El Dahar Souq
Experience the authentic heart of Hurghada at El Dahar Souq, a bustling marketplace filled with local life, vibrant colors, and incredible bargains.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, shops open late
El Dahar Souq
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, shops open late

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the authentic heart of Hurghada at El Dahar Souq, a bustling marketplace filled with local life, vibrant colors, and incredible bargains.
"If You want to experience the real life in Hurghada, You have to visit the Old Town of El Dahar."
🎯 Haggle for the Best Price
Vendors expect bargaining. Start low and be polite but firm. It's part of the fun!
🍎 Explore the Fruit Market
For the real local vibe and amazing prices, don't miss the open fruit market.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Fruit Market
Central El Dahar
Experience the heart of local life with incredibly low prices on fresh produce. A true taste of Egypt!

Traditional Crafts & Souvenirs
Souq stalls
Discover leather goods, copper items, papyrus, spices, and shisha pipes. Perfect for unique gifts!

Local Eateries
El Dahar Old Town
Savor authentic Egyptian cuisine at local restaurants, offering a genuine taste of the region.

Perfume Creation
Specialty shops
Create your own unique scent with local perfumers and take home a personalized fragrance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Vibe
Bargaining is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Haggle for the Best Price
Vendors expect bargaining. Start low and be polite but firm. It's part of the fun!
🍎 Explore the Fruit Market
For the real local vibe and amazing prices, don't miss the open fruit market.
🚶♀️ Wander and Discover
El Dahar is best explored on foot. Get lost in the alleys and find hidden gems.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Plenty of juice bars offer refreshing drinks to keep you cool.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Haggle for the Best Price
Vendors expect bargaining. Start low and be polite but firm. It's part of the fun!
🍎 Explore the Fruit Market
For the real local vibe and amazing prices, don't miss the open fruit market.
🚶♀️ Wander and Discover
El Dahar is best explored on foot. Get lost in the alleys and find hidden gems.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Plenty of juice bars offer refreshing drinks to keep you cool.
💰 Cash is King
While some shops might accept cards, cash is preferred, especially for smaller purchases.
👃 Sample the Spices
The aroma of spices is incredible. Great place to buy authentic Egyptian spices.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
El Dahar Souq offers a vibrant, authentic glimpse into Hurghada's local life with a bustling market and affordable goods. Visitors appreciate the genuine atmosphere, fresh produce, and unique crafts. However, some find the persistent sales tactics and inflated prices for tourists off-putting.
"If You want to experience the real life in Hurghada, You have to visit the Old Town of El Dahar, north of Hurghada’s luxury resorts, where you’ll find the city’s most authentic restaurants and shops. A highlight of the area is a traditional Egyptian souk that’s crammed with shops selling leather, copper, papyrus, spices, and shisha pipes. But, THE real local life is open fruit market, where local people shop, and prices are very low. There You can feel vibe of local life."
natacha art
"A small but very friendly place to visit with helpful nice local staff and loads of shops for all bits and bobs."
Andrew Davies
"Fantastic market area, multiple shops and market stalls. People are friendly and helpful. You'll be amazed what you can find on sale here. El Dahar is walking distance from the bus station. You can can spend all day here just looking around lots of juice bars to quench your thirst."
Fred Gogle
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a local taxi or a microbus to reach El Dahar, the old town of Hurghada. Many visitors find it's a short and affordable ride from the main tourist areas.
Yes, El Dahar is within walking distance from the bus station, making it accessible for independent travelers.
Walking is the best way to explore El Dahar Souq. The streets are lively and best experienced on foot.
While generally safe, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings. Some visitors report being approached by guides offering 'safety' services.
Ride-sharing apps are available in Hurghada and can be a convenient option for reaching El Dahar Souq. Check local availability.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to visit El Dahar Souq. It's a public market and an integral part of the local community.
The souq is generally open throughout the day, but it becomes most vibrant in the late afternoon and evening. Many shops stay open late.
No advance booking is required for general entry to the souq. If you plan on a specific activity like perfume making, inquire with the shop.
While open all day, it can get very busy during peak tourist hours. Visiting in the early morning or late evening might offer a more relaxed experience.
Yes, you can get a feel for the souq in an hour or two, but to truly explore and bargain, you could easily spend half a day.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Bargaining
You can find a wide variety of goods including leather products, copperware, papyrus, spices, shisha pipes, clothing, souvenirs, and fresh produce.
Absolutely! Bargaining is expected and a key part of the shopping experience. Start with a significantly lower offer than the asking price.
Some vendors may initially quote higher prices for tourists. It's crucial to compare prices and bargain assertively.
Quality can vary. While you can find good quality items, especially in dedicated craft shops, it's wise to inspect items carefully.
The open fruit market generally offers the lowest prices. For crafts and souvenirs, explore multiple stalls before making a purchase.
🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining
Look for local restaurants in the old town area. They offer traditional dishes at very reasonable prices, providing a true taste of Egypt.
Yes, there are numerous juice bars offering fresh, local juices. They are perfect for a refreshing break while exploring the market.
Try local stews, grilled meats, and fresh bread. Don't miss the opportunity to sample a variety of fresh fruits from the market.
Food in El Dahar is generally very affordable, especially when compared to tourist-oriented restaurants in resorts.
Yes, many Egyptian dishes are naturally vegetarian or can be adapted. Look for vegetable-based stews and mezze platters.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, yes, but it's always polite to ask permission before taking close-up photos of people, especially vendors.
Capture the vibrant colors of the fruit market, the intricate details of crafts, and the bustling street life. The evening atmosphere is also very photogenic.
Be mindful of private shops and individuals. Avoid photographing sensitive areas or people who seem uncomfortable with it.
Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds. Evenings provide a lively, atmospheric setting with glowing lights.
Yes, many creators share videos of El Dahar Souq. Just be respectful of the local environment and people.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🚶♀️ Solo Explorers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Authentic Experience of El Dahar
Visitors often describe El Dahar as having an 'authentic, local vibe' that is distinct from the newer parts of Hurghada. The open fruit market is a particular highlight, teeming with fresh produce at incredibly low prices, a testament to the area's local focus. While some reviews mention persistent vendors, many also highlight the friendliness of the locals and the unique finds available. It's a place to immerse yourself, observe, and engage with the local community.
Navigating the Souq: Shopping and Bargaining
Bargaining is not just recommended; it's essential. Vendors expect it, and it's part of the cultural exchange. As one traveler noted, 'Prices out up extremely high for tourists.' A good strategy is to offer about half of the initial asking price and negotiate from there, remaining polite but firm. Don't be afraid to walk away if you can't reach an agreement; there are many other stalls to explore. Remember to have cash on hand, as many smaller vendors may not accept cards.
Beyond Shopping: Flavors and Fragrances
For a truly unique experience, some shops offer the chance to create your own perfumes. You can work with local artisans to blend scents and bottle your personalized fragrance, making for a memorable souvenir. When it comes to dining, venturing into the local eateries in El Dahar promises authentic Egyptian cuisine at incredibly affordable prices, offering a genuine taste of the region away from the tourist traps.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit