You’ve booked the sunshine, the pool, the sea-view room… and then you arrive in Hurghada and realise there’s so much more than relaxing on a lounger. This Red Sea city grew from a small fishing village into one of Egypt’s biggest resort destinations, with beaches, reefs, desert landscapes, and easy access to iconic ancient sites.
If you’re visiting from the UK, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, or Scandinavia, the best plan is to mix a few “big day” experiences with calm evenings and local flavour—so your holiday feels complete. Ready to turn your trip into highlights? Book your trip now.
What to do in Hurghada first: pick your “holiday style”
Hurghada is a choose-your-own-trip destination, which is why travellers often love it on a first visit to Egypt’s Red Sea coast. Before you book anything, decide what you want most:
- Reef and water time (snorkelling, diving, island beaches)
- Desert adventure (quad bikes, 4×4, sunset dinner)
- Culture day (Luxor temples, tombs, Nile-side history)
- Easy city evenings (marina strolls, cafés, shopping)
Once you know your style, building a simple Hurghada itinerary becomes surprisingly easy.
The can’t-miss sea days
Hurghada’s waters are a big reason it attracts so many Europeans—clear conditions, warm weather for much of the year, and reef trips that work even if you’re not a strong swimmer.
Giftun Islands: snorkel + beach in one day
Ask five visitors about the best Hurghada activities, and Giftun will come up again and again. These islands just offshore are known for their clear lagoons, coral reefs, and beach clubs (often marketed as Orange Bay/Paradise-style stops).
A classic day feels like this: you step onto the boat in the morning breeze, your playlist is still in your head from the flight, and then you’re suddenly floating above coral with flashes of fish below. Later, you’re back on sand with a drink in hand, thinking, “Okay—this is why we came.”
What usually makes the day enjoyable:
- Two snorkelling stops with guide support (ideal for beginners)
- Beach time on a scenic island spot
- A relaxed pace that’s great for couples and families
Try scuba diving or an intro dive
Hurghada highlighted for dive sites and Red Sea experiences, and it’s a common place for beginners to try their first dive with professional guidance.
If you’re curious but nervous, start with an intro/try dive option rather than a full course—many travellers find it’s enough to fall in love with the underwater world.
Dolphin and reef cruising (choose responsibly)
Dolphin-style boat trips are popular in Hurghada listings and can be fun when managed responsibly. The best advice is simple: choose an operator that follows guide rules, avoids chasing animals, and keeps the experience respectful.
Desert adventures that feel like a different country
One of the most surprising Best attractions in Hurghada isn’t “in Hurghada” at all—it’s the desert backdrop. In a single afternoon you can swap turquoise water for golden sand and mountain silhouettes.
Quad bike / safari + sunset dinner
Desert safari experiences are widely offered around Hurghada and commonly combine a ride segment with a sunset stop and dinner-style evening.
Expect a day that includes:
- A short safety briefing and practice ride
- A group ride across open desert tracks
- A sunset moment that makes everyone quiet
- Dinner and entertainment-style atmosphere on many programmes
If you’re travelling with kids or prefer calm, choose a shorter ride and more scenic time.
Easy city evenings: where to go after the beach
Not every day needs a big excursion. Some of the best memories are the simple ones: walking, eating, and watching Hurghada’s nightlife gently wake up.
Hurghada Marina: the evening stroll
Hurghada Marina is frequently described as a pleasant, car-free place to stroll—especially in the evening—with plenty of restaurants and cafés. It’s a great “first night” plan for European travellers: you arrive, unpack, then go for a walk somewhere easy and lively.
A simple marina night plan:
- Sunset walk + photos by the harbour
- Dinner (seafood, grills, international menus)
- Dessert or coffee before heading back
El Dahar: local bazaar energy
If you want a more local shopping feel, El Dahar is known for its bazaar atmosphere and is often suggested for an evening visit. It’s the kind of place where you wander, negotiate, taste something new, and come back with a small souvenir you’ll actually keep.
The big culture day trip: Luxor from Hurghada
If you want one unforgettable history day, Luxor is the classic choice. UNESCO describes “Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis” as including the temples of Karnak and Luxor on the East Bank and a large archaeological area on the West Bank.
This is a long day, but it’s a powerful contrast to beach life:
- Monumental temples (Karnak/Luxor area)
- Tomb landscapes and ancient sites across the river
- A “wow” factor that feels once-in-a-lifetime
Family-friendly option: Hurghada Grand Aquarium
For families (or anyone needing a slower day), Hurghada Grand Aquarium is a popular indoor-style attraction featuring an underwater tunnel and a mix of exhibits It’s a good choice if you want something easy between sea days.
Practical safety note (especially for sea tours)
Most visitors enjoy Hurghada smoothly when they book with reputable operators and follow guide instructions.
Still, the Red Sea region has seen serious incidents (including a tourist submarine sinking off Hurghada), which is a reminder to prioritise safety standards when choosing any water activity.
Choose clear operators, listen to briefings, and don’t hesitate to ask what safety equipment and procedures are in place.
Why book with Hurghada Royal Tours
A couple from Berlin once told us they didn’t want to “waste a day figuring it out.” They wanted the right mix: one island day, one desert evening, one calm city night—without juggling WhatsApp messages and vague meeting points. We mapped it to their hotel location, their energy level, and their travel dates, and they finished the week saying they’d do it the same way again.
That’s what we do at Hurghada Royal Tours—simple planning, clear communication, and experiences that fit European travellers. Book directly here: Hurghada Royal Tours
What you’ll get with us:
- Clear pickup details and straightforward inclusions
- Help choosing between sea days, desert safaris, and culture trips
- A smooth plan that turns your holiday into real memories
FAQs about What to Do in Hurghada
What are the best things to do in Hurghada for couples/families?
Couples often love an island snorkelling day + marina evening. Families usually enjoy a beach-and-boat day and a calmer attraction like the aquarium.
How many days do you need in Hurghada?
Many travellers feel 4–7 days works well: a couple of sea days, one desert evening, and optional Luxor if you want culture.
What are the best day trips from Hurghada (Luxor/Cairo)?
Luxor is a top culture day trip choice, especially for temples and necropolis sites recognised by UNESCO.
Is Hurghada worth visiting compared with Sharm El Sheikh?
Hurghada is a major Red Sea resort hub with strong access to reefs, islands, and desert—plus a large resort stretch and nearby districts like El Dahar and the marina.
If you’re still deciding what to do in hurghada, the winning formula is simple: one island snorkelling day, one desert sunset safari, one marina evening, and (if you have the energy) a Luxor culture day for a true “Egypt moment.”
Book now and we’ll build the best plan for your dates and hotel location:
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