14 Best Things To Do In Sharm el Sheikh (A Local’s Guide)

Sharm el Sheikh is a little slice of paradise on Egypt’s Red Sea with world-famous diving spots, sandy beaches and year-round sunshine.

It’s hugely popular with Europeans (especially Brits) – and there’s lots of excursions, activities and day trips on offer.

But Sharm also has its share of tourist traps!

So what’s worth seeing – and what are the overhyped spots to avoid?

I’m a long-time expat living for more than a decade in Egypt. And I’ve visited Sharm el Sheikh many times.

And this is my ultimate local’s guide to the best this sunny resort town has to offer.

Sharm el Sheikh: the basics

Sharm el Sheikh is on Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula – and it’s purely a resort town built up entirely for sun-seeking tourist.

Sharm is lined with some spectacular resorts, rugged national parks and Sinai desert landscapes. It also has some world-class scuba diving and snorkeling.

Sharm el Sheikh also offers a glimpse at Egypt’s bedouins – the nomadic tribes of people who call the Sinai home.

Best things to do in Sharm el Sheikh

Ready to plan your itinerary?

Here’s my ultimate list of the best things you shouldn’t miss in Sharm.

1. Dive at Ras Muhammad National Park

This gorgeous snorkeling hotspot offers diverse marine life (like turtles and stingrays), colorful reefs and a camping site amid rugged landscapes.

Ras Muhammad National Park (36 kilometers southwest of Sharm) is one of the world’s most famous diving spots. And it’s great whether you’re a beginning snorkeler or an experienced diver.

Head to the park’s Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef for vibrantly colorful reefs – and the best diving in the city. And don’t miss Jackfish Alley for jackfish schools and gorgeous coral formations.

Or see the world-famous wreck of the SS Thistlegorm (just off the coast) for more experienced divers. The Thistlegorm was a British cargo ship sunk by German bombers during World War II.

Ras Muhammad National Park also offers a campsite that boasts serene beaches, birdlife, a mangrove forest and a saltwater lake. It’s all set amid the rugged cliffs of the Sinai.

A stop at White Island is often included in day trips to Ras Muhammad. And this beautiful island (nestled between the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba) is a breathtaking spot for swimming and snorkeling.

It does get crowded, however, so book your excursion ahead of time.

2. Have dinner at Soho Square

Soho Square is a sleek and modern entertainment complex that offers great restaurants and cafes along with bowling, ice skating and a fun Kids Zone.

There’s also a little souq called the Khan el Khalili Bazaar where you can pick up Egyptian souvenirs from King Tut figurines to spices.

Restaurants range from fast food joints to fine dining. And the shisha lounges and cafes really come alive at night when crowds gather to shop and watch the dancing fountains.

Soho Square is also a great option for families with kids – there’s lots to keep the young ones entertained.

It’s clean and well-organized and (best of all) there’s zero of the hassle and aggressive shopkeepers that you’ll often find at other Sharm markets (like Naama Bay!).

3. Visit The Heavenly Cathedral

The Heavenly Cathedral is filed with sculptures and paintings that offer a glimpse into the culture of Egypt’s Coptic Christians.

With its ornately painted ceiling, stained glass windows and chandeliers, this ornate masterpiece probably isn’t what you’d expect in a beachy Egyptian resort town.

But the cathedral is definitely worth a visit with its tall arches, frescoes and biblical scenes.

The Heavenly Cathedral opened in 2010 and has been recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful churches.

4. Unwind at Ras Um Sid

Ras Um Sid is arguably the prettiest beach in a resort town that’s known for pretty beaches.

It’s a snorkeler’s paradise with a reef full of colorful fish in calm waters. And it’s very beginner-friendly too: you can spot lots of marine life just swimming with a pair of goggles.

Ras Um Sid is quieter than some of Sharm el Sheikh’s more rowdy attractions. And it’s popular with families – especially if you have children who want to try out water activities.

Don’t miss the clifftop Farsha Cafe with its boho Egyptian decor and sweeping views. It’s especially magical at night when the cliff is lit up by colorful lanterns.

5. Visit Al Sahaba Mosque

This contemporary mosque (inaugurated in 2017) is already a Red Sea icon thanks to its bold lavish design and 76-meter minarets.

Towering above the old market in Sharm el Sheikh, the mosque gives the beach holiday crowd a chance to add some culture to their itinerary.

