Dahar Hurghada and Hurghada Marina, Hurghada, once a quiet fishing village on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, has transformed into one of the country’s most beloved beach destinations. Travelers come here for the sun, sea, coral reefs, and all-inclusive resorts—but there’s another side of Hurghada waiting to be discovered. Beyond the modern hotels and polished promenades lies a city full of character, local life, and stories from generations past.
This guide takes you through the authentic heart of the city—Dahar Hurghada (Old Town)—and the vibrant Hurghada Marina Walk, where tradition meets modern coastal charm. Whether you’re here for a day or a week, exploring these two areas will help you experience Hurghada like a local.
🌅 The Two Faces of Hurghada: Old Town & Marina
Hurghada can be divided into three main zones:
- El Dahar (Old Hurghada) – the historic center, full of markets, mosques, and traditional Egyptian life.
- Sakkala – the middle section, where local shops, small hotels, and cafes blend with tourist buzz.
- Hurghada Marina – a modern promenade along the Red Sea, lined with restaurants, yachts, and sunset views.
While many tourists spend most of their time near their hotels, the real magic happens when you step beyond the resort gates. Between the chaotic charm of Dahar Hurghada and the cosmopolitan calm of Hurghada Marina, you can experience the city’s entire soul in a single day.
🕌 Exploring Dahar Hurghada: The Heartbeat of the Old Town
1. A Walk Through Time
Dahar (also called Old Hurghada) is where the city began. Before luxury resorts and glass-bottom boats, Hurghada was a sleepy fishing community surrounded by desert and sea. The Old Town still carries that spirit—its narrow streets, small workshops, and lively markets tell the story of everyday Egyptian life.
Walking through Dahar, you’ll see local men chatting over tea, children playing soccer in the alleys, and women bargaining at spice stalls. It’s loud, colorful, and wonderfully authentic.
2. The Dahar Souk: A Feast for the Senses
If you’re wondering about the best things to do in old Hurghada, start with the Dahar Market (Souk). This sprawling bazaar is a maze of small shops selling everything from souvenirs to spices, textiles, gold jewelry, and handmade crafts.
What to look for:
- Spices & teas: cardamom, hibiscus (karkade), cumin, and Egyptian mint.
- Local handicrafts: papyrus paintings, alabaster figurines, and brass lamps.
- Traditional clothing: colorful galabeyas and scarves.
- Fresh produce: dates, figs, and fragrant herbs.
👉 Tip: Bargaining is part of the fun! Start with half the price offered, and negotiate with a smile. Egyptians love friendly conversation—it’s as important as the sale itself.
3. The El Mina Mosque: A Spiritual Landmark
Near Dahar’s edge, the stunning El Mina Mosque (sometimes called Al Mina Masjid) stands proudly with its two minarets and gleaming domes. Though relatively new, it has become one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Visitors are welcome, but remember:
- Dress modestly (women should cover shoulders and legs, men avoid shorts).
- Remove shoes before entering.
- Visit during non-prayer times to admire the interior mosaics and chandeliers.
From the mosque’s courtyard, you’ll get a peaceful view of the old harbor—a beautiful contrast between the spiritual and the everyday life of fishermen nearby.
4. The Old Fish Market: Hurghada’s Morning Ritual
To truly feel the rhythm of old Hurghada, visit the fish market early in the morning. Here, fishermen bring in their daily catch straight from the Red Sea—grouper, sea bream, and even colorful parrotfish.
You’ll witness lively bargaining between buyers, sellers, and restaurant owners. The air is filled with laughter, shouting, and the unmistakable scent of the sea.
If you’re brave, you can even pick your favorite fish and have it grilled at a nearby local eatery—a true Red Sea experience.
5. Local Eateries in Dahar: Eat Like an Egyptian
After exploring, you’ll probably be hungry—and Dahar is filled with local restaurants where you can enjoy authentic Egyptian dishes at great prices.
Top picks for local dining in Dahar Hurghada:
- El Zahraa Restaurant: A local favorite serving grilled chicken, kebabs, and kofta. Don’t miss their lentil soup and tahini.
- Gad Restaurant: A well-known Egyptian chain perfect for families—try the falafel (taameya), koshari, or shawarma.
- El Mina Fish Restaurant: Fresh seafood cooked Egyptian-style, often chosen straight from the counter.
👉 Local tip: Egyptians often eat late—around 8–10 p.m.—so if you come earlier, you’ll enjoy a quieter meal and faster service.
6. Stories of Old Hurghada: When the Desert Met the Sea
Before tourism arrived in the 1980s, Dahar was home to Bedouin families who fished and traded salt, herbs, and textiles. Old residents still tell stories of days when there were no paved roads, only camels, wooden boats, and the vast Red Sea.
One shopkeeper in the souk, Ahmed, recalls:
“When I was a boy, there were only a few houses here. We didn’t even have electricity. Then divers came, and the world changed. But Dahar—Dahar stayed the same.”
It’s this spirit that makes Dahar Hurghada special. Amid the modern resorts, the Old Town remains a living museum of Egypt’s coastal heritage.
🌊 Transition to Modernity: From Dahar to Hurghada Marina
After a day exploring the bustling Old Town, it’s time to see the other side of Hurghada—the modern, cosmopolitan Marina Walk.
Located just 15 minutes south of Dahar, Hurghada Marina offers a completely different atmosphere. Here, time slows down, and the sounds of the city fade into soft music, clinking glasses, and the gentle hum of the sea.
