Sightseeing in Sharm el-Sheikh

October 31, 2026

Sharm el-Sheikh is a resort corridor, and most of its sights are a short taxi ride apart. Taxis have no meters, so agree the fare before you get in. The UK Foreign Office calls the Red Sea resorts of southern Sinai generally low risk as of October 2026; read its advice for Egypt before you go. Trips beyond the resort strip are covered in day trips from Sharm el-Sheikh .

Sharm El Sheikh Museum

The museum is north of Naama Bay and opened on 31 October 2020. It holds about 5,200 objects. The Grand Hall displays animal mummies, the Hall of Civilization has the coffins of Isetemheb and the head of a Hatshepsut statue, and a Sinai heritage section covers the region. Foreign adults pay 200 EGP and foreign students 100 EGP, and an audio tour costs 50 EGP. It is open daily from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 17:00 to 23:00, with shorter daytime hours in Ramadan. Official details are on the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities page .

Al-Sahaba Mosque

Al-Sahaba Mosque stands in the Old Market area and is the second-largest mosque in Sharm after Al-Mostafa on Al Rewaysat Road. Its design shows Ottoman influence. Visitors can go in outside prayer times. Take your shoes off in the prayer areas and dress modestly.

Heavenly Cathedral

The Heavenly Cathedral, officially the El-Samaeyeen Coptic Orthodox Cathedral, is in Hay El Nour. It was completed in 2010, and its interior frescoes of Bible scenes took about two years to paint. Entry is free, and hours vary, so ask locally. Keep a respectful tone and cover shoulders and knees.

The Old Market

The Old Market in Sharm el-Maya has souk stalls selling spices and perfume, plus fish cafes. It is about ten minutes by car from Naama Bay. Bargaining is expected. Touts work the lanes, so do not engage unless you want to buy.

Naama Bay promenade and Soho Square

Naama Bay is the original tourist hub, with a beachfront promenade about 1.3 km long and lit at night, plus cafes and dive centres. Soho Square, in north Sharm near the airport, offers an ice rink, bowling, an evening dancing-fountain show and the Culturama panoramic cinema show. Evening opening hours run from about 18:30 to 02:00, and each attraction charges separately.

Ras Mohammed

Ras Mohammed National Park, established in 1983, is Egypt’s first national park and covers about 480 square km. It is on UNESCO’s Tentative List and is not a World Heritage Site. The park lies about 20 to 35 km from Sharm depending on the gate. Boat tours give the best views of its reef walls, and visitors may not touch marine life or leave litter.

Tips for sightseeing

Go early or after sunset, because the midday heat is strong and the roads are fast. Tap water is not drinkable. Prices at the museum are in EGP, while tours are often quoted in euros or US dollars, with the pound at about 48 to 50 to the dollar. Women travelling alone should take care at night and in taxis. Mild food poisoning is a common complaint, so eat where the food is cooked fresh and busy.

Compare guided sightseeing tours on GetYourGuide . The UNESCO Tentative List entry describes Ras Mohammed.