What to see and do in Hurghada independently (self-guided)?

Near the Stella hotel you need to walk about 1 km before reaching a cluster of small shops. At Pyramisa there's nothing right behind the hotel, but a long seafront promenade leads to a fountain square, with a few shops along the way. For a gentle beach entry, choose Pyramisa (it also has a good 'sunken city' reef). For lots of greenery, a large territory and a water park, choose Stella, but sea access there is only via a pier.

Near the Belvedere hotel there is a seafront promenade with a boulevard of small shops, and within walking distance behind the hotel you'll find Mango Market, pharmacies and other small shops.

Tip: Makadi Bay is worth visiting for its great beaches and reefs, but it's far from central Hurghada, so combining it with a shopping trip or a city walk would be an exhausting drive.

Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh are simply different resorts. Hurghada has many reefs and sandy beaches with easy water entry, which is great for families with kids. Shops near hotels can be pricey — head into town or find local stores for better prices.

Albatros Beach is a good beach option. In Sahl Hasheesh, the Pyramisa, V Luxury, and Old Palace hotels are worth visiting — beautiful settings, great for evening walks. In Makadi Bay, check out Xanadu and Xanadu Club resorts, and Fort Arabesque with beach access.

A good self-guided route: head to the Old Sheraton area and stop at Granada restaurant for views of the sea and lagoon. Then walk to Sherry pedestrian street for souvenirs, sweets (kunafa), the fixed-price pharmacy Elezaby, and a Russian pharmacy. Continue through Gomla supermarket to the Marina promenade — yachts, restaurants, and great views. Nearby is Hurghada's largest mosque, El Mina, with a fish market next to it and the El Halaka fish restaurant opposite.

The tourist mamsha (promenade) is another great walking route past hotels and souvenir shops with scenic views. The Grand and Resort hotel area and the Steigenberger district are particularly pleasant.