Sharm El Sheikh: places outside the hotel to visit

Sharm El Sheikh: places outside the hotel to visit

July 12, 2025

Sharm El Sheikh is much more than just luxury all-inclusive hotels with private beaches. This popular Egyptian resort hides many fascinating places to visit to fully experience its unique atmosphere and local culture. From bustling entertainment centers to picturesque national parks to fascinating cultural and natural attractions, Sharm El Sheikh offers an unforgettable experience for any traveler. In this article we will present the most interesting places outside the hotel complexes that definitely deserve your attention during your stay in this Egyptian paradise.

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Entertainment centers and nightlife in Sharm El Sheikh

One of the most famous and popular places in Sharm El Sheikh is SOHO Square - a modern entertainment center that attracts tourists from all over the world. This impressive complex, located in the northern part of the city, offers countless activities both during the day and in the evening. SOHO Square is a true city within a city, where you'll find everything you need for a successful entertainment experience - from upscale stores, to a variety of restaurants and cafes, to nightclubs and bars. The place is especially charming after dark, when the entire area is lit up with colorful lights, creating a magical atmosphere.

One of the main attractions of SOHO Square is the spectacular Soho Square Dancing Fountain, a dancing fountain that draws crowds of spectators every evening. The fountain shows take place several times throughout the evening and are a true spectacle of light, water and music. Colorful streams of water dance to the rhythm of music, creating mesmerizing patterns and shapes. Importantly, admission to the fountain shows is completely free, making it one of the most accessible attractions in the city. The best time to see the shows is during the evening hours, when the light effects are most spectacular.

SOHO Square also offers many other attractions, such as an ice rink (quite unexpected in Egypt's hot climate), a bowling alley, a billiard room and a movie theater. For shopping enthusiasts, there are numerous boutiques and souvenir stores, where you can buy both local handicrafts and products from well-known international brands. Prices in SOHO Square are slightly higher than in other parts of the city, but the quality of service and unique atmosphere fully compensate for this cost.

Another popular place that is a must-visit during your stay in Sharm El Sheikh is Neama Bay Pedestrian Rd - a lively promenade in the heart of the Naama Bay district. This picturesque promenade stretches along the coast and is filled with restaurants, cafes, stores and souvenir stalls. Neama Bay is the historic tourist center of Sharm El Sheikh, which still retains its charm and authenticity. Unlike modern SOHO Square, Neama Bay offers a more traditional Egyptian experience.

Walking along the Neama Bay promenade, you can feel the true atmosphere of Egypt - the air is filled with the smell of spices and shisha (water pipe), and the sounds of traditional Arabic music come from the numerous restaurants. This is the perfect place to enjoy local delicacies such as kebab, kofta or fresh seafood. Restaurant prices range from affordable establishments offering mid-priced dishes to upscale restaurants with international cuisine.

Neama Bay comes alive especially in the evening, when the temperature drops and tourists and locals go out for evening walks. Along the promenade, one can find numerous bars and nightclubs that offer late-night entertainment. It's worth remembering that unlike SOHO Square, which is more modern and 'western,' Neama Bay retains more of a local character, making it a more authentic experience.

For those looking for Hollywood-style entertainment, the Hollywood Sharm El Sheik theme park is an interesting option. This themed attraction draws on the world of film and offers a variety of entertainment for the whole family. The park is especially attractive for families with children, who can spend the whole day here enjoying the numerous attractions. Ticket prices are at an average level, making the park accessible to most tourists.

Comparing the three sites - SOHO Square, Neama Bay and Hollywood Sharm El Sheik - each offers a slightly different experience. SOHO Square is the most modern and luxurious, with a wide range of entertainment, but also slightly higher prices. Neama Bay has a more authentic, local feel and offers more exposure to Egyptian culture. Hollywood Sharm El Sheik, on the other hand, is ideal for families with children who are looking for Western-style entertainment. All of these destinations are easily accessible from most hotels in Sharm El Sheikh and are excellent alternatives to spending your entire vacation in a hotel complex.

