Hurghada Travel Guide — Complete First-Timer's Handbook

What Kind of Destination Is Hurghada?

Hurghada is primarily a beach and water sports destination built around the extraordinary Red Sea. It is not a cultural capital — it does not have the monuments of Cairo or the temples of Luxor. What it has: one of the world's best accessible coral reefs, extraordinary water clarity and warmth, good desert adventure activities, a growing restaurant and marina scene, and excellent value for money compared to European beach destinations.

Manage your expectations accordingly: Hurghada rewards visitors who embrace the sea and outdoor lifestyle. It is less rewarding for visitors expecting a vibrant European city culture.

Practical Basics

Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP). Exchange at ATMs for best rates — avoid hotel exchange desks. Language: Arabic officially, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. German and Russian also common. Time zone: EET (UTC+2), 2 hours ahead of UK time in winter, 1 hour ahead when UK is on BST. Electricity: 220V, European two-pin sockets (type C). UK visitors need a travel adaptor. Water: drink bottled water only — tap water is not suitable for tourists. Most hotels include bottled water.

Getting Around Hurghada

Uber: the most convenient option — operates throughout Hurghada and gives transparent pricing. Download the app before arrival. Careem: local ride-sharing equivalent to Uber, widely used. Regular taxis: abundant, always negotiate the fare before getting in. A ride from central Hurghada to Sahl Hasheesh should cost approximately £5–£8 by taxi (more if tourist-targeted). Local minibuses: run along the main roads, very cheap (£0.30–£0.50) but irregular and limited routes. Bicycle: possible in El Gouna which is largely car-free — less practical in central Hurghada.

Safety and Common Sense

Hurghada is a safe destination for tourists. The main risks are: sunburn (UV is very high — factor 50+ essential), dehydration (drink at least 3 litres of water per day in summer), stomach upsets from drinking tap water or eating from unlicensed vendors, and traffic (roads can be chaotic — cross carefully). Petty theft is rare but standard precautions apply: don't leave valuables unattended on the beach. Tourist police are present throughout the resort areas.

Cultural Sensitivity

Hurghada is a Muslim-majority city. Practical implications: dress modestly when away from the beach (cover shoulders and knees in the old town, markets, and mosques), alcohol is available in hotels and tourist restaurants but not in local shops or mosques areas, and during Ramadan (dates vary annually) restaurants outside hotels close during daylight hours. Respectful visitors are welcomed warmly. The Egyptian people are famously hospitable — a smile and a greeting go a long way.