Last updated: October 2026. Prices and conditions can change, so check current travel advice for Egypt before booking.
Where to stay in Sharm El Sheikh is the question I get asked most. After living and working here for 3 months, my honest answer is: Hadaba or Naama Bay, and skip Nabq. Below I explain why.
I lived and worked in Sharm El Sheikh from October 2024 to January 2025, based near Hadaba, close to the Sunterra Resort. My job took me all over the city, including Hadaba, Naama Bay and Nabq, so I saw each area in everyday life, not just from a hotel balcony. Most guides sort areas by hotel type. This one is about what it’s actually like to spend time in each of them.
QUICK ANSWER: WHICH AREA SHOULD YOU PICK?
- Want a lively, central base with sights, snorkelling and places to eat: Hadaba
- Want a walkable pedestrian street, restaurants and an easy first visit: Naama Bay
- Plan to spend most of your time at the hotel or on excursions: Nabq (otherwise I’d skip it)
HADABA: BEST FOR ACTIVE TRAVELLERS
I lived next to Hadaba, so I know it best. It suits active tourists who want to be close to the sights, love snorkelling and aren’t too picky about their hotel, because Hadaba’s hotels are generally not the best in the city.
Many hotels here have direct beach access, and the snorkelling is pretty good thanks to the coral reefs. Some budget hotels have no beach, but they run daily transfers to one (sometimes for an extra fee). The streets are lively, with a mix of locals and tourists, and there are plenty of places to eat.
NAAMA BAY: THE EASIEST AREA FOR A FIRST VISIT
Naama Bay has a good pedestrian street and is close to the central part of the city, so you can walk to restaurants and shops without taxis. The flip side: evenings can be busy and noisy, especially around the pedestrian street.
NABQ: GREAT FOR HOTEL DAYS, NOT FOR EVENINGS
Nabq has many luxury hotels, such as Rixos and Steigenberger Alcazar, and is relatively close to the airport. The downsides: it’s far from the centre, it’s windy, and there’s not much to do in the evening. It makes sense if you mostly plan to stay at the hotel or go on organised excursions. If you want to explore on your own, choose another area.
HADABA VS NAAMA BAY VS NABQ AT A GLANCE
| Area | Best for | Evenings | Main drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hadaba | Snorkelling, sights nearby | Lively, mix of locals and tourists | Hotels are not the city’s best; some budget hotels have no beach |
| Naama Bay | Walking, restaurants, first-timers | Busy and loud near the pedestrian street | Noise at night |
| Nabq | Luxury hotel stays, excursions | Quiet, little to do | Far from the centre, windy |
GETTING AROUND SHARM
Sharm stretches for roughly 30-35 km but is not very wide, so it’s not a comfortable city to walk in. Taxis are cheap: a 10-minute ride cost me around €2-3 (2024 prices) using the inDrive app, which was the best option I found. The fare is agreed in the app before you get in. You’ll need mobile data for this, so sort out an eSIM before you land.
WHAT DAILY LIFE COSTS
Eating out at local places is very cheap. I could grab a snack for about €0.50 and have dinner for €2-3 (2024 prices). Tourist-oriented places can charge 2-3 times more.
HOTELS
My employer covered my accommodation, so I can’t review specific hotels from my own stay, and I won’t pretend to. I did work in tourism, though, and heard a lot of guest feedback. My advice is to choose the area first, then compare hotels:
BEST TIME TO VISIT
I was there from October to January. October can be too hot, often 30°C or more during the day. November is very comfortable: less hot than October, but still feels like a European summer. December and January can be cold and windy, and evenings may call for a warm autumn jacket.
The sea is pleasant in October and November (26-27°C) and drops to about 23-24°C in December and January. For someone raised by the Baltic Sea that is still warmer than our summers, but it’s chilly when you come out of the water, so bring a towel.
FAQ
What is the best area for first-timers?
Hadaba, in my opinion: central location, places to go out, a variety of services nearby, and good snorkelling at many hotels.
Is Sharm walkable?
Not really. The city spreads over 30-35 km. The exceptions are the Old Market area, the Naama Bay pedestrian street and SOHO Square.
Is Nabq worth staying in?
Only if you want luxury hotels like Rixos or Steigenberger Alcazar and plan to spend most of your time in the hotel area.