SOHO Square is a big open-air shopping and entertainment spot near the airport, with a dancing fountain show every hour, loads of restaurants, cafés, and bars, plus extras like bowling, an ice rink, a kids’ arcade, and a small souk-style market.

Just north of Sharm (roughly 35 kilometres), this protected area mixes desert, mangroves, and coral reef into one quiet stretch of coastline. You’ll spot mangrove trees growing straight out of the sea, and if you’re lucky, herons, foxes, or even a gazelle in the dunes. The offshore reef is solid for snorkelling, and the seagrass beds sometimes attract turtles.

This zoo was made world famous by The Crocodile Hunter himself — Steve Irwin. Although best known for its crocodiles and crocodile feedings, the zoo also features wildlife from all around Australia and the world over, including koalas, tigers, and even the possibility of hand-feeding a kangaroo.

Sharm’s bays are the heart of its snorkelling and diving scene, plus great spots for chilling on sandy beaches. Naama Bay is the busiest one: a long beach, with plenty of restaurants and shops, and activities like bungee catapult and horse riding. It’s lively and touristy, perfect if you want options and atmosphere. For something quieter, head to Nabq Bay, a bit further out and more low-key, or take a 20-minute taxi to Shark’s Bay, known for its clear turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life. If snorkelling is your thing, Ras Um Sid is about five minutes from town, also famous for its coral reefs, plus a dramatic cliffside. For diving, Sharm el-Maya near the Old Town is where most diving schools operate.