Sharm el Sheikh Old Town (Sharm el Maya) Tours and Tickets

Late afternoon or evening are great times to visit Sharm el Sheikh Old Town, as all the shops in the Old Market are open, and the scorching summer daytime temperatures have eased. The cafés and restaurants generally have more atmosphere in the evening than at lunch.

Sharm el Sheikh Old Town is home to two mosques, the Al Sahaba Mosque behind the Old Market. Respectful dress is important, particularly for women. Wear loose clothing covering shoulders, upper arms, chest, belly, and legs. Proper attire may deflect attention and reduce the risk of sexual harassment.

Yes. Sexual harassment can be an issue in Sharm el Sheikh Old Town, particularly for solo women. Like many popular tourist destinations, the Old Market can attract pickpockets and scammers: Leave high-value items in the hotel safe, check your change carefully, and never change money on the street.

Yes, Sharm el Sheikh Old Town is family-friendly. Egyptians generally adore small children—although the attention can be overwhelming for shyer kids—and the refurbished Old Market area is fine for strollers. Visit at cooler times of day to beat the heat and set clear expectations about what kids can buy.

Yes, bargaining is customary in Sharm el Sheikh Old Town. Bring patience and Egyptian currency in a range of denominations. If shopping for higher-value items such as Egyptian cotton bed linen or handmade carpets, research prices online before you go so that you can start with a target figure.

No, unfortunately, Sharm el Sheikh Old Town is not fully accessible. While the streets are usually flat and well-made, dropped curbs are few, and most cafés, restaurants, and stores lack the space to maneuver a wheelchair. It’s also rare to find wheelchair-friendly bathrooms outside of a few hotels.