The best way to get to know a city is to take a walking tour of it. In this article you will find the best routes to walk in Sharm El Sheikh.
Sharm el-Sheikh is a popular Egyptian resort on the shores of the Red Sea, which attracts tourists not only beach vacation, but also a rich choice of entertainment, attractions and natural beauty. But be aware that hiking routes around Sharm el-Sheikh are not always possible. Many neighborhoods are connected by wide roads rather than footpaths. Therefore, long walks are better planned in advance, using a cab or renting a bicycle.
Best places to walk in Sharm el-Sheikh
Finding somewhere to go in Sharm el-Sheikh is no big deal. From the bustling city center and its attractions to secluded green corners and luxurious beaches, there's something for everyone.
City center
The central part of Sharm el-Sheikh encompasses several main areas. The Old Town is the place where almost any Sharm el-Sheikh itinerary begins. First of all, it is a colorful oriental bazaar. Here you can find traditional Egyptian goods: spices, textiles, jewelry, carved souvenirs and ceramics. Keep in mind that bargaining is common in oriental bazaars.
In addition to shopping, you can enjoy traditional cuisine: try the freshest seafood, kebabs or authentic Egyptian shawerma. Coffee shops offer aromatic carcade and cardamom coffee, which is also worth trying. In the evening, the market is especially lively, and the lights of shop windows create a cozy atmosphere.
Another area where to go in Sharm el-Sheikh is Naama Bay, the heart of the city's tourist life. This is where the best restaurants, nightclubs and cafes with outdoor terraces are concentrated. Here you can stroll along the coast, enjoy the view of the Red Sea, dine in one of the cozy restaurants or look into a nightclub.
Active vacationers will love the water activities offered on the beach: parasailing, banana boat rides or boat rentals. The stores in Naama Bay are open late into the night, offering everything from brand-name clothing to oriental souvenirs. The pedestrian zone in Naama Bay is one of the few streets in the city designed for strolling only. Of course, you'll repeatedly find different photo zones along the way.
Al Sahaba Mosque is one of the most beautiful architectural sites in the city. This majestic temple is made in the traditional Islamic style with fine stone carvings and massive domes. It is especially beautiful here in the evening, when the mosque is illuminated with warm lights, creating a magical atmosphere. A marvelous place for photo shoots and a must stop on your Sharm el-Sheikh itinerary.
Al Mustafa Mosque is another mosque in the center. It attracts attention with its majestic facade and two tall minarets. The building is also beautifully illuminated in the evening. Tourists can visit it outside of prayer times to soak up the atmosphere. Keep in mind the dress code because it is an active religious site.
Historical and cultural locations
Although the city is primarily known as a resort, there are also interesting cultural sites. So we tell you where to go in Sharm el-Sheikh to enjoy history and more.
The Cathedral of Heaven is one of Egypt's most impressive Christian churches, located in the Hadaba neighborhood. Built in the early 21st century, it is striking with its majestic interior. The fresco depicting the Last Judgment stands out in particular. Be sure to observe the dress code!
Tutankhamun Museum is one of the most interesting places in Sharm el-Sheikh, dedicated to the history of ancient Egypt. It is located in the shopping center Genena City and is a small but rich exposition with copies of famous artifacts from the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun.
The National Museum is still quite young, but has already become the largest cultural center in the city. Its collection features more than 5,000 artifacts spanning different eras, from the pharaohs to the Islamic period.
The Papyrus Museum is a small but informative museum dedicated to the ancient art of papyrus making. It features copies of famous Egyptian manuscripts, including the Book of the Dead and scenes from the lives of the pharaohs.
St. George's Church is one of the main Coptic churches in Sharm el-Sheikh, dedicated to St. George the Victorious. The church is built in the traditional Coptic style, with white-washed walls and arches.
And don't forget about the mythical and biblical Mount Sinai! You have to drive to it, but you can climb to the top on foot. It is one of the most beautiful places to see the sunrise, so it is worth adding it to your Sharm el-Sheikh itinerary. The climb takes from 2 to 4 hours on average.
Entertainment
Options, where to go in Sharm el-Sheikh to have fun, just a lot. Everything here is created for tourists. Hollywood Sharm El Sheikh is a theme park with restaurants, stores, music shows and light installations. As you can easily guess, made in the style of Hollywood.
Dolphina Park is a dolphinarium where you can watch a show or even swim with the dolphins. Sharm el-Sheikh Zoo - a small but interesting zoo where you can see exotic animals, and children will definitely not be bored. Egyptian-themed water slides and pools make Cleo Park water park another great choice for family vacations.
Thousand and One Nights amusement park is another place for fans of oriental flavor. Shows, music, dinner - everything here is done in the traditions of Arabian fairy tales. Singing fountains and beautiful sculptures are good for photos.
SOHO Square deserves an extended stop on the Sharm el-Sheikh itinerary. This is a modern entertainment center that attracts tourists with a variety of leisure activities. There are music and light shows, chic restaurants, bars and stores of world brands.
In the center of SOHO Square there is a famous "dancing" fountain. In winter there is even a skating rink, which is a pleasant surprise in the hot climate of Egypt. For connoisseurs of oriental exoticism there is a hookah zone where you can relax after a walk.
Green spaces and parks
Looking for somewhere to go in Sharm el-Sheikh to relax in nature? There aren't many parks in the city, but there are a few places where you can hide from the heat and hustle and bustle. Al Mustafa Garden, a cozy square near the Al Mustafa Mosque, is great for leisurely strolls. Of course, it's not a full-fledged giant park, but it's enough for a change of scenery.
The most lush green corner is Ras Mohammed National Park, but you have to drive there, not walk. And even better - take a guided tour, because the area is just huge and there are a lot of interesting places. Here you can safely go for the whole day with the whole family.
Additional tips for tourists
Before planning a tourist route in Sharm el-Sheikh, take into account its peculiarities. It is better to choose comfortable shoes, since some streets are covered with tiles or sand. Clothing should be light, but not too open, especially when visiting religious places. Do not forget about headgear and sun protection.
Walking is not convenient everywhere, so you can use cabs or rent an electric scooter. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants in town, but not all accept cards, so it's worth carrying some cash. Always carry a bottle of water to save you from the heat and dehydration.
You can always buy handy guidebooks or hire a guide on site. You can ask at your own hotel or look in any popular tourist spot, and especially in the center.
And if you want to relax in the middle of the route in Sharm el-Sheikh, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes at your disposal. For example, Dananeer Restaurant Sea Food & Steak House for meat and seafood lovers, Lebanese-style Cafe Chino, Italian Pomodoro and many others. A variety of lounge bars can be found all along the coast.
Conclusions
Even though this is not the best city for long walks, you will always find somewhere to go in Sharm el-Sheikh. The choice of locations is delightful: beaches, attractions, shopping centers and parks make for a rich and varied vacation. Whether you are looking for relaxation or active adventure, this resort has something to surprise you.
