Best Things To Do in Hurghada

Hurghada, located on the shores of the Red Sea, is one of Egypt's main tourist cities and is famous not only for its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, but also for its marine life and water activities. From here you can explore coral reefs, island paradises and deserts, so there's something for all ages and at all times of the year.

Some of the best things to do in Hurghada include snorkelling and diving on the reefs of the Red Sea, visiting the New Harbour to enjoy the lively nightlife, discovering the Al Mina Mosque and taking a desert tour, where you can discover Bedouin life and gaze up at the stars in a clear sky.

The Al Mina Mosque is one of the most famous religious buildings in Egypt in general and Hurghada in particular. Inaugurated in 2012, it is one of the Islamic landmarks of the country and stands out for its white domes and its two minarets, each of which is 40 metres high.

The interior of the mosque, a constant feature of Islamic temples, is decorated with mosaics and calligraphic details depicting verses from the Koran. The prayer hall, on the other hand, is an open space designed to accommodate hundreds of worshippers, and has a visitor centre where you can learn about Muslim religious practices and observe how the mosque serves as a meeting place for the local community.

In terms of its history, the Al Mina Mosque was built with funds provided by the government and donations from local worshippers, which gives it a deep significance for the Hurghada community . Although relatively new, it has quickly become one of the most important monuments in the city, not only for its religious function, but also for its architectural value.

While the minarets are not accessible, being located near the port, the mosque also offers a sweeping view of the Red Sea, making it one of the sites often included in the itinerary when booking a guided tour of Hurghada.

If you want to visit one of Hurghada's most unique attractions, you can't miss Mini Egypt Park, a theme park that offers a miniature tour of Egypt. The park is home to more than 60 scale replicas of Egypt's most iconic monuments, including the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Temple of Karnak, with designs that faithfully represent the original architectural details.

The Mini Egypt Park tour is like a journey through time and space, allowing you to see, in a matter of hours, what would normally take days or even weeks to explore the whole of Egypt.

The park is designed so that you can walk among the models and listen to the commentary of local guides who will explain the history and cultural significance of each site.

This park is one of the most visited attractions in Hurghada due to its ability to attract both tourists and locals. It's also a great place for those who don't have time to tour the entire country, as booking a visit to Mini Egypt Park offers an ideal alternative to discovering the highlights of Egypt without the need for long journeys.

The Grand Aquarium is one of Hurghada's most popular attractions and is a perfect alternative for those wishing to explore the marine biodiversity of the Red Sea. This world-class aquarium houses everything from tropical fish to rays and sharks. There is also a glass underwater tunnel that allows you to walk among the fish as they swim above and around you, creating an immersive experience.

The aquarium also has themed areas that recreate ecosystems such as mangroves and coral reefs. Here you can find sea turtles, seahorses and a jellyfish pond. The adjacent small zoo houses crocodiles, snakes and exotic birds, providing a complete experience of the animal world.

Booking tickets for the Grand Aquarium of Hurghada is also one of the best things to do with children in the city, as it offers interactive exhibits, informative panels and educational talks that emphasise the protection and preservation of the oceans and marine ecosystems.

One of the biggest attractions of this coastal city are its beaches, which offer a perfect alternative for those looking to relax in the sun by the Red Sea. Among Hurghada's most popular beaches are Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay and El Gouna, which is noted for its luxurious setting and coral reefs just offshore.

Hurghada's beaches offer a variety of water-based activities, including windsurfing, kitesurfing and parasailing, taking advantage of the steady winds and calm coastal waters. Nearby you can also opt for boat rides and discover the marine life on glass-bottomed boats.

This destination is also world-renowned for its diving opportunities. The city is the gateway to some of the Red Sea's best marine exploration sites, such as Giftun Island Reef and the depths of Abu Ramada. Beginners will be able to book a diving excursion in Hurghada, but experienced divers looking for an aquatic adventure will also find their place.

Booking a Hammam Spa experience in Hurghada will give you the chance to discover one of the oldest traditions in the Arab world. The hammam, also known as a Turkish bath, is a ritual of purification and relaxation that has been practised for centuries in various cultures in the Middle East and North Africa.

The experience begins in a warm steam room, where the heat and humidity open the pores and prepare the body for deep cleansing. Through a combination of exfoliation and massage, the hammam not only rejuvenates the skin, but also promotes total relaxation of the body and mind.

The hammam ritual involves a body cleansing process that includes a vigorous exfoliation with a special glove called a kessa, followed by a wrap of black soap made from olive oil. Discovering the tradition of the hammam during your trip to Hurghada is an opportunity to connect with an essential part of Arab culture, while enjoying the pampering of your body.

