Introduction
Situated where the Suez Canal meets the Mediterranean Sea, Port Said Egypt is a coastal city that was built in 1859 as the canal was being developed. A small fishing village transformed into a thriving international port and free zone within a few decades. Today, you can see the colonial buildings with wooden carved balconies, climb up to see the lighthouse built in 1869, and learn about the canal from the coast. We have included details on things to do in Port Said Egypt, how to get there from Cairo, where to eat, and how to include this city in your overall itinerary.
Now you know what Port Said Egypt has to offer, combine it with other sites to give you a good understanding of Egypt’s story. If you're looking for more things to do in Port Said Egypt and other Egyptian destinations, check our guide to the best time to visit Egypt before you travel. Browse our Egypt tour packages to plan your trip.
Table of content:
Why Visit Port Said Egypt?
Port Said was founded in 1859, the same year the canal began to be built. As such, the city has a strong connection to the canal, with the harbour, colonial buildings with carved wooden balconies, and the lighthouse all dating back to the original construction of the canal. Within a few decades, the city transformed from a small fishing village into a cosmopolitan international port.
If you love comparing coastal landmarks, then be sure to read our guide to Alexandria City, where you can learn more about the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria. Or if you want to include a stop on the beach, then see what to do in Hurghada on the Red Sea.
What Can You Do in Port Said Egypt?
Many of the things to do in Port Said are canal-related. Most people will spend a day sightseeing at a few of the landmarks, visiting the museum and eating some food by the water.
Port Said Lighthouse
Completed in 1869, the lighthouse is a landmark of the engineering advancements of the time. It is a great starting point for your visit and will give you a good idea of how connected the city is to the sea. Photographers often love to take multiple photos here due to the different views.
Suez Canal Authority Building
This building is a great example of the colonial history of the city and how connected it is to the canal. Even a short stop outside will show you how much the port has influenced the city. It is a great place to take a leisurely walk around the surrounding areas. Compare the style of this building to the rest of the city.
Military Museum
This museum will help you understand why the city is important in modern Egypt. It is a great place to visit whilst you are in the city, giving you a chance to take a break from walking along the water. If you like to understand places before taking photos, then it is a great second stop after the lighthouse.
Port Fouad
Port Fouad is located on the other side of the canal. Taking a ferry across will give you a short trip out on the water, giving you a great view of the canal and ships using it. Many travellers enjoy this as part of their trip. It also gives you a different view of the city.
How To Get To Port Said From Cairo?
Most people will visit Port Said from the capital. The drive usually takes around 3 hours, depending on how fast you drive and the traffic. There are two lanes in each direction along the desert road, and the speed limit is 100km/h for private cars. It is a straightforward drive, and as you will be using a private driver, you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
The train takes around 4 hours and will drop you off at the Port Said train station on Mustafa Kamal Street. If you enjoy watching the scenery of the Nile Delta, then this is a great option. There are also buses available to take you to Cairo and other major cities in Egypt from the bus station. Whatever option you choose, allow some flexibility with your time.
Many travellers enjoy combining a stay on the coast with a stay in the capital. See our Cairo City travel guide to plan your trip.
Where To Eat In Port Said?
There are many small cafes and seafood restaurants along the waterfront. This is the best place to eat in the city, as the menus will have lots of freshly caught fish. Choose somewhere with a view of the water and enjoy a relaxed lunch. The menus will often have freshly caught fish; try somewhere with a view and enjoy a long lunch.
Ask for the fresh fish menu. This could include local fish such as grouper or tuna. Due to the long history as an international port, the city has a very cosmopolitan feel. After your meal, enjoy a walk along the shore.
Can You Visit Port Said On A Cruise Or Day Trip?
Port Said is a great port to visit on a cruise. Ships will dock here, making it easy to get on and off. There are also some excursions available from the port to visit the The Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx in Cairo. These are long days, so make sure you know how long they will last. If you want to keep close to the ship, then follow the walking tour above to see the main landmarks.
If you want to see more of the Mediterranean coast, then take a day trip to Alexandria. You can also explore our Egypt tour if you want to combine Cairo with other destinations across the country.
FAQs
Where is Port Said Egypt?
Port Said is located in the northeast of Egypt on the Mediterranean coast. It is located at the Northern entrance to the Suez Canal. Port Fouad is located on the opposite side of the canal and can be accessed via a ferry.
What are the best things to do in Port Said Egypt?
Visit the lighthouse, the Suez Canal Authority Building, and the Military Museum. Take a ferry across to Port Fouad and enjoy some seafood on the waterfront.
How long does it take to get to Port Said from Cairo?
The drive usually takes around 3 hours. The train takes around 4 hours and will drop you off at the train station in Port Said on Mustafa Kamal Street.
Can you visit Port Said on a day trip?
There are excursions available from the port for cruise passengers. From Cairo, it takes around 3 hours to drive there, meaning it is possible to do as a full day. An early start will help you make the most of your time.
What is Port Said known for?
Port Said was founded in 1859 during the construction of the Suez Canal. The city is known for its colonial buildings, the lighthouse was completed in 1869 and history as an international free port.
