Authentic Egypt at Hurghada's El Dahar market

Located in the heart of Hurghada, El Dahar market is a lively and vibrant place. It offers a wide variety of local products and specialities. As well as all the delicious food, you'll find textiles, jewellery, leather goods, stationery, handicrafts and local souvenirs.

Get used to it, bargaining is common, but prices are very competitive.

The Place El Dahar, where the market is held, is a popular place to relax and enjoy the local atmosphere. The souk, adjoining the square, is a traditional shopping area for visitors and locals alike.

The El Dahar market allows visitors to discover local customs and traditions, sample typical food and meet the friendly people of Hurghada.

The charm and authenticity of these 'off the beaten track' attractions are enhanced by the narrow streets and colourful stalls. Strolling between the market, the souk and El Dahar Square is a unique experience to discover the daily life of Hurghada, shopping for souvenirs and local products.

Embark on an authentic cultural adventure in Egypt.

An example of the spices available in Hurghada, Egypt.

- © monticello / Shutterstock

The El Dahar market, friendly traders and local produce

El Dahar market is one of the oldest and best-known markets in Hurghada, Egypt.

It is located in the city centre, also known as "Downtown". Some say it's the most Egyptian part of Hurghada, but it's a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, who come to shop, stock up on fruit and vegetables and buy souvenirs.

The market offers a wide variety of products. Local handicrafts are often made in the surrounding villages. Textiles, jewellery, leather, basketry and other local souvenirs.

There are also numerous shops selling groceries, fruit and vegetables, as well as street food stalls offering a selection of local dishes... to die for!

Hurghada market

- © Oleg Golovnev / Shutterstock

El Dahar market is famous for its hard bargaining and low prices.

Visitors can expect good deals on local produce, but it's also important to know how to negotiate properly to get the best price.

Negotiating in Egypt

Don't be surprised: when you ask a retailer for a price, they will often give you an "entry price". From there, you can negotiate a price that seems right to you, and sometimes the purchase price can be half or even a third of the price originally quoted.

In general, El Dahar market is a lively, vibrant and colourful place, ideal for those looking for a typical Hurghada experience.

A church in Hurghada's El Dahar district.

- © art of line / Shutterstock

History of the El Dahar market

Hurghada Market

- © YoncaEvren / Shutterstock

The market in Hurghada's Jamaâ El Dahar square is as old as the city itself.

Like all the world's old markets, El Dahar has always been a place of exchange and sharing, where cultures meet and clash.

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Where is the Hurghada market?

Hurghada Market

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El dahar market is located in Hurghada's old town, a historic and authentic district, and you can get there simply by strolling around the town and soaking up the local atmosphere.

If you live further south, we recommend taking a taxi to Jamaâ El Dahar square.

What to do in Hurghada's central market?

The vegetable market: an authentic experience

Hurghada's El Dahar market offers an incredible selection of fresh, local, quality fruit and vegetables.

It's one of the best places in town to admire the diversity of Egyptian produce, sample local specialities or simply take in the market's friendly shopping atmosphere.

You can buy whatever you like at El Dahar market.

Markets in Egypt can be folkloric.

- © BooFamily / Shutterstock

Products are often sold by local producers and prices are very competitive.

Don't forget to bargain!

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3 Egyptian specialities not to be missed

There are several culinary specialities to discover at El Dahar market in Hurghada.

Here are three dishes not to be missed:

  • Koshari: this dish is considered to be Egypt's national dish. It consists of pasta, rice, chickpeas, tomato sauce and fried onions. It is often served as a complete meal and is very popular with the locals.

  • Ful Medames: this dish is a bean soup mixed with spices, garlic and olive oil. It is a traditional Egyptian breakfast and is often served with pita bread.

  • Taameya: these are Egyptian chickpea fritters that are often eaten as a snack or side dish. They can be stuffed with a variety of fillings, such as meat or cheese, and are often served with tahini or a lightly spiced tomato sauce.

These culinary specialities can be found in the restaurants and cafeterias of the El Dahar market. Foodies, it's intoxicating to taste these typical Egyptian dishes and discover the different flavours and ingredients that go into them.

Olives from the El Dahar market in Hurghada, Egypt.

- © Israa Elhusseiny / Shutterstock

The Souk for the best bargains

The El Dahar souk is a popular market next to the fruit and vegetable market, where you can pick up souvenirs and products to take home. If you're a fan of leather or basketry, you're in for a treat!

A souk in Egypt.

- © RPBaiao / Shutterstock

Who is this activity for?

Compared with all the tourist activities available in Hurghada, the El Dahar market will certainly appeal more to travellers looking for authenticity and a connection with the local population.

From Jamaâ El Dahar square, you can walk to the El Mina mosque. It's a one-hour stroll through the Egyptian city.

Am I safe at Hurghada market?

Absolutely!

Just be careful with your belongings because of the large number of tourists and crowds, as in many markets around the world.

by Faustine PEREZ
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