Curator’s statement
What comes to mind when you hear, “I’m going to Egypt”? Probably pyramids, ancient history, architectural marvels, and the Nile River. This cradle of the world offers so much more than what meets the eye, from picturesque beaches to amazing hospitality and historical artifacts at every turn. While there’s so much to see and do across the country–and even after spending a year here, you still won’t see everything–we’ll focus on dreamy and tropical Hurghada, where sand, sun, turquoise seas, and balmy weather year-round abound.
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Where to stay in Hurghada, Egypt
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Hurghada and its surrounding towns offer limitless opportunities for sun, sand, and fun, with a side of hospitality and beautiful cultural exploration. Last year, my good friend and I went on a week-long vacation, staying at the Marriott Beach Resort, where each day was jam-packed with activities. We also covered Cairo, Luxor, and Safaga during our trip. While covering four cities in one week was an exciting challenge and we did see a lot, we recommend soaking in everything each destination has to offer thoroughly before moving on to the next.
Egypt’s Red Sea coast has much to offer travelers and is a must-add to your itinerary. Keep reading to learn about some insider tips and must-sees on your Red Sea vacation.
Cascading emerald seas await you in lovely Hurghada
Coffee, sun, and good vibes on the beach? Yes, please!
Book an all-inclusive hotel
Hurghada boasts a variety of all-inclusive hotels and resorts, many of which give you direct beach access, local cuisine, amenities, spa access, fitness center access, and more. What you get will depend on your price range and preferences for an all-inclusive—I’m partial to the Marriott Beach Resort, but if you want more information and recommendations on other resorts in the area, feel free to reach out to me!
Hurghada's beauty lasts well into the sunset and beyond
Visit Hurghada’s Old Town
Whether you want to just walk around the promenade, grab a bite to eat, or shop for local trinkets, a visit to Hurghada wouldn’t be complete without a journey through the old town! Here, you’ll find a bustling hub of shops, historical and architectural marvels, and numerous restaurants and cafes.
When in downtown, check out the stunning El Mina Masjid by the waterfront
Visit a mosque
Witness the beauty and warm welcome of one of Hurghada’s mosques, where you can admire art, architecture, and religious tradition. Just make sure you cover up appropriately and understand the dress code ahead of your visit; some mosques will have garments you can borrow, but I’d recommend packing conservative clothing just in case.
Egyptian cuisine is a feast for all the senses
Check out Hurghada’s many water sports & desert excursions
Are you an adventurer? You’ll feel right at home here. If you want to see underwater scenery that is out of this world, shipwrecks, and aquatic life, go snorkeling or diving. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, there will be something for you! Pro tip: May through September offer the best water visibility.
Prefer to stay on dry land? Get lost in nearby desert, which covers over 95% of Egypt’s land area. Desert excursions include dune buggying, quad riding, camel riding, and camping under the stars, to name a few.
Many of our nights consisted of cooling off and enjoying a stunning sunset
Venture beyond the city & take a day trip to Cairo or Luxor
Once you’ve seen all of Hurghada, book a tour to surrounding cities to discover ancient history, artifacts, culture, and warm hospitality. Depending on how long you have in the country, you can embark on a multi-city itinerary; reach out to me to help plan your perfect Egyptian getaway.
Fresh off our camel ride—this was in Cairo, but you can definitely find camels in Hurghada!
Need to know
Take note of the weather patterns & seasonality
Peak travel season is usually from November to March, where temperatures will reach between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer is usually very, very hot with highs reaching above 100 degrees. My tip? Go during the shoulder season. The months of April, May, September, and October will still have good weather and fewer tourists.
Odds are, you’ll need to haggle
Know this ahead of doing any shopping at Hurghada’s various markets, and make sure you agree on a price that is fair for both you and the vendor. Also, many places take credit cards, but make sure to carry cash as well just in case. Egyptian pounds are good to have, but USD or EUR is king.
Skip the rental car
The driving here is pretty chaotic, so it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Try taxis and prebooked cars instead! There are good taxi apps such as InDrive, Careem, or Uber for shorter distances, and there’s Daytrip for airport transfers and traveling between cities. Just make sure the price and payment methods are agreed upon beforehand.
Book with vetted local guides
Lastly, I recommend pre-booking experience packages with guides to ensure you make the most out of your experience and are not faced with any surprises. Booking with a vetted local guide ensures you’ll be well taken care of. When you book through me as your travel agent, I’ll help you find someone who matches your wants and needs perfectly.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Egypt page.
Travel Advisor
Mary Koontz
Mary Koontz
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