Complete Travel Guide to Port Said, Egypt

Port Said Port Said is a port city that lies in the northeast Egypt extending about 30 km (19 mi) along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, straddling the west bank of the northern mouth of the Suez Canal. The city is the capital of the Port Said governorate and it forms the majority of the governorate, where its seven districts comprise seven of the governorate’s eight regions. At the beginning of 2023 it had a population of 680,375 people. Positioned at coordinates 31.25654°N, 32.28411°E, Port Said occupies a geographically significant location that has influenced its historical development and contemporary importance. The precise geographic coordinates of Port Said place it within a region characterized by diverse landscapes and strategic transportation routes that have shaped settlement patterns for centuries. At an elevation of 6.0 meters above sea level, Port Said benefits from unique topographic advantages that influence local climate, agriculture, and scenic beauty. The elevation of Port Said creates distinctive environmental conditions that support specific ecosystems and agricultural practices while providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Home to 524433 residents, Port Said maintains a community scale that balances urban amenities with traditional social structures and cultural continuity. The population of Port Said represents a diverse community that has adapted to changing circumstances while preserving essential cultural traditions and local knowledge. Community life in Port Said reflects the resilience and adaptability that characterize populations throughout Egypt, demonstrating successful integration of traditional values with contemporary opportunities. Within the broader context of Port Said province, Port Said contributes to the cultural and economic diversity that defines Egypt’s regional character. The role of Port Said in regional development extends beyond its municipal boundaries, encompassing influences on transportation networks, economic activities, and cultural preservation efforts. Visitors to Port Said discover a destination that embodies the authentic character of Egypt while offering unique local perspectives and experiences unavailable in more commercialized locations.

Historical Heritage of Port Said

History See also: Timeline of Port Said #Founding (1859) Ferdinand de Lesseps monument on the tourist jetty French sailors and Indian troops at Port Said in 1914 Postcard of the Arab quarter of Port Said The office of the Suez Canal Company in Port Said, built in 1893 Port Said was founded by Sa’id of Egypt on Easter Monday, April 25, 1859, when Ferdinand de Lesseps gave the first symbolic swing of the pickaxe to signal the beginning of construction.

The first problem encountered was the difficulty for ships to drop anchor nearby Luckily, a single rocky outcrop flush with the shoreline was discovered a few hundred meters away Equipped with a wooden wharf, it served as a mooring berth for the boats.

Soon after, a wooden jetty was built, connecting the departure islet, as it quickly became known, to the beach This rock could be considered the heart of the developing city, and it was on this highly symbolic site, forty years later, that a monument to de Lesseps was erected.

There were no local resources here Everything Port Said needed had to be imported: wood, stone, supplies, machinery, equipment, housing, food and even water Giant water storage containers were erected to supply fresh water until the Sweet Water Canal could be completed.

One of the most pressing problems was the lack of stone Early buildings were often imported in kit form and made great use of wood A newly developed technique was used to construct the jetties called conglomerate concrete or “Beton Coignet”, which was named after its inventor François Coignet.

Blocks of concrete were sunk into the sea to be the foundations of the jetties Still more innovative was the use of the same concrete for the lighthouse of Port Said, the only original building still standing in Port Said In 1859 the first 150 laborers camped in tents around a wooden shed.

A year later, the number of inhabitants had risen to 2000 — with the European contingent housed in wooden bungalows imported from northern Europe By 1869, when the canal opened, the permanent population had reached 10,000 The European district, clustered around the waterfront, was separated from the Arab district, Gemalia, 400 m (1,300 ft) to the west, by a wide strip of sandy beach where a tongue of Lake Manzala reached towards the sea.

This inlet soon dried out and was replaced by buildings; over time there was no division between the European and Arab quarters Since its establishment, Port Said played a significant role in Egyptian history The British entered Egypt through the city in 1882, starting their occupation of Egypt.

#Thriving international port and city (1902–1945) French map of Port Said, c 1914 At the start of the twentieth century, two things happened to change Port Said: in 1902, Egyptian cotton from Mataria started to be exported via Port Said; and in 1904 a standard gauge railway opened to Cairo.

