City & culture · About 3 hours
Old Market & Al Sahaba Mosque Tour
Shop for spices, lanterns and souvenirs in Sharm's Old Market and admire the architecture of the Al Sahaba Mosque.
- Duration
- About 3 hours
- Category
- City & culture
- Area
- Sharm El Sheikh
The Old Market (Old Sharm) is where Sharm El Sheikh shows its traditional side. Narrow lanes lined with spice shops, lantern makers, perfume stalls and cafés create a lively, colourful atmosphere — especially in the evening, when the lights come on and the smell of fresh bread and grilled food fills the air.
Al Sahaba Mosque
Right beside the market stands the Al Sahaba Mosque, one of the most photographed buildings in Sharm. Its tall minarets, domes and intricate Ottoman- and Mamluk-inspired details are spectacular by day and beautifully illuminated at night. Visitors can admire the mosque from the square outside; if you wish to enter, modest clothing is required and visits are outside prayer times.
Shopping tips
- Prices in the market are open to friendly bargaining — it is part of the experience
- Look for spices, herbal teas, cotton scarves, lanterns and hand-made souvenirs
- Ask your guide for recommendations on trusted shops
Good to know
The tour usually takes about three hours, with hotel pick-up in the late afternoon or evening. It combines well with dinner at one of the area’s restaurants or a visit to the hilltop cafés overlooking the sea. It is a relaxed outing suitable for every age.
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Walk through the Old Market lanes
- Photo stop at Al Sahaba Mosque
- Free time for shopping and dinner
Good to know
Questions about this trip
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WhatsAppCan tourists enter the Al Sahaba Mosque?
Visitors usually admire the mosque from the square, which offers the best views of its architecture. Entry may be possible outside prayer times with modest clothing covering shoulders and knees; women are asked to cover their hair. Rules can vary, so your guide will advise on the day.
Is it better to visit the Old Market by day or at night?
Evening is the most atmospheric time: temperatures are pleasant, the lanterns and the mosque are lit up and the cafés are busy. Daytime visits are quieter and good for photos of the mosque in sunlight. Most of our guests choose a late-afternoon start to see both.
Do I need to bargain in the Old Market?
Friendly bargaining is common and part of the fun, especially for souvenirs, scarves and lanterns. Start lower than the first price and settle with a smile. Some shops have fixed prices, which is fine too. Your guide can point you to trusted shops for spices and gifts.
What should I wear for the Old Market tour?
Light, comfortable clothes and walking shoes are ideal. As you will be near a mosque, clothing that covers shoulders and knees is respectful and required if you go inside. In winter, bring a light jacket for the evening. Keep some small change for shopping and tea.
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