Hurghada Town Guide: El Dahar, the Old Town Bazaar, Sakkala and the Marina

Many visitors only see Hurghada through the gate of their all-inclusive hotel. But the city has real character: a lively old quarter, a smart marina, local markets and cafés where you'll hear more Arabic than any other language. This guide covers the main districts, the best things to see and practical tips for exploring Hurghada town on your own or on a guided tour.

Hurghada's districts

1. El Dahar – the old town

El Dahar is the oldest and most traditional part of Hurghada. Its streets are lined with fruit and vegetable stalls, spice shops, bakeries, tailors and small restaurants. The El Dahar bazaar (souk) is where locals shop – far more authentic than the souvenir arcades of the tourist areas. Come in the late afternoon or evening, when the heat fades and the streets fill up. Try fresh falafel (ta'ameya), koshari or grilled fish in a local restaurant.

2. Sakkala – the centre

Sakkala is the central tourist district between El Dahar and the southern hotel strip, with shops, restaurants, pharmacies, dive centres and the Marina. It's the easiest area to explore on foot and a good base for independent travellers.

3. Sheraton Road and Village Road

These long streets running south from Sakkala are packed with hotels, cafés, bars and shopping centres, and are the heart of Hurghada's nightlife. Further south, the resort strip continues towards Sahl Hasheesh and Makadi Bay. See our guide to where to stay in Hurghada.

Things to see in Hurghada town

4. Hurghada Marina

The Marina is Hurghada's smartest promenade, lined with yachts, cafés, restaurants and ice-cream shops. It's best at sunset and in the evening, when the lights come on and the boats return from the islands. Many island trips also leave from here – see our guide to Hurghada island trips.

5. El Mina Mosque

With its tall minarets beside the harbour, El Mina Mosque is the city's landmark. Visitors who dress respectfully – shoulders and knees covered, and a headscarf for women – can usually visit outside prayer times.

6. The Coptic Cathedral

Hurghada's Coptic Orthodox cathedral, with its domes and painted interior, offers a glimpse of Egypt's Christian community, one of the oldest in the world.

7. The Hurghada Museum

Opened in 2020, the Hurghada Museum displays artefacts from Egypt's long history, from the pharaohs to the Islamic era. It's a good introduction before a trip to Luxor or Cairo – see our guides to the Luxor day trip and the pyramids from Hurghada.

8. The Grand Aquarium

North of the centre, the Grand Aquarium Hurghada shows the fish, sharks and corals of the Red Sea in large tanks, with a walk-through tunnel – a great option for windy days or children too young to snorkel. A Grand Aquarium visit with transfer saves you arranging the taxi.

Easy half-day activities

9. Rest-day ideas

Hurghada has plenty of short experiences for days between beach and excursions:

• A guided Hurghada city tour covering El Dahar, the Marina, the mosque and the cathedral.
• A traditional Turkish bath (hammam) and spa.
• The Sindbad submarine or a semi-submarine and glass-bottom boat to see the reef without getting wet.
• Parasailing over the bay.

For more ideas, read this Hurghada city guide.

Getting around

10. Taxis, apps and transfers

Taxis are everywhere and cheap – agree the fare before you get in. Ride-hailing apps work in parts of Hurghada; see this guide to Uber in Hurghada. Local minibuses run along the main roads for very little money. The airport is just a few kilometres from the town centre – for arrival and departure, book a fixed-price airport transfer to your Hurghada hotel.

Local tips

• Dress: cover shoulders and knees in town, mosques and churches.
• Bargaining: expected in markets – smile, start low and walk away politely if the price isn't right.
• Money: carry Egyptian pounds in small notes; cards are accepted in larger shops and restaurants.
• Photos: ask before photographing people, especially in El Dahar.
• Evenings: the town is liveliest after sunset, especially during Ramadan.