The result was to attract a large commercial community and to raise its social sta.

The historical trajectory of Port Said demonstrates the complex interplay between local agency and external influences that has characterized regional development throughout successive historical periods. Understanding this historical context provides essential background for appreciating the depth and authenticity of contemporary cultural expressions.

Historical preservation efforts in Port Said reflect community commitment to maintaining connections with ancestral heritage while adapting to contemporary circumstances. These preservation activities create opportunities for visitors to experience authentic historical environments and traditional practices.

The legacy of historical development in Port Said remains visible in architectural styles, urban planning patterns, cultural traditions, and social organizations that provide continuity between past and present while supporting future community development.

Geographic Environment and Natural Setting

Geography #Climate Port Said has a hot desert climate (BWh) according to Köppen climate classification, but blowing winds from the Mediterranean Sea greatly moderates the temperatures, typical to the northern coast of Egypt, making its summers moderately hot and humid while its winters mild and moderately wet when sleet and hail are also common, yet less common than in Alexandria because Port Said is drier. January and February are the coolest months while the hottest are July and August. The highest record temperature was 44 °C (111 °F), recorded on June 20, 1988, while the lowest record temperature was 0 °C (32 °F), recorded on December 25, 1979. Port Said, Kosseir, Ras El Bar, Baltim, Damietta and Alexandria have the least temperature variation in Egypt, additionally, Mersa Matruh and Port Said have the coolest summer days of any other cities or resorts, although not significantly cooler than other northern coastal places. Climate data for Port Said (Port Said Airport) 1991–2020 Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °C (°F) 29. 0) Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 18. 8) Daily mean °C (°F) 14. 7) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 11. 7) Record low °C (°F) 4. 0) Average precipitation mm (inches) 16. 42) Average precipitation days (≥ 1. 0 Average relative humidity (%) 68 66 65 64 66 67 68 68 68 65 67 69 67 Average dew point °C (°F) 8. 8) Mean monthly sunshine hours 213. 2 Mean daily sunshine hours 6.

The topographic characteristics of Port Said result from complex geological processes that have created distinctive landscape features supporting diverse ecosystems and human activities. These natural features provide both opportunities and constraints that have influenced settlement patterns and economic development throughout history.

Hydrological systems in the Port Said region play crucial roles in supporting natural ecosystems and human communities through provision of water resources, transportation routes, and agricultural irrigation. Understanding these water systems helps explain historical settlement patterns and contemporary development opportunities.

Soil composition and agricultural potential in the Port Said area reflect the interaction of geological substrate, climatic conditions, and human management practices that have created productive agricultural systems supporting local food security and economic development.

Natural resource availability in Port Said has historically influenced economic activities and settlement patterns while continuing to provide opportunities for sustainable development that balances economic needs with environmental conservation.

The relationship between geographic features and human settlement in Port Said demonstrates sophisticated adaptation strategies that maximize advantages while minimizing risks associated with natural hazards and environmental constraints.

Seasonal variations in the geographic character of Port Said create changing opportunities for agricultural production, outdoor recreation, and transportation that influence the rhythm of community life and economic activities throughout the year.

