One day in Sharm el-Sheikh: an itinerary in the best order
The essentials in 10 seconds
- Entry
- all 4 free
- Duration
- 6 h 20 min · 09:30–15:50
- Start and finish
- Naama Bay → Old Market (Old Sharm)
- On foot
- ≈ 3 min in total
- Transport
- 2 rides, ≈ 47 min
- Lunch
- around 12:25
- With kids
- fine: short walks
- Best time
- All year; in summer go out towards evening. The Old Market comes alive after sunset.
The plan, stop by stop
Times include walking and lunch. Drag a stop by ≡, remove it with the cross or add one nearby — the plan updates.
Sharm El Sheikh09:30–15:50 · 4 places · 6 h 20 min
Naama Bay
· 2 h · Free
- 25 min · transport or taxi
Heavenly Cathedral
· 30 min · Free
- Lunch · 1 h
- 22 min · transport or taxi
Al Sahaba Mosque
· 30 min · Free
- 3 min on foot
Old Market (Old Sharm)
· 1 h 30 min · Free
Add nearby
Places near the plan — Yes puts one into the day and the times update.
What the route costs
All 4 stops are free — you pay only for museums inside, if you go in, and for lunch.
| 1 | Naama Bay | 41 | 2 h | Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Heavenly Cathedral | 41 | 30 min | Free |
| 3 | Al Sahaba Mosque | 39 | 30 min | Free |
| 4 | Old Market (Old Sharm) | 36 | 1 h 30 min | Free |
| Total | 4 h 30 min | 4 of 4 free |
Tips for each stop
- 1
Naama Bay. The resort's main bay: a sandy entry to the sea and a promenade of cafés. Free to walk; the beach is divided between hotels.
- 2
Heavenly Cathedral. The Coptic Heavenly Cathedral, opened in 2010, with walls and vaults painted with Bible scenes. Free; you may be asked for your passport at the gate.
- 3
Al Sahaba Mosque. Old Sharm's mosque with two minarets of about 76 m. Free outside prayer times; scarves and cover-ups are lent at the door.
- 4
Old Market (Old Sharm). A pedestrian bazaar around the mosque: spices, oils, shisha. Haggle and pay in small pound notes.
Who this route is for
- A resort stay with a day out
- No tour — taxis
- A traditional market
- Ras Mohammed and Tiran reefs are boat trips
- Mount Sinai is a 12–16 hour overnight trip
All year; in summer go out towards evening. The Old Market comes alive after sunset.
What to do in Sharm el-Sheikh for a day
Morning in Naama Bay while it is cool. Midday at the cathedral in Hay El Nour, on the way south. After lunch, Old Sharm: the mosque and market are 3 minutes apart, and the market is busiest in the evening.
Remove any stop with the cross or drag it with ≡, and add another one nearby — the times recalculate.
The Sinai-only stamp and visa
Arriving in Sharm you can get a free 'Sinai only' stamp for 15 days, enough for the Sinai resorts. Trips beyond them need a visa on arrival, 30 $ in cash; for Ras Mohammed the visa is the safer choice.
Getting around
Taxis or minibuses along Peace Road: a minibus ride costs 10–25 pounds, and the Old Market is the last stop for most of them. Naama Bay to the market is about 7 km.
Is Sharm el-Sheikh worth visiting?
Mostly for the sea. In the evening, Soho Square has a musical fountain 20:00–00:00, an ice rink and bowling. Ras Mohammed is a national park with reefs right off the shore. Overnight, climb Mount Sinai for sunrise and visit St Catherine's Monastery.
How to do it right
- Cover shoulders and knees for the cathedral and mosque; cover-ups are lent at the door.
- At the Old Market, start by offering half the asking price.
- Dollars and euros are accepted at the market, but at a poor rate — use pounds.
- Egypt uses the Egyptian pound (EGP). Museum and monument tickets take Visa and Mastercard; bazaars, taxis, ferries and tips need cash in small notes.
- Carry your passport or a copy for the cathedral gate.
Questions
How to spend a day in Sharm el-Sheikh?
Naama Bay, the Heavenly Cathedral, Al Sahaba Mosque and the Old Market.
Can you explore Sharm without a tour?
Yes, by taxi or the minibuses on Peace Road.
Can tourists visit Al Sahaba Mosque?
Yes, daily outside prayer times, dressed modestly; scarves are free at the door.
Is the Heavenly Cathedral free?
Yes; donations are welcome.
When is the best time for the Old Market?
After sunset, when it is liveliest.
How much does the day cost?
Every stop is free — you pay for taxis, lunch and shopping.
Do I need a visa for Sharm el-Sheikh?
The free 'Sinai only' stamp covers the Sinai resorts; beyond them you need a 30 $ visa.
Is it good with kids?
Yes: short transfers, and Soho Square's fountain in the evening.
Can I climb Mount Sinai on my own?
A tour is easier: departure around 22:00–23:00 and a night climb with a Bedouin guide.
What currency is used in Egypt?
Egypt uses the Egyptian pound (EGP). Museum and monument tickets take Visa and Mastercard; bazaars, taxis, ferries and tips need cash in small notes.
Sources and fact-check
- Prices, opening hours and time on site come from each place's page, with its own sources and check date
- Wikipedia: Sharm El Sheikh
- Egyptian entry rules: 'Sinai only' stamp
