Hurghada Travel & Vacation Guide

Blue Paradise is a diving centre that offers holiday-makers a chance to dive and snorkel in the Red Sea and see coral reefs, dolphins and turtles. All diving is carried out under professional supervision.

El Gouna is a purpose-designed resort town on Egypt’s Red Sea, near Hurghad. Here you can find gourmet restaurants, nightclubs, sports and leisure activities including the Red Sea’s first marina, a fine golf course, beaches, spas and special attractions for children.

Embark on an unforgettable journey with a hot air balloon ride over Luxor, where you'll experience the enchanting beauty of this historic city from a unique vantage point. Soar high above and enjoy panoramic views of the majestic Nile River, the grandeur of the Valley of the Kings, and the impressive temples that stand as testaments to Luxor's rich history.

Dating back over 3,000 years, Karnak is a monumental complex of temples, pylons, and chapels. The most significant structure is the Temple of Amun-Ra. The Hypostyle hall, at 16,459 square metres and featuring 134 columns, is still the largest room of any religious building in the world. Besides the main sanctuary, there are several smaller temples and a vast sacred lake.

Perched on the east bank of the River Nile, Luxor Museum is an archaeological treasure trove showcasing a wealth of Ancient Egyptian artefacts. From everyday items to exquisite artwork, sculptures, and mummies, the museum provides a fascinating journey through the rich history of the region. Many exhibits were unearthed in local temples, while some trace their origins to the renowned tomb of Tutankhamun, offering visitors a remarkable glimpse into the daily life and artistry of ancient civilisations.

Nestled in the Red Sea, Mahmya Island is an idyllic eco-tourism sanctuary with pristine white sandy beaches and crystal-clear blue waters. Offering a serene escape, this beautiful destination is perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. Visitors can indulge in fine dining experiences and partake in activities such as snorkeling and volleyball.

Makadi Water World is a fun water park with more than 50 thrilling water slides for both kids and adults, including a 19-metre free-fall slide, tunnel slides, mini rainbow and elephant slides just to name a few. You can easily spend some hours here.

The Mummification Museum in Luxor is the best place to learn about the secrets of the pharaohs. Take your time to reflect and dwell upon ancient Egyptian history, culture and traditions surrounding the funerary process, the very key element in ancient Egyptian belief systems.

The El Gezira Hotel offers a roof terrace overlooking the Nile. This is a great opportunity to turn a relaxing evening drink into a real experience.

Situated within the Steigenberger Aqua Magic Hotel, Elements is a vibrant club and lounge where, almost daily, DJs create an energetic atmosphere on the dance floors. The venue also hosts themed party nights and features live music performances. Additionally, Elements caters to culinary delights with a dedicated sushi bar. Stay updated on the latest events by checking out their Instagram page.

Embracing the lively spirit of an Irish Pub, Murphy's offers a welcoming atmosphere for patrons looking for cold beers and flavorful meals. The venue features a dynamic layout with a pub area upstairs, complete with a pool table. Meanwhile, the downstairs section transforms into a vibrant club setting, complete with a DJ and dance floor.

Papas Club, open seven days a week, is a vibrant venue that consistently draws a lively party crowd. The club offers a diverse weekly entertainment program, featuring everything from live bands and DJs to karaoke nights and captivating belly dancing shows.

Aboudi Book Shop is one of the oldest and largest bookstores in the historic city of Luxor — it opened its doors in 1909. Not only books are sold here but also souvenirs, Egyptian gifts and children’s books.

Ata Bazar is located in front of Luxor temple and is a hassle-free shop where you can find Egyptian souvenirs at fair and fixed prices which means there is no need to haggle.

Caravanserai is an authentic Egyptian-style shop in Luxor offering a curated collection of the finest handmade items from skilled artisans across Egypt. The shop boasts reasonable prices and a friendly staff, making it an ideal destination for visitors seeking quality souvenirs.

Habiba Gallery is a quaint shop selling an eclectic variety of old and new Egyptian handcrafts made by local producers. Here you can buy beautiful embroidery, beadwork, hand-loomed textiles, bracelets, hand-beaten brass lamps and much more. This is the perfect place to go for gifts.

Stroll around in the beautiful surroundings of Hurghada Marina to discover cutting-edge fashion, high-end jewellery, and swimsuits from world-renowned designers, along with bags and accessories. The boulevard is also dotted with a delightful blend of bars and restaurants against the backdrop of the marina's nautical charm.

The area around Luxor’s Kornish Al Nile is one of the busiest in the city, and everything from jewellery to leather goods can be found here.

Senzo Mall is located in the heart of Hurghada. It covers an area of 250,000 square meters and offers all types of shops, services and recreational activities. You will find everything from ladies' wear, men's wear, and footwear, to electronics and accessories, plus a food court and a supermarket.

To avoid uncomfortable crowds at Egypt's most popular sites, avoid travelling in December and January as these months constitute peak tourist season. To enjoy more pleasant temperatures and better accommodation prices, visit from October to April.

All visitors to Egypt must obtain a visa from one of the Egyptian diplomatic missions before entering the country or holding an Egypt eVisa. Upon entering, visitors must hold a passport that is valid for, at least, six months from the date of arrival in Egypt.

Hurghada International Airport, situated 5 km southwest of downtown Hurghada, offers convenient transportation options to and from the city. Taxis, available 24/7, can transport you to various destinations. For budget travellers, minibuses provide regular transportation to the city centre and other Red Sea towns, with flexible stops on demand. The journey takes about 20 minutes to reach the heart of Hurghada. It's advisable to agree on taxi and bus fares in advance to avoid headaches.

Luxor International Airport, located 6 kilometres from the city, offers travellers various transportation options. A budget-friendly public bus service connects the airport to the city centre in approximately 15 minutes. Taxis are available from outside the terminal — be sure to agree on a price before leaving the airport. Additionally, special limousine services are available, as well as car rental companies.

Marsa Alam Airport is the first privately owned airport in Egypt and it is serving both international and domestic flights. Since there is no public transport from the airport, you will need to arrange a transfer with your hotel in advance.

To get around these cities you can either walk or order a taxi. The latter will be your best option. Mini-buses are common if you want to ride with the locals. Trains, which fall into two categories, one with air-conditioning and the other without, are ideal for travelling to nearby towns and cities.

Taxis are available from outside the airports, hotels and the bus and rail stations in Hurghada, Luxor and Marsa Alam. To avoid getting scammed, always agree on a price beforehand to your destination.

Egypt operates on a 220V / 50Hz electrical system, with two plug types: Plug type C and F. Plug type C has two round pins, while plug type F has two round pins and two earth clips on the side.