Welcome to Port Said, Egypt's historic gateway on the Mediterranean Sea. This bustling port city marks the northern entrance to the legendary Suez Canal, offering a unique blend of colonial-era architecture and vibrant Egyptian culture.
Major cruise lines like MSC Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises, and Oceania Cruises frequently dock here, using it as the primary launching point for unforgettable journeys into the heart of ancient Egypt.
While the city itself has its own charms, its main appeal for cruise passengers is its proximity to Cairo, providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a day trip to the Giza Pyramids and the treasures of the pharaohs.
While many passengers head straight for Cairo, Port Said has several worthy attractions. The magnificent Suez Canal Administration Building, with its impressive domes, is a stunning piece of architecture and a symbol of the city. A stroll along the waterfront Corniche provides excellent views of massive ships transiting the canal.
For history enthusiasts, the Port Said Military Museum details the region's military history, including the Suez Crisis of 1956. You can also see the historic Port Said Lighthouse, one of the first in the world to be built from reinforced concrete.
The most popular shore excursion is the full-day tour to Cairo to witness the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx, though this requires a long bus journey of about three hours each way.
Last updated on July 2, 2025
The most popular, albeit distant, destination is Cairo, the bustling capital of Egypt. Located approximately a 3-hour drive each way, it is a very long but rewarding day trip where you can visit the world-famous Giza Pyramids, the Great Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum.
A closer alternative is Ismailia, known as the 'City of Gardens and Enchantment.' Situated about an hour's drive south along the Suez Canal, it offers a more relaxed atmosphere with beautiful colonial architecture and serene lakeside views.
Last updated on July 2, 2025
The cruise terminal in Port Said is conveniently located at the northern terminus of the Suez Canal, right at the edge of the city center. This prime location means that the main downtown area, with its shops, cafes, and historic architecture, is often just a short walk from where the ship docks.
Cruise ships typically dock directly at the quay, so tendering is not usually required. Given the port's proximity to town, shuttle buses may not be necessary for those wishing to explore the immediate vicinity on foot. However, all transportation for longer shore excursions to places like Cairo will depart directly from the port area.
Last updated on July 2, 2025
The official currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). While US Dollars and Euros are often accepted for large purchases or tours, it is highly recommended to have some local currency for smaller items, tips, and taxis.
ATMs are readily available throughout the city center, and money exchange offices or banks are the best places to convert currency. Credit cards are generally accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and established shops, but cash is king in local markets and smaller establishments.
Last updated on July 2, 2025
Port Said is generally considered safe for tourists, particularly in the main tourist areas and the city center near the port. However, visitors should exercise standard precautions, such as being aware of their surroundings and keeping valuables secure to prevent petty theft like pickpocketing in crowded areas.
Be wary of overly persistent vendors or unsolicited offers for tours, which can sometimes be scams. While exploring the city of Port Said independently is quite feasible, it is highly recommended to book shore excursions through the cruise line for long-distance trips to Cairo. This ensures safe transportation, reliable guides, and efficient time management to guarantee your return to the ship on time.
Last updated on July 2, 2025
Port Said experiences a hot desert climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. During the main cruise season in spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), temperatures are pleasantly warm and ideal for sightseeing, typically ranging from 70-85°F (21-29°C).
Summers (June-August) can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 90°F (32°C). Winters (December-February) are mild, with daytime temperatures around 60-70°F (15-21°C), though it can feel cooler with the sea breeze. Rainfall is sparse year-round but is most likely to occur in the winter months.
It is essential to pack lightweight, breathable clothing, a sun hat, sunglasses, and strong sunscreen regardless of the season. A light jacket is advisable for cooler evenings or for the powerful air-conditioning on tour buses.
Last updated on July 2, 2025
Taxis are the most common and convenient way for tourists to travel around Port Said. It is essential to agree on a fare before starting your trip or insist that the driver uses the meter. Blue and white taxis are the official city cabs.