Al Sahaba is a mix of Fatimid, Mamluk and Ottoman styles – and it makes a striking impression with its ornate facade and painted domes.

The mosque welcomes tourists and has imams fluent in English and French. It’s an easy stop on your shopping trip to the nearby Old Market souq. And it looks beautiful illuminated at night.

6. Relax at your hotel beach

Unwind at your own beach resort and enjoy all your hotel’s amenities for the effortless vacation that Sharm is known for.

Resorts in Sharm el Sheikh offer all inclusive options where all your meals are provided for and served on site. A team of staff is always ready with drinks, towels, umbrellas and anything else you need.

Many resorts have their own stretch of beach that’s easily accessible from your room. And you’ll often spot colorful Red Sea fish just standing in the water.

All this means you can easily spend your entire vacation in a chilled-out routine that goes from beach to dining room to balcony to bed. I’ve done it and it’s heavenly.

Many resorts offer activities like morning yoga, kids games and cooking classes – along with nightly entertainment like karaoke and dancing. There are often on-site spas. And you can easily book any water sports or excursions at reception.

7. Go snorkeling or diving

Sharm el Sheikh has tons of scuba diving centers where you can learn the basics or try more challenging dives.

Or just put on a pair of goggles and dip into the water at your hotel: you’ll spot lots of marine life right near the shore. Some resorts have jetties where you can walk down to spot colorful fish in deeper waters.

Take a glass bottom boat for the easiest way to see colorful reefs and dazzling fish.

For the more ambitious, sign up for a course to get PADI certified.

Sharm el Sheikh is often considered one of the best diving sites in the world – so you’ll be in expert hands. Diving centers offer anything from shipwreck dives to beginner-friendly snorkeling excursions.

If you’re weary (like me) of plunging deep into the waters weighed down by metal tanks, then try snorkeling! Book a snorkeling trip and a boat will take you to some incredible snorkeling spots where you’ll see just as much marine life as the divers (all in the comfort of your lightweight goggles).

8. Take a desert safari

Book a desert safari to take in the rugged Sinai landscapes, drink tea over a bonfire and experience the region’s unique Bedouin culture.

Go dirt biking in the desert or book an ATV trip (through your hotel’s reception) to take in Sharm’s unspoiled mountain landscapes and the vastness of the sandy roads.

Or take a rollicking Jeep ride through the bumpy terrain and catch the sunset in the desert. Then arrive at a Bedouin camp for dinner and some traditional dancing.

9. Shop for local handicrafts

Shop for local handicrafts at Sharm’s Old Market, a local souq with shisha cafes and traditional Egyptian handicrafts at bargain prices.

The Old Market is a great place to dig into some authentic Egyptian street food – you’ll find lots of local cafes and eateries in the area.

And it’s more local, authentic and affordable than the shops and restaurants you’ll find at Soho Square or Naama Bay.

10. Take a day trip to Saint Catherine

Take a day trip to hike Egypt’s famous Mount Sinai, where it’s believed Moses received the 10 commandments (think rugged landscapes, a beautiful sunrise and an ancient monastery).

Follow in the fabled footsteps of Moses and hike up Mount Sinai for stunning sunset views of the rugged mountain landscapes.

Trips to Mount Sinai usually start in the late evening from Sharm El Sheikh. You’ll be picked up from your hotel for the 3-hour bus ride into the desert. Then you’ll take a 3-hour climb up the mountain just in time to catch the sunrise from the summit.

It’s a packed and tiring itinerary – but so worth it! Camping at the top of Mount Sinai (if you have time) is another option for the more adventurous.

And don’t miss the beautiful Saint Catherine Monastery at the foot of the mountain, where monks still live spiritual and simple lives. The 6th-century Greek orthodox monastery is one of the oldest in the world.

11. Stroll around Naama Bay

Naama Bay is the bustling heart of Sharm el Sheikh with its white sandy beaches and a promenade of endless shops, restaurants and cafes.

The beaches in this part of Sharm are beautiful – and if you’re a guest you’ll love their crystal clear waters and soft sand.

The promenade at Naama Bay has a huge array of restaurants from fast food to fine dining. It’s especially beautiful and bustling at night.

But it definitely isn’t for everybody with its noise, haggling and pushy shopkeepers (head to Soho Square for a more relaxed option).

Abou El Sid in Naama Bay is definitely worth a stop if you want to try some authentic local Egyptian cuisine. And there’s some nice rooftop bars and pubs if you need a good drink.

