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Sharm El Sheikh Introduction Walking Tour, Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm El Sheikh Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm Elsheikh, a fabulous resort town renowned for its sandy beaches, clear waters and coral reefs, is also grand in terms of exotic architecture and other places of interest. If you wish to take some time off sunbathing and lounging about, follow this orientation walk and explore some key sights of Sharm Elsheikh!
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Sharm El Sheikh Introduction Walking Tour Map

Guide Name: Sharm El Sheikh Introduction Walking Tour
Guide Location: Egypt » Sharm El Sheikh (See other walking tours in Sharm El Sheikh)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 7
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.2 Km or 3.9 Miles
Author: nicole
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
  • Old Market
  • Sharm Papyrus Museum
  • Aqua Blue Water Park
  • Il Mercato
  • Alf Leila Wa Leila
  • Lighthouse Ras Umm Sid
  • El Fanar Memorial
1
Old Market

1) Old Market (must see)

The Old Market, also known as Sharm El Sheikh’s Old Town, is one of the city’s most atmospheric places, blending Egyptian tradition with seaside charm. This historic quarter offers a slower pace compared to the resort areas, inviting visitors to wander through narrow lanes filled with the scent of spices, incense, and freshly baked flatbread. It’s the kind of place where time seems to stretch, and haggling over a few Egyptian pounds becomes part of the fun.

Built around the concept of a traditional bazaar, the Old Market is a lively mix of stalls, local eateries, and craft shops. Vendors sell everything from handmade jewelry, colorful lanterns, and leather goods to aromatic oils and herbs used in Egyptian remedies. Shoppers can also find souvenirs, traditional clothing, and shisha pipes, each shop adding a new hue to the market’s vibrant mosaic.

One of the market’s highlights is the impressive Al Sahaba Mosque, a striking architectural landmark. Its grand domes and twin minarets rise above the surrounding streets, creating a captivating contrast to the rustic market stalls below. At night, when the mosque is illuminated, it becomes a focal point of the entire district.

Evenings are when the Old Market truly comes alive. Locals and tourists fill the cafés, enjoying mint tea, fresh seafood, and the occasional street performance. It’s a place that captures the essence of Egyptian hospitality and culture—a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the authentic heart of Sharm El Sheikh.
2
Sharm Papyrus Museum

2) Sharm Papyrus Museum

The Sharm Papyrus Museum in Sharm El Sheikh offers visitors a fascinating journey into one of the most remarkable traditions of ancient Egypt—the art of papyrus making. Situated near the city’s main tourist district, the museum combines history, craftsmanship, and education in a way that appeals to all ages. It provides an opportunity to see how the ancient Egyptians developed the world’s first form of paper more than 5,000 years ago, revolutionizing communication, record keeping, and artistic expression.

Inside the museum, visitors can explore a series of exhibits that trace the story of papyrus from the banks of the Nile to the hands of scribes and artisans. Demonstrations show the traditional method of producing papyrus sheets—stripping, soaking, pressing, and drying the stalks of the papyrus plant. Watching this process offers an appreciation for the patience and precision that went into each piece, as well as insight into how ancient texts and paintings were preserved for millennia.

The museum’s collection includes replicas of famous ancient Egyptian documents, such as excerpts from the Book of the Dead, as well as scenes depicting deities, pharaohs, and daily life along the Nile. Skilled artists continue the tradition by hand-painting designs on modern papyrus sheets, which are also available for purchase as authentic souvenirs.

Beyond its artistic displays, the Sharm Papyrus Museum serves as a cultural bridge, helping visitors understand how this humble reed became a cornerstone of human civilization. It’s a peaceful, educational stop that connects Sharm El Sheikh’s modern energy with Egypt’s timeless heritage.
3
Aqua Blue Water Park

3) Aqua Blue Water Park (must see)

Aqua Blue Water Park is a family-friendly resort and aquatic paradise that brings together leisure, adventure, and Egyptian sunshine. Located in the Hadaba district, near the Red Sea’s sparkling coastline, the park is part of the larger Aqua Blu Resort complex, known for its vibrant atmosphere and all-ages appeal. With dozens of slides, pools, and themed play zones, it offers a day of pure fun in one of Egypt’s most popular resort cities.

