Port Said Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Port Said, Egypt with this comprehensive travel guide covering everything from must-visit places to cultural customs and safety tips.


Introduction to Port Said

Port Said is a Mediterranean city in Northeastern Egypt and is known for its history, culture, and scenic beauty. Located at the northern end of the Suez Canal, Port Said serves as a hub of trade and commerce between the East and the West. The city boasts of a vast array of historical and cultural landmarks and offers visitors ample opportunities for adventure and outdoor recreation.

List of Places to Visit in Port Said

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums, and Historical Places

  1. The Port Said National Museum – This museum contains artifacts and exhibits that showcase the history of the city and the role it played in the opening of the Suez Canal.
  2. The Military Museum – Visitors can see and learn about the military hardware, guns, missiles and tanks used in the wars fought in the region over the last 100 years.
  3. The Suez Canal Authority Building – This iconic building is towering and grand, containing a magnificent conference hall, alongside other facilities.

Visitors can also see the Egyptian Post Office building and the old Customs building along the promenade as they are admirable works of neo-classical architecture.

Natural Attractions of Port Said: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Qatrani Mountain – This beautiful mountain is a popular spot for hikers and trekkers, and offers stunning views of the city and the Suez Canal.
  2. Al-Fayoum Oasis – Located about 50 km south of Port Said, Al-Fayoum Oasis is a true natural wonder boasting beautiful lakes and waterfalls.
  3. The Salt Sea – Visitors who are seeking a unique and unforgettable experience can head to this beautiful salt lake located near Port Said. The high salt concentration in the water makes swimmers extremely buoyant and floating easy.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Port Said

  1. Qatrani Mountain Hike – This hike ascends Qatrani Mountain and offers breathtaking birds-eye views of Port Said and the Suez Canal. It’s a challenging hike but well worth the effort.
  2. The Corniche Bike Ride – A bike ride along the Corniche is a great way to take in the sights and sounds of Port Said while getting some exercise.

Best Things to Do in Port Said: Activities and Tours

  1. Canal Cruise Tour – A cruise along the Suez Canal is an exciting way to discover this remarkable waterway and get to learn about its rich history.
  2. Horseback Riding in the Desert – For a unique adventure, opt for a horseback riding tour that takes you through the vast stretches of desert around Port Said.

Week-Long Itinerary for Port Said

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore Port Said National Museum, visit Military Museum
Day 2 Canal Cruise Tour
Day 3 Qatrani Mountain Hike
Day 4 Horseback Riding in the Desert
Day 5 Visit Al-Fayoum Oasis
Day 6 Relax at Salt Lake
Day 7 Shop for local souvenirs

Food and Drink Scene of Port Said

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Ta’meya – A popular street food in Egypt, also called falafel, it’s a deep-fried patty made from fava beans and served with bread.
  2. Koshari – A traditional Egyptian dish made from a mix of lentils, rice, chickpeas, and topped with crispy onions and tomato sauce.
  3. Fiteer – A savory or sweet pastry made from layers of dough and butter, similar to a croissant.

Local Beverages

  1. Karkadeh – A refreshing beverage made from hibiscus flowers, sugar, and water. It’s a familiar thirst-quencher throughout Egypt.
  2. Sahlab – Served hot or cold, Sahlab is a traditional Egyptian beverage made from milk, sugar, and Sahlab starch that gives it a sweet and thick consistency.

Where to Stay in Port Said: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Port Said Marriott Hotel and Casino – A five-star hotel located in the heart of the city.
  2. Al-Salam Resort – A beachfront resort in Port Fouad that offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city life.
  3. Swiss Inn Resort El Arish – A luxurious hotel located about 50 km away from Port Said.

What to Buy in Port Said: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Rugs and Carpets – Handmade rugs and carpets from Egypt are world-renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship and intricate designs.
  2. Perfumes – Egyptian perfumes are famous for their exotic scents and make for a great souvenir.
  3. Spices and herbs – Visitors can buy an array of local spices and herbs, like the famous Egyptian mint, to take home and use in their cooking.

Local Culture and Customs of Port Said

Egyptian culture is deeply rooted in societal and religious customs, and visitors are expected to respect, understand, and appreciate them. Visitors should dress modestly while visiting religious places and avoid public displays of affection.

Best Time to Visit Port Said

The best time to visit Port Said is between November and April, when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers in Port Said can be scorching, with temperatures soaring well over 40°C.

Do’s and Don’ts of Port Said

Do:

  1. Dress modestly while visiting religious places.
  2. Try local street food.
  3. Learn basic Arabic phrases for communication.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t disrespect local customs and traditions.
  2. Don’t photograph military or police installations.
  3. Don’t wander off alone late at night.

Safety and Health

Safety in Port Said

Port Said is a relatively safe city, but visitors should exercise caution and avoid displaying flashy jewelry, watches or anything that might attract unwanted attention. Avoid dark alleys after dark, and only use licensed taxis or recognizable ride-hail companies.

Health in Port Said

Visitors should take precautions against hunger-related illnesses and dehydration by drinking plenty of water and avoiding drinking unfiltered tap water. Visitors should also come prepared with required medication and standard first-aid supplies.

Getting to Port Said: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Port Said

The nearest airport to Port Said is the Cairo International Airport. After landing, visitors can opt for a taxi or a bus ride to Port Said.

Bus Stations Near Port Said

Vehicles from Cairo, Ismailia, Suez and other regions travel to Port Said daily.

Other Options

Visitors can take a ferry ride from the neighboring city of Port Fouad, which has reliable connections to Port Said.

How to Get Around in Port Said

Visitors can use taxis in Port Said but should negotiate prices before getting into the car. Visitors can also opt to use ride-hailing services like Uber, which operate within the city. Walking and biking are great options for short distances.

Where to Go Next from Port Said: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Cairo – The Egyptian capital city is just a few hours away from Port Said and is home to many historical landmarks, like the Pyramids and Sphinx.
  2. Sharm El Sheikh – A popular resort town on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula
  3. Aswan – A city in southern Egypt known for its ancient temples and breath-taking scenery.

Conclusion

Port Said is a city steeped in history and culture, with plenty of must-visit attractions that cater to visitors of all interests. Whether it’s hiking, cultural tours, or relaxing on the beach, Port Said has plenty to offer for an unforgettable vacation experience. Plan your trip accordingly, and remember to respect local customs and traditions while enjoying your visit to this beautiful city.

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