Tanya Dedyukhina / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)Personalized picks based on your interests and what's nearby.
Sharm el-Sheikh sits at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, where the desert mountains meet the clear waters of the Red Sea. Unlike Egypt's Nile Valley cities, this is a purpose-built resort town shaped around diving, snorkeling and beach time rather than ancient monuments. Its coral reefs are among the…
Best time to visit
Ras Um Sid, just south of Naama Bay, has a shore-entry reef wall that rivals the boat-only dive sites, with far fewer crowds.
The sights and experiences worth your time — with honest prices.
Egypt's first national park, at the southern tip of Sinai, protecting spectacular reef walls, mangrove lagoons and a rich variety of marine life. Most visitors come on a boat trip that combines snorkeling or diving with the park's entry fee; the reserve can also be reached by road and taxi.
A full-day boat trip out to the reefs around Tiran Island in the Straits of Tiran, known for strong currents that keep the coral exceptionally healthy. Typically includes hotel pickup, lunch on board and several snorkel stops.
A half-day taster program for people with no diving certification: a short pool briefing followed by a shallow guided dive on the reef with an instructor. A good way to see the Red Sea underwater without committing to a full course.
Sharm's main beach and entertainment strip, with a curved sandy bay, dive centers, restaurants and the most concentrated nightlife in the Sinai. Free to walk and enjoy, and an easy base for an evening out.
The must-try local dishes, sweets and fruits — including the exotic ones you won't find back home.
Dishyoung shanahan / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)A Red Sea classic found on menus up and down the Egyptian coast: fish, often sea bass or a local reef fish, baked or simmered with rice cooked in a rich, spiced fish stock and caramelized onions. Simple, filling and a good introduction to how Egyptians actually cook their catch, rather than the Western-style grilled-fillet version served at resort buffets.
Whole grilled fish, shrimp, calamari and sometimes lobster, usually priced by weight and cooked simply over charcoal with lemon, garlic and cumin. Seafood restaurants around the Old Market and Naama Bay let you pick your fish from the display before it's grilled to order.
DishDina Said / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)Egypt's national dish travels well to the coast: a bowl of rice, lentils and macaroni topped with spiced tomato sauce, garlic vinegar and crispy fried onions. Cheap, filling and entirely vegetarian, it's an easy, affordable break from resort buffet food.
DishHassan Hassoon / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)Egypt's fava-bean version of falafel, with a distinctly green interior and herby flavor, served fresh from a stall in warm pita with tahini and pickles. A good cheap bite away from the hotel strip, especially around the Old Market.
DrinkMRG90 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)A tart, deep-red hibiscus infusion served hot or over ice, sold everywhere from juice stands to hotel breakfast buffets. A refreshing, distinctly Egyptian alternative to soda on a hot day by the pool or beach.
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Real restaurants, cafés, sights and things to do across the city — live from the map, with our fair-price and scam intelligence on top.
What locals pay — check a quote before you hand over cash.
Ask for the member or app-only rate — it's often hidden from the public price.
Booked direct? Many suppliers offer free cancellation within 24 hours.
Book direct — often cheaper than platforms, with free cancellation more often than not.
Book direct — often cheaper than platforms, with free cancellation more often than not.
Book direct — often cheaper than platforms, with free cancellation more often than not.
Prices like this often drop closer to the date — worth waiting if your plans are flexible.
Prices like this often drop closer to the date — worth waiting if your plans are flexible.
Real fares, not tourist prices.
The main way to reach hotels from Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport; there's no train or metro link. Agree a price or book ahead rather than negotiating with touts inside the terminal.
Slightly pricier than a street taxi but comes with a fixed, known price and a driver waiting for you by name. The easiest option after a long flight.
Cheap for short hops but meters are rarely used. Settle the fare before you get in, and carry small notes as drivers often can't make change for large bills.
Many larger resorts run a shuttle into Naama Bay or the Old Market a few times a day. Check the schedule at reception; it's usually free or very cheap for guests.
The promenade, beach and restaurant strip are easily walkable and pleasant in the evening. Daytime heat makes walking further afield less comfortable outside the cooler months.
Snorkeling and diving sites like Ras Mohammed, Tiran Island and the outer reefs are only reachable by boat. This is arranged as part of your tour price, not booked separately.
March, April, November and December bring the most comfortable weather, with warm days, cooler evenings and calm, clear seas that are excellent for diving and snorkeling. Winter (December to February) is mild and sunny by day but can feel cool after sunset, so pack a light layer. Summer (June to September) is very hot, often into the low-to-mid 40s Celsius by day, though the sea stays warm and diving continues year-round; plan around the midday heat and stay hydrated.
No. Snorkeling trips need no certification at all, and a PADI Discover Scuba Diving session lets first-timers dive under close instructor supervision after a short pool briefing. Certified divers have the widest choice of sites, including Ras Mohammed and Tiran Island.
Four to five days lets you combine a Ras Mohammed or Tiran Island boat trip, a desert safari, some beach time in Naama Bay and a day trip to Dahab's Blue Hole without rushing. A week suits divers working through a course or several dive sites.
Yes. Snorkeling reaches many of the same reefs with no training required, and the resort has beaches, a desert safari scene, shopping in the Old Market and a lively Naama Bay strip for visitors who never plan to get in the water at all.
Taxis are cheap but need the fare agreed before you get in, since meters are rarely used. Most excursions, including all diving and snorkeling trips, include hotel pickup and drop-off in the price.
No, stick to bottled or filtered water, including for brushing your teeth. Buy bottled water from a supermarket rather than your hotel or a beachfront restaurant, where markups are steep.