Natural beauty and cultural heritage

Ras Muhammad National Park is a true natural gem of Sharm El Sheikh, located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. Established in 1983, this unique protected area encompasses both land and sea, creating a unique environment where the desert meets the sea. Ras Muhammad is particularly famous for its extremely rich coral reefs, which are considered among the most beautiful in the world. The park's waters are home to more than 1,000 species of fish, 150 species of coral and numerous species of sea turtles, dolphins and other sea creatures.

A visit to Ras Muhammad National Park is a must for any nature and diving enthusiast. The park offers several vantage points from which to view the spectacular scenery - contrasting intense blue sea and golden desert hills. Particularly impressive is the view from the Shark Observatory cliff, which offers panoramic views of the Gulf of Aqaba and the Gulf of Suez. There is a fee to enter the park, but the fee is relatively low (about 5-7 euros), making this attraction accessible to most tourists.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Ras Muhammad is the opportunity to observe the phenomenon where the salt water of the Red Sea mixes with the waters of the Gulf of Suez to form a distinct line on the surface of the sea. This rare phenomenon can best be observed from the Magic Lake lookout point. The park is also home to several unique geological formations, including mangrove forests and salt lakes, which provide important habitats for many species of birds.

Unlike bustling entertainment centers, Ras Muhammad offers tranquility and contact with wildlife. It is an ideal place for those seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of tourist resorts. However, it is worth remembering that the park has limited infrastructure - there are no restaurants or stores, so be sure to bring water and provisions with you. The best time to visit the park is in the morning, when the temperature is lowest and visibility is best.

Another place to immerse yourself in local culture and history is the King Tut Museum, a small but fascinating museum dedicated to one of ancient Egypt's most famous pharaohs, Tutankhamun. The museum, while it can't compare to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, offers an interesting collection of replicas of artifacts found in the pharaoh's tomb, including the famous golden funerary mask. For those not planning a trip to Cairo, this is an excellent opportunity to learn a piece of ancient Egypt's fascinating history.

The museum is relatively small, so the tour takes about an hour. Admission tickets are affordable, making this attraction accessible to a wide range of tourists. Of note are the detailed replicas of jewelry and everyday objects, which provide a glimpse into the lives of Egyptian aristocracy thousands of years ago. The museum is air-conditioned, which also makes it a great place to escape the heat on hot days.

For those interested in contemporary religious architecture, a visit to The Heavenly Cathedral will be an extraordinary experience. This impressive temple, also known as the Cathedral of Peace, is one of the most distinctive buildings in Sharm El Sheikh. Its modern architecture combines elements of different styles to create a space that delights believers and architecture lovers alike.

The cathedral was designed to symbolize the unity of different religions and cultures. Its interior is spacious and full of light, with beautiful stained glass windows that create a fascinating play of colors on sunny days. Admission to the cathedral is free, although appropriate attire (covered shoulders and knees) is expected. It's a place of silence and contemplation that provides an interesting contrast to the city's bustling tourist attractions.

The Echo Temple is another fascinating attraction that combines elements of nature and culture. This place owes its name to an unusual acoustic phenomenon - sounds reverberate here in a special way, creating a fascinating echo. The temple is located in a picturesque setting of desert hills and offers not only an interesting acoustic experience, but also beautiful views of the surrounding desert.

A visit to The Echo Temple is often combined with excursions to the desert, making for an efficient use of time. The site is not as popular as Sharm El Sheikh's main attractions, which means you can enjoy relative peace and quiet and fewer crowds. This is an ideal option for those looking for less obvious but equally fascinating attractions.

When comparing these cultural and natural attractions, each offers a completely different experience. Ras Muhammad National Park is by far the best option for nature and outdoor enthusiasts, offering unforgettable views and the opportunity to interact with wildlife. The King Tut Museum and The Heavenly Cathedral, on the other hand, are excellent options for those interested in culture and history who want to get to know more about both the ancient and modern side of Egypt. The Echo Temple, meanwhile, is an interesting alternative to the main attractions, offering a unique acoustic experience in a picturesque desert setting.

Desert adventures and undiscovered corners

The Sinai Desert, surrounding Sharm El Sheikh, is a fascinating world full of contrasts and unexpected attractions. One of the best ways to explore this harsh but beautiful landscape is through safari tours organized by local companies such as El Sherif Safari. This reputable agency offers a variety of programs, from tours lasting a few hours to full-day expeditions that immerse you in a desert adventure. During the safari, you can admire spectacular rock formations, deep gorges and vast sand dunes that change their colors depending on the time of day.

