Old Market Sharm El Sheikh: Complete Visitor Guide

The Old Market in Sharm El Sheikh is one of the most interesting places to visit when you want a change from beaches, resorts and Red Sea excursions.

Located in the southern part of Sharm El Sheikh, the area combines busy shopping streets, souvenir stores, restaurants, cafés, traditional-style market displays and one of the city's most recognisable landmarks: Al Sahaba Mosque.

The Old Market becomes particularly atmospheric in the evening, making it easy to combine sightseeing, shopping, dinner and a relaxed walk in one visit.

If this is your first trip to Sharm El Sheikh, also read our 25 Best Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh and explore all Sharm El Sheikh tours and experiences .

What Is the Old Market in Sharm El Sheikh?

The Old Market is a popular shopping and evening area in Sharm El Sheikh, sometimes referred to simply as Sharm Old Market.

Unlike the large resort zones around the coastline, this area is focused more on shopping, dining, walking and the atmosphere of the surrounding streets.

Visitors come here to browse souvenirs, look for local-style products, eat at restaurants, enjoy cafés and see Al Sahaba Mosque.

Where Is the Old Market?

The Old Market is located in the southern part of Sharm El Sheikh, close to the wider Hadaba area.

You do not need to stay nearby to visit. Travelers staying in Naama Bay, Sharks Bay, Nabq or other parts of Sharm El Sheikh can arrange transportation for an evening visit.

If you are still deciding where to stay, compare the main resort areas in our Best Areas to Stay in Sharm El Sheikh .

Why Visit the Old Market?

The Old Market provides a different experience from a typical resort day.

• Walk through busy market streets
• Shop for souvenirs and gifts
• See Al Sahaba Mosque
• Try local and international food
• Visit cafés
• Enjoy the evening atmosphere
• Take photos of the illuminated surroundings

It can be especially useful on a day when you do not want another full-day excursion.

Al Sahaba Mosque

Al Sahaba Mosque is one of the most distinctive architectural landmarks in the Old Market area and one of the places visitors commonly associate with this part of Sharm El Sheikh.

The mosque becomes especially impressive when illuminated in the evening, with its towers and detailed architecture forming a dramatic backdrop to the surrounding market.

Remember that it is a religious site rather than simply a tourist attraction. Visitors should behave respectfully and follow any current access and clothing requirements when approaching or entering religious areas.

Shopping at Sharm El Sheikh Old Market

Shopping is one of the main reasons tourists visit the Old Market.

Depending on the individual shop, you may find products such as:

• Souvenirs
• Decorative lamps
• Egyptian-style gifts
• Spices
• Perfumes and oils
• Clothing and scarves
• Bags and accessories
• Decorative items

Product quality and pricing can differ considerably between shops, so compare what you are buying rather than choosing only by the first price you are offered.

Should You Bargain at the Old Market?

Some independent shops may operate with flexible prices, while other businesses may use clearly displayed or fixed prices.

If a price is negotiable, keep the conversation friendly and decide what the item is worth to you before buying.

You should never feel required to purchase something simply because you asked about its price.

Restaurants at the Old Market

A visit to the Old Market can easily be combined with dinner.

The wider area contains restaurants and casual dining options serving different types of food, allowing visitors to turn a shopping trip into a full evening out.

Individual restaurants, menus, prices and opening times can change, so check current details for a particular venue before planning your visit around it.

Cafés and Evening Atmosphere

The Old Market is particularly popular after sunset.

Cooler evening temperatures, illuminated streets, restaurants, shops and Al Sahaba Mosque create a very different atmosphere from the area during the daytime.

You can spend the evening walking, shopping, having dinner or simply sitting at a café and watching the activity around the market.

Old Market During the Day vs Evening

During the Day

A daytime visit may be useful if you prefer quieter shopping or if the Old Market fits between other activities in your schedule.

During hotter periods, however, walking for a long time in the middle of the day may be less comfortable.

In the Evening

Evening is a popular time because shops and restaurants combine with decorative lighting and a livelier atmosphere.

It is also when Al Sahaba Mosque becomes particularly photogenic from the surrounding public areas.

Old Market vs Naama Bay

Both areas are popular for evening visits, but they offer different experiences.

Naama Bay has a more resort-oriented atmosphere combining the beachfront area with cafés, restaurants and shops.

Old Market offers a more market-focused environment with souvenir shopping, traditional-style displays, restaurants and Al Sahaba Mosque.

If your holiday is several days long, there is little reason to choose only one. Visiting both on separate evenings gives you two different views of Sharm El Sheikh.

Old Market vs SOHO Square

SOHO Square and the Old Market also serve different purposes.

SOHO Square is a modern entertainment area associated with restaurants, shops and organised evening entertainment, while the Old Market has a busier bazaar-style atmosphere.

Travelers can include both in the same holiday depending on where they are staying and the type of evening they want.

Is the Old Market Good for Families?

Families can visit the Old Market for shopping, dinner and sightseeing.

With younger children, consider the amount of walking, the evening crowds and your return transportation before deciding how long to stay.

