlets. It’s an inviting option for couples and travellers looking for an easy evening after a day of diving, sightseeing, or desert adventures. Unlike the working markets of El Dahar, the marina offers a more visitor-oriented experience, so come for the waterfront setting rather than traditional neighbourhood life.

Hurghada’s coastal setting makes seafood a natural place to begin your local food discoveries. At Al Halaka Fish Restaurant, you can select your fish and ask for it grilled, fried, or baked. Pair it with seafood soup or sayadeya, fisherman’s rice flavoured with deeply caramelised onions and spices. The restaurant’s listings confirm seafood dishes, including fish, shrimp, and seafood soup.

For a quick Egyptian meal, stop at GAD for favourites such as falafel, shawarma, or fried aubergine. Its El Dahar menu lists falafel, aubergine, and meat and chicken shawarma sandwiches. If you like a little heat, ask for chilli sauce.

Save room for koshary too. This filling Egyptian favourite combines rice, pasta, lentils, and chickpeas with tomato sauce, garlic vinegar, and crispy onions.

Families and non-divers will find plenty to enjoy in Hurghada, including marine attractions, boat tours, and child-friendly experiences.

If you’re travelling with children, aren’t comfortable in the water, or simply want a break from the beach, Hurghada Grand Aquarium offers another way to explore the region’s marine life. Walk through the underwater tunnel as sharks, rays, and colourful fish swim around you, then continue through the marine and freshwater galleries. Your visit also includes a rainforest environment, mini zoo, and fossil museum. The mix of aquatic displays and educational exhibits makes the aquarium an engaging option for families, non-swimmers, and anyone curious about the Red Sea’s wildlife and the importance of marine conservation.

Explore more family-friendly things to do across Egypt.

• Best time to visit: October to April is generally the most comfortable time to visit Hurghada, with cooler temperatures suited to both Red Sea excursions and desert adventures.
• Getting around: Local taxis and hotel-arranged tours are often the easiest way to travel between beaches, attractions, and neighbourhoods.
• Local customs: If you're visiting traditional areas such as El Dahar, modest clothing is recommended out of respect for local customs.
• Entry requirements: Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality and passport. Always check the latest entry requirements before travelling to Egypt.
• Before you go: Booking popular excursions in advance can help secure your preferred dates, especially for boat trips and desert experiences.

If you're looking for a base that places you close to both the Red Sea and many of Hurghada's top attractions, stay at Mercure Hurghada Hotel. Set on a private stretch of beach, the hotel offers easy access to boat excursions, snorkelling trips, watersports, and desert adventures.

Its blend of Egyptian-inspired design, comfortable rooms, and beachfront facilities makes Mercure Hurghada Hotel a convenient choice for travellers who want to experience both the coast and the local culture that makes Hurghada unique.

Discover where to stay in Hurghada and book your accommodation through ALL.com or the ALL app. Join the free ALL Accor loyalty programme to enjoy member benefits.

What should I avoid in Hurghada?

Hurghada is generally easy to explore, but it's worth avoiding unlicensed tour operators, touching coral reefs or marine life, and travelling into the desert without a qualified guide. When visiting local neighbourhoods such as El Dahar, wearing modest clothing is respectful and can help you feel more comfortable while exploring local markets and cultural sites.

How many days in Hurghada is enough?

Three to five days will allow you to experience many of the best things to do in Hurghada, including Red Sea boat trips, snorkelling or diving excursions, desert adventures, and local food experiences. If you'd like a more relaxed holiday with beach time, watersports, and cultural exploration, a week allows you to discover the destination at a slower pace.

Is Hurghada safe for tourists now?

Hurghada is one of Egypt's most popular holiday destinations and welcomes visitors from around the world throughout the year. As with any destination, it's sensible to stay aware of your surroundings, use reputable tour providers, keep valuables secure, and follow local guidance when taking part in water or desert activities.

Is Hurghada better than Sharm El Sheikh?

Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh offer different experiences rather than one being objectively better than the other. Hurghada is often favoured by travellers interested in local culture, neighbourhood dining, and exploring beyond the resort, while Sharm El Sheikh is known for its resort-focused atmosphere and diving opportunities. Read our Hurghada vs Sharm El Sheikh guide to find the destination that best matches your travel style.

When is the best time to visit Hurghada

The most comfortable time to visit Hurghada is typically between October and April, when temperatures are milder for sightseeing, desert excursions, and outdoor activities. The Red Sea remains suitable for swimming throughout much of the year, making Hurghada an appealing destination whether you're interested in beaches, diving, watersports, or cultural experiences.