Sharm El Sheikh Travel & Vacation Guide

Tucked inside Genena City Mall in Naama Bay, this small museum is all about the boy king Tutankhamun. It’s made up of around 130 replicas of items found in his tomb—his golden mask, coffin, jewellery, chariot, and more.

Mount Sinai, also known as Jabal Musa, is where, according to Christian tradition, Moses got the Ten Commandments. The mountain stands over 2,200 metres high and can be climbed by two main routes: the Path of Moses, a long stairway with around 4,000 steps, or a slightly easier trail starting east of St Catherine’s Monastery. At the top, you’ll find the small Chapel of the Holy Trinity and views stretching over the Sinai Desert.

Located near Sharm’s Old Market, Al Mustafa Mosque is one of Sharm’s most iconic sights. Built in 2008, it’s hard to miss with its two 72-metre minarets and carved stone dome that’s especially striking when it’s lit up at night. It’s an active mosque, so it's best to avoid during prayer times. Around it, you’ll find a more local side of Sharm, with small shops, cafés, and everyday street life.

Just north of Sharm (roughly 35 kilometres), this protected area mixes desert, mangroves, and coral reef into one quiet stretch of coastline. You’ll spot mangrove trees growing straight out of the sea, and if you’re lucky, herons, foxes, or even a gazelle in the dunes. The offshore reef is solid for snorkelling, and the seagrass beds sometimes attract turtles.

Located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Ras Mohamed is where the Sinai Desert meets the Red Sea. You can come for a hike among dry canyons and mangroves, or just stay in the water—this is one of Egypt’s best snorkelling spots, with drop-offs, coral walls, and plenty of fish. Keep in mind it's desert heat, there’s no shade, and facilities are minimal—so come prepared with water, snacks, and sun protection.

Built between 527 and 565 AD at the foot of Mount Sinai for Emperor Justinian, this monastery later took its name from St Catherine of Alexandria, whose remains are said to rest here. It’s more fortress than church, with thick stone walls guarding the Church of the Transfiguration, the chapel of the Burning Bush, and a monks-only library packed with ancient manuscripts. Inside, you’ll find mosaics, religious ornaments, and some of the oldest illuminated manuscripts in the world on display. Outside, don’t miss Moses’ Well and the garden with centuries of history. The place is open most mornings but closed on Fridays, Sundays, and Orthodox feast days. Still active today, the monastery holds importance across Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, and continues its Greek Orthodox traditions uninterrupted.

SOHO Square is a big open-air shopping and entertainment spot near the airport, with a dancing fountain show every hour, loads of restaurants, cafés, and bars, plus extras like bowling, an ice rink, a kids’ arcade, and a small souk-style market.

Sharm’s bays are the heart of its snorkelling and diving scene, plus great spots for chilling on sandy beaches. Naama Bay is the busiest one: a long beach, with plenty of restaurants and shops, and activities like bungee catapult and horse riding. It’s lively and touristy, perfect if you want options and atmosphere. For something quieter, head to Nabq Bay, a bit further out and more low-key, or take a 20-minute taxi to Shark’s Bay, known for its clear turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life. If snorkelling is your thing, Ras Um Sid is about five minutes from town, also famous for its coral reefs, plus a dramatic cliffside. For diving, Sharm el-Maya near the Old Town is where most diving schools operate.

Bus Stop Club lives on the grounds of the Sanafir Hotel in Naama Bay, taking over the space Pacha Sharm once made famous and bringing that Ibiza-influenced vibe a distinctly Sharm twist. It’s an open-air setup with a dance floor that winds around pools, paths, and a waterfall, plus VIP lounges and balconies overlooking the action.

Camel Bar & Rooftop is a staple in Naama Bay’s nightlife, offering a mix of chill vibes and lively entertainment. By day, the rooftop gives you panoramic views of the sea and mountains — a perfect spot to sip cocktails and unwind. When sports games are on, the bar buzzes with fans, and later the vibe picks up with live bands, DJs, and karaoke. The menu covers snacks, cocktails, and shooters, with daily happy hour deals to keep the good times rolling.

Hard Rock Cafe in Naama Bay is Sharm’s go‑to for burgers and American classics and a bit of nightlife on the side. By day, it’s a normal restaurant with walls decked in rock memorabilia; by night, it turns into a lively venue with live music or DJs most weekends.

Pirates Bar is a short walk from the beach in Naama Bay and sticks to its theme with ship wheels, fishnets, and plenty of nautical décor. It’s popular with tourists, especially for its range of imported draught beers from Ireland, Germany, and Scotland. The menu includes things like lentil soup, grilled calamari, burgers, and sea bass. Prices aren’t the cheapest, but happy hour helps, and the relaxed setup makes it a reliable stop for drinks and a bite near the sea.

Sinai Grand Casino in Naama Bay brings a Vegas-style vibe to Sharm El Sheikh with over 200 slot machines, table games, and regular poker tournaments. Beyond the gaming, you’ll catch live shows like belly dancing and jazz starting around midnight. There's also an on-site Italian restaurant and a Sports Bar showing major events like the Premier League and Formula 1.

