If you are looking for a place to shop, eat, and explore in Sharm el Sheikh, look no further than the Old Market. This vibrant souq-style marketplace is one of the top historic markets in the city, and offers a wide array of products, attractions, and experiences. Whether you want to buy some quality clothes, shoes, bags, handicrafts, antiques, gifts, souvenirs, accessories, jewelry, perfumes, cosmetics, phones, spices, or fish, you will find it all at the Old Market.
You will also get to see the stunning El Sahaba Mosque, the stone mountain with a cafe and a waterfall, and the various bars and restaurants that serve delicious seafood and local cuisines. You can even take a camel ride to tour the market and enjoy the sights. In this article, we will guide you through the best things to do and buy at the Old Market Sharm El Sheikh, and give you some tips on how to make the most of your visit.
Shopping at the Old Market
The Old Market is a shopper's paradise, with hundreds of shops and stalls selling everything you can imagine. You can find quality products and items at reasonable prices, and bargain with the friendly vendors to get the best deals. Here are some of the things you can buy at the Old Market:
Clothes, shoes, and bags:
You can find a variety of clothes, shoes, and bags at the Old Market, from traditional Egyptian garments and accessories, such as galabeyas, scarves, and shawls, to modern and fashionable items, such as jeans, t-shirts, dresses, and sunglasses. You can also buy some leather goods, such as belts, wallets, and jackets, and some sports and beach wear, such as swimsuits, shorts, and hats.
Handicrafts and antiques:
If you are looking for some unique and authentic handicrafts and antiques, you will love the Old Market. You can buy some beautiful and intricate items, such as lampshades, lanterns, carpets, rugs, pottery, ceramics, woodwork, metalwork, and paintings, that reflect the rich and diverse culture and history of Egypt. You can also find some rare and valuable antiques, such as coins, statues, jewelry, and books, that date back to ancient times.
Gifts and souvenirs:
The Old Market is a great place to buy some gifts and souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones. You can find some charming and memorable items, such as magnets, keychains, postcards, mugs, and t-shirts, that feature the landmarks and symbols of Sharm el Sheikh and Egypt. You can also buy some personalized and customized items, such as nameplates, bracelets, and necklaces, that are engraved with your name or initials in Arabic or English.
Accessories and jewelry:
You can accessorize your outfit with some stunning and stylish accessories and jewelry at the Old Market. You can find some elegant and fashionable items, such as earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets, and watches, that are made of gold, silver, or other metals and stones. You can also find some exotic and colorful items, such as beads, shells, feathers, and coral, that are inspired by the nature and wildlife of Sharm el Sheikh and Egypt.
Perfumes and cosmetics:
You can pamper yourself with some fragrant and luxurious perfumes and cosmetics at the Old Market. You can find some traditional and authentic items, such as Arabic perfumes, oils, and incense, that are made of natural and organic ingredients and have a long-lasting and pleasant aroma. You can also find some modern and popular items, such as branded perfumes, colognes, and deodorants, that are imported from around the world and have a variety of scents and flavors.
Phones and electronics:
You can stay connected and entertained with some cutting-edge and affordable phones and electronics at the Old Market. You can find some latest and advanced items, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and cameras, that are equipped with the best features and specifications and have a high-quality and performance. You can also find some cheap and reliable items, such as chargers, headphones, speakers, and power banks, that are compatible with your devices and have a long-lasting and durability.
Spices and food:
You can spice up your life with some delicious and nutritious spices and food at the Old Market. You can find some fresh and organic items, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and herbs, that are grown and harvested locally and have a rich and natural taste and texture. You can also find some exotic and tasty items, such as dates, figs, olives, cheese, honey, and halva, that are imported from other regions and have a unique and distinctive flavor and aroma.
Here are some tips on how to shop at the Old Market:
Bargain: One of the fun and exciting aspects of shopping at the Old Market is bargaining with the vendors. You can negotiate the price of the products and items you want to buy, and try to get the best value for your money. However, you should also be respectful and polite, and not offer too low or too high prices. You should also be prepared to walk away if you are not satisfied with the deal, and look for other options.
Dress: Another important thing to consider when shopping at the Old Market is how to dress. You should dress modestly and comfortably, and avoid wearing anything too revealing or flashy. You should also wear some sun protection, such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats, and some comfortable shoes, such as sandals or sneakers, as you will be walking a lot and exposed to the sun and heat.
Avoid: Lastly, you should also be aware of some things to avoid when shopping at the Old Market. You should avoid buying any illegal or counterfeit items, such as drugs, weapons, or fake brands, as they are not only unethical but also dangerous and punishable by law. You should also avoid buying any animal or plant products, such as ivory, coral, or cacti, as they are not only harmful to the environment but also prohibited by customs. You should also avoid buying any items that you are allergic or sensitive to, such as perfumes, oils, or spices, as they may cause some adverse reactions or complications.
Sightseeing at the Old Market
The Old Market is not only a shopping destination, but also a sightseeing attraction. You can see some amazing and historic sights at the Old Market, and learn more about the culture and history of Sharm el Sheikh and Egypt. Here are some of the things you can see at the Old Market:
El Sahaba Mosque:
The main attraction of the Old Market is the El Sahaba Mosque, which is a stunning and majestic mosque that resembles an ancient palace. The mosque was built in 2005, and has a beautiful and intricate architecture and design. The mosque has a large and impressive dome, four elegant minarets, and a spacious and serene courtyard. The mosque also has a rich and colorful interior, with ornate carpets, chandeliers, and paintings. The mosque is open to the public, and welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. You can enter the mosque and admire its beauty and splendor, and also join the prayers and ceremonies if you wish. However, you should also respect the rules and customs of the mosque, and dress appropriately, remove your shoes, and cover your head and shoulders before entering.
