Planning your first trip to Hurghada? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know before visiting Egypt’s Red Sea resort city.
Getting to Hurghada
Flights
Hurghada International Airport (HRG) has direct flights from many European cities, including London, Berlin, Moscow, Istanbul, and Cairo. Flight times are 4-5 hours from Europe and 1 hour from Cairo.
Visa
Most visitors need a visa to enter Egypt. You can get a visa on arrival at the airport ($25 USD) or apply online through the Egypt e-Visa portal before your trip.
Best Time to Visit
Hurghada has a desert climate with hot summers and warm winters:
- Peak Season (Oct-Apr): Warm weather (22-30°C), ideal for beach and outdoor activities
- Summer (May-Sep): Hot (30-40°C), great for diving and water sports
- Best months: March-May and September-November (warm but not too hot)
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). At the time of writing, $1 USD ≈ 50 EGP. ATMs are widely available, and most places accept USD and EUR. Credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger restaurants.
Safety
Hurghada is one of the safest tourist destinations in Egypt. The tourist areas are well-patrolled and crime against tourists is rare. Normal precautions apply:
- Keep valuables in your hotel safe
- Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps
- Stay hydrated and use sunscreen
- Drink bottled water only
Getting Around
- Taxis: Negotiate price before getting in (or use Uber/Careem)
- Microbuses: Cheap local transport (not recommended for tourists)
- Private Transfers: Book through your hotel or MAMO Property
Where to Stay
Hurghada offers accommodation for every budget:
- City Center: Close to shops, restaurants, and nightlife
- Sahl Hasheesh: Upscale resort area with luxury villas
- El Gouna: Modern resort town popular with expats
- Makadi Bay: Family-friendly resort area
Browse our vacation rentals for the best rates.
What to Pack
- Light, breathable clothing
- Swimwear and beach towels
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and sunglasses
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Modest clothing for mosque visits
- Adapter (Type C plugs)
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