Port Said Travel Guide
Did you know that Port Said is not just a city on the northern coast of the Suez Canal? It’s also not just known for its amazing beaches and nightlife. Instead, this vibrant city has a rich history predating even the famous Suez Canal. If you plan to visit Port Said as part of your upcoming trip to Egypt or live in the country and want to discover more about this creative city, then this article is for you! From fascinating facts about the city, its attractions, hotels, and restaurants to insider tips from local visitors, we have everything you need to know about Port Said. So keep reading and learn everything there is to know about visiting this wonderful city on the Red Sea.
What to see in Port Said?
Port Said’s history goes back a long way, and several places in the city illustrate this. Here are some of the top Port Said attractions you must visit on your trip to the town.
- The Suez Canal: This is probably the city’s most famous landmark. The Suez Canal is an artificial waterway that connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea. It was initially constructed in the 1870s as an alternative to the long and dangerous route around the southern tip of Africa. The Canal has enormously impacted world trade and is also a top-rated tourist attraction. There are several places to visit related to the Canal in Port Said. One of them is the Museum of the Suez Canal, where you can learn all about the history of this famous waterway.
- The Bird Island: The Bird Island is the largest of Port Said’s islands and is home to thousands of birds, especially flamingos! This island is so important to the local ecology and economy that it has been declared a nature reserve. You can visit the island by taking a boat or a walk, or you can take a tour and enjoy the views of the city and the Canal from a new perspective.
- The Ibrahim Mosque: is one of the oldest mosques in Egypt and was built in 1906. The mosque is named after the Ottoman ruler who ordered its construction. The mosque is an excellent example of Islamic architecture and is worth visiting during your Port Said trip.
Hotels near the harbor
When visiting a new city, staying close to the harbor is always a good idea. This way, you’ll have easy access to the city center and be able to explore all the sights more easily. Here are some of the top hotels in Port Said near the harbor so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
- Manial Palace Hotel: This is one of the best hotels in Port Said, especially if you are looking for a place to stay near the Suez Canal. The hotel boasts fantastic views of the Canal and is the ideal place to stay if you want to experience Port Said’s great nightlife!
- Porto Canal Hotel: If you are interested in visiting the Canal and seeing some of the best sights in Port Said, then this is the place to stay. The hotel is just a few minutes from the Suez Canal and next to the enormous shipyard.
- Victoria Plaza Hotel: If you are looking for a more central location, you can’t go wrong with this hotel. The Victoria Plaza is close to the city center and just a short walk from the main boulevard and the harbor.
Restaurants in Port Said
Port Said is known for having some of the best restaurants in Egypt, with a wide selection of tasty dishes available. Here are some of the top restaurants in Port Said that you should visit during your trip.
- Fish Market: If you are a seafood lover, you should visit the Fish Market. This is where to try some of the town's freshest and tastiest seafood dishes. You can choose between indoor or outdoor seating, depending on your preference.
- St. John: If you want something more unique, St. John is the place to visit. This is one of the best restaurants in Port Said and serves international cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. You can enjoy unique dishes like venison with red wine, monkfish with ricotta, and pork with figs.
- El-Parissi: This is one of the best places to try Egyptian cuisine. El-Parissi is a great place to visit with friends or family, especially if you are looking for a wide selection of tasty dishes.
Activities in and around Port Said
If you are visiting Port Said, you don’t have to stay in the city the whole time. Several places and activities nearby are sure to delight even the most discerning traveler. Here are some top things to do in and around Port Said.
- Visit the Suez Canal: As mentioned above, visiting the Suez Canal is one of the top things to do in Port Said. You can cruise to see the Canal from a different perspective or visit the Museum of the Suez Canal to learn more about this incredible waterway.
- Visit Bird Island: As mentioned above, visiting Bird Island is one of the top things to do in Port Said. You can take a boat to this picturesque island, enjoying fantastic views of Port Said and the Canal while seeing thousands of birds, especially flamingos!
- Enjoy the sunset: at the Gulf of Suez: Another great thing to do in Port Said is to enjoy the evening at the Gulf of Suez. This is one of the top things to do in Port Said, especially during Ramadan, when the weather is scorching. At that time of the year, you can enjoy the sunset from the water.
- Visit the Ibrahim Mosque: As the last item on our list of the top things to do in Port Said, we recommend visiting the Ibrahim Mosque. This is one of the oldest mosques in Egypt and was built in 1906. The mosque is named after the Ottoman ruler who ordered its construction. The mosque is an excellent example of Islamic architecture and is worth visiting during your Port Said trip.
Conclusion
Port Said is one of the most vibrant cities on the northern coast of the Suez Canal. This vibrant city has a rich history predating even the famous Suez Canal. If you plan to visit Port Said as part of your upcoming trip to Egypt or live in the country and want to discover more about this creative city, then this article is for you! From fascinating facts about the city, its attractions, hotels, and restaurants to insider tips from local visitors, we have everything you need to know about Port Said. So keep reading and learn everything there is to know about visiting this wonderful city on the Red Sea. Now it’s time to book your flight to Port Said and discover one of Egypt’s most creative cities!
