El Dahar, Hurghada: The Old Town Area Guide
El Dahar is the original town of Hurghada. Visitors who spend their whole holiday in the resorts often never see it, which is exactly why some people prefer it: it feels like a real Egyptian town rather than a holiday strip.
What El Dahar is like
It is described as an old city full of typical Egyptian life, with local markets, shops and the fish market. In the evenings you will see more Egyptian residents than tourists. If you want to shop and eat the way local families do, this is where you go.
Who it suits
El Dahar suits people who value local culture and everyday convenience over resort facilities. It is less suited to someone who wants a compound with a pool, gym and beach access on the doorstep.
What to check before choosing it
Visit in the morning, at midday and in the evening, because the character of the area changes through the day. Ask how far you are from the beach you would actually use, where you would park, and how noisy the street is at night. Ask what is included in any building you look at, such as lifts, security and maintenance.
If you want a newer building
Many buyers who like the central position but want modern facilities look at nearby districts. Our El Kawther guide covers a central residential area with newer buildings.
Common questions
Is El Dahar good for tourists?
It is good for a short visit to the markets and restaurants. Most holiday resorts are elsewhere along the coast.
A day in El Dahar
A good way to understand El Dahar is to spend a morning in it. Visit the markets and bazaars, where prices are often lower than in the tourist centre. Near El Mina Mosque you can choose fresh fish at the fish market and have it cooked. From there the marina is close for an evening walk. See our restaurant guide for ideas.
Things to consider
Because El Dahar is an older part of town, buildings vary a lot in age and standard. Ask about lifts, parking and how the building is looked after. If you want a modern compound with facilities, compare it with newer districts in our districts guide.
How Abtal helps you find the right information
We are a construction and development company. We own the land, develop and build our projects, and sell directly to you, so the person you speak with can answer about the building itself. Before you visit, we can search out the facts that matter to you, such as the drive time to the beach or the airport, what the building includes and what is available today. If we do not know something, we say so and check it, instead of guessing.
When you visit, we walk you through the project and its surroundings, so you see the area rather than a brochure. After the sale, our customer service team stays your point of contact. Start from our contact page and tell us what you are looking for.
Talk to the people who build
We are a construction and development company, so you can ask us about our own projects directly. Tell us what matters to you, such as budget, the distance to the beach or airport, or whether you want to live there or visit, and we will point you to the right person. You can reach us from our contact page, or see all Abtal projects.
Also useful: our Hurghada area guide and more buyer guides.
