Sharm el Sheikh Old Market
Entrance El-Souk, Sharm El Sheikh, South Sinai Governorate, 8761130
Backed by the enormous Al Sahaba Mosque, Sharm el Sheikh’s Old Market is one of the city’s top souvenir shopping destinations. Vendors offer all the Egyptian signatures, from perfumes and jewelry to shisha pipes and colorful glass lanterns, as well as fake brands, carpets, and technology. Meanwhile, coffee shops and eateries provide space to rest and relax.
The basics
Despite its position in the heart of Sharm’s Old Town, the Old Market no longer looks remotely old, and feels more like an open-air mall than a market: There’s even an artificial waterfall. The area was redeveloped for an international climate conference in 2022, so travelers in search of a traditional souk or bazaar feel will be disappointed. With that said, the Old Market is still a staple on Sharm el Sheikh city sightseeing tours as well as Sharm shopping tours. A guide can help distinguish between apparently very similar-seeming products.
Things to know before you go
- Sharm el Sheikh’s Old Market is a good choice for souvenir shoppers and sightseers.
- As with anywhere in Egypt, come ready to haggle and be prepared to walk away. As well as researching prices online, watch for tricks on conversion rates when paying with foreign currency cash.
- The Old Market is right by a mosque, so women should dress modestly, covering shoulders, upper arms, cleavage, belly, and legs to at least the knee.
- Flat terrain and wide pathways make the market reasonably accessible for wheelchair users, although dropped curbs are few and far between.
How to get there
The Old Market sits in the heart of Sharm Old Town, some miles from most resort areas. Sharm el Sheikh’s minibus system is only practical for travelers who speak Arabic, and rideshares don’t operate in the city. It’s best to talk to your hotel about shuttle services, book a tour or a private driver, or negotiate a local taxi.
When to get there
The Old Market is open seven days a week from morning until late, but many stores don’t start trading until lunchtime, and it’s liveliest (and coolest) after dark. It’s an atmospheric spot for an after-dinner stroll.
What to buy (and not to buy) in Sharm el Sheikh
Sharm el Sheikh is a tourist resort, which means bargains are few and far between. The bottles of colorful sand art make intriguing souvenirs, and often feature typical desert motifs like palms and camels; shisha pipes, perfume oils, and colored lanterns are also classic choices. Carpets, Egyptian cotton, and fake designer items are rarely of good quality and generally overpriced.
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