Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.

TravelingWiz Logo
DESTINATION FINDER
TravelingWiz Logo
>
>
>
>
Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm El Sheikh

Add to favorite
Basic Info
Things To Do
More info
Money & Payments
Food & Drink
Get Ready
FAQ
Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

Sharm El Sheikh Overview & Key Highlights

Sharm El Sheikh, a sun-soaked gem on Egypt's Red Sea coastline, offers pristine beaches, world-class coral reefs, and luxurious resorts. It’s a haven for divers, snorkelers, and those seeking relaxation amidst breathtaking scenery.

Sharm El Sheikh Travel Guide: Logistics & In-Depth Tips

Nestled at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm El Sheikh seamlessly combines natural beauty and modern luxury. Visitors can explore Ras Mohammed National Park, a world-renowned diving spot, or indulge in the vibrant local culture and cuisine. The city’s hospitality industry caters to all, from budget-friendly stays to ultra-luxury accommodations.

 

Things to Do:

  • Snorkel or dive to experience the stunning coral reefs of the Red Sea.
  • Relax at one of the luxurious beachfront resorts.
  • Visit the vibrant Old Market for local handicrafts and food.
  • Take a desert safari to explore the Sinai Desert.
  • Discover St. Catherine’s Monastery at Mount Sinai.

 

Things to Avoid:

  • Avoid drinking tap water; stick to bottled water.
  • Avoid outdoor activities during peak summer heat.
  • Be cautious of unofficial tours; opt for reputable operators.
  • Avoid wandering into off-limit desert areas without a guide.

 

Did You Know?

  • Sharm El Sheikh’s marine biodiversity includes over 1,200 species of fish, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

 

Accessibility Level: Medium

Many resorts and attractions cater to accessibility needs, but public infrastructure can be uneven in some areas.

 

Recommended Age Group

  • Sharm El Sheikh is most suitable for Adults and Seniors due to its luxurious resorts, serene environment, and nature-focused activities.
    • Babies (0-2 years): Not recommended due to the hot climate and lack of tailored amenities.
    • Kids (3-12 years): Recommended for family-friendly resorts offering child-specific activities.
    • Teens (13-19 years): Somewhat recommended for snorkeling, diving, and adventure activities.
    • Adults (20-64 years): Highly recommended for relaxation, diving, and nightlife.
    • Seniors (65+ years): Highly recommended for tranquil resorts and scenic excursions.

Address:

Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

Find Nearby Accommodations

Basic Info

address icon

COUNTRY & Region

Egypt,
Africa

ACCESSIBILITY LEVEL​

Medium
Currency icon

LOCAL CURRENCY​

Egyptian Pound (EGP)
Price level icon
Low
Safety Level icon

SAFETY LEVEL

Duration icon

Recommended Duration

• 1-7 days

Get Ready

Electricity

electricity icon

Electricity

220-240V, 
50Hz
Plug Socket icon

Plug Type

• Type C (Round pin)
• Type F (Two round pins with earth clips)
Plug types
Click To View Plug Types
Visit Sharm El Sheikh Official Website

Activities To Do In Sharm El Sheikh

Best Time To Visit Sharm El Sheikh

  • Best Months: March to May and September to November
  • Spring (March-May): Warm temperatures and clear waters make it ideal for diving and exploring marine life.
  • Summer (June-August): Extremely hot, but indoor activities and night excursions remain viable.
  • Autumn (September-November): Cooler and pleasant, perfect for outdoor activities and relaxation.
  • Winter (December-February): Mild and comfortable, but waters may be colder for diving.

Average Temperatures Per Month

Click here for a detailed weather report for Sharm El Sheikh

Remember to check the weather forecast a few days before the trip and before heading to the airport.

Safety Level icon

Safety Level

Sharm El Sheikh is heavily guarded and protected by dedicated security checkpoints, maintaining a calm and safe environment for tourists within the resort perimeter. Visitors are advised to exercise increased caution, particularly by booking excursions and diving trips through licensed operators. Avoid unauthorized overland travel into the northern and central Sinai Peninsula, and use direct flights when traveling between Sharm El Sheikh and other Egyptian cities.

The rating is based on multi-year peace, crime, and security indices. Before you go, always verify current conditions through official government travel advisories.

Emergency Numbers

Police: 122
Ambulance: 123
Download Your Offline Emergency Card
Get Your Mobile Lifesaver Card

No internet needed • Includes local translations • Free for TravelingWiz readers

Spoken Languages

Arabic is the official language, but English and Russian are widely spoken in tourist areas.

