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Shopping in Sharm Elsheikh, Sharm El Sheikh

Shopping in Sharm Elsheikh (Self Guided), Sharm El Sheikh

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.
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Shopping in Sharm Elsheikh Map

Guide Name: Shopping in Sharm Elsheikh
Guide Location: Egypt » Sharm El Sheikh (See other walking tours in Sharm El Sheikh)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 3
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Author: nicole
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
  • Old Market
  • Il Mercato
  • "Alf Leila Wa Leila" Bazar
1
Old Market

1) Old Market (must see)

The Old Market, also known as Sharm El Sheikh鈥檚 Old Town, is one of the city鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 vibrant mosaic.

One of the market鈥檚 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 caf茅s, enjoying mint tea, fresh seafood, and the occasional street performance. It鈥檚 a place that captures the essence of Egyptian hospitality and culture鈥攁 must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the authentic heart of Sharm El Sheikh.
2
Il Mercato

2) Il Mercato (must see)

Il Mercato is one of Sharm El Sheikh鈥檚 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鈥檚 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 caf茅s 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鈥檚 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.
3
"Alf Leila Wa Leila" Bazar

3) "Alf Leila Wa Leila" Bazar (must see)

Alf Leila Wa Leila Bazaar, also known as One Thousand and One Nights Bazaar, is one of Sharm El Sheikh鈥檚 most atmospheric shopping destinations, blending Egyptian tradition with theatrical flair. Located within the Alf Leila Wa Leila entertainment complex, the bazaar is inspired by the tales of the Arabian Nights, offering visitors a lively experience that fuses market life with storytelling and folklore. Its arched gateways, domed ceilings, and vibrant mosaics evoke the spirit of an old oriental souk, while its open-air courtyards fill with music, lights, and the scent of spices as evening approaches.

The bazaar is a feast for the senses, featuring an array of stalls and small shops selling everything from handwoven textiles and alabaster lamps to perfumes, silver jewelry, and traditional crafts. Bargaining is part of the fun, and visitors can expect friendly exchanges with vendors eager to share the stories behind their wares. Many of the products are handmade, reflecting Egypt鈥檚 deep artisanal heritage and regional diversity.

Beyond shopping, the complex transforms after sunset into a stage for cultural shows and performances. Visitors can enjoy traditional Tanoura dances, horse shows, and sound-and-light displays recounting Egypt鈥檚 pharaonic history. These nightly spectacles lend the bazaar an almost cinematic quality, blending history, legend, and entertainment in equal measure.

Alf Leila Wa Leila Bazaar is not merely a place to shop鈥攊t鈥檚 a window into Egypt鈥檚 imagination. You might come to browse for souvenirs or to lose yourself in its lively atmosphere, but in every corner, it radiates the magic and color that make Sharm El Sheikh unforgettable.

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.
Sharm El Sheikh Introduction Walking Tour

Sharm El Sheikh Introduction Walking Tour

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!

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.2 Km or 3.9 Miles