20 Best Things to Do in Port Said

Looking for a destination in Egypt that combines history, culture, and coastal charm? Port Said offers just that. Located at the northern entrance of the iconic Suez Canal, this underrated city is full of fascinating landmarks, unique experiences, and stories from Egypt’s modern and ancient past. Whether you’re after heritage, scenic views, or hidden gems, Port Said is a city worth exploring — and one that often flies under the radar of most travellers.

The History of Port Said

In the old days, the city was a village for fishermen. After the Islamic conquest of Egypt, it became a fortress and an active port, but it was destroyed during the Crusaders’ invasions. In 1859, when de Lesseps began digging the Suez Canal during the reign of Khedive Ismail, work began constructing Port Said overlooking the northern entrance to the Suez Canal.

Port Said gained international fame as a notable seaport between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. An English writer at the time said, “If you want to meet someone you know who is always travelling, there are two places on the globe that allow you to do that, where you have to sit and wait for his arrival sooner or later, namely: London and Port Said.”

The city of Port Said was called the courageous city, that was because of the many wars and battles that took place in the city and the bravery of its people in defending their homeland against any aggressor or occupier, especially in 1967 against the Israeli forces and until 1973 and the October victory. For the rare heroism of its people, Port Said became the hub of the Egyptian armed resistance.

The city is named after Mohamed Said Pasha, the governor of Egypt. The name refers to the International Committee, formed in England, France, Russia, Austria, and Spain. This committee decided in a meeting that in 1855, the name Port Said was chosen.

Port Said became a famous city after digging the Suez Canal and locating it at its northern entrance. Large numbers of ships pass through the Suez Canal daily, and the town was the principal place where container handling was handled, through unloading and shipping operations, transportation to warehouses, and fuel, food, and water for ships.

Today, it’s one of the most popular summer destinations in Egypt.

Where is Port Said?

Port Said is a coastal city in northeastern Egypt. It is located at the head of the northern entrance to the Suez Canal, bordered to the east by Port Fouad, to the north by the Mediterranean Sea, and the south by Ismailia. The city’s area is 845,445 km², and it is divided into seven districts: Al-Zohour District, Al-Janoub District, Suburbs District, Al-Gharb District, Al-Arab District, Al-Manakh District, and Al-Sharq District.

Things to do in Port Said

Port Said is a famous city in Egypt. It is full of attractions and places to visit, and many tourists come worldwide to see its beauty. Egyptians also love visiting it and spending a great time in Port Said.

1. Suez Canal Authority Building

This is one of the most important buildings in Port Said. It was the first building established by Khedive Ismail on the canal’s shore. The Suez Canal Authority Building was built to receive the Khedive’s guests, the kings and heads of state of the world who visited Egypt during his reign, and the guests of the Suez Canal’s inauguration ceremony.

It was called the Dome Building because it was built with three green domes. When you enter the building, you will see the interior decoration of the ceilings and the chandeliers that decorate the building from the inside. During World War l, Britain bought the building to be the headquarters of the British army in the Middle East until 1956.

2. Port Said Lighthouse

Port Said Lighthouse is one of the city’s most essential and famous attractions. It is also considered a unique model for developing 19th-century architecture in Port Said. It was built during the reign of Khedive Ismail in 1869 by the French engineer François Connier, and its height is 56 meters. It was constructed in the Al-Sharq Neighborhood to guide the ships passing through the Suez Canal. This was the first lighthouse to be built with reinforced concrete, and this technology was used for this type of work for the first time.

In 1997, due to the expansion of the governorate and the rise of residential towers around this unique building from every direction, the lighthouse was closed and replaced by another lighthouse west of the city. Port Said Lighthouse is a prominent landmark and an important historical and archaeological building.

3. De Lesseps Statue Base

It is one of the famous attractions in Port Said, known for its marvellous design. The Statue of De Lesseps was a memorial to Ferdinand De Lesseps, the founder of the Suez Canal project. The statue was erected at the northern entrance to the Suez Canal in Port Said on 17 November 1899, which coincided with the 30th anniversary of the canal’s opening for international navigation. 

The French artist Emmanuel Frimim designed the statue, which was made of bronze and iron, and painted it green. The statue is hollow from the inside, weighs about 17 tons, and has a height of 7.5 meters on the metal base. Ferdinand De Lesseps came up with the idea of digging the Suez Canal. His statue remained at the Suez Canal entrance until the late leader Gamal Abdel Nasser decided to nationalize the canal. When the tripartite aggression against Egypt in 1956 took place, the popular resistance removed the statue, but the base of the statue with the plaque was still in place.

4. Military Museum

The Port Said Military Museum was established in 1964 to commemorate the tripartite aggression against Port Said in 1956. It was inaugurated on 23 December 1964 in memory of the Port Said National Day celebrations. The museum, which covers an area of 7000 square meters, includes a museum garden dedicated to the open museum display and is overlooked by the main building, which includes several exhibition halls.

You’ll find exciting artefacts from throughout Egypt’s history.

