Sharm El Sheikh: Old Market, Mosques & Cathedral City Tour

Summary

Sharm El Sheikh city tour with sacred sites & market strolls

You’ll wander sacred spaces from Al Sahaba Mosque to the Heavenly Cathedral with a local guide who knows every shortcut. Feel tradition under your feet, taste spice-laden air at Sharm el Sheikh’s Old Market, and catch those small human moments along the way—like laughter over language or sunlight through stained glass.

What’s the experience like?

Hands open in greeting, our guide Ahmed waved us into the minibus before I’d even finished my coffee. He had that easy confidence you sometimes see in people who know their city inside out. The drive was short — maybe fifteen minutes? — but I kept catching glimpses of domes and minarets through the window as we wound towards Mustafa Mosque. The air felt warm and a bit dusty, but not unpleasant. When we stepped out, I could smell incense drifting from somewhere nearby. Inside the mosque, there was this hush — not total silence, just soft footsteps on carpet and the low sound of someone reciting verses. I tried to take it all in but honestly, my eyes kept getting lost in those geometric patterns on the walls.

Next stop was the Heavenly Cathedral. Ahmed joked that he always gets goosebumps when he walks in here, and I get why — it’s unexpectedly grand for a church tucked away in Sharm El Sheikh. The murals are so detailed you could stand there forever picking out stories. Sunlight hit the stained glass at just the right angle while we were there; it made everything glow weirdly blue and gold for a second. There was an old woman lighting a candle near us — she smiled when she saw me staring (I probably looked like I’d never seen a church before). It’s funny how peaceful it felt compared to the busy streets outside.

We ended up at the Old Market as evening crept in — which is apparently when things really get lively here. The smell of spices hit first, then grilled meat somewhere further down. Stalls everywhere: pyramids of fruit, bright scarves, little glass bottles filled with oils that Ahmed said were “for luck” (he winked). A guy selling dates tried to teach me how to say something in Arabic; Li laughed when I butchered it completely. We wandered for ages without really buying much — just soaking up voices and colors and that slightly chaotic energy you only get in markets like this.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sharm El Sheikh city cultural tour

• Transport from hotel
• Visit Al Sahaba Mosque
• Visit Mustafa Mosque
• Visit Heavenly Cathedral
• Explore Old Market
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long does the Sharm El Sheikh city tour last?

The tour typically takes half a day, including stops at main sites and time at the Old Market.

Is hotel pickup included for this city sightseeing excursion?

Yes, transportation from and back to your hotel is included.

Which religious sites are visited on this tour?

The tour visits Mustafa Mosque, Al Sahaba Mosque, and the Heavenly Cathedral.

Is the Old Market in Sharm El Sheikh part of this tour?

Yes, you’ll have time to explore Sharm el Sheikh’s Old Market during the tour.

Are guides provided during this city tour?

A local guide accompanies you throughout your visit to each site.

Is this excursion wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

Can infants or small children join this city sightseeing excursion?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; specialized seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh by comfortable transport with a local guide leading you through Al Sahaba Mosque, Mustafa Mosque, and Heavenly Cathedral—with plenty of photo stops—before ending at the bustling Old Market for shopping or just wandering before heading back again.