Ride-sharing services like Uber are also available and can provide a more transparent pricing experience. For exploring the immediate downtown and waterfront area, which is close to the port, walking is a pleasant and easy option.
While local buses operate, they can be challenging for visitors to navigate. For trips to Cairo, cruise line shore excursions or pre-booked private car services are the most reliable and efficient choices.
Last updated on July 2, 2025
Shopping in Port Said offers a mix of modern goods and traditional Egyptian souvenirs. The city has a history as a customs-free zone, and you can find duty-free shops offering perfumes, leather goods, and electronics. The main shopping streets are located downtown, within walking distance from the cruise port.
For authentic local items, look for stalls and shops selling papyrus scrolls, alabaster figurines, cartouches with your name in hieroglyphics, and high-quality Egyptian cotton products. Haggling is expected in local markets and with street vendors, so be prepared to negotiate for a fair price. The Sharia El Gomhouria is one of the main commercial thoroughfares where you can find a variety of stores.
Last updated on July 2, 2025
Shore excursions from Port Said primarily offer a private day trip to the legendary Giza Pyramids Complex, a significant drive from the port. At this iconic site, you will witness the magnificent Great Pyramids of Giza and come face-to-face with the enigmatic Great Sphinx. A private tour ensures a comfortable, air-conditioned journey and a personalized experience, allowing you to explore these ancient wonders at your own pace.
Meet your private Egyptologist guide and travel by van to the Giza Plateau to see the great pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, and Mycerinus. You will also visit the Valley Temple, where King Chephren was mummified, and view the panoramic Giza Plateau and Great Sphinx. Explore the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East, housing over 170,000 artifacts like Tutankhamun's mask. This private tour concludes with lunch at a high-quality restaurant before your return to the port.
Make the most of your time in Egypt with a private, full-day tour from Port Said to Cairo, guided by a professional. Travel in comfort with door-to-door transportation and explore incredible sites rich in history and culture at your own pace. This hassle-free tour offers a deep dive into Egypt’s fascinating past, from ancient wonders to lively markets filled with unique treasures.
Journey from Port Said to visit the legendary Giza Pyramids and the Great Sphinx to learn about Egypt's ancient history. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious lunch aboard a 5-star Nile cruise. This tour offers the unique experience of sailing along the modern Nile after exploring the wonders of the ancient world.
Embark on a two-day tour exploring the best of both Cairo and Alexandria. In Cairo, you will visit the incredible Pyramids of Giza, including the Great Pyramid of Cheops, and see the treasures of The Egyptian Museum. Your tour then continues to Alexandria to discover the city's many Greek and Roman attractions.
This tour from Port Said is perfect for those fascinated by the pyramids, beginning with a visit to the Giza Plateau to see the Three Pyramids, the Sphinx, and the valley temple. Enjoy a memorable camel ride with the pyramids as your backdrop. You will also explore Saqqara, where the first pyramids ever built still stand, and the ancient remains of Memphis, Egypt's first capital.
Step into the ancient world on this tour from Port Said, starting with the majestic Giza Pyramids and the mysterious Sphinx. Continue your journey back in time with a visit to the renowned Egyptian museum, filled with a richness of artifacts. Conclude your day with a leisurely walk through a vibrant and bustling old market before returning to your ship.
Join the most popular day tour from Port Said to see Cairo's two most famous landmarks. You will visit the iconic Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, marvels of the ancient world. Then, explore the Egyptian Museum to view priceless artifacts, including the world-famous treasures of King Tut Ankh Amon, before returning to your ship.
Take an overnight excursion from Port Said to immerse yourself in the wonders of Cairo. You will visit the pyramids, the ultimate symbol of ancient Egyptian human development and one of the ancient seven wonders of the world. The tour also includes a visit to the Egyptian museum, which contains a lot of ancient Egyptian treasures and tools.
