We can never get enough of talking about the beauty of Egypt and the many historical and amazing places. Just like countries either have states or cities, Egypt has governorates. Today, we will discuss what you must do when visiting Port Said. But before that, we should tell you more about it and why it is important to Egypt. You will fall in love with it just like us!
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What You Need to Know about Port Said
To get started, you should know that Port Said is a unique governorate with its own rich history. You can find the coastal city in northeastern Egypt, and it extends north of the Suez Canal. Now, mentioning the Suez Canal is necessary when talking about Port Said. This is because it was established during the building of the Suez Canal. A pretty important relation, right?
Many people don’t realize Port Said existed before the Suez Canal. Initially, it was a fishermen’s village and became a port. Unfortunately, the Crusaders destroyed the old version. Still, we are lucky things happened the way they did because we have the Port Said we know today.
In addition to the attractions and historical places in Port Said, you will love the people there. People are kind and brave. So if you need some help, you know whom to ask!
Why exactly should you visit Port Said? Well, since it is one of the most famous ports in the entire world, it would be like meeting everyone on Earth in one place. Here is a fun fact: English novelist Rudyard Kipling once said, “If you truly wish to find someone you have known and who travels, there are two points on the globe you have but to sit and wait, sooner or later your man will come there: the docks of London and Port Said.”
Port Said has a rich culture that makes its attractions a hundred times more attractive. You could walk through the streets, and you will witness the grandeur I’m talking about! Even though many things have changed in Port Said since its golden age, it still has charm. So don’t worry about not enjoying it because I guarantee you will. To ensure you will have a blast there, here are six things you must do when you visit Port Said.
Port Said Military Museum
[Source: Egyptian Ministry of Defense]
Our first recommendation for things to do in Port Said relates to history; can you blame us? Port Said is a historical city, after all. I’m talking about Port Said Military Museum, which shows its grandeur through its name.
As its name says, the museum commemorates a military battle called the Battle of Port Said. It was built in 1964 and has been around for a while. This indicates that it is a must-visit place since today people love it! So if you are a history lover, Port Said Military Museum is the right place for your next adventure.
One of the reasons why the museum is still known today and loved by many is that there is always something new to see. Since it offers artifacts and many things that show you the military history of Port Said, they always renew it. So even if you decide to go again, you will find new things to enjoy! This is the perfect opportunity to witness a unique and ancient armory if this is your cup of tea.
When it comes to how the museum is divided, there are many things to view. The museum has several exhibitions that show different phases of Port Said’s history. You will find parts like the main lobby, Suez Canal Hall, the 1956 War Hall, the October 1973 Hall, and more! It also has gardens to view the tanks used or captured during the wars. If you are a true history lover, you plan to visit Port Said Military Museum!
- Opening hours: 9 am to 3 pm and 6 pm to 9 pm.
- Location: 23 July St., opposite Mubarak Military Hospital, Al-Arab district, Port-Said City, Egypt.
- Ticket prices: Around $0.32. Please note that this price is converted from Egyptian currency. It could change with any changes in economic status.
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El Nasr Museum For Modern Art
[Source: Port Said Governorate]
Our next recommendation is also a museum, but it is for art lovers now. It’s rare to see anyone going on a trip to a new place and not visit at least one artistic spot. To ensure you won’t miss the art of Port Said, you should visit El Nasr Museum For Modern Art.
El Nasr Museum For Modern Art is similar to Port Said Military Museum. Both of them commemorate its history as an Egyptian city. You can rest assured that El Nasr Museum was well-built with only art in mind. This is because the Ministry of Culture established it in 1995. It has been thriving since then.
Another similarity between the two museums is the concept of war. At El Nasr Museum For Modern Art, you can see many paintings about war. Specifically, the museum has around 75 paintings, sculptures, drawings, graphics, and ceramics. You will see part of Egypt in the art inside the museum since Egyptian artists made it. But don’t worry, you won’t just see works about war; there are some about peace too!
Another fact about the museum is that it would be a perfect place to learn more about Egyptian art, especially the art in Port Said. You will find out that the museum’s officials organize cultural and artistic seminars. There are also many artistic workshops there! So make sure to ask about them. Now that you know more about El Nasr Museum For Modern Art, you will probably not be able to resist visiting it!
- Opening hours: Saturday to Thursday from 7 am to 2 pm. Closed on Friday.
- Location: 23 July Street, Masala Square, next to the building of the city’s local council, Port Said, Egypt.
- Ticket prices: $0.65.
