Top 30 Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt – 2025 Ultimate Guide

Sharm El Sheikh, the jewel of the Sinai Peninsula, offers a stunning mix of underwater wonder, desert adventures, cultural experiences, and vibrant nightlife. From diving in world-class reefs to exploring serene national parks and sampling local cuisine — here are the top 30 activities to make your trip unforgettable.

1. Dive or Snorkel in Ras Mohammed National Park
Ras Mohammed National Park is one of the most iconic natural attractions near Sharm El Sheikh. Known for its protected coral reefs, clear waters, and diverse marine life, it’s a top choice for snorkeling and diving. The park is a marine and terrestrial reserve, offering dramatic underwater landscapes, colorful fish, and reef formations.
Booking Tips: Choose guided diving tours for safety; morning trips often bring better visibility. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and underwater camera gear.
Estimated Price: 40–90 USD for diving; 30–60 USD for snorkeling.
2. Relax at Naama Bay
Naama Bay is the vibrant heart of Sharm El Sheikh, filled with cafes, restaurants, bars, boutiques, and a beautiful beachfront. It’s perfect for a relaxing day, sunset strolls, or evening entertainment. The promenade is lively, and the bay’s calm waters are ideal for swimming or simply soaking up the sun.
Booking Tips: Visit in the evening for cooler weather and lively nightlife. Choose restaurants with sea views for a special dinner.
Estimated Price: Entry is free; meals 10–30 USD per person (depending on venue).
3. Visit Soho Square
Soho Square is a major entertainment hub in Sharm El Sheikh, hosting nightclubs, restaurants, a bowling alley, and outdoor shows. It’s a perfect spot for families, couples, or solo travelers who want a mix of dining and nightlife. The square often hosts live performances and seasonal events.
Booking Tips: Check event schedules in advance; on weekend nights it can be crowded.
Estimated Price: Varies — cover charge for clubs (~10–25 USD), food and drinks extra.
4. Explore the Colored Canyon
The Colored Canyon is a spectacular natural formation in the Sinai desert, with narrow passages and walls stained with hues of red, orange, and blue. Hiking through this canyon makes for an adventurous day trip, offering breathtaking geological views and a sense of remote wilderness.
Booking Tips: Go with a licensed guide for safety. Wear hiking shoes, sun protection, and carry water. Early morning hikes are best to avoid midday heat.
Estimated Price: 25–50 USD per person for guided hiking tours.
5. Desert Safari by Jeep or Quad
Experience the rugged beauty of Sinai with a desert safari. Tours often include rides in 4×4 jeeps or quad bikes across sand dunes, a visit to Bedouin camps, traditional tea, and sometimes a dinner under the stars. The safari provides both adrenaline and cultural immersion.
Booking Tips: Opt for reputable operators, bring closed shoes and sunglasses, and book during the cooler parts of the day.
Estimated Price: 20–50 USD depending on duration and type of vehicle.
6. Ride a Camel or Horse in the Desert
For a more relaxed desert experience, try a camel or horseback ride. These rides often take place during sunrise or sunset, giving you stunning views of the Sinai landscape and a slower pace to absorb the desert’s serenity.
Booking Tips: Negotiate the price before starting. Ask about duration and route (sunset rides are highly recommended).
Estimated Price: 15–40 USD depending on ride length.
7. Visit the Old Market (Sharm Old Town)
The Old Market in Sharm El Sheikh is a traditional bazaar where you can shop for handicrafts, souvenirs, spices, and local jewelry. It’s a bustling place with friendly shopkeepers, vibrant colors, and a genuine local vibe. Perfect for a cultural stroll.
Booking Tips: Practice your bargaining skills, and shop late in the day when shops are less crowded.
Estimated Price: Free to browse; item prices vary widely (from a few dollars to more for handmade goods).
8. Visit Ras Um Sid Promontory
Ras Um Sid is a beautiful viewpoint and diving spot in Sharm El Sheikh. From here, visitors can snorkel to nearby coral reefs or simply enjoy panoramic vistas of the coastline. The rocky promontory is also a favorite for cliff jumping (for the adventurous) and photography.
Booking Tips: Use a local diving operator; cliff-jumping only if safe and guided.
Estimated Price: 20–60 USD for snorkeling or guided trips.
9. Take a Glass-Bottom Boat Tour
A glass-bottom boat tour is a relaxing way to observe underwater life without diving. These tours glide over coral reefs, and through shallow waters, ideal for families, kids, and non-swimmers. You’ll see colorful fish, corals, and maybe even turtles.
Booking Tips: Choose morning tours for calm sea and better visibility. Confirm the route covers coral-rich areas.
Estimated Price: 15–35 USD per person.
10. Visit St. Catherine’s Monastery
Although it’s a bit of a drive from Sharm El Sheikh, a trip to St. Catherine’s Monastery atop Mount Sinai is deeply rewarding. As one of the world’s oldest Christian monasteries, it holds ancient manuscripts and religious relics, and the mountain offers incredible sunrise views for early risers.
Booking Tips: Book a guided day tour. If climbing the mountain, start before midnight to reach the summit for sunrise. Wear warm clothes.
Estimated Price: 60–120 USD for full-day guided tour including transport.