Enjoy a history-packed, private shore excursion to Cairo with your own personal guide and lunch included. Visit world-renowned sights including the Giza Pyramids, the Valley Temple, and the iconic Sphinx. Delve deeper into the ancient world at the Egyptian Museum and do some shopping at the Khan El-Khalili bazaar, with entrance fees included in this comprehensive package.
Embark on a private, two-day adventure with your own Egyptologist, including round-trip transfers from Port Said. On your first day, explore Cairo's Giza Pyramids Complex, the Sphinx, the Valley Temple, and the Egyptian Museum, with an authentic lunch and optional Nile cruise. The following day, journey to Alexandria to discover the Roman Catacombs, Qaitbay Citadel, and Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
Your guide will take you from the port to see the Giza pyramids of Cheops, Khafre, and Menkaure, along with the legendary Sphinx. Experience a memorable camel ride alongside the pyramids and capture photos with the three pyramids in the background. Before enjoying an included lunch, you will also visit the Khan el Khalili bazaar and the al Hakim mosque.
Embark on an extraordinary private day tour to Cairo with an expert guide revealing the city's secrets. Explore the mesmerizing Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. You will also delve into the captivating history at The Museum of Egyptian [Antiquities] and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Khan Al-Khalili, a bustling marketplace.
Journey from Safaga port on a day tour to Luxor's famous wonders. On the West Bank, you will visit three royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings, the magnificent Hatshepsut temple, and the colossi of Agamemnon. The tour also includes a typical Egyptian meal while sailing on the Nile, a camel ride around Luxor villages, and a visit to the Karnak temple before your return.
Embark on a private, two-day adventure from Port Said with your personal Egyptologist and private transfers. Your tour of ancient sites includes the Giza Pyramids Complex, the Sphinx, the Valley Temple, and the Saqqara Step Pyramid of Zoser. You will also explore Cairo's Egyptian Museum, Salah el Din Citadel, the Alabaster Mosque, and the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar.
Enjoy an amazing overnight tour to Cairo from Port Said, covering Egypt's most famous sites. First, you will visit the Giza three Pyramids, the Sphinx, and the ancient sites of Memphis and Saqqara. The tour also includes visits to The Egyptian Museum, the Citadel of Salah El Din with its Alabaster Mosque, and the Khan El Khalili bazaar.
A tour representative will take you from Port Said to the Giza Plateau, home to the last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World. You'll get breathtaking photos from the Western Plateau, explore Chephern's Pyramid up close, and visit the timeless Sphinx. After a local lunch, the tour proceeds to Tahrir Square to explore the National Archaeological Museum before returning to your ship.
Welcome to the Egyptian coastal city of Port Said, nicknamed the Valiant City. It is the administrative capital of the Port Said Governorate, which also includes the city of Port Fouad. Located in northeast Egypt, Port Said is in a prime position at the top of the northern entrance to the Suez Canal.
Discover Egypt's ancient wonders on a full-day tour from Port Said with comfortable transportation. Visit the iconic Giza Pyramids and the enigmatic Sphinx, both marvels of ancient engineering. With an expert guide, you will then explore the historic necropolis of Sakkara, home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser.
Leave your ship in Port Said for an overnight tour of Cairo's greatest sights. On the first day, you will see the Giza Pyramids and explore the Egyptian Museum. After a night in Cairo, your second day includes a visit to Saladin’s Citadel and Mohammed Ali’s Mosque, then exploring Khan El Khalili bazaar before returning to your ship.
This service provides private transportation from the Port Said port to Cairo with a professional driver. Enjoy a comfortable, scenic 3-4 hour drive through Egypt’s landscapes to your selected location in the city. Your driver will drop you at your hotel or a popular landmark, and optional tour services are available for a more guided experience.
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On average Port Said is rather inexpensive as a port of call. Prices are roughly equal throughout the year. Check out the illustration below for the monthly average cost per day.
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