El Sherif Safari is renowned for its professional organization and experienced guides, who not only ensure safety, but also share fascinating knowledge about local geology, history and culture. Tours are usually conducted in jeeps or quads, which adds to the excitement of the whole experience. The price of the tour often includes a meal in a Bedouin tent, where you can enjoy traditional foods and sip aromatic mint tea. Safari prices start at around 30-40 euros per person for a half-day tour, making them affordable for most tourists.

An alternative option is Desert Safari Sharm El Sheikh, a company that specializes in more individualized and themed desert tours. Their offerings include sunset safaris, night tours with star gazing or special photography programs. Especially recommended are sunset tours, when the desert landscape takes on magical golden and reddish hues, creating a unique backdrop for photography. Desert Safari Sharm El Sheikh also offers the opportunity to stay overnight in the desert in a traditional Bedouin camp, an unforgettable experience for the more adventurous traveler.

One of the main differences between the two operators is the scale of the business - El Sherif Safari is a larger company serving more tourists, which can mean a slightly less personalized approach, but usually lower prices. Desert Safari Sharm El Sheikh focuses on smaller groups and more customized programs, which translates into higher prices, but also a more intimate experience. Both companies receive positive reviews from tourists and offer professional service, so the choice depends mainly on individual preferences and budget.

For those looking for less obvious, but equally fascinating attractions, consider Wadi Al-Khorom - a picturesque canyon located near Sharm El Sheikh. This place, although less well-known among mass tourists, offers spectacular views and the opportunity to hike through fascinating rock formations. Wadi Al-Khorom is particularly attractive to geology and photography enthusiasts, who will appreciate the unique colors and textures of the rocks and the interesting formations created by water erosion.

A visit to Wadi Al-Khorom requires some preparation - the area is undeveloped for tourism and lacks marked trails and infrastructure, so it is best to go there with a local guide. The best time to visit is during the winter months (November to March), when the temperature is bearable and the area can be explored comfortably. Unlike commercial safaris, a trip to Wadi Al-Khorom offers a more authentic and peaceful experience, away from the crowds of tourists.

Another interesting place to visit is The Sound Mountain, a fascinating rock formation that, like Echo Temple, is famous for its unusual acoustic properties. When the wind flows through cracks in the rocks or when it strikes certain spots on the mountainside, sounds resembling music or human voices are produced. This natural phenomenon has fascinated local Bedouin for centuries, who have created numerous legends and stories around it.

The Sound Mountain is located in a picturesque desert landscape, which adds to the attraction of the place. A visit there is often combined with other desert attractions, such as safaris and visits to Bedouin villages. It is relatively unknown among mass tourists, which means smaller crowds and a more authentic experience.

For those who are interested in the history of ancient Egypt, but don't necessarily want to travel to distant places, an interesting option is the Artificial Pyramid, a replica of an Egyptian pyramid located near Sharm El Sheikh. While it obviously can't compare to the original pyramids of Giza, it offers an interesting insight into the architecture and symbolism of these fascinating structures. Inside the pyramid is a small museum with replicas of artifacts and information about ancient Egypt.

The Artificial Pyramid is often the starting point for desert tours organized by Pyra Safari Company, making it a convenient option for those who want to combine cultural elements with desert adventure. There is a fee to enter the pyramid, but the price is affordable (about 5-10 euros), making this attraction accessible to most tourists.

Comparing these desert attractions, each offers a slightly different experience. El Sherif Safari and Desert Safari Sharm El Sheikh are the most commercial and accessible options, ideal for those who want a safe and comfortable desert adventure experience. Wadi Al-Khorom and The Sound Mountain, on the other hand, are suggestions for more independent travelers who value authenticity and tranquility. The Artificial Pyramid, meanwhile, is an interesting option for those interested in history who want to combine cultural elements with a desert excursion.

Regardless of the option chosen, exploring the desert areas around Sharm El Sheikh is an unforgettable experience that allows you to see a completely different side of Egypt than the one known from the seaside resorts. The harsh beauty of the desert, the fascinating rock formations, Bedouin culture and hospitality all combine to create a unique blend that remains long in the memory.

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