Climate Patterns and Environmental Conditions

#Climate Port Said has a hot desert climate (BWh) according to Köppen climate classification, but blowing winds from the Mediterranean Sea greatly moderates the temperatures, typical to the northern coast of Egypt, making its summers moderately hot and humid while its winters mild and moderately wet when sleet and hail are also common, yet less common than in Alexandria because Port Said is drier. Temperature patterns in Port Said influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. January and February are the coolest months while the hottest are July and August. The highest record temperature was 44 °C (111 °F), recorded on June 20, 1988, while the lowest record temperature was 0 °C (32 °F), recorded on December 25, 1979. Temperature patterns in Port Said influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. Port Said, Kosseir, Ras El Bar, Baltim, Damietta and Alexandria have the least temperature variation in Egypt, additionally, Mersa Matruh and Port Said have the coolest summer days of any other cities or resorts, although not significantly cooler than other northern coastal places. Temperature patterns in Port Said influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. Climate data for Port Said (Port Said Airport) 1991–2020 Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °C (°F) 29. 0) Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 18. 8) Daily mean °C (°F) 14. 7) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 11. 7) Record low °C (°F) 4. 0) Average precipitation mm (inches) 16. Rainfall patterns in Port Said determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. 42) Average precipitation days (≥ 1. Rainfall patterns in Port Said determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. 0 Average relative humidity (%) 68 66 65 64 66 67 68 68 68 65 67 69 67 Average dew point °C (°F) 8. 8) Mean monthly sunshine hours 213. 2 Mean daily sunshine hours 6.

The climatic regime of Port Said reflects the complex interaction of geographic location, topographic features, and regional weather patterns that create distinctive seasonal characteristics influencing both natural ecosystems and human activities throughout the year.

Temperature variations in Port Said create distinct seasonal periods that influence agricultural cycles, energy consumption patterns, and outdoor activity opportunities while requiring adaptive strategies for housing, clothing, and food preservation.

Precipitation patterns in Port Said determine water availability for agricultural production, urban consumption, and natural ecosystem maintenance while influencing the timing of traditional festivals and seasonal economic activities.

Seasonal weather patterns in Port Said create varying opportunities for different types of economic activities, recreational pursuits, and cultural celebrations that contribute to the distinctive rhythm of community life throughout the year.

The interaction between climate and human adaptation in Port Said demonstrates sophisticated traditional knowledge systems for managing seasonal variations while taking advantage of favorable conditions for agriculture, construction, and outdoor activities.

Climate considerations for visitors to Port Said include understanding seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours that influence the availability of different activities and the appropriate preparation for outdoor exploration and cultural participation.

Cultural Heritage and Community Traditions

Municipal divisions and demographics Streets of Port Said Modern Port Said is divided into seven districts: * South District * Flowers Distric * El-Dawahi District: * East District * El-Manakh District * El-Arab District * West District Port Said’s districts are further subdivided in to eight _qism_ (police ward) which had a total estimated population as of January 2023 of 680,375 people: Anglicized name Native name Egyptian transliteration Population (January 2023 est. The demographic composition of Port Said reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. ) Type El Dawahi الضواحى _El-Ḍawāḥi_ 148,624 El Arab العرب _El-‘Arab_ 60,251 South الجنوب _El-Ganūb_ 41,901 South 2 الجنوب تانى _El-Ganūb 2_ 38,273 El Manakh المناخ _El-Manākh_ 84,679 El Manasra المناصره _El-Manāṣrah_ 5,587 East شرق _Sharq_ 34,679 Flowers الزهور _El-Zuhūr_ 266,381 #Squares * Manshiyya square, in East district * Martyrs square, in East district * Governorate Square, in East district * Stadium square, in El-Manakh district * Volgograd square, in El-Manakh district * Bizerte square, in Flowers district * Flowers square, in Flowers district * Liberty square, in Port Fouad city #Recreational * Ferial garden * Liberty garden * Montaza garden * Hope garden * El-Farma garden * Liberty garden * Saad Zaghloul garden * Restaurants complex 1. Cite error: The named reference `:0` was invoked but never defined (see the help page). “Population estimates of the Arab Republic of Egypt by qism on 1/1/2023” (PDF). The demographic composition of Port Said reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. _Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics_.

