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Being in Sharm el-Sheikh for nearly a week and leaving in just a day, we decided to get out of Na’ama Bay to see the old part of the city. We did this by taking a tour with a guide named Hamdy who drove us to a few points in the city.

 

El Fanar

Our first stop was at El Fanar, where we visited a stunning memorial to the 2004 Flash Airlines plane crash that killed all 148 people on board, mostly French tourists. It overlooks the area of the Red Sea where the plan went down shortly after takeoff. The names of the victims are listed on the memorial.

El Fanar memorial in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
El Fanar memorial

 

Souk

Next, and perhaps the best cultural activity to do in Sharm el-Sheikh, was the souk (old market). It’s located in the oldest part of the city. You can find all kinds of authentic Egyptian goods, including clothing, fragrances, and spices.

Souk in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
Souk
Souk in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
Souk

What we enjoyed most about the souk is that it appealed to all five senses. The brilliant colors, pungent smells, new flavors, odd textures, and the cacophony produced by the shops kept us on our toes at all times.

Souk in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
Textile shop in the Souk
Souk in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
Teas in the Souk
Souk in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
Spices in the Souk

Many of the shop owners have a good sense of humor and are happy to give you samples and demonstrations, but beware the sales pressure! They can get nasty if you don’t buy and some will try to rip you off if you aren’t paying attention.

Souk in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
Souk
Souk in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
Souk

Don’t forget to bargain and be persistent. Tyra was able to get this belly dancer costume for nearly 60% off the asking price! She also got a free makeup demonstration.

Tyra with her purchase at the souk in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
Tyra with her purchase
Tyra getting a makeup demonstration at the souk in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
Tyra getting a makeup demonstration
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Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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