Genena City is a shopping and entertainment complex built into a cliffside above Naama Bay. It’s home to a mix of international and local shops, cafés, and fast food spots, plus plenty of entertainment in the form of an indoor ice rink, a few small amusement rides, and the occasional live show at the open-air theatre.

Il Mercato is an open‑air shopping arcade in Hadaba styled like an Italian piazza. You’ll find a handful of mid‑range clothing shops, Egyptian souvenir stalls, a few pharmacies, and cafés. Some parts feel a bit empty these days, but it’s still a nice spot for an evening stroll if you're after a low-key shopping vibe.

La Strada is a compact, lifestyle spot in the heart of Nabq Bay, where you’ll find a handful of souvenir shops, clothing stores, and convenience spots mixed in with cafés and restaurants.

The Old Market is a maze of shops selling everything from spices and teas to lamps, leather goods, shisha pipes, and souvenirs. Prices are generally lower than in Naama Bay, but do expect to haggle—it’s part of the deal. The atmosphere ramps up after sunset, with locals and visitors mixing in the busy streets, and you’ll find plenty of cafés and juice bars to take a breather.

Secret of the Desert is a small shop that specialises in natural Egyptian products like essential oils, handmade soaps, perfumes, and skincare. It’s a great stop to find gifts for yourself and all your loved ones.

If you're after warm weather and clear water—which is why most people come here—the best time to visit Sharm El-Sheikh is between October and April. During these months, it’s sunny but not scorching, the sea’s still warm enough for swimming and diving, and you won’t melt walking around. Summers (June to August) can be seriously hot—we're talking 40°C and up—so come prepared if you’re visiting then. The desert and mountains are best in cooler months, too, so if you're planning to hike Mount Sinai or visit Saint Catherine’s Monastery, stick to winter or early spring.

Egypt offers several visa options depending on the traveller's nationality and purpose of visit. Citizens from visa-exempt countries can enter without a visa under specific conditions, such as nationals of the GCC (The Gulf Cooperation Council comprising six countries in the Arabian Peninsula: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) in certain cases. Most other travellers must obtain a visa prior to travel or upon arrival. For tourism, many nationalities are eligible for an e-Visa, which can be applied for online through the official Egyptian e-Visa portal. The process involves submitting personal and passport details, travel plans, and payment of the visa fee. The e-Visa is typically valid for 30 days and can be single or multiple entry, depending on the applicant’s choice. Additionally, travellers from certain countries — including the United States, Canada, Australia, EU member states, and more — may obtain a visa on arrival at major international airports in Egypt. This option requires payment in cash and is also valid for 30 days. However, citizens of countries not eligible for either the e-Visa or visa on arrival must apply for a visa in advance at an Egyptian embassy or consulate. For longer stays, a different type of visa must be secured before travel. It is essential to consult Egypt’s official immigration or consular sources to confirm the applicable requirements.

Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) is about 12 km from Naama Bay, the city’s main resort area—roughly a 15–20 minute drive depending on traffic. Taxis, available 24/7 outside the terminal, are the most direct way to get to the city, but it’s best to agree on the fare before you set off, as not all use meters. For a cheaper option, shared minibuses run when full and drop passengers along main routes. Many hotels also offer private transfers or shuttle services that can be arranged ahead of time, which can be a more comfortable choice, especially if you’re arriving late or have luggage.

Public transport in Sharm El Sheikh is limited and primarily consists of local minibuses, which operate along main roads, running from the northern to the southern parts of Sharm El Sheikh and back. To board, passengers need to hail the bus by raising their hand when it approaches, as there are no fixed stops. While these minibuses are an affordable option for short distances, they may not be the most convenient for tourists due to their informal nature and lack of fixed schedules. Additionally, taxi services are readily available and can be a more comfortable choice for visitors. For a more reliable ride, many travellers use Careem, a regional ride-hailing app similar to Uber.

Taxis in Sharm El Sheikh are easy to find, especially around Naama Bay, the airport, and major hotels. Whilst a few have meters, drivers usually prefer to agree on a fare upfront—so it’s best to negotiate before getting in. Uber doesn’t operate here, but Careem does and is a good option if you want set pricing and GPS tracking, though availability can vary depending on time and location.

In Egypt, electricity runs on 220 volts at 50 Hz. The standard plug types are Type C and Type F, the same two-pin plugs used in much of Europe.

Pharmacies in Sharm El-Sheikh are easy to find and generally well stocked with everything from basic meds to sun cream, mosquito repellent, and toiletries. El Ezaby Pharmacy is the most reliable chain, with 24/7 branches and hotel delivery. Russian Pharmacy is another good option, with several branches, service in English and Russian, and late-night hours—some even deliver straight to your hotel.

The main post office in Sharm El Sheikh is on Umm El-Sayed Street in the Hadaba area. It handles standard Egyptian Post like sending and receiving mail, express delivery, and local money transfers. Another branch nearby, often referred to as Sharm El Sheikh Sub, operates on the same days but closes earlier, offering similar services.