Old Market Sharm el Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh
Weekday afternoons provide a relaxed atmosphere for bargaining.
Old Market Sharm El Sheikh, located in the historic Sharm El Maya district, offers a blend of cultural and shopping experiences in an authentic Egyptian bazaar setting. This market captures the essence of traditional Egyptian trading practices, providing visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture. The market consists of several interconnected streets and courtyards, with vibrant colors and the rich aromas of spices filling the air. The melodic calls of merchants and the genuine hospitality of local shopkeepers create an engaging atmosphere.
With over 100 shops and more than 50 traditional restaurants, Old Market offers a diverse array of handcrafted items, traditional products, and authentic Egyptian cuisine. Visitors can engage in bargaining, a practice steeped in theatrical negotiations and cultural exchange, showcasing the living museum aspect of the market. Many of the shops are family-run, maintaining traditions passed down through generations, which adds to the cultural significance of this destination.
Old Market Sharm El Sheikh is set up in a way that allows easy navigation through its maze-like layout, encouraging exploration and discovery at every turn. It attracts those looking for unique treasures and one-of-a-kind souvenirs not found in tourist shops or resort boutiques. The market is a cultural bridge for international visitors, offering a gateway into the traditional ways of Egyptian life while supporting local communities and preserving age-old crafts.
Reviews
Old Market Sharm El Sheikh – Great Place to Visit ⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Old Market in Sharm El Sheikh is definitely worth visiting, especially if you want to experience a more traditional and lively side of the city. There are plenty of shops selling souvenirs, clothes, perfumes, spices, gifts and local products. The atmosphere is lively, with lots of colourful buildings, restaurants, cafés and street shops. It is a great place to walk around in the evening when the weather is cooler. The market is also a good place to practise your bargaining skills! Prices can vary significantly between shops, so I would definitely recommend comparing prices before buying anything. There are plenty of restaurants and places to stop for food or drinks, and the area is particularly nice at night when everything is lit up. One thing to be aware of is that some shopkeepers can be quite persistent when trying to get you into their shops. A polite but firm "no, thank you" usually works. Overall, we had a good experience visiting the Old Market and enjoyed the atmosphere. It's not necessarily the place for a quiet evening, but if you want shopping, food, souvenirs and a lively Egyptian atmosphere, it's well worth a visit. Overall rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Definitely worth visiting while staying in Sharm El Sheikh.
It was a really nice and different experience. There are lots of spice shops, fruit stands with some of the best Egyptian mangoes🥭and plenty of fresh fish markets. The Sahaba Mosque is beautiful and definitely worth seeing. There are also lots of bazaars with decent prices if you’re looking for souvenirs or just want to walk around. The whole area has a lively local vibe that we really enjoyed.
We really enjoyed visiting the Old Market in Sharm El Sheikh. The variety of products is amazing and there is so much to see and buy. One important thing to know is that prices can be completely different from one seller to another. The same item may cost $5 at one shop, $15 at another, and somewhere else you may even find it on sale for $1. Bargaining is definitely necessary, and in most cases you can negotiate the price down by at least half. I would especially recommend paying attention to Egyptian-made products. The quality is actually very good and many items are truly worth buying. We also visited a local pharmacy and I would highly recommend buying necessary medications there. Prices are much lower, while the quality is still very good. From what I understand, in Egypt there are strict laws regarding medicines and their ingredients, so personally I trust Egyptian medications. The market itself is absolutely worth visiting. There is also a very beautiful mosque nearby. Visitors can usually enter after 5 PM, once the prayer time has finished. The atmosphere in the evening is especially beautiful. I definitely recommend visiting the Old Market if you are in Sharm El Sheikh.
Went to the Old Market in Sharm El Sheikh with my daughters while on holiday one evening and it was buzzing. Definitely the best time to go as it really comes alive at night. Loads of stalls selling pretty much everything – oils, clothes, shoes, jewellery, lovely souvenirs and lots of local items. Easy to spend a couple of hours just wandering around and having a look. The sellers can be a bit full-on at first, but once you say no they’re fine and don’t hassle you. Picked up some awesome oud .oils and a few other things. We enjoyed the atmosphere overall. Worth a visit if you’re in Sharm.
A visit to Old Town is a fantastic way to experience a more traditional and cultural side of Sharm, and it’s absolutely worth adding to your itinerary. The area is lively and full of character, with lots of small shops, stalls, cafés and local vendors selling souvenirs, spices, clothes and gifts. It’s a great place to wander around, soak up the atmosphere, and do a bit of relaxed shopping while seeing everyday local life. The real highlight, though, is the Al Sahaba Mosque. The mosque is absolutely stunning — especially in the evening when it’s beautifully lit. The architecture is impressive, peaceful, and incredibly photogenic, making it one of the most striking landmarks in the area. Overall, Old Town offers a great contrast to the resorts and tourist areas, combining culture, history, and atmosphere. A brilliant evening out and highly recommended.
