Everything in Sharm El Sheikh is designed for the enjoyment of tourists and visitors. And the same goes for the shopping. So, if you want to experience it for yourself, take a stroll through a traditional souk, such as the Old Market, haggle with the seller and get some souvenirs at a great price. Be sure to also walk through the Naama Bay area or go to a shopping centre such as Soho Square.
- Shopping areas in Sharm El Sheikh
- Shopping centres
- Old Market. Traditional markets
- What can you buy as a souvenir
Shopping areas in Sharm El Sheikh
There are a number of different shopping areas in Sharm El Sheikh, from traditional markets where you can go even when the sun goes down to shopping centres where you can find shops and restaurants of all kinds.
One of the most popular is Naama Bay, a bay in the heart of Sharm El Sheikh that is perfect for shopping, having an ice cream, meeting friends or enjoying a tasty meal. At sunset, it is usually one of the liveliest areas where you can enjoy all the ambience of this tourist spot in the Red Sea without losing sight of the beach or the ocean.
The old part of Sharm el Sheikh is where you will find the Old Market. This Arabian souk is perfect for finding small cheaper handicrafts, where you can haggle with the vendors and experience a more authentic atmosphere. There are spice, clothing and souvenir stalls as well as popular cafes where you can have a drink with many of the locals.
If you want a much more western shopping centre, one of the best areas is Soho Square. Here you will find a combination of glassware shops, incredible patisseries, clothing boutiques, food shops and outdoor terraces where you can have a drink while enjoying the evening breeze in this part of Egypt. Other shopping areas include the Il Mercato centre and Genena City, which tend to be very lively and full of families.
Shopping centres
In the most touristy city on the Red Sea you can find some very lively shopping centres with everything you may need. One of the largest is Soho Square, which includes not only shops, but also many restaurants and entertainment venues such as an ice rink, which is a real luxury when in the middle of Egypt. They also organise live entertainment that brings many families together.
Another popular open-air shopping centre is Genena City, which has many shops and some restaurants with amazing views of Naama Bay. Many of these establishments host live music and different types of entertainment.
Il Mercato Shopping is another shopping centre where you can go for a coffee, dinner with friends or a nice lunch. Its terraces are also very popular with Sharm El Sheikh locals.
Although not a shopping mall as such, Naama Bay has many shops and bazaars where you can find local products and souvenirs.
Old Market. Traditional markets
The Old Market is one of the most famous souks in Sharm El Sheikh and a must-visit to soak up Egypt’s haggling culture. You can find stalls selling pottery, clothes, accessories and various souvenirs. The spice area, the so-called Spice Market, is a place where colours and smells mingle to create a magical and different atmosphere and where you will need some time to get a good understanding of the country’s gastronomic culture as well as to get used to the feasts of aromas.
Bear in mind that tradition dictates that you haggle with the buyer, so don’t be scared off by the initial price and try to be patient. It is best not to be in a hurry to buy and always have a smile on your face. Some areas of the souk are open at night, which is a great way to experience the nightlife of Sharm El Sheikh with the narrow streets full of people coming and going with their wares.
What can you buy as a souvenir
In Sharm El Sheikh you will find different souvenirs to bring back home and keep remembering your holiday. On the gastronomic side there are different spices and teas. Visiting the spice stalls is a real spectacle due to the mixture of aromas and colours and it is impossible not to give in and buy a bag of saffron or curry.
If you want some ornaments for your home, you can opt for hand-painted ceramics, an alabaster piece or a figure reminiscent of the Ancient Egypt of the pharaohs. A colourful tapestry also makes a great gift from the stalls with typical motifs from the region.
However, one almost obligatory purchase is a piece of jewellery with typical precious stones such as lapis lazuli or amber, normally made of silver. They are usually very original, as are the kaftans or scarves made of cotton and embroidered in different colours. The clothing stalls are a great reason to visit these traditional markets.