Stone mountain with a cafe and a waterfall:
Another attraction of the Old Market is the stone mountain with a cafe and a waterfall, which is a natural and artificial wonder that offers a relaxing and refreshing experience. The stone mountain is a large and rocky hill that overlooks the market and the mosque, and has a cozy and charming cafe at its top. The cafe serves some delicious and refreshing drinks and snacks, such as coffee, tea, juice, and cake, and has a friendly and hospitable staff. The cafe also has a spectacular and panoramic view of the market and the city, and has a romantic and tranquil atmosphere. The stone mountain also has a artificial waterfall that cascades down its side, and creates a soothing and cooling effect. You can climb the stone mountain and enjoy the cafe and the waterfall, and also take some stunning and memorable photos.
Camel ride:
A fun and adventurous way to see the Old Market is to take a camel ride. You can find some camels and their owners at the entrance of the market, and hire them for a tour of the market and its surroundings. You can ride the camels and explore the market and its shops and stalls, and also see the mosque and the stone mountain. You can also ride the camels and visit some nearby attractions, such as the beach, the desert, and the mountains. You can enjoy the camel ride and experience the culture and lifestyle of Sharm el Sheikh and Egypt, and also bond with the camels and their owners. However, you should also be careful and safe, and follow the instructions and guidance of the owners, and wear some protective gear, such as helmets, gloves, and scarves, and some comfortable clothes, such as pants, shirts, and jackets.
Dining at the Old Market
The Old Market is also a dining hotspot, with several bars and restaurants that serve delicious and diverse food and drinks. You can find some of the best seafood and local cuisines at the Old Market, and taste the flavors and aromas of Sharm el Sheikh and Egypt. Here are some of the things you can eat and drink at the Old Market:
Seafood:
One of the specialties of the Old Market is seafood, which is fresh, delicious, and abundant. You can find some of the best seafood restaurants at the Old Market, and enjoy some mouthwatering dishes, such as grilled fish, shrimp, calamari, lobster, crab, and oysters. You can also find some exotic and adventurous dishes, such as shark, octopus, and sea urchin. You can choose your own seafood from the display, and have it cooked to your liking, and served with some rice, bread, salad, and sauces. You can also enjoy some refreshing and cold drinks, such as water, juice, soda, or beer, and some sweet and tasty desserts, such as ice cream, cake, or fruit.
Local cuisines:
Another specialty of the Old Market is local cuisines, which are flavorful, diverse, and satisfying. You can find some of the best local restaurants at the Old Market, and taste some of the traditional and authentic dishes of Sharm el Sheikh and Egypt, such as kebab, kofta, falafel, hummus, tabbouleh, baba ghanoush, foul, koshari, and molokhia. You can also find some of the regional and international dishes, such as pizza, pasta, burger, steak, sushi, and curry. You can enjoy your food with some hot and aromatic drinks, such as tea, coffee, or shisha, and some spicy and tangy condiments, such as tahini, harissa, or garlic.
Camel meat:
A unique and rare delicacy that you can try at the Old Market is camel meat, which is lean, tender, and nutritious. You can find some of the few and exclusive restaurants that serve camel meat at the Old Market, and sample some of the exotic and delicious dishes, such as camel burger, camel steak, camel soup, or camel stew. You can savor your camel meat with some bread, cheese, and pickles, and some herbal and medicinal drinks, such as camel milk, camel urine, or camel tea. You can also learn more about the benefits and properties of camel meat, and how it is prepared and cooked.
Here are some tips on how to dine at the Old Market:
Reserve: One of the important things to do when dining at the Old Market is to reserve your table in advance. The Old Market is a popular and busy place, and the restaurants are often crowded and full. You can reserve your table by calling the restaurant, or by booking online, or by asking your hotel or tour guide to help you. You can also check the reviews and ratings of the restaurants, and choose the ones that suit your taste and budget.
Tip: Another important thing to do when dining at the Old Market is to tip your waiter or waitress. Tipping is a common and expected practice in Sharm el Sheikh and Egypt, and it shows your appreciation and gratitude for the service and food. You can tip around 10% to 15% of your bill, or more if you are very satisfied and happy. You can also tip in cash or by card, and in Egyptian pounds or in foreign currency.
Enjoy: Lastly, the most important thing to do when dining at the Old Market is to enjoy your food and drink, and have a wonderful and memorable time. You can enjoy your food and drink with your family, friends, or partner, and have some fun and lively conversations. You can also enjoy the ambiance and atmosphere of the Old Market, and listen to some music, watch some shows, or join some games. You can also enjoy the culture and hospitality of Sharm el Sheikh and Egypt, and interact with the locals and other tourists.
The Old Market Sharm El Sheikh is a shopping paradise with a historic charm, and a place that you should not miss when visiting Sharm el Sheikh. You can shop, see, and eat at the Old Market, and experience the best of Sharm el Sheikh and Egypt. You can also learn more about the culture and history of Sharm el Sheikh and Egypt, and have some fun and adventure.
The Old Market is one of the best things to do in Sharm el Sheikh, and a place that will make your trip unforgettable. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Sharm el Sheikh today, and visit the Old Market as soon as possible. You will not regret it.