How many days do I need?
Two to four full days cover the highlights at a comfortable pace for most travellers.
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🇪🇬 Egypt travel guide
Africa · Northern Africa
Sharm El Sheikh Travel Guide
Things to do in Sharm El Sheikh — Red Sea reefs and Sinai desert
Photo: Tanya Dedyukhina · CC BY 3.0
Why visit Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm el-Sheikh is Egypt's Red Sea resort capital — world-class diving at Ras Mohammed, Naama Bay nightlife and desert safaris into the Sinai Peninsula.
Sharm El Sheikh is a stop in Egypt, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 3 days. If time is short, prioritise Ras Mohammed National Park, Naama Bay, Tiran Island snorkel instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 30–90 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: March–May and September–November. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
March–May and September–November
Weather
Desert coastal — hot dry summers; mild winters; warm sea year-round
Airport
Sharm el-Sheikh International (SSH)
Getting around
Taxi between Naama Bay and Old Market; dive boats to reefs
Experiences
Things to do in Sharm El Sheikh
1
Ras Mohammed National Park
2
Naama Bay
3
Tiran Island snorkel
4
SOHO Square
5
Old Market
6
Desert safari
7
White Island / Ras Abu Galum
8
Diving the Red Sea reefs
Budget travel
Free things to do in Sharm El Sheikh
Ras Mohammed National Park
SOHO Square
Old Market
Ras Mohammed National Park Visitor Centre
Al Mustafa Mosque cultural centre
SOHO Square art installations
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Sharm El Sheikh itinerary (3 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Ras Mohammed National Park
- Visit Naama Bay
- Visit Tiran Island snorkel
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit SOHO Square
- Visit Old Market
- Visit Desert safari
- 3
Day 3
More highlights
- Visit White Island / Ras Abu Galum
- Visit Diving the Red Sea reefs
Prefer a full 13-day trip with costs and FAQs? Read the Sharm El Sheikh itinerary guide.
Budget
Sharm El Sheikh trip cost
Budget
USD 15–35
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 30–90
per person / day
Luxury
USD 105–170+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Sharm El Sheikh
Estimated total (USD)
$1,760
≈ $880 per person · $251 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $55/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Sharm El Sheikh mid-range ground costs (budget 15–35 · mid 30–90 · luxury 105–170+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
- $$
Fares Seafood
Seafood · Old Market institution
- $$
El Masrien
Egyptian · Old Sharm local favourite
- $$
Sala Thai
Thai · Naama Bay long-running favourite
- $$
Camel Bar & Roof
International · Naama Bay rooftop classic
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $$$$
Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh
Red Sea Riviera · Luxury reef-access resort
- $$$$
Rixos Premium Seagate
Nabq Bay · All-inclusive luxury resort
- $$$
Iberotel Palace
Naama Bay · Central bay tourist favourite
Shopping
- Old Market (Sharm Old Town)
- SOHO Square
- Naama Bay promenade
- Il Mercato Mall
Nightlife
- Naama Bay clubs
- SOHO Square
- Pacha Sharm
- Hard Rock Café Naama
Museums & culture
- Ras Mohammed National Park Visitor Centre
- Al Mustafa Mosque cultural centre
- SOHO Square art installations
Local foods to try
- Grilled seafood
- Koshari
- Bedouin tea
- Fresh Red Sea fish
Hidden gems
- Ras Mohammed National Park
- White Island snorkel
- Coloured Canyon day trip
Travel tips
- Book diving through PADI-certified centres
- Old Market is better for authentic dining than Naama Bay chains
- Desert safaris — choose licensed operators
In pictures
Sharm El Sheikh gallery
Photos: Tanya Dedyukhina, Kolyan ilia, Hatem Moushir, PortManOWar311, ssr (talk), U.S. Department of State from United States — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Sharm El Sheikh travel FAQs
What are the best things to do in Sharm El Sheikh?
Top picks in Sharm El Sheikh include Ras Mohammed National Park, Naama Bay, Tiran Island snorkel, SOHO Square. See the full list and itinerary on this Sharm El Sheikh travel guide.
When is the best time to visit Sharm El Sheikh?
March–May and September–November.
How many days do I need in Sharm El Sheikh?
Plan at least 3 days in Sharm El Sheikh for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Sharm El Sheikh?
Popular stays in Sharm El Sheikh include Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh, Rixos Premium Seagate, Iberotel Palace. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Sharm El Sheikh cost?
On the ground in Sharm El Sheikh (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 15–35 per person per day, mid-range about 30–90, and luxury about 105–170+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
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