Learn The Language

  • Hello: Marhaba (مرحبا)
  • Thank you: Shukran (شكرا)
  • Yes: Na’am (نعم)
  • No: La (لا)
  • Please: Min fadlak (من فضلك)
  • How much is this?: Kam thaamanahu? (كم ثمنه)
Travel Booking Partner - TravelingWiz

Trip Cost & Budgeting for Sharm El Sheikh, 2026

Everything you need to know about money while traveling
Is Sharm El Sheikh expensive for tourists in 2026? No, it remains a budget-friendly Red Sea destination where travelers get great value. Based on our Human Verified prices, expect to pay around 120 EGP for a cappuccino, 200 EGP for a domestic beer, and 600 EGP for a meal at a mid-range restaurant. Accommodation and local transport are also very affordable. Use the data table below to calculate your specific daily budget based on your travel style.
Currency icon

LOCAL CURRENCY​:

Egyptian Pound (EGP)
Price level icon
Low
Major resorts accept credit cards, but cash in Egyptian pounds is essential for taxis, tips, and local markets.

Per person, per day – pocket cash for small purchases.

Local: 510
Egyptian Pound (EGP)
≈ 10 USD

Full daily spend estimation (accommodation, food, transportation, attractions).

Travel Style
Egyptian Pound (EGP)
≈ USD ($)
Budget
2800
55
Mid-range
5100
99
Comfort
11200
218
Calculate Your Personal Budget
Go To Trip Cost Calculator
Note

The Prices, Daily costs, and calculator results are estimates for planning purposes only. Actual costs may vary based on season, booking timing, personal spending habits, and currency fluctuations. TravelingWiz cannot be held responsible for discrepancies between these estimates and your final trip expenses.

  • • Book all-inclusive resort packages if planning a beach holiday, as standalone tourist restaurants charge high markups.
  • • Always negotiate taxi fares before getting in or ask hotel staff for average rates, as meters are rarely used.
  • • Buy snorkeling equipment at shops in the Old Market instead of paying daily dive center rental fees.
  • • Pay in Egyptian Pounds rather than Euros or USD at local shops to avoid unfavorable vendor conversion rates.

Travel Discounts & Coupons

Save on hotels, attractions, transport, and gear — find verified discounts for smarter travel spending.
Check Out Travel Coupons
Verified Coupons

What To Pack

  • Reef-safe sunscreen
  • Snorkeling gear (optional; rentals are available)
  • Light, breathable clothing
  • Comfortable shoes for walking or desert excursions
  • Swimwear and cover-ups
Only the good stuff!
Browse recommended travel gear
Check our recommended gear
Check out our free packing list tool
Get the free list

Related Events

Sharm El Sheikh Film Festival
Guests gathered along a sunny red carpet area overlooking the Red Sea for the Sharm El Sheikh Film Festival.
The Sharm El Sheikh Film Festival brings international and regional cinema lovers together along the Red Sea coast to celebrate contemporary and classic filmmaking. The event showcases feature films, documentaries, and short films from Arab and world directors, accompanied by beachfront open-air red carpet screenings, masterclasses, and filmmaker Q&A panels.
Categories: Festivals | Theater and Performing Arts | Exhibitions
Date & Time: Annually in June or autumn
Address: Naama Bay & Maritim Jolie Ville Royal Peninsula Hotel
Location: Naama Bay and partner venues
World Youth Forum (WYF)
Diverse international youth delegates networking inside the Sharm El Sheikh International Congress Centre.
The World Youth Forum is a premier international gathering hosted at the Sharm El Sheikh International Congress Centre that convenes thousands of passionate youth, innovators, and world leaders. The forum features global debate panels, technological exhibitions, cross-cultural art workshops, and networking sessions designed to promote peace, sustainable development, and youth empowerment.
Official Website
Categories: Conferences | Networking | Community Events
Date & Time: Usually held in November or January
Address: El-Salam Road, Um Marikha
Location: Sharm El Sheikh International Congress Centre
Old Market Heritage and Night Bazaar
Visitors strolling through the Old Market square in Sharm El Sheikh with artisan handicraft stalls and the illuminated mosque behind.
Taking place in the historic heart of Old Sharm against the majestic backdrop of Al Sahaba Mosque, the Old Market evening bazaars offer a celebration of Egyptian craft, cuisine, and folklore. Visitors can browse fragrant spice stalls, handmade alabaster ornaments, and embroidered textiles while enjoying lively tanoura folk dancing and live traditional music in the pedestrian squares.
Categories: Markets and Fairs | Fashion and Shopping | Historical and Cultural
Date & Time: Weekly on Friday evenings, year-round
Address: Old Market Square, Sharm Old Town
Location: Old Market (El Souk El Qadim)
Sharm El Sheikh International Camel Racing Festival
Camels racing along a desert track against the backdrop of the Sinai mountains in Sharm El Sheikh.
Held at the purpose-built Sharm El Sheikh Camel Racetrack, this thrilling sporting festival highlights deep-rooted Bedouin traditions and attracts competitors from across Egypt and the Gulf nations. Visitors gather around the desert track to watch hundreds of racing camels, operated via lightweight robotic jockeys, race across the sand amid vibrant folklore performances and local crafts showcases.
Categories: Sports | Festivals | Historical and Cultural
Date & Time: Annually in March and October
Address: Peace Road, Sharm El Sheikh Camel Racetrack
Location: Sharm El Sheikh Camel Racetrack
Sharm El Sheikh International Theater Festival for Youth (SITFY)
Performers staging a theatrical production during the Sharm El Sheikh International Theater Festival for Youth.
The Sharm El Sheikh International Theater Festival for Youth (SITFY) is an acclaimed annual cultural gathering bringing together rising dramatists, actors, and directors from across the globe. Audiences can enjoy open-air and indoor performances ranging from experimental plays to classical interpretations, alongside hands-on workshops and street theater throughout the resort city.
Official Website
Categories: Theater and Performing Arts | Festivals | Historical and Cultural
Date & Time: Annually in November
Address: El Souk El Qadim, Sharm El Sheikh Cultural Palace
Location: Sharm El Sheikh Cultural Palace

