"I first came to Hurghada as a solo traveler—just like you. I did three trips, staying in different hotels,
meeting people at beach bars, trying to figure it all out. Fifteen years later, I'm still here.
I've watched thousands of us Europeans arrive alone and leave with lifelong friends.
As a local café owner once told me: 'Hurghada brings people together because nobody wants to swim alone.'"
Solo travel in Hurghada is different from solo travel in big cities. Here, people talk to each other.
At dive boats, at hotel pools, at beach bars — conversations start naturally. You won't feel alone
unless you want to be. Let me tell you where connections happen.
🕌 Cultural Awareness
Egypt is a Muslim country with conservative values outside tourist areas. Public displays of
affection are frowned upon in local neighborhoods. However, tourist zones like the Marina,
El Gouna, and resort areas are international and relaxed. Respect local culture, and you'll
be welcomed warmly. Egyptians are incredibly hospitable to respectful visitors.
🍹 Social Spots
Where Solo Travelers Meet
Certain places naturally attract international travelers and make conversation easy.
These aren't hidden secrets — they're just where sociable people gather.
🏖️ Hurghada Marina
The main evening spot. Walk the promenade, sit at outdoor cafés, everyone's relaxed
and open. Papas Bar and The Lodge attract international crowds.
🏝️ El Gouna Downtown
More upscale, more European. Bars like Bartender and clubs attract a social crowd.
Many expats live here — easy to meet people who've made Hurghada home.
🤿 Dive Boats
Best place to make friends. Spending a day underwater with strangers creates
natural bonds. Many dive groups continue at dinner together.
🏊 Hotel Pool Bars
All-inclusive resorts create natural social environments. Striking up
conversation at the pool bar is normal and welcomed.
🏜️ Group Excursions
Desert safaris, snorkeling trips, Luxor day trips — shared adventures bond
people together. Book group tours, not private ones.
🍺 Little Buddha & Papas
Night venues at the Marina. Mixed international crowd, dancing, social
atmosphere. Weekends are busiest.
💡 Salem's Tip: Thursday and Friday nights are most social (the Egyptian weekend).
The Marina gets busy from 9 PM. El Gouna parties until late. Arrive around 10 PM
when people have relaxed and want to talk.
🌍 Expat Community
The International Community
Hurghada has a large permanent expat community — Germans, Russians, Ukrainians, Polish,
British, Dutch. Many came for vacation and never left. They work in diving, tourism,
or run small businesses. They're friendly to newcomers because they remember arriving alone too.
Where to find expats: dive centers (many instructors are foreign), El Gouna cafés,
language exchange meetups, and Facebook groups like "Hurghada Expats" or "El Gouna Community."
Ask at dive shops — they often know when informal meetups happen.
💡 Salem's Tip: Dive instructors are the most social people in Hurghada.
Take a course (even a beginner one) and you'll meet instructors and other students.
After the course, you have built-in friends who know the best places.
🎯 Social Activities
Activities That Connect People
Some activities are naturally social. Others are more private. Here's what works for meeting people:
✅ Highly Social
- Group diving courses
- Snorkeling boat trips
- Desert safari groups
- Beach clubs
- Marina evening walks
- Pub quiz nights
⚖️ Moderate
- Beach sunbathing
- All-inclusive pools
- Restaurant dining
- Gym/fitness areas
❌ Private
- Private boat charters
- VIP hotel lounges
- Spa treatments
- Private tours
💡 Salem's Tip: If you want to meet people, book the group version of any
activity, not the private one. Group snorkeling trips have 20-40 people. Plenty of
conversation opportunities over lunch on the boat.
❤️ Genuine Connections
Building Real Relationships
I've seen it many times — people meet on a dive boat, explore together for a week,
stay in touch for years. Some return to Egypt together. Some visit each other's
home countries. A few have gotten married. Travel connections can become life connections.
What works: be genuinely interested in others. Ask about their travels, their home,
their plans. Don't just talk about yourself. Offer to share a taxi, join for dinner,
try an activity together. Be the person who invites, not the person who waits to be invited.
The evening is key. Days are for beach and diving. Evenings are for connection.
Walk the Marina at sunset. Sit at an outdoor café. Be visible and approachable.
Smile. Say hello. In Hurghada, nobody thinks it's weird to start conversations.
💡 Salem's Tip: Exchange Instagram or WhatsApp on the first meeting.
People move around — they might be at a different hotel or beach tomorrow.
Stay connected, suggest meeting up again. The ones who put in effort are
the ones who create lasting friendships.