The park’s design captures the feel of a seaside adventure combined with modern comfort. Visitors can explore more than 60 slides and attractions, from high-speed chutes and twisting tubes to lazy rivers and wave pools. There are areas designed specifically for children, including mini-slides and splash zones, ensuring that everyone—from thrill-seekers to toddlers—finds their kind of excitement.

For those who prefer relaxation over adrenaline, Aqua Blue Water Park has plenty of tranquil corners. The resort features sun loungers shaded by palms, spacious swimming lagoons, and poolside bars serving cool refreshments. Restaurants and cafés on-site offer a mix of international and local dishes, making it easy to spend the entire day without leaving the property.

Beyond its water attractions, the park’s appeal lies in its resort-like amenities and family-oriented atmosphere. With friendly staff, clean facilities, and evening entertainment, it’s as much a place for unwinding as it is for play. Aqua Blue Water Park embodies the carefree spirit of Sharm El Sheikh—sunny, lively, and full of color.
4
Il Mercato

4) Il Mercato (must see)

Il Mercato is one of Sharm El Sheikh’s most elegant shopping and entertainment destinations, combining Mediterranean-inspired architecture with a relaxed resort atmosphere. Located in the Hadaba district near the Old Market, this open-air complex was designed by Italian architect Mauro Favilla and brings a European flair to Egypt’s Red Sea coast. Its wide boulevards, arched facades, and fountains create an inviting environment that feels more like a charming piazza than a typical mall.

The shopping centre features a mix of international brands, Egyptian boutiques, and souvenir shops that cater to a range of tastes. Visitors can browse everything from designer clothing and jewelry to traditional crafts and handmade perfumes. The combination of local and global offerings makes Il Mercato an appealing spot for both everyday shopping and strolls, especially in the evening when the entire complex is beautifully illuminated.

Dining is another highlight here. The promenade is lined with restaurants and cafés serving Egyptian, Italian, Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisine, offering both indoor and outdoor seating. Many venues feature live music or shisha lounges, adding to the lively yet laid-back vibe that defines Sharm El Sheikh’s nightlife.

Beyond shopping and dining, Il Mercato also serves as a social hub for residents and tourists alike. Street performers, family-friendly entertainment, and seasonal events often animate the square, creating a welcoming setting for all ages. With its blend of culture, comfort, and cosmopolitan style, Il Mercato captures the leisurely rhythm of coastal life on the Red Sea.
5
Alf Leila Wa Leila

5) Alf Leila Wa Leila (must see)

Alf Leila Wa Leila, meaning “A Thousand and One Nights,” is one of Sharm El Sheikh’s most captivating attractions—a place where Arabian legend and Egyptian artistry blend into a spectacle of light, sound, and storytelling. This vast complex combines traditional architecture with modern entertainment, evoking the grandeur of ancient palaces through domes, arches, and mosaic details that seem lifted from a fairytale. It’s both a cultural venue and a living museum of folklore, offering visitors a chance to step into the world of Scheherazade and the sultans of old.

By day, the complex resembles an open-air palace, with courtyards, fountains, and colorful façades showcasing Islamic and Pharaonic influences. Intricate carvings and ornate columns echo the craftsmanship of Egypt’s past dynasties, while small bazaars within the venue sell handmade souvenirs, carpets, jewelry, and perfumes—each stall adding to the charm of this theatrical setting.

As night falls, Alf Leila Wa Leila transforms into an immersive stage. The famous nightly show brings history and myth to life with dazzling performances featuring belly dancers, horseback riders, and acrobats, all accompanied by vibrant music and dramatic lighting. The spectacle celebrates Egypt’s heritage—from the glory of the pharaohs to the mystique of Bedouin traditions.

