Sharm el-Sheikh City Guide — Attractions, Food & Tips

Sharm el-Sheikh City GuideA sun-drenched Red Sea resort where world-class coral reefs, desert excursions, and year-round warmth meet at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula.Key Facts

Country: Egypt

Currency: EGP (Egyptian Pound)

Language: Arabic

Time Zone: UTC+2

Best Time to Visit: October–November & March–April

Top Places to Visit

Ras Mohammed National Park — Egypt's premier marine park at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula. Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef offer jaw-dropping wall dives, while Jackfish Alley and the Mangrove Channel delight snorkellers.

Tiran Island — Four spectacular coral reefs in the straits between Sinai and Saudi Arabia. Boat trips offer superb diving and snorkelling with turtles, rays, and colourful reef fish.

Naama Bay — Sharm's main tourist strip with a sandy beach, waterfront restaurants, shops, and nightlife. The promenade comes alive in the evening with cafes, shisha bars, and street performers.

Blue Hole (Dahab) — A 100-metre-deep marine sinkhole just north in Dahab, famous worldwide among divers. Snorkellers can enjoy the shallow reef rim. The Arch at 56m is for experienced technical divers only.

Old Market (Sharm el-Maya) — An atmospheric bazaar where you can haggle for spices, perfumes, papyrus art, and souvenirs. Local restaurants serve authentic Egyptian food at a fraction of resort prices.

Local Food

Koshari — Egypt's national street food — a hearty mix of rice, lentils, chickpeas, and pasta topped with spiced tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. Filling, cheap, and vegetarian.

Grilled Red Sea Fish — Freshly caught fish grilled with lemon, garlic, and cumin. Best at local restaurants in Sharm Old Market where fishermen deliver the daily catch.

Foul & Ta'ameya — Foul medames (stewed fava beans) and ta'ameya (Egyptian falafel made with fava beans, not chickpeas) with fresh pita, tahini, and pickled vegetables.

Egyptian Mezze Platter — Hummus, baba ganoush, tahini, stuffed vine leaves, and fresh Egyptian bread (aish baladi). Often served as a generous starter before grilled meats.

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