Quick answer: the Old Market (El Souk) is Sharm El Sheikh’s traditional bazaar in the Old Town, right below the Al Sahaba Mosque. You can buy spices, tea, papyrus, lamps, shisha pipes, alabaster and silver jewellery there, and bargaining is normal. It is busiest and most pleasant in the evening. A taxi from Naama Bay is a short ride, or you can see it on our Sharm El Sheikh city tour (£25 per adult, with hotel pickup).
Where is the Old Market?
The Old Market is in Sharm El Sheikh’s Old Town (Sharm El Maya area), south of Naama Bay and close to the marina. The big Al Sahaba Mosque stands at its top, so it is easy to find. Most hotels can call you a taxi, and drivers know it as the Old Market or El Souk.
What to see
- Al Sahaba Mosque: opened in 2017, built in a mix of Ottoman, Mamluk and Fatimid styles, with two tall minarets. Visitors can usually go in outside prayer times. Dress modestly: covered shoulders and knees, and a scarf for women. Shoes come off inside.
- The market lanes: small shops with spices, tea, carpets, lamps and souvenirs, and cafes where you can sit with a tea or shisha.
- The Heavenly Cathedral: a large Coptic Orthodox cathedral with a painted interior, a short drive away. It is included on our city tour.
What to buy
- Spices and herbal teas, such as hibiscus (karkadeh)
- Papyrus paintings
- Lamps and lanterns
- Shisha pipes
- Alabaster and stone figures
- Silver jewellery and cartouche pendants with your name
- Cotton clothes and scarves
How to bargain
Prices are usually not fixed, and the first price is often high. A friendly rule: offer around half, then meet in the middle. Agree the price before anything is wrapped or engraved. If you don’t want to buy, a polite “no, thank you” and walking on is fine. Have small notes in Egyptian pounds; some shops also take euros or pounds sterling.
Old Market, Naama Bay or Soho Square?
- Old Market: the most local feel, a mosque and a real bazaar. Best for souvenirs and photos.
- Naama Bay: the beach promenade with restaurants, bars and shops, busy late at night. See our Naama Bay and Soho Square nightlife guide.
- Soho Square: modern and quiet, with the musical fountain, restaurants and an ice rink. See the Soho Square fountain show times.
Want to see all three in one go? The city tour visits the Old Market, Naama Bay and Soho Square, plus the Al Mustafa Mosque and the Heavenly Cathedral, in about 4 hours. It costs £25 per adult and £15 per child, with hotel pickup. For the evening, the Naama Bay and Soho Square night tour is £30.
When is the Old Market in Sharm El Sheikh open?
Most shops open from late morning until late at night. The evening, after sunset, is the busiest and coolest time to visit.
Can tourists visit the Al Sahaba Mosque?
Yes, usually outside prayer times. Dress modestly and take your shoes off inside.
Is the Old Market safe?
Yes, it is a busy area full of visitors and local families. Sellers can be persistent, so a polite no is enough. See our guide: is Sharm El Sheikh safe.
How do I get to the Old Market from my hotel?
By taxi, agreeing the price first, or on our city tour with hotel pickup for £25 per adult.
More ideas: 35+ things to do in Sharm El Sheikh, with prices.
See all trips from Sharm →Compare prices side by side, then book with a small deposit.