The museum is divided into several sections and halls: outdoor exhibition areas, permanent exhibition halls, the main lobby, Suez Canal Hall, the 1956 War Hall, and the October 1973 Hall. All these halls tell epic tales of the steadfastness and courage of the people of Port Said in confronting the aggressors and invaders in 1956 and during the October War in 1973.

5. Abdul Rahman Lotfy Mosque

The mosque is one of the oldest in Port Said. Its design is inspired by Andalusian heritage and was opened by King Farouk and reopened by President Gamal Abdel Nasser in 1954. Abdel Rahman Pasha Lotfi built it with the approval of Sherine Pasha, who was Port Said Governor at the time, and that made it the only mosque that overlooked the port and the ships passing between the two banks of the Suez Canal.

6. Saint Eugenie’s Church

Saint Eugene’s Church was founded in 1863 and opened in 1890. It is one of the largest churches in Port Said, and it contains a series of Islamic and Coptic monuments. The church also includes original antique paintings signed by painters over a hundred years old and rare statues dating back to the 19th century. Eugenie grew up in the year 245 AD in the city of Alexandria, and she sacrificed her beauty and all her wealth; where she had her head cut off with a sword because she refused to worship idols.

The church was built in the European style, combining elements of the neoclassical and neo-Renaissance styles. The church was divided by a group of columns into three vertical corridors according to what the altar area is called the middle portico, the most spacious, and the grand portico, at the end of which there is the central apse.

7. Port Said National Museum

The National Museum is located in an area of 13,000 square meters. It was built in 1963, but construction halted for 13 years from 1967 to 1980 because of the 1967 war. The museum was reconstructed and opened during the governorate’s National Day celebrations in December 1986. It includes about 9,000 artefacts from all eras distributed over 3 halls, starting from the Pharaonic era, passing through the Greek and Roman eras, the Coptic and Islamic eras, and ending with the modern era. 

8. Abbasid Mosque

The Abbasid Mosque is one of the oldest and most famous mosques built in Port Said, Egypt. It was built in 1904 during the reign of Egypt’s Khedive Abbas Helmy II, and that’s why the mosque was named after him. The Abbasid Mosque represents a distinct historical architectural era; it was built among 102 mosques of this style in various Egyptian cities. The mosque’s area is 766 square meters, retaining its architectural and decorative elements.

It is one of the best-preserved historical sites in Egypt.

9. Victory Museum

A museum of fine arts is located on 23 July Street, below the Obelisk of the Martyrs, and a memorial has been erected in memory of the martyrs of Port Said. Former President Gamal Abdel Nasser opened it on Victory Day, 23 December 1959. The museum was closed for many years due to the war in 1973, but it was reopened on 25 December 1995 with a new name: the Victory Museum of Modern Art. 

When you visit the museum, you will find 75 artworks created by Egypt’s top artists in various branches of plastic art, such as sculpture, photography, drawing, graphics, and ceramics, on various topics, most of which revolve around national topics as well as the topic of war and peace. The Victory Museum of Modern Art is one of the critical cultural and artistic edifices of the plastic arts sector, and it receives excellent attention because of the works of salient artists in Egypt from the holdings of the Egyptian Museum of Modern Art that perpetuate the march of the Egyptian people’s struggle.

10. Al Tawfiqi Mosque

The mosque was built in 1860 when the Suez Canal Company wanted to build a mosque for Egyptian workers. In 1869, it was rebuilt again from wood, but this did not last long because of the wastewater. When Khedive Tawfiq visited the city in 1881, he ordered the mosque to be rebuilt in its current location with a school attached, and it was reopened on 7 December 1882.

11. Commonwealth Cemeteries

It is one of 16 cemeteries spread in many Egyptian cities, and the Commonwealth Commission supervises it. It has attracted the attention of thousands of descendants of victims of the First and Second World Wars worldwide.

The cemetery is located in the Zohour neighbourhood on the eastern side of the ancient Muslim and Christian cemeteries and includes 1094 graves, including 983 graves from World War I and 111 graves from World War II, containing the remains of soldiers and civilians who inhabited Port Said in the early twentieth century, and the number of English soldiers is 983 from  World War I victims, and 11 from World War II, as well as other soldiers representing Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, East, and West Africa, Serbia and America.

12. Tenis Island

It is an island located southwest of Port Said, about 9 km away from Lake Manzala, and the meaning of the word Tenis is Island in the Greek Language. Tenis was a prosperous Egyptian city in Islamic times. It was an essential port for exporting Egyptian agricultural products and was famous for its textile industry. The island contains the archaeological Tenis Hill, which attracts a large number of tourists and includes a large number of antiquities dating back to the Islamic era. The island is about 8 km in area, and you can easily reach it within half an hour via motorboat.

13. Port Said City Monument

It is an essential attraction in the city and was built to commemorate the martyrs of the valiant city during its various battles. The monument appeared as a pharaonic obelisk and was covered entirely with high-end grey granite to resemble the obelisks of the pharaohs keen to establish them in their places of victory. Port Said is perfect for an off-the-beaten-track trip to Egypt.

