Old Market, Sharm El Sheikh (must see)

When in Sharm El Sheikh, it might be a good idea to spare one evening for a quick check of The Old Market. Contrary to its name, the market is relatively new and was built only a few decades ago. Still, one shouldn't expect to find fancy boutiques here, as the place has an authentic rough touch to it. It sounds old and smells old world, so even if you don't want to buy anything, it’s well worth walking around just to soak up the atmosphere and get a true feel of the local culture.

Inside, you will see lots of shops, some truly dilapidated, flanking the narrow streets and alleyways, and selling traditional Egyptian paraphernalia: tobacco, jewelery, clothing, herbs & spices, and leather goods. Cowhide rugs, saffron and cinnamon, are particularly worthy of buying for their extremely good quality and cheapness. The rest of the products on sale are pretty much the same as anywhere else in Egypt, and you will have to look hard to find local handicrafts. Those patient enough may eventually succeed in spotting something one of a kind, though. The hand woven rugs are also in great demand by the tourists. Naturally, you will have to haggle tough to bring the price down, usually by as much as a half.

When done shopping, you may feel a bit of a hunger. Worry not! The Old Market is tightly packed with fish restaurants, offering an indulgent choice of fish and seafood meals in its best and simplest form. Once you quenched the hunger, there may be a sweet tooth kicking in, asking for something fruity. Again, you will find here plenty of fruit stalls selling the best quality fruits in town.

The place is probably the most authentic thing to be expected at a designated tourist resort such as Sharm el-Sheikh. The market is open seven days a week and its tastes and prices are as good as they get!