Related Travel Tips

Click here for more travel tips
We couldn't find tips for Sharm El Sheikh.
If you got any, please share

Recommended Itineraries for Traveling to Sharm El Sheikh

Click here for more itineraries
We couldn't find itineraries for Sharm El Sheikh.
you can contact us for custom trip plan
Maya, the human travel expert at TravelingWiz, offering curated, non-AI expertise

Maya’s Final Checklist for Sharm El Sheikh

Logistics shouldn’t be the focus of your trip—the experience should. I’ve hand-vetted these essential partners to ensure your arrival, stay, and exploration are as smooth as an Athenian breeze.

Where to Stay

From boutique hotels to local apartments—compare thousands of options and find the perfect stay in the best neighborhood.

Search Available Hotels

Air Travel

Getting there should be seamless. Compare the best routes and prices across top airlines to start your journey on the right note.

Find the Best Flight Deals

Local Guides

Connect with experts who know the destination best. Get personalized advice and insider tips to help you plan your perfect trip.

Find a Local Guide

Travel Protection

The “Engineer’s” rule: always have a backup. Secure your trip with a plan that covers every “what if” and unexpected change.

Get Your Travel Insurance

Car Rentals

Explore at your own pace with total freedom. Compare reliable rental options and find the right vehicle for your adventure.

Reserve Your Rental Car

Visa Services

Don’t let paperwork slow you down. Get expert assistance with your application to ensure all your entry documents are in order.

Order Your Travel Visa

FAQs

The best time is during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) for pleasant weather.
Yes, it is generally safe, especially in resort areas with enhanced security measures.
Snorkeling, diving, desert safaris, cultural tours, and relaxing at luxurious resorts are popular activities.
The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the local currency.
If you fly directly to Sharm El Sheikh and stay in the Sinai resorts for up to 15 days, many nationalities qualify for a free “Sinai-Only” stamp on arrival. However, if you plan to leave the Sinai Peninsula (such as taking a day trip to Cairo or Luxor), you must purchase the full Egypt tourist visa. For current visa fees, check the Budget section on this page.
No, you should avoid drinking tap water in Sharm El Sheikh due to heavy chlorination and aging pipe infrastructure. Consuming it can lead to stomach upset. You should stick strictly to sealed bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth, and avoid drinks served with ice made from untreated tap water.
Yes, you should carry cash in Egyptian pounds during your trip. While major resorts, dive centers, and large restaurants readily accept credit cards, cash is necessary for paying taxi drivers, tipping hospitality staff, and bargaining at the Old Market. For current guidelines on how much spending money you might need, check the Budget section on this page.
Yes, you will have no problem getting around using English. While Arabic is the official language of Egypt, English and Russian are spoken fluently across Sharm El Sheikh. Resort staff, taxi drivers, tour guides, and shop vendors interact regularly with international visitors and communicate comfortably in English.

Your Insights Matter

TravelingWiz grows through the stories of our community. If you’ve recently explored ,Sharm El Sheikh share your tips and stories to help us perfect our guides for the next traveler.

Related Articles

See All Articles

Check out our related articles and blog posts to learn even more about the destination.

No related articles found

Don’t Travel Alone

Share with your friends and family

CANCEL
close menu icon

Where should we send your offline card?

We hate spam just as much as you do

newsletter_consent *