Port Said Lighthouse
So far, we told you about two things to do in Port Said. One is perfect for history lovers, and the other is for art lovers. Well, we can’t forget the specific group who loves architecture! The fact that the city can satisfy the taste of different people is proof that the city is a very important and diverse one. For our architectural place, we must suggest Port Said Lighthouse. It’s a must-visit; we don’t set the rules here.
The very first thing you should know is that the Port Said Lighthouse is the first lighthouse to be built with reinforced concrete. This was also the first time this technique was used for a lighthouse. Another thing that adds to its importance is how it presents nineteenth-century architecture.
We won’t forget history lovers here! A fun fact is that the lighthouse was built by orders from ruler Khedive Ismail. Its main goal was to guide ships moving through the Suez Canal. So almost everything in Port Said is related in one way or another. However, the lighthouse wasn’t built by an Egyptian. The 56-meter-high tower was built by the French engineer François Coignet.
So it was built by a French engineer by order from Egypt’s ruler. It also represents the nineteenth century. All these diverse details are enough to make you excited to visit the lighthouse. Although it has existed since many years ago, it is still a sight to behold!
- Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm. Closed on Sunday.
- Location: 7877+M93, Port Fouad City, Port Said Governorate 8573152, Egypt.
- Ticket prices: Free entrance.
Saint Eugene Church
I already told you how Port Said has many diverse places that will please everyone. One of these places, our next suggestion, is loved by many. I’m talking about Saint Eugene Church, the oldest church there. We are still talking about it, and there is a reason why!
To start, Saint Eugene Church was founded in 1863 and then opened in 1890. You can understand now why it is the oldest one. Many more aspects make the church a unique one. In addition to its old age, it is one of the largest churches in the governorate. Another unique aspect is that the church has Islamic and Coptic monuments.
However, don’t let the church’s old age deceive you. Its style is nothing short of perfect. Saint Eugene Church is a mix of neoclassical and neo-Renaissance styles. Even though it has a European style, it is part of Egypt.
Along with its unique style, you will witness many over one hundred years old paintings. No matter how many words we use to describe Saint Eugene Church, you can only truly witness its beauty in real life. So make sure to add Saint Eugene Church to your plans when you visit Port Said.
- Opening hours: Open the entire week from 6 am to 7 pm.
- Location: Port Said Governorate near El-Mansheya Square and beside Rokn Elneel Pastry Shop on Ramsis Street.
- Ticket prices: Free entrance.
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Port Fouad
[Source: Port Said Governorate]
Our next suggestion is to visit a city within a city. This place, or city, is Port Fouad. Due to their close relationship, many people call Port Fouad the sister town of Port Said.
Regarding its place, Port Fouad is inside Port Said on the eastern bank of the Suez Canal. Like every place on our list for today, Port Fouad is also important historically and culturally. We must point out that the Egyptians didn’t build it. It was built by the French to be a home for the French workers who helped build the canal.
While the French occupation isn’t a good moment in Egypt’s history, no one can deny the beauty of French architecture. Such architecture is obvious in the wide gardens next to the many villas in Port Fouad. This makes it a must that you visit Port Fouad if you ever go to Port Said. Not only would you enjoy the beauty of Port Fouad, but you will feel like you are visiting a French city. We can easily say that you will love it!
- Opening hours: Open 24/7.
- Location: Inside Port Said on the eastern side of the city.
- Ticket prices: No tickets.
De Lesseps Statue Base
Our last suggestion is a historical attraction. Not only is this place a historical attraction, but it is also a very important one. I’m talking about De Lesseps Statue Base, which we can only describe its design as jaw-dropping.
Here comes the historical part: the statue memorializes Ferdinand De Lesseps. As an Egyptian, all of us know who De Lesseps is; this is how important he is in the history of Egypt. De Lesseps was the one who proposed the idea of the Suez Canal, so we could say that it exists today because of him.
Again, we have another French artist behind this attraction. This shows Port Said has many attractions that give European vibes; you wouldn’t want to miss that! French artist Emmanuel Frimim designed De Lesseps Statue. It is made of iron and bronze. You may wonder why we have now added the word “base.” The Egyptians removed the statue, and only the base remained. However, this made the place even more special!
- Opening hours: Open 24/7.
- Location: 7898+9WH، Shokri، Port Said Governorate 8576001, Egypt.
- Ticket prices: Free access.
We have reached the end of our list of six things you must do when you visit Port Said. So if you love military museums, art museums, beautiful churches, and more, we have you covered in this guide. Get ready to fall in love with Port Said after you visit at least one place from our list!