For more family activities around the destination, read: Sharm El Sheikh with Kids: Complete Family Guide .

Is the Old Market Worth Visiting for Couples?

Couples can easily combine a visit with dinner, photography and an evening walk.

It can also provide a useful change of atmosphere after several days focused on beaches, snorkeling or organised excursions.

How Long Do You Need at the Old Market?

The amount of time you need depends on what you want to do.

A short visit may be enough to see the area and Al Sahaba Mosque, while visitors planning to shop, eat and spend time in cafés may stay for several hours.

There is usually no need to reserve an entire holiday day exclusively for the Old Market unless you specifically want a very relaxed visit.

How to Get to the Old Market

Travelers staying elsewhere in Sharm El Sheikh can arrange transportation specifically for the journey.

Alfa Montazah Mobility currently offers a Private Transfer in Sharm El Sheikh , and Old Market is specifically listed among the available destinations.

If you plan to move around the city regularly during your stay, you can also compare car rental in Sharm El Sheikh and scooter rental options .

Read our Getting Around Sharm El Sheikh: Transport Guide for more information.

Can You Visit the Old Market After an Excursion?

Yes, an Old Market visit can work well as an evening activity after a lighter daytime schedule.

However, after a particularly long full-day trip you may prefer to leave the market for another evening.

Check your excursion's expected return time before building both activities into the same day.

Combine the Old Market with a Red Sea Day

One way to organise your holiday is to spend the daytime enjoying the Red Sea and use the evening for local sightseeing.

You can browse Sea & Water Activities and choose a programme that fits your schedule.

For example, visitors interested in Ras Mohammed can read our Ras Mohammed National Park Complete Visitor Guide .

Combine the Old Market with a Desert Experience

Another option is to split local sightseeing and desert activities across different days.

Alfa's current Super Safari in Sharm El Sheikh is one of the desert experiences available from Sharm El Sheikh.

You can browse all current options in Safari & Desert Adventures .

Best Time of Year to Visit the Old Market

The Old Market can be visited throughout the year.

During hotter months, evening visits may feel more comfortable than spending a long period walking outdoors during the hottest part of the day.

During cooler months, daytime and evening walking may both be comfortable depending on the actual weather.

Check our Sharm El Sheikh Weather Month by Month when planning your trip.

What to Wear at the Old Market

Lightweight and comfortable clothing works well for walking around Sharm El Sheikh in warm weather.

If you intend to approach or visit a religious site such as Al Sahaba Mosque, dress respectfully and follow any instructions displayed at the location.

Comfortable footwear is also useful because you may spend a considerable amount of time walking around the market.

Photography at the Old Market

The combination of market lights, architecture and Al Sahaba Mosque makes the Old Market popular for evening photography.

Be considerate when photographing people, shop staff and religious areas, and follow any restrictions that may apply at individual locations.

Practical Tips for Visiting Sharm Old Market

• Evening is a popular time for atmosphere and photography.
• Wear comfortable footwear.
• Compare products and prices before buying souvenirs.
• Confirm prices before ordering services or products where prices are not displayed.
• Dress respectfully around religious areas.
• Keep your hotel information available for the return journey.
• Arrange transportation in advance if you prefer a confirmed pickup.
• Allow enough time for shopping and dinner rather than rushing through the area.

Is the Old Market Worth Visiting?

The Old Market is worth adding to a Sharm El Sheikh itinerary if you want to experience more than your hotel and the Red Sea.

It combines shopping, food, architecture and evening atmosphere without requiring a full-day excursion.

It also works particularly well alongside other local areas such as Naama Bay and SOHO Square, because each provides a different side of Sharm El Sheikh.

Plan Your Sharm El Sheikh Holiday

The Old Market can easily form one evening of a larger Sharm El Sheikh itinerary.

During the rest of your stay, you can combine local sightseeing with the Red Sea, desert adventures and longer day trips.

Browse all Alfa Montazah Mobility tours , or continue exploring our Sharm El Sheikh travel guides .

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Old Market in Sharm El Sheikh worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you want shopping, restaurants, an evening walk and a different atmosphere from the main resort areas.

What can you buy at the Old Market?

Shops may sell souvenirs, decorative items, spices, perfumes, clothing, scarves, accessories and other tourist products. Available products vary between individual shops.

What is the mosque at Sharm El Sheikh Old Market?

Al Sahaba Mosque is the distinctive mosque located in the Old Market area and is one of the best-known architectural landmarks in this part of Sharm El Sheikh.

Is it better to visit the Old Market during the day or at night?

Both are possible, but many visitors prefer the evening because of cooler conditions, illuminated surroundings, restaurants and a livelier atmosphere.

How long should I spend at Sharm Old Market?

A quick sightseeing visit can be relatively short, while shopping, dinner and cafés can easily extend the visit to several hours.

Can I get a transfer to the Old Market?

Yes. Alfa Montazah Mobility's current Private Transfer service specifically lists the Old Market among its available destinations.

Is the Old Market suitable for families?

Families can visit for sightseeing, shopping and dining. Consider walking distances, evening crowds and transportation when visiting with young children.