Where to buy affordable souvenirs in Hurghada without tourist markup?
Based on 2 discussions with 3 participants · Last activity: 5 days ago
Based on 2 discussions with 3 participants · Last activity: 5 days ago
TL;DR
Skip hotel and guide-recommended souvenir shops like Nile Pharaoh — prices are inflated. Local shops like Gomla and Mango offer better deals.
For souvenirs, there are tourist shopping rows near Desert Rose and Dana Beach hotels — prices vary, but at Cleopatra Bazaar they are fixed.
One traveler found the Aten shop in Hurghada City cheapest for souvenirs and sweets; in the same building, Cleopatra sells the same souvenirs as Red Sea at about the same price — so no need to shop around much.
Specifically for masks: at Cleopatra Bazaar (near Atena) and at Sokar (towards Gomla) — around 450 EGP; at small shops near Sheraton — 700-800 EGP, and the merchandise there is dusty.
Local shops like Gomla and Mango are good spots to look for typical Egyptian souvenirs — fridge magnets, plaster figurines, and other Egypt-themed items at more reasonable prices.
Nile Pharaoh is frequently recommended by hotel staff and guides, but travelers suspect it operates on a commission basis — meaning prices are inflated. It's better to explore shops independently.
For specific items like plaster elephant figurines (~30 cm) or Egypt-themed ship magnets, it's worth checking several stalls in Gomla and Mango, as stock varies between shops.
Fixed-price souvenir shops are convenient but tend to be pricier. Bargaining at local markets and small stalls usually gets you a better deal, especially if you arrive without a tour guide.