The hammam itself is not only a beauty treatment, but also a social and spiritual experience that symbolises purification and rebirth. In Hurghada's spas, this tradition is combined with modern techniques, offering an indigenous experience in a relaxed and authentic environment. Those seeking a break from sightseeing will find the hammam an ideal way to revitalise.

For an experience that combines world-class entertainment with the magnetism of live theatre, you can book tickets to the Neverland musical show in Hurghada. This popular show is a production inspired by the story of Peter Pan and Neverland and offers a staging that will take you through different cultures and artistic styles, including choreography, acrobatics and performances.

Neverland brings to the stage a team of dancers, acrobats and actors performing elaborate sets in detailed costumes to the rhythm of immersive music. This international show has been performed in Hurghada for more than a decade and has won not only the favour of audiences but also critics, making it a must-see if you want to discover local entertainment.

Also, one of the highlights of these experiences is the Moroccan dinner that is included as part of the show. Before or after the show, you'll have the opportunity to sample an authentic Moroccan meal that offers a taste of traditional Moroccan flavours, including couscous, aromatic tajines and desserts served with mint tea.

Booking a full-dayexcursion to Cairo from Hurghada is an unforgettable experience that will allow you to discover the most iconic treasures of Egypt's capital. Located about four hours away by car, Cairo is famous for the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx and the Temple of the Valley, an archaeological site that is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and a major magnet for world tourism.

In Cairo you can also explore the Egyptian Museum, which is one of the most important museums in the world. Here you can discover a collection of more than 120,000 objects, including the treasures of the pharaoh Tutankhamun, but also mummies, sculptures and jewellery spanning more than 3,000 years of history on the banks of the Nile.

A visit to Cairo is also a perfect opportunity to experience the multiculturalism that distinguishes Egypt and some of the city's most popular districts, such as the Coptic Quarter, which is home to some of the oldest Christian churches in the country. Finally, the Egyptian capital is also home to the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest markets in the Middle East.

One of the best things to do in Hurghada is stargazing from the desert at night. This experience, which you can enjoy in the enigmatic Sahara, far from the city lights and the hustle and bustle of the city, will allow you to do astronomical observation and discover, accompanied by experts in the field, one of the clearest skies in the world.

While you can do this activity on your own, one of the best ways to make the most of your visit is to book a night-time stargazing tour of the Hurghada desert. These excursions, organised by local guides, allow you to reach the camp deep in the desert in off-road vehicles or camels.

Once at the camp, and after watching the sunset - the best time to arrive is before sunset - the guides will share with you stories about the constellations and planets that can be seen in the sky. In addition, these experiences often include a traditional Bedouin dinner around a campfire, where you can sample local dishes and enjoy the peaceful and welcoming atmosphere of the desert.

Participating in a night tour of the Hurghada desert is one of the most memorable activities you can do during your trip, combining adventure, culture and astronomy under the vastness of the night sky.

Another nearby city you can discover using Hurghada as a base is Luxor, which is home to one of the world's most important archaeological sites and is known as Egypt's largest open-air museum. Luxor, located on the banks of the Nile River, was the ancient city of Thebes and is home to some of the most emblematic temples and monuments of Egyptian civilisation, such as the Temple of Karnak.

In this city you can also find the Temple of Luxor, located in the heart of the city and connected in ancient times to Karnak by the Avenue of the Sphinxes. This temple is famous for its statues of Ramses II and its pylons. Nearby you will also find the Necropolis of Thebes, a complex that houses the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, where the tombs of some of Egypt's most famous pharaohs were found.

This destination can be visited on your own or by booking an excursion to Luxor from Hurghada. It's an experience that will allow you to have the assistance of an expert local guide and save you money, as many of the entrances to the historic buildings are usually included in the price.

If you want to visit one of Hurghada's most fascinating natural sites, the Orange and Giftun Islands are a must-see for a postcard view of the unspoilt beauty of the Red Sea and its landscapes. These islands are located just off the coast and are part of a protected nature reserve. Giftun is the largest, with a history linked to the conservation of its marine flora and fauna, as its waters are home to coral reefs.

Orange Island, meanwhile, is smaller but equally captivating. It's popular for its white sandy beaches and tranquil atmosphere, perfect for relaxing. These islands can be reached by boat from Hurghada on a journey that allows you to enjoy the natural surroundings and the horizon, which is usually clear, especially during the summer months.

Orange and Giftun are renowned as ideal destinations for a snorkelling experience. The waters surrounding both islands are rich in marine life, being home to corals, fish and other marine creatures that inhabit these reefs.