Sharm El Sheikh City Tour: Old Market, Al Sahaba Mosque & Farsha Café

Al Sahaba Mosque in the Old Market

Opened in 2017, Al Sahaba Mosque stands at the heart of Sharm's Old Market and has quickly become the city's signature building. Its design mixes Ottoman-style domes with Fatimid and Mamluk details: tall twin minarets, carved stone arches and a clock tower that lights up beautifully after sunset.

Our guide explains the mosque's architecture and its role in local life, and gives you time for photos of the domes and courtyard. Visitors are welcome outside prayer times; shoulders and knees should be covered, and cover-up clothing is provided at the entrance if needed. For many travellers, visiting Al Sahaba Mosque is the moment they discover that Sharm is more than resorts.

The Heavenly Cathedral (Church of Heaven)

A short drive away in the Hay El Nour district, the Coptic Orthodox Heavenly Cathedral opened in 2010 and is known for its richly painted interior. The ceiling is covered with scenes of angels and heaven, while the walls show biblical stories in bright colours.

The visit is short and calm, with time for photos and a brief explanation of Egypt's Coptic heritage. Together with the mosque nearby, it shows the peaceful coexistence that local residents are proud of. The same modest dress code applies: covered shoulders and knees. It is also one of the quietest stops of the tour, a pleasant contrast to the busy market.

Old Market Sharm El Sheikh (El Souk)

The Old Market is the historic centre of Sharm El Sheikh, a maze of lanes lined with shops selling spices, perfume oils, papyrus, cotton textiles, lamps and handmade souvenirs. It is the best place to feel local atmosphere, hear shopkeepers call out greetings and practise your haggling skills.

You have free time to explore at your own pace; our guide can point out reputable shops and suggest fair ways to negotiate. The market is liveliest in the late afternoon and evening. If you want to know what to buy in Sharm El Sheikh, look for spices, Bedouin embroidery and small alabaster pieces.

Farsha Mountain Café in Hadaba

Farsha Café is built into the cliffs of Hadaba overlooking the Red Sea, with terraces decorated with lanterns, carpets and Bedouin cushions. It is one of the most photographed spots in Sharm El Sheikh, especially at sunset.

We head straight to the upper terrace to avoid the long queues downstairs, and spend about an hour enjoying the view. Drinks and snacks can be bought on site and are not part of the tour. Note that the café restricts its lower level: children under 16 and solo guests cannot enter that area, but the upper terrace is open to everyone.