Port Said overlooks the sea vessels crossing the Suez Canal from the Northeastern part of Egypt. This port city not only bears the administrative and political responsibility of the Suez Canal but is also an actively sought-after tourist destination. People from all over the country and abroad come to visit this iconic location for its historical buildings, prime location and nearby commercial places. Apart from being a strategic naval port, this place is also home to significant French and Egyptian architecture. These buildings and unique construction have become the limelight for attracting tourists to the place. Thus, to learn more about this place, keep reading this blog.
Top 7 Places To Visit In Port Said
It is famous for its architectural wonders and commercial hubs. Here are the top 7 such places to visit.
1. Port Said Lighthouse
Image Credit: Michael Tyler for wikimedia commons
Port Said lighthouse has emerged as one of the most prominent sites to visit. The lighthouse was built back in 1869 and now has become a popular tourist destination for its history and unique build. People come here to witness the giant tower that used to facilitate trade in the back in the day.
The lighthouse used to have a huge device on top of it to show time to the ships. However, today, the device is gone, and only the lighthouse remains in view. Tourists are allowed to get nearby and click pictures of the place as well.
Location: 7877+M96, El Sharq, Port Said Governorate 8573152, Egypt
Distance From Port Said: 1.3 Km
Travel Time From Port Said: 3 minutes
Entry Fees: Free
Best Time to Visit: March to May
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2. Port Fuad
Image Credit: لا روسا for wikimedia commons
Port Fuad, or Fouad, is another one of the most culturally rich sites. This Port is known for being built in the French fashion in Egypt, who intended to use it to house the French workers who constructed the Suez Canal.
Today, the place has become prominent for its striking architecture, which appears distinct as French amidst an Egyptian community. The nearby areas are also decked in French fashion, making the entire city famous for its unique layout.
Location: Port Fuad, Port Said Governorate, Egypt
Distance From Port Said: 8.8 Km
Travel Time From Port Said: 18 minutes
Entry Fees: Free
Best Time to Visit: March to May
3. The Al-Abbasy Mosque
The Al-Abbasy Mosque is a unique architectural marvel, which is frequented by a lot of visitors and pilgrims every day. This religious place was built in 1904 with modern architectural methods and unique designs. The intricately planned structure now stands close to the water on all sides.
People can visit this place for its beauty, click pictures of it at sunrise and sundown, and enjoy the picturesque view overall. It also remains a famous pilgrimage location and is open to devotees as well. Hence, this mosque not only bears cultural prominence but also has become a tourist’s favourite destination.
Location: Adham, Al Arab, Port Said Governorate 8567124, Egypt
Distance From Port Said: 75 metres
Travel Time From Port Said: 1 minute
Entry Fees: Free
Best Time to Visit: March to May
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4. The Church Of Santa Teresa
The Church of Santa Teresa is a beautiful religious monument built in the 20th century. From its unique architectural build to its popularity for both religious means and tourism, this Church has become a household name in the region.
Tourists are freely allowed to visit the place, click photos of the building, and look at its intricate design up close. The inside of the Church is decorated with large murals and massive windows that let light in during the day. Meanwhile, the exterior bears a curved structure that marks the entrance.
Location: 36MW+XFF, El Barad, El Sahel, Cairo Governorate 4352104, Egypt
Distance From Port Said: 196 Km
Travel Time From Port Said: 2 hours 40 minutes
Entry Fees: Free
Best Time to Visit: March to May; September to November
5. Port Said Military Museum
The Military Museum is the perfect place to start discovering the city’s history. Today, the museum harbours important remains from the conflicts that lasted in the region between the 1950s and the 1970s. These conflicts were between foreign traders in the region who wanted a monopolistic control of trade here.
Today, however, the place remains open between 9 am to 3 pm and then again 6 pm to 8 pm every day for the tourists. You can take a look at the significant weaponry and the historical artefacts and read a brief history of that period in this military museum. The place is open to all with a nominal fee.
Location: ش 23 يوليو، العرب،, Port Said Governorate, Egypt
Distance From Port Said: 850 metre
Travel Time From Port Said: 12 minutes
Entry Fees: 50 EGP
Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November
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6. Suez Canal Authority Headquarters
Image Credit: Vyacheslav Argenberg for wikimedia commons
The Suez Canal Authority Headquarters is a famous tourist destination. Since the opening of the Suez Canal, this headquarters has become a very active building, partaking in matters of political importance.
Tourists can visit this grand building and watch the various vessels cross through the canal during the day. The people can also witness how these vehicles are guided and then permitted to pass through the canal. In addition to that, the building is also famous for its unique build with blue domes that are worth witnessing.
Location: 7845+VFC، 15th Of July September st., Port Fouad City, Port Said Governorate 8576001, Egypt
Distance From Port Said: 1.4 Km
Travel Time From Port Said: 4 minutes
Entry Fees: Free
Best Time to Visit: March to May
7. Saint Eugene Church
Saint Eugune Church is the oldest Church, simply famous for its long-standing beauty and archaic architectural glamour. The Church was originally founded in the year 1863 and was finally opened to the public in 1890. This place also holds the name for being the grandest of churches in the region, too.
Tourists can witness the Renaissance-inspired theme of the building, with certain elements linking back to the Neoclassical period, too. Being a church in an Egyptian region, this unique marvel upholds the beauty of European designs, intriguing many tourists. Besides, any tourist can visit the Church without restrictions from 6 am to 7 pm any day.
Location: 7864+5F5, El Sharq, Governorate 8572108, Egypt
Distance From Port Said: 850 metres
Travel Time From Port Said: 12 minutes
Entry Fees: Free
Best Time to Visit: March to May
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How To Reach?
It has grown to be a popular tourist destination these days. Hence, here are the different ways to reach.
By Air
Tourists can board a flight to El Gamil Airport, which is only 6 kilometres from the city centre. Then, they can take local transport, such as a taxi.
By Rail
Port Said Railway Station is on Mustafa Kamal Street, which has nearly five regular trains. A couple of other trains directly connect to Alexandria.
By Road
Tourists can take taxis, which are cheap and convenient for travelling inside the city. Local buses and minibuses are also easy to get around in the city.
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Port Said offers a multitude of enjoyable places to visit and relish. From churches and mosques to lighthouses and administrative offices, which allow people to witness the passing ships and sea vessels, it is never short of amusement for its tourists. Hence, if you want to experience the thrill of being at one end of the gigantic Suez Canal and witness amazing architecture, book a trip to Egypt now! Travel off with your friends and family to have the maximum fun out of this trip.
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Cover Image Credit :John Wormell for wikimedia commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Port Said
What is Port Said known for?
It is known for being an important port in the Suez Canal route. It also features grand displays of various French and Egyptian architecture, and people can witness the historically prominent buildings here.
What is Port Said called now?
It retains its name but also is known by another name in the local language. This is Būr Saʿīd. Today, it has become a widespread name because of its increasing popularity as a tourist spot.
What is the meaning of Port Said?
It is named after the person who ruled Egypt back in the day and founded this port city. ‘Said’ comes from the name of Viceroy Mohammed Said. In his honour, the Port continues to retain the name.
What is Port Said known for?
It is an important harbour for exports of Egyptian products like cotton and rice, and additionally a fueling station for ships that pass through the Suez Canal. It thrives on being a duty-free port, as well as a tourist resort especially during summer.
Is Port Said in Africa or Asia?
It is located as a port city in Egypt which is a country in Africa. While closely located to the Asian continent, it is counted in the African continent.
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