Egypt · 2026 itinerary
Hurghada 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Hurghada: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
The historic heart of Hurghada, with a lively open-air market selling spices, fabrics, and souvenirs. No entry fee, just wander the stalls and soak up the atmosphere.
🕐 Daily, shops open roughly 9am-10pm, market stalls until late
Free entry💡 Go in the early evening when it's cooler and the market is buzzing. Haggle politely but firmly for souvenirs.
Hotels near El Dahar Square and Old Market →The largest mosque in Hurghada, with striking Ottoman-style architecture and a tall minaret. Non-Muslims can visit outside prayer times.
🕐 Daily, except during prayers (5 times). Visitor times: roughly 9am-11am, 1pm-3pm, 5pm-7pm
Free entry💡 Remove shoes and cover shoulders/knees. The guard may offer a free guided tour if you ask politely. Best visited mid-morning.
Hotels near Al Mina Mosque →Juicebar · ££
Saftbar · ££
Deeper Into Hurghada
A pleasant waterfront promenade with views of yachts and the Red Sea. Benches, cafés, and a few small playgrounds. Good for a stroll.
🕐 24/7, but shops and cafés open 10am-midnight
💡 Come at sunset for the best light and quieter crowds. Bring a bottle of water from a kiosk—café prices are steep.
A free, local stretch of sand on the Red Sea. Basic facilities, clear water for swimming, and no entry charge. No sunbeds or umbrellas—bring your own towel.
🕐 Daylight hours, access free at all times
💡 Head north of the marina to the small public access points. The water quality is fine but busier on Fridays. Arrive by 9am to get a decent spot.
Il foro
Morgan Fish Restaurant
Final Favourites & Departure
Small but informative museum with exhibits on local marine life, Red Sea history, and traditional fishing. Cheap entry fee (about £3).
💡 Pay the extra £1 for the audio guide—it adds context to the displays. Allow 45 minutes to an hour. Cash only.
El Iskandrani Koshary
Das Deutsche Restaurant mit Biergarten
Getting Around Hurghada
Flag one down on the main road—tell the driver 'El Arusa' or 'EL Geish'. They have fixed routes; pay 5 EGP when you get off. Crowded but dirt cheap. Avoid at night.
Always agree a price before getting in—locals pay about 10–20 EGP per short trip. For El Arusa (near the Sheraton Road area), a fair fare to the marina is 15–20 EGP.
Pre-arrange with the hotel or use a ride-hailing app like Uber/Careem for airport pickup. Taxis at the terminal often charge double (15–20 USD) if not pre-booked.
Use Careem—it works reliably in Hurghada and prices are fixed. Avoid surge pricing by checking both apps. For longer trips to Makadi or Sahl Hasheesh, it's cheaper than a private taxi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Hurghada?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like El Dahar Square and Old Market and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Hurghada?
See our full best time to visit Hurghada guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Hotel Seaview, Hotel Cindrella, Paradise Residence. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.