Culture #Libraries The Port Said Library at the time of its inauguration reached about 14,000 books and was supplied by encyclopedias and modern references. #Theaters Port Said has about 11 theatres. * Port Said Opera House was inaugurated on 28 December 2016; here Arabic music, classical music, opera and ballet are performed. #Museums * Port Said National Museum is located on Palestine Street in front of the tourist jetty, near the centre of the city. It contains about 9,000 artifacts that narrate the story of Port Said and Egypt. * Port Said Military Museum was inaugurated in 1964. It is located in 23 July Street. It narrates the story of the Egyptian resistance in Port Said for the tripartite aggression during the Suez Crisis in 1956, and the wars of 1967 and 1973. It also contains a hall that narrates the genesis of the city and the Suez Canal. * Museum of Modern Art in Egypt is a modern and contemporary art museum, located in Shohada Square, in Port Said, beneath the Obelisk of Martyrs. * Museum of the Authority of the Suez Canal was inaugurated in August 2015. It narrates the story of the Suez Canal since its establishment. #Parks Port Said has 23 parks, which include the Ferial Park (21,904 square meters), the Farma Park (12,469 square meters), the Khazanat Park (2,000 square meters), and the Aldawlia Park (8 hektars). #Sports Al Masry Club Stadium The main sport that interests Port Saidis is football, as is the case in the rest of Egypt and Africa, and Port Saidis are known for their enthusiasm in supporting the local team Al Masry SC. Al Masry Club Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Port Said. Built in 1954, it currently seats 17,988 and is used mostly for football matches, including the 1997 FIFA U-17 World Championship, 2006 African Cup of Nations, and 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup. The 2012 Port Said Stadium riot took place there. The second most popular sport in Port Said is handball. The city is known for their local handball team Port Said SC that won three Egyptian Handball League titles and also was the champion of the African Handball Champions League in 1990. Port Said Hall is an indoor hall located in the Sports City in Port Said. It hosts competitions of handball, basketball, and volleyball, and was used for the 1999 World Men’s Handball Championship. It holds 5000 people. Hockey, swimming, and other sports are also practiced on a lower scale. #Language Among speakers of Egyptian Arabic, the Port Saidi accent is unique. Linguistic diversity in Port Said demonstrates the region’s role as a crossroads of cultural interaction and historical influence. #Tourism Beach of the Mediterranean Sea in Port Said Headquarters of Suez Canal Authority in Port Said Port Said is a main summer resort and tourist attraction, due to its public and private beaches, cosmopolitan heritage, museums, and duty-free port, beside the other landmarks like Port Said Lighthouse, Port Said Martyrs Memorial that has the shape of the Pharaonic ancient obelisks, and the building of the Suez Canal Autho.

The cultural landscape of Port Said represents a living repository of traditions, customs, and social practices that have evolved over centuries while maintaining essential characteristics that define community identity and provide continuity between generations.

Social organization in Port Said reflects sophisticated systems for maintaining community cohesion and mutual support that have enabled the population to preserve cultural traditions while adapting to changing economic and political circumstances.

Traditional arts and crafts in Port Said continue to flourish as expressions of cultural identity and sources of economic opportunity, providing visitors with authentic opportunities to observe skilled artisans practicing techniques transmitted through family and community networks.

Religious and spiritual practices in Port Said provide insights into the values and beliefs that guide community decision-making and social interaction while creating frameworks for cultural continuity and adaptation to contemporary circumstances.

Language use and cultural expression in Port Said demonstrate the dynamic relationship between tradition and innovation as communities maintain linguistic heritage while adapting to contemporary communication needs and educational opportunities.

Cultural festivals and community celebrations in Port Said provide opportunities for visitors to experience authentic traditional practices while participating in community life and supporting local cultural preservation efforts.

Economic Activities and Development Patterns

Economy Port Said has been ranked the second among the Egyptian cities according to the Human Development Index in 2009 and 2010; the economic base of the city is fishing and industries, like chemicals, ultra-processed food, and cigarettes. Port Said is also 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. It is home to the Lighthouse of Port Said (the first building in the world built from reinforced concrete). Due to its excellent geographic location, Port Said is designed to attract logistics start ups along with import and export businesses. In 2019, the city witnessed the construction of the New Suez Canal, led by the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. #East Port Said Industrial Zone Main article: East Port Said Industrial Zone The government provides a number of incentives to investors in the scheme including zero tax and duties on tools, machines and raw materials related to the production of goods for export. “Consejos para la vida –”. Archived from the original on 2 October 2011. Retrieved 23 December 2016. “الصفحة الرئيسية -السياحه”. Archived from the original on 24 December 2016. Retrieved 23 December 2016. Company List ›› List of Companies in Egypt ›› Companies in Port Said Archived 4 February 2018 at the Wayback Machine _www. org_ , accessed 10 April 2021 4. “Suez Canal Area Development Project – Rules and Regulations”. Archived from the original on 14 June 2018. Retrieved 14 June 2018.

