Planujesz odwiedzić stare miasto w Hurghadzie? Odkryj najlepsze atrakcje, tradycyjne bazary, lokalne jedzenie, wskazówki zakupowe i wszystko, czego potrzebujesz do autentycznego egipskiego doświadczenia.
The Hurghada old town (El Dahar) is the true heart of the Red Sea and showcases the history of the area. It is where cruise visitors as well as tourists navigating the area with a sense of curiosity can stroll through exciting markets, immerse themselves in local daily living and discover centuries of genuine heritage. Under the guidance of a Cruisara expert, you’ll leave the ship and immerse yourself in the true heart of the area.
Is Hurghada Old town worth visiting?
- A trip to hurghada old town offers an opportunity to experience real Egyptian life, traditional communities, and local relationships in real time away from the commercialized world.
- Those in the local bazaar tend to come with good value to the savvy shopper, handcrafted items and local produce have radically different and definitely more affordable rates than standard tourist bargains.
- The district is home to stunning religious coexistence, such as ancient mosques and Coptic churches side by side.
- The street vendors here are usually more relaxed and talkative than in other parts of town, where there are many tourist-friendly shops and stalls that can be quite aggressive.
- El Dahar is a conservative residential area, so it is important to respect the habits of local residents by wearing modest clothing, men should wear long pants and women should be cautious towards exposing their shoulders and knees.
Read More: Best time to visit hurghada
What is the best part of Hurghada?
The best district to choose is subjective based on what the travelers want during their sea holiday. The city is split geographically into three zones and each of them has a completely different atmosphere & appeal.
District
Primary Appeal
Atmosphere
Key Highlights
El Dahar
Authentic heritage and local lifestyle
Traditional, bustling, historical
Historic souks, fresh markets, religious landmarks
Marina
Modern luxury and nautical tourism
Elegant, pedestrianized, upscale
Yacht harbors, international dining, stylish lounges
El Mamsha
Coastal promenades and family leisure
Relaxed, contemporary, spacious
Wide walking paths, international cafes, modern retail
Hurghada old town map
With reference to the map of Hurghada old town you will notice that El Dahar lies right at the northernmost corner of the city just slightly inland. It is only 10 to 15 minutes from the modern marina which is connected to the city by private transfer or local taxis.
The district is concentrated around two major commercial centers, opposite one another: El Dahar Bazaar, a region famous for textiles, and the fresh produce market. Sometimes, a pre-planned route as well as a professional guide is preferable, as its natural, winding streets and pavement and hard-to-find directional notices will make it easy to do your daily tasks without any hassle.
You can also travel to the region by the local minibus for roughly 10 or 20 Egyptian pounds.
Hurghada old town things to do
Historical sightseeing and discovering culture are the main things you have to do while planning activities in the old town of Hurghada. It is a traditional area with some key features:
- Saint Shenouda Coptic Orthodox Church: This captivating church features faultless religious icons and tranquil interiors, reflecting Egypt's diverse religious heritage.
- The El Mina Mosque: This is the biggest mosque, featuring towering minarets and magnificent white marble architecture that gives rich insights on Islamic art traditions.
- Shipyard and Fishing Port: Watch the old wooden fishing boats being restored by local shipwrights who are following traditional techniques.
Read More: Best excursions in hurghada
Hurghada old town shopping
For those looking for traditional souvenirs and an escape from the homogenized shops in the resorts, shopping in the old town of Hurghada is a sensory deluxe experience. The vibrant local markets are packed with spices freshly ground, dried hibiscus leaves, dates and nuts that are scooped from big canvas bags by the vendors.
Plus, visitors will find some custom essential oils and some really soft Egyptian cotton clothes and leather items stitched by hand, true to their artisanal roots. Bargaining with respect is not only desirable but also part of the cultural interaction.
Hurghada old town restaurants
Enjoying local dishes is a significant element of a trip and eating at restaurants in hurghada old town provides the most realistic eating experience in the area.
Al Halaka Fish Restaurant
Located directly across the street from the historic fish market, this high-energy, very popular restaurant is sure to get your pulse racing. Dinner time is very hectic.
Seafood is taken directly from the counter, sure to be ultra-fresh and featuring signature dishes such as seafood soup, grilled shrimp, and lush seafood tagines.
Starfish Seafood Restaurant
A popular and large location on Sheraton Road. It has an indoor sea aquarium and a massive display counter where you can buy fresh Red Sea shrimp, calamari tajin and fish by the kilo that are caught locally.
Abo Jalambo Restaurant
A local favorite that most people know to be so warm that nothing could possibly go wrong and still ranks high for making authentic Egyptian style seafood mixtures. Highly recommended for creamy seafood soup, seasoned tilapia and very pleasant service at a highly affordable price.
Hurghada old town market
The old town of Hurghada is the center of daily commerce; here, thousands of people come daily to provide daily supplies. Let's discover some of these markets:
The Old Bazaar is known as El Dahar Souq.
- This is the oldest part of the market in Hurghada, a maze of colorful narrow alleys. It offers an authentic sensory Egyptian bazaar experience of sights, sounds and smells.
- There are traditional crafts, authentic Egyptian cotton clothing pieces, leather items, jewelry such as custom hieroglyphic cartouches, and shisha pipes.
Hurghada Fish Market (El Dahar)
- Full of energy, raw and busier than you can imagine. It's just off the port on the outskirts of the old city, which is where the local fishing community arrives each morning to pick up its fresh catch.
- They have all kinds of shapes and sizes of Red Sea seafood: from fresh shrimp, squid, and crabs right up to a bold range of local fish species.
Read More: Best Beaches in Hurghada | Cruisara
Hurghada old town nightlife
Hurghada old town is very different from the resort strip nights with their heterodox dancing and hectic fun, the nights in this decaying old city are quiet and conservative and perfect for traditional socializing. Some of the characteristic features of this evening are the following:
- The traditional Ahwa Gatherings: The social hub of the evening is the local open air coffee outlet, with folks congregating on simple wooden chairs.
- Relaxed social events: Spend leisurely time to savor strong Arabic coffees or hot mint tea, indulge in shishas and have active backgammon sessions under the stars.
- Cultural Evenings: An environment of tranquility and leisure designed to allow visitors to unwind in a respectful and community atmosphere that embodies authentic Arabian nights.
Guided trips to Hurghada old town with Cruisara promise an unerringly smooth, safe, and rich experience of Egyptian coastal history, enriching experiences for much longer than along the shores.