14. Roman Cathedral

Port Said contains many ancient churches that date back to different eras and tell the history of these periods. One of these churches is the Roman Cathedral, built in 1934 at the Suez Canal entrance and opened on 13 January 1937. The cathedral was designed by the French architect Jean Holloh. It is divided into three sections separated by long, octagonal columns and crowned with capitals symbolizing the names of the Virgin Mary. The church is characterized as being in the shape of Noah’s Ark, a symbol of salvation from the world.

Inside the church is a crucifix with a life-size copper statue of Jesus Christ made by Pierleskar, one of the world’s largest sculptors.

15. El-Farma

Since the ancient Egyptian era, it has been the eastern fortress of Egypt. It was called Paramon, which means the city of the god Amun. The Romans called it Beluz, meaning mud or muddy, because it was located in an area of mud due to its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. Its people worked in the barley, fodder, and seed trade due to the frequent passage of caravans transporting them. Their residence was on the eastern edge of Lake Manzala, specifically between the lake and the dunes.

El-Farma is an important place that facilitates communication by land and sea inside and outside the country. It was the first crucial Egyptian port on the Mediterranean coast from the east. Through the ages, El-Farma has experienced a lot of destruction and sabotage, and the geographical factors that occurred in the Sinai region led to the drying up of the Nile branch there, which changed the trade route.

16. Port Fouad

Port Fouad is located inside Port Said on the eastern bank of the Suez Canal. It is designed in the French style of streets and was built in 1920 to serve the Suez Canal facility and as a home for French workers. It was named after King Fouad I and had many compact villas, vast squares, and extensive gardens. While you are there, don’t miss riding the ferry to enjoy seeing the ships passing through the Suez Canal.

17. Salt Mountains:

It is a famous place to visit in Port Said. Many people wear heavy winter clothes to take souvenir photos in the middle of the Salt Mountains, appearing as though they’ve been to the North Pole or one of the countries famous for its snow. Many photo sessions take place there, especially wedding and engagement photos, because the backdrop is stunning.

18. Said Stone

It was named after Khedive Said. It extends from Port Fouad into the sea and ends at Labogas. It includes different types of the most beautiful fish formations, including Sea Bass, lotus, bass, sea bream, mullet, banana fish, and more.

19. Port Said Corniche

It is one of the areas most visited by the people of Port Said on holidays and vacations for hiking, and this bridge or walkway extends from the Shooting Club in the east to the beautiful port in the west.

Port Said Corniche has cheerful lighting that brings joy and pleasure to the hearts of Port Said and the tourists keen to spend a particular time during their tour in Port Said. The walkway allows you to enjoy watching the Suez Canal, the ships passing through it, and the beauty of Port Fouad.

20. Al Montazah Garden

It is one of the largest parks in Port Said. It extends over a large area in a beautiful place in Port Fouad, and it has many rare and perennial tree species, along with the most beautiful flowers and wide green areas. 

Practical Tips for Visiting Port Said

Here are some tips you will need before travelling:

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Port Said is between October and April, when the weather is mild and comfortable for sightseeing. Summer months (June to August) can get quite hot and humid, especially with the coastal climate, so plan accordingly if travelling during this period.

Is Port Said Safe?

Yes, Port Said is generally considered safe for tourists. Like most cities in Egypt, it’s advisable to stay in well-frequented areas and be mindful of local customs. Travellers report a friendly atmosphere and welcoming locals. Standard travel precautions apply, and it’s recommended to check government travel advisories before your trip.

How to Get There

Port Said is easily accessible via:

• Road: Roughly a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Cairo by car or bus.
• Rail: Daily trains run from Cairo to Port Said with comfortable seating options.
• Domestic Flights: While the airport is limited in use, there may be seasonal or charter flights depending on travel schedules.

Ferries also connect Port Said with Port Fouad, offering a scenic trip across the Suez Canal.

Local Culture & Etiquette

Port Said blends coastal lifestyle with Egyptian tradition. Modest dress is appreciated, particularly near religious sites. Greetings are important—locals value politeness and hospitality. Public displays of affection are uncommon, and haggling in local markets is normal and expected.

What to Eat in Port Said

Seafood is a local highlight. Look out for:

• Sayadeya – spiced fish rice dish.
• Grilled mullet – caught fresh from the Mediterranean.
• Shrimp or calamari tagines – often served in clay pots.

Many restaurants line the Corniche, offering great views with your meal.

Comparing Port Said to Other Egyptian Cities

Port Said offers a more relaxed, less tourist-heavy alternative to cities like Cairo or Alexandria. It’s rich in 20th-century history, especially around the Suez Canal, and boasts several unique colonial and military landmarks. Unlike Luxor or Aswan, which focus heavily on ancient Egypt, Port Said presents a modern historical narrative—centred on trade, resistance, and maritime culture. It’s ideal for travellers interested in hidden gems and local life, without the crowds found in more commercial destinations.

Port Said is a destination full of surprises. From key historical landmarks to lesser-known treasures, it presents a unique slice of Egyptian life by the sea. Whether you’re exploring its rich past, enjoying local seafood, or simply walking along the Corniche, the city offers something for every kind of traveller. If you’re planning a trip to Egypt and want to venture off the beaten track — Port Said is well worth your time. For more travel advice, check out our top destinations in Egypt.

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