The economic structure of Port Said reflects a complex balance between traditional livelihoods and contemporary opportunities that enables the community to maintain economic stability while preserving cultural values and environmental sustainability.

Traditional economic activities in Port Said often center around sustainable resource management practices that have been refined over generations to maximize productivity while maintaining environmental balance and community welfare.

Local markets and commercial activities in Port Said serve as important centers of community life where economic transactions intersect with social interaction and cultural exchange, providing visitors with opportunities to observe traditional trading practices.

Agricultural production in Port Said demonstrates sophisticated adaptation to local environmental conditions while maintaining traditional crop varieties and farming techniques that support both food security and cultural continuity.

Service sector development in Port Said has evolved to accommodate external economic connections while maintaining authentic community character and traditional approaches to hospitality and customer service.

Economic development opportunities in Port Said focus on sustainable approaches that build upon existing community strengths while creating new opportunities for education, employment, and cultural preservation.

Transportation and Regional Connectivity

Transport #Port * v * t * e Suez Canal Legend km **Mediterranean Sea** W E Approaches (Southward convoy waiting area) 0. 0 **Port Said** 0. 0 **Port Said** lighthouse, fishing harbour, cruise terminal Port Said (city), former headquarters Port Said harbour, Port Fuad (city) East Port, SCCT container terminal E-class turning dock Martyr Mujand Abanoub Girgis Bridge Al Salam Bridge 51. 5 Eastern lane: New Suez Canal (2015) El Ferdan Railway Bridge (under construction) 76. 5 Ismaïlia, SCA headquarters Tunnel Ismailia New Ismala **Lake Timsah** Maadia Al Qantarah Street 95. 0 _Deversoir_ **Great Bitter Lake** Small Bitter Lake Ahmed Hamdi Northern Tunnel Ahmed Hamdi Tunnel Martyr Ahmed El-Mansy Pontoon Bridge Overhead powerline 162 **Suez** , **Suez Port** Petroleum Dock, Port Tewfik **Gulf of Suez** (Northward convoy waiting area) **Red Sea** Legend Navigable canal Anchorage Dock, industrial or logistical area Village or town, feature Railroad (defunct) with swing bridge The port of Port Said is the 28th-busiest seaport for container transport, the second-busiest in the Arab world (narrowly behind the port of Salalah in Oman), and the busiest container seaport in Egypt, with 3,470,000 TEU transported in 2009. The port is part of the Maritime Silk Road. It is divided into: * Port Said Port * East Port Said Port The port is bordered, seaward, by an imaginary line from the western breakwater boundary till the eastern breakwater end. And from the Suez Canal area, it is bordered by an imaginary line extending transversely from the southern bank of the Canal connected to Manzala Lake, and the railways arcade livestock. ##Navigation channels Main channel * Length: 8 km (5 mi) * Depth: 13. 01 ft) East verge channel * Length: 19. 5 km (12 mi) * Depth: 18. 01 ft) ##Approach area Port Said Canal in 1880 Two breakwaters protect the port entrance channel: the western breakwater is about 3. 6 km) long, and the eastern breakwater is approximately 1. ##Dwelling area The Suez Canal Dwelling Area is situated between latitudes 31° 21′ N and 31° 25′ N and longitudes 32° 16. 2°’ E and 32° 20. where vessels awaiting to accede Port Said port stay whether to join the North convoy to transit the Suez Canal to carry out stevedoring operations or to be supplied with provisions and bunkers. The dwelling area is divided into two sections: The Northern Area is allocated for vessels with deep drafts. The Southern Area is for all vessel types. #Airports Port Said is served by Port Said Airport located about 6 km (3. 7 mi) away from city centre. The airport was reopened in February 2011 after being modernised to be fit for international flights. Scheduled flights from the airport.