12. Take a day trip to Dahab

Dahab is a small town in the Sinai known for its boho hippie vibes – and it’s a world-renowned spot for windsurfing and diving with nearly perfect year-round conditions.

Dahab also has some gorgeous beaches like the Blue Hole, a favorite diving and snorkeling spot. The nearby Blue Lagoon is a sheltered natural pond with striking blue water enclosed by rugged Sinai mountains.

And it’s all just an hour-long drive from Sharm.

Dahab is a backpacker favorite that’s now gaining in popularity. But it hasn’t lost its rugged charm with lots of nature and coast lines to explore.

13. Unwind at Shark’s Bay

Shark’s Bay is an upscale resort area with sandy beaches, beginner-friendly snorkeling and some of Sharm’s most luxurious resorts.

If your resort is at Shark’s Bay, you’ll enjoy the easy snorkeling, immaculate beach areas and restaurants right on the shore.

Shark’s Bay is also adjacent to the high-end Soho Square, a small complex that’s home to some of the best restaurants and shopping in town.

14. Explore the Colored Canyon

The Colored Canyon is a maze of rock formations with colorful swirls in the Sinai desert about a 2.5-hour drive from Sharm.

The Colored Canyon is a natural wonder with multi-colored swirls created over the millennia by wind and water. This entire area once lay under the sea and centuries of erosion created some stunning patters and shapes.

The surreal formations and hues make the Colored Canyon one of the most beautiful hikes in Egypt.

A day trip from Sharm to the Colored Canyon is often combined with a visit to Dahab.

How is Sharm different from Hurghada?

Sharm el Sheikh is more laid back with easy access to the Sinai desert, national parks and bedouin culture. It’s a bit more upscale in general with a relaxed vibe.

Hurghada is more of a real-life, working Egyptian city – and not just a resort town. So you’ll see lots of daily Egyptian life, local markets and city traffic.

How to pick a resort in Sharm el Sheikh

There are around 350 different hotels and resorts in Sharm el Sheikh – ranging from party-central disco havens to adults only quiet beaches.

Most resorts offer all-inclusive options. But always check the fine print to know what’s included.

You’ll get all your meals included at an all-inclusive resort. But alcoholic drinks will often cost extra. Local Egyptian beers and wines (like Stella or Omar Khayyam) are much cheaper than imported liquor brands – and they’re quite good, too.

If you’re going with family, opt for a resort with a fun swimming pool or water park nearby. If you’re looking for a romantic couples getaway or a solo trip, consider an adults-only resort or a quiet option away from the main part of town.

And read online reviews! If you find recurring complaints then just avoid the place.

Getting there: flights, buses and visas

Lots of direct flights from the UK now go directly to Sharm el Sheikh.

You DO NOT need a visa for Sharm el Sheikh if you’re travelling to a resort and staying up to 15 days.

And if you’re already in Egypt, you can take a domestic flight to Sharm from major cities like Cairo, Luxor and Aswan. Both Air Cairo and EgyptAir have daily flights.

If you’re on a budget, take GoBus. They’re comfortable enough to sleep and fully air conditioned. But expect frequent stops at security checkpoints (and have your passport ready).

Flying is by far the easiest option and I highly recommend it over the hassles of taking a bus or hiring a private car.

Once you’re in Sharm, you’ll have to haggle with the local taxi drivers because unfortunately there’s still no Uber there (and most drivers have their meters “conveniently” turned off).

Is it safe?

Egypt protects its tourist cities like geese that lay golden eggs. Both Sharm and Hurghada are well secured and safe. Tourist resorts have great security and attentive staff.

What to wear

Sharm el Sheikh is a touristy beach resort town so beach wear, shorts and tank tops are acceptable and common.

You’ll find tourists – both inside and outside their resorts – wearing shorts, skirts and strappy tops.

Best time to visit Sharm el Sheikh

Sharm el Sheikh is great year-round. But it’s most popular in the spring and autumn, when temperatures hover between 25-30 degrees and the water is warm.

I also love Sharm in the summer when you can alternate dips in the sea with some serious tanning and defrosting in your lounge chair. Temperatures are in the upper 30s and lower 40s and it’s less crowded than in the high season.

If you’re going in winter, expect temperatures in the lower 20s. And if the sea is too cold then rest assured most of the resorts have heated swimming pools (or you can rent a wetsuit).