Before you go: what to book
A short weekend leaves no margin. Three points to settle before departure:
- The day 2 boat trip: island trips leave in the morning and places sell out in advance, especially from November to April. Book it as soon as you arrive, through your hotel or a reputable agency, and ask what is included (lunch, snorkelling gear, national park entrance fee).
- Accommodation: the area determines your journeys. Our guide where to stay in Hurghada compares Sheraton Road, the marina and El Dahar.
- The airport transfer: options and prices are detailed in Hurghada airport: getting to the centre and the hotels.
Bring Egyptian pounds in cash for the souks, taxis and small restaurants.
Day 1 morning: El Dahar, the old town
Start with El Dahar, the oldest district of the town, before the heat. The old souk of El Dahar is the best place for spices, fabrics and souvenirs: do a first round without buying anything, then bargain with a smile. Then pass the El Mina Mosque, and go on to the El Dahar fish market: the harbour restaurants there cook the fish you choose. Have lunch there.
Day 1 afternoon and evening: beach, Sheraton Road and the marina
In the early afternoon, heat and sun make the town tiring from May to September: go back to the hotel, or settle on a public beach in Hurghada or your hotel's beach. Around 5pm, walk or take a taxi to Sheraton Road, the main avenue of hotels, then finish at the Hurghada Marina, where restaurants and bars face the yachts at sunset. For an underwater experience without getting wet, the Sindbad submarine is an option for families.
Day 2: an island by boat and snorkelling
The second day belongs to the Red Sea. The typical trip leaves the marina around 8 or 9am and returns between 4 and 5pm, with two or three snorkelling stops on reefs, lunch on board and a white-sand beach. Two islands share the demand:
- Giftun Island: the most visited, with its beaches and reefs; the classic choice.
- Orange Bay: an island with turquoise water and white sand, very popular for swimming.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, a towel and something to cover up on deck. If you prefer a water park with the family, Jungle Aqua Park is an alternative for the day.
The plan in a table
| Time | Day 1 | Day 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | El Dahar, old souk, El Mina Mosque | Boat departs for an island |
| Midday | Lunch at the fish market | Lunch on board, snorkelling |
| Afternoon | Beach or hotel break | Island beach, back around 4-5pm |
| Evening | Sheraton Road, marina | Dinner at the marina or hotel |
Adjusting the plan
- Only one day on site: follow our itinerary what to do in Hurghada in one day.
- One more day: add an excursion or a beach day with Hurghada in 3 days.
- In summer: schedule the town before 11am and after 5pm, and keep the middle of the day for the sea or the pool; see best time to visit Hurghada.
- Tight budget: travel budget in Hurghada gives benchmarks, and taxis are explained in getting around Hurghada.
Going further
To extend this weekend, Hurghada in 3 days adds an excursion. To choose your accommodation, see where to stay in Hurghada, and for the season, best time to visit Hurghada.
