Description

Hurghada is a small tourist oriented hamlet located in Egypt. This pleasant village has evolved from being a mere fishing village to a high-scale tourists’ village. Hurghada houses pristine beaches that are ideal for all water oriented pursuits. The greenish-blue waters of Hurghada, which are surrounded by mountains clad with lush green trees, offer exquisite sights to the onlookers. This charming village has many shops and tourist oriented establishments that draw tourists from all over the globe, especially the Europeans.

Shopping

Hurghada can aptly be called as the shopper’s haven. The main shopping street of Hurghada has loads of colorful shops that deal with touristy articles. Extensive shoppers should go head to Dahar for a spoilt choice of goods. The shops at Dahar offer the same goods as the shops of Sigla and Khan el-Khalili market, for a very low prices compared to latter. In the shops of Hurghada travelers can look for the best crystal articles, perfumes, handicrafts, designer urns, duplicated museum wares, precious gems, fancy clothes, classy jewelry, show pieces and many other things.

Restaurants

Hurghada has scores of restaurants that satisfies even the most conservative palates. Fish House serves the best varieties of fish and other sea food delicacies. Travelers inclined to savor Arabian gastronomy can visit Al Masry. Gamila dishes-up authentic local menus, which should not be missed. A wide range of Italian, French and fast foods are served at La Trattoria. Other suggested restaurants include Al Jocker and the Giardino.

Night Life

Hurghada offers exploding nightlife to its visitors. There are numerous night clubs, bars and cafes that help party animals entertained. Black out Disco is the only venue in Hurghada that present foam parties to its guests. Jungle Disco is the most frequented discotheque, where dancers can shake their hips to rocking music. For a calm environment with old melodies playing in the background, tourists should visit ‘The Chill’ Beach café. At Palma Karoake Café tourists can sing along with the music. Other suggested venues include Palladium Discotheque, Kalaboush and Papa’s Beach Club.

Activities

Tourists at Hurghada can experience plenty of activities that help them to keep going. Swimming, diving, snorkeling, sunbathing, deep sea fishing, scuba diving, tennis and golf are some of the activities that tourists can enjoy while at Hurghada. Travelers can also take glass bottomed boat trips to enjoy the wonderful aquatic life.

Communications

The international access code to dial into Egypt is +20. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code. There are internal codes used to call places within the country. Long distance calls are very expensive when made from hotels and it is suggested to be made from post, telephone and telegraph offices that are found in most of the cities. GSM 900 network cover the entire country and roaming is available due to its agreements with international operators. Internet is accessible at Internet cafes in most towns and resorts. International directory phone enquires can be made by dialing 120.

Contacts

Egyptian Tourism Authority, Cairo: +20 (0)2 285 3576 or http://touregypt.net/tourism
Egyptian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 895 5400
Egyptian Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7499 3304
Egyptian Embassy, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6273 4437 Egyptian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 234 4931

Egyptian Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 343 1590/1
Egyptian Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 660 6566
United States Embassy, Cairo: +20 (0)2 797 3300
British Embassy, Cairo: +20 (0)2 794 0852
Canadian Embassy, Cairo: +20 (0)2 794 3110
Australian Embassy, Cairo: +20 (0)2 575 0444
South African Embassy, Cairo: +20 (0)2 359 4365
Irish Embassy, Cairo: +20 (0)2 735 8264
New Zealand Consulate-General, Cairo: +20 (0)2 574 9360
Emergencies: 122 (Police); 123 (Ambulance)

Currency

EGP

Attractions

Giftun Island National Park must be visited by all the travelers to enjoy its coral reefs and its gorgeous beaches. To know more about the history and culture of Hurghada, travelers should visit the Monasteries of St.Antony and St. Paul, which date back to centuries. Mons Porphyrites, Mons Claudianus and Luxor are some of the places that are worth a visit.

Language

Arabic

Language Description

Arabic is the official language of the country. English and French are widely spoken in most of the tourist areas.

Tipping

It is customary to tip small change for most services rendered. “Baksheesh”, as tipping is called here, is very useful to gain entry to seemingly unreachable places, or to be treated in an extra special way. Drivers and waiters expect about 10% and 5% tip respectively.