🌴 Hurghada Marina: The City’s Shining Seaside Promenade
1. A Modern Masterpiece
Opened in 2008, Hurghada Marina Boulevard quickly became the city’s top spot for evening strolls and seaside dining. Stretching along the coast near the old port, it’s a clean, beautifully designed promenade lined with palm trees, luxury yachts, and colorful cafes.
It’s a place where both locals and tourists come to relax, dine, and enjoy the Red Sea breeze. By sunset, the Marina transforms into a lively yet elegant gathering spot with families, couples, and travelers sharing the same love for the sea.
2. Top Things to Do at Hurghada Marina
If you’re wondering how to spend your time at Hurghada Marina, here are some highlights:
- Evening walk: The Marina is pedestrian-only, making it safe for kids and ideal for romantic walks.
- Yacht spotting: Admire the luxury boats anchored in the harbor—many owned by local businessmen or tour operators.
- Sunset photos: The view over the Red Sea at dusk is breathtaking; bring your camera.
- Shopping: Small boutiques sell handmade jewelry, Egyptian cotton clothes, and souvenirs.
- Cafés and bars: Sit by the water with a drink and watch the world go by.
👉 Pro tip: The Marina is best visited just before sunset—around 5:30–6:00 p.m.—when the light is golden, and the heat is more comfortable.
3. Best Restaurants at Hurghada Marina
Food lovers will find plenty to enjoy here. Whether you crave Mediterranean seafood, Italian pasta, or Egyptian specialties, Hurghada Marina has it all.
Top-rated spots to try:
- Star Fish Restaurant: A long-time favorite serving fresh Red Sea fish and seafood platters. Ask for the catch of the day!
- Moby Dick: Stylish yet relaxed, offering European and international cuisine. Great for families.
- Stone Restaurant & Bar: Trendy interior, steaks, cocktails, and live music nights.
- El Halaka Seafood: A local institution near the Marina entrance, famous for its authentic Egyptian seafood dishes.
- Caribbean Bar: Ideal for sunset drinks and shisha with a panoramic view of the harbor.
👉 Local tip: For dessert, try Om Ali (a sweet Egyptian pudding) or mango ice cream—perfect after a day in the sun.
4. Family Fun at the Marina
The Hurghada Marina isn’t just for couples or friends—it’s also family-friendly. There are ice cream parlors, playgrounds, and gentle evening entertainment. Kids love watching the yachts or listening to live music at the open-air cafes.
Occasionally, local artists perform traditional music or belly dance shows along the promenade, creating a lively yet relaxed atmosphere.
5. Nightlife at Hurghada Marina
When the sun sets, Hurghada Marina lights up with a new kind of energy. The bars and lounges come alive with soft beats, lanterns, and laughter echoing across the water.
Popular night spots include:
- Papas Bar & Club: One of Hurghada’s most famous nightlife venues, offering great music and dance floors.
- Havana Club: A Cuban-inspired bar with live salsa and mojitos.
- The Lodge: Perfect for a quieter drink and conversation under the stars.
Whether you’re after a peaceful cocktail or a lively night out, Marina offers something for every mood.
🚶♂️ How to Combine Dahar Hurghada and the Marina in One Day
If you’re short on time, it’s possible to explore both the Old Town and the Marina in one day—and get the best of both worlds.
Suggested itinerary:
- Morning: Head to Dahar Hurghada. Visit the fish market and souk, then enjoy an early lunch at a local restaurant.
- Afternoon: Return to your hotel to rest or swim.
- Evening: Around sunset, go to Hurghada Marina for a relaxed walk, dinner, and dessert by the sea.
You’ll end the day with a full sense of what Hurghada truly is: a city where ancient tradition and modern life coexist beautifully.
🧭 Getting Around Hurghada
- By Taxi: The easiest way to get between Dahar and the Marina. Always agree on a price before the ride (around 100–150 EGP).
- By Microbus: The small white minibuses are the local way to travel, costing just a few pounds per ride.
- On Foot: You can walk within Dahar or within the Marina, but not between them—it’s several kilometers apart.
🏨 Where to Stay Near Dahar or Marina
If you prefer staying close to local life rather than large resorts, here are a few recommendations:
- Sea Garden Hotel: A cozy boutique hotel near the Marina.
- Royal Star Beach Resort: Between Dahar and Sakkala—great for exploring both areas.
- Sunny Days Palma de Mirette: Family-friendly hotel close to both old Hurghada and the Marina.
These locations allow easy access to both the authentic Dahar Hurghada experience and the relaxing seaside vibe of Hurghada Marina.
🌍 Why Exploring Hurghada’s Local Side Matters
Many visitors never see beyond their resort, but old Hurghada and the Marina Walk show the city’s true diversity. The Old Town reveals Egypt’s history, warmth, and culture, while the Marina celebrates its modern, international identity.
Together, they tell a complete story: from fishermen casting their nets at dawn to travelers enjoying fine dining by the sea at night.
Exploring these places means connecting with the people who built Hurghada—those who remember when the city was just sand and sea—and those who continue to shape it into a world-class destination.
✨ Final Thoughts: The Soul of Hurghada Lies in Its Contrast
What makes Hurghada special isn’t just its beaches or coral reefs—it’s the way tradition and modernity live side by side.
In Dahar Hurghada, you’ll feel the pulse of real Egyptian life. In the Hurghada Marina, you’ll unwind under palm trees as yachts shimmer in the sunset. Together, these experiences give you the essence of Hurghada: a city that balances authenticity with leisure, history with innovation, and desert roots with seaside dreams.
So next time you visit, take a break from your resort’s pool. Step into Dahar’s lively streets, share tea with a shopkeeper, then end your evening at the Marina, watching the lights reflect on the water.
That’s the real Hurghada—a city of stories, flavors, and unforgettable moments.
