Egypt · 2026 itinerary
Sharm el-Sheikh 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Sharm el-Sheikh: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
A working market with spice stalls, local textiles, copperware, and fresh fruit juice shacks. More authentic and less pushy than tourist bazaars in Naama Bay.
🕐 10am–11pm daily; some stalls open later on Friday
Free entry💡 Bargain politely—start at 50% of the asking price. Try a glass of sugar cane juice (5 EGP) at the back stall. Bring small change. Best visited late afternoon before the evening rush.
Hotels near Sharm el-Sheikh Old Market (Souq) →A 3km paved seaside walkway lined with palm trees, benches, and cafes. Great for sunset strolls or people-watching, with views of the Red Sea and Sinai mountains.
🕐 24 hours
Free entry💡 Go at 6pm for the best light. Bring water—cafe prices double near the water. Free public bathrooms at the north end.
Hotels near Naama Bay Promenade →Beach Bar · ££
Main Restaurant · ££
Deeper Into Sharm el-Sheikh
The largest mosque in Sharm el-Sheikh, with striking white minarets and geometric tilework. Non-Muslims can enter the prayer hall outside prayer times.
🕐 Open daily 9am–8pm; closed 30 mins before each prayer
💡 Women must cover heads, arms and legs—scarves and abayas are available at the door. Remove shoes before entering. Best visited 10am–11am or 2pm–3pm.
A short gravel path leads to a historic lighthouse offering panoramic views over Sharm's coastline, Tiran Island, and the Strait of Tiran. Quiet, breezy spot—popular with photographers.
🕐 24 hours
💡 Come at sunrise (6am) to avoid crowds and heat. Wear solid trainers—the path is loose rock. No shade, so bring a hat. Visit for free, then walk down to the adjacent coral beach for a swim.
Cafe Shalalat
La Cascade Restaurant
Final Favourites & Departure
Stunning protected desert and marine reserve 25km south. Entry fee covers access to salt lakes, mangrove channels, and world-class snorkelling sites like Yoland
💡 Buy your ticket online 48h ahead during peak season (Nov–March) to skip queues. Bring a mask and snorkel—reef shoes are essential for sharp coral. No food stalls inside; pack lunch.
Latinos Bar
Paradise Reef Restaurant
Getting Around Sharm el-Sheikh
Bus stops are unmarked; ask the driver to let you off at Iberotel Palace. It's a shared minibus, not a proper coach, so expect standing room at peak times.
Pre-book with the hotel for 100-120 EGP to avoid haggling at arrivals. Taxis outside rush hour charge double for tourists; insist on meter or agree fare upfront.
Wave down a white minibus from the roadside. Shout 'Naama' or 'Iberotel' and they'll drop you. Pay only after you arrive, and keep small coins—drivers rarely break 100 EGP notes.
This runs from the domestic terminal only. If you land at the new international terminal, you'll need to walk or take a short taxi to the domestic terminal stop. Confirm at the information desk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Sharm el-Sheikh?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Sharm el-Sheikh Old Market (Souq) 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 Sharm el-Sheikh?
See our full best time to visit Sharm el-Sheikh 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 Turquoise, Rehana Royal Beach - Aquapark & Spa, Logaina. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.