Transportation infrastructure serving Port Said reflects the balance between accessibility and preservation of community character that characterizes regional development throughout Egypt. Road networks, public transportation options, and traditional travel methods create multiple approaches for reaching and exploring Port Said.

Regional connectivity from Port Said provides access to broader transportation networks while maintaining the authentic character that distinguishes this destination from more commercialized locations. Understanding transportation options helps visitors plan efficient and respectful approaches to exploration.

Educational Institutions and Learning Opportunities

Education #Colleges and universities Port Said has a number of higher education institutions. Port Said University is a public university that follows the Egyptian system of higher education. The most notable faculties of the university are the faculty of engineering and the faculty of science. In addition, the Arab Academy for Science and Technology and Maritime Transport is a semi-private educational institution that offers courses for high school, undergraduate level students, postgraduate. Sadat Academy for Management Sciences is an Egyptian Public Academy under the authorization of the Ministry of higher education. #Schools Port Said contains about 349 schools in all different educational stages between governmental, experimental, private language schools beside French historical schools.

Educational institutions in Port Said serve as important centers of learning and cultural preservation that contribute to community development while maintaining connections to traditional knowledge systems and contemporary educational standards.

Visitor Attractions and Cultural Experiences

#Tourism Beach of the Mediterranean Sea in Port Said Headquarters of Suez Canal Authority in Port Said Port Said is a main summer resort and tourist attraction, due to its public and private beaches, cosmopolitan heritage, museums, and duty-free port, beside the other landmarks like Port Said Lighthouse, Port Said Martyrs Memorial that has the shape of the Pharaonic ancient obelisks, and the building of the Suez Canal Authority headquarters in Port Said. Also, Tennis island situated in lake Manzaleh is a destination that attracts tourists to enjoy visiting this ancient Islamic city which was demolished during the crusades. Ashtoum el-Gamil is a protectorate which is located 7 km west of Port Said on the Port Said-Damietta coastal road. It is also where Lake Manzalah connects with the Mediterranean Sea. (In front of the mouth of the Lake is Tanees Island. The entire area is a very important place for birds.) Its area is 180 km2 and was established in 1988. Its main objective is to conserve the migratory birds. It is managed by the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency . Nearby to El Gameel area, there will be a real estate mixed use project named Downtown Portsaid. The project will cater to both residents and tourists as well as investors in the area, and is anticipated to be an attraction hotspot. 1. “Ashtum El Gamil Protected Area of Egypt”. _Touregypt.net_. Archived from the original on 17 October 2017. Retrieved 16 October 2017. 2. “Downtown Port Said – Waterway – Port Said – Egypt”. _www.cooingestate.com_. Archived from the original on 28 April 2021. Retrieved 28 April 2021.

Tourism opportunities in Port Said emphasize authentic cultural experiences and meaningful interaction with local communities rather than commercialized attractions, providing visitors with genuine insights into traditional ways of life.

Planning Your Visit to Port Said

Successful visits to Port Said require preparation that extends beyond typical travel planning, as this destination rewards visitors who approach it with cultural sensitivity, environmental awareness, and genuine interest in learning from local communities and traditions.

The most meaningful experiences in Port Said often emerge from patient observation, respectful participation in community activities, and willingness to adapt expectations to local customs and environmental conditions rather than imposing external standards or expectations.

Practical considerations for visiting Port Said include understanding seasonal variations in weather and activity availability, respecting local customs and social protocols, and supporting community-based economic activities that contribute to cultural preservation and sustainable development.

The rewards of visiting Port Said extend far beyond the duration of your stay, as the insights gained from experiencing authentic traditional culture often influence perspectives and values long after returning home, providing new understanding of human potential and community cooperation.

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Source: This article incorporates material from the Wikipedia article “Port Said”.