For visitors, it’s more than just an evening out—it’s a journey through Egypt’s imagination. The blend of architecture, storytelling, and performance creates an atmosphere of enchantment that lingers long after the final drumbeat. In Sharm El Sheikh, few places capture the country’s magic quite like Alf Leila Wa Leila.
6
Lighthouse Ras Umm Sid

6) Lighthouse Ras Umm Sid

Lighthouse Ras Umm Sid stands at the southern tip of Sharm El Sheikh, where the Red Sea opens into a dazzling expanse of coral reefs and deep blue waters. The lighthouse itself, modest in size yet striking in presence, has long served as a navigational landmark for sailors approaching the Sinai Peninsula. Its surrounding cliffs offer one of the most impressive panoramic views in the region, overlooking both the Gulf of Aqaba and the shimmering coastline that stretches toward Ras Mohammed National Park.

This scenic headland is not just for sightseers—it’s a haven for divers and snorkelers. The Ras Umm Sid reef, lying just below the lighthouse cliffs, is celebrated for its exceptional marine biodiversity and vibrant coral gardens. Schools of butterflyfish, angelfish, and parrotfish glide through soft and hard corals, while experienced divers can explore the dramatic drop-off that plunges into the sea’s depths. The underwater visibility here is excellent year-round, making it a favorite for underwater photographers.

Above water, the area retains a peaceful, almost secluded atmosphere compared to Sharm El Sheikh’s busier beaches. Many visitors come simply to watch the sunset from the cliff edge, where the view of the Red Sea glowing gold and crimson feels timeless. Several nearby cafés and small resorts take advantage of this vantage point, offering terraces ideal for unwinding after a day of swimming or diving.

Lighthouse Ras Umm Sid captures the dual spirit of Sharm El Sheikh—where natural beauty meets tranquil leisure—making it an essential stop for those seeking both serenity and adventure.
7
El Fanar Memorial

7) El Fanar Memorial (must see)

The El Fanar Memorial stands as a moving tribute to the 148 lives lost in the Flash Airlines Flight 604 tragedy on January 3, 2004. Located near the El Fanar Lighthouse and overlooking the same stretch of the Red Sea where the plane went down shortly after takeoff, the monument serves as a place of remembrance and reflection for both locals and visitors. The serene coastal setting contrasts with the sorrowful memory it preserves, offering a space where the sound of the waves seems to echo the silence of loss.

Installed later that same year, the monument features a semi-circular rotunda design, symbolizing unity and continuity. At its center rises a bronze sculpture of a flock of birds soaring toward the sky—an evocative representation of the 148 souls who perished. The simplicity of its form and the natural beauty surrounding it lend the memorial a quiet, dignified power that resonates deeply with those who visit.

Alongside the sculpture stands a stone stele engraved with the names of the victims, ensuring that each individual is remembered. Around the monument, the flags of Egypt, France, Morocco, and Japan flutter in the wind, honoring the nationalities of those on board. Together, these elements form a deeply human expression of international solidarity and shared grief.

Today, the El Fanar Memorial is more than a monument—it is a symbol of remembrance by the sea. Visitors often pause here to reflect, to leave flowers, or to admire the beauty of the view, where memory and the horizon meet in quiet harmony.

Walking Tours in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

Create Your Own Walk in Sharm El Sheikh

Create Your Own Walk in Sharm El Sheikh

Creating your own self-guided walk in Sharm El Sheikh is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Shopping in Sharm Elsheikh

Shopping in Sharm Elsheikh

The city of Sharm Elsheikh is a terrific destination for both unique and traditional goods. The famous open-air markets are a rare and splendid sight. Travel down the "old beaten path" of Sharm Elsheikh today and find out just what exactly it has to offer.

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles