Port Said

Port Said sits at the northern entrance to the Suez Canal, and watching the ship traffic queueing to transit is part of the experience. The city was founded in 1859 during the canal's construction. The old town has colonial-era buildings with wooden balconies and a 19th-century character. The oriental bazaar near the port sells spices, perfumes, and Egyptian souvenirs. Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza are the main excursion, but it's about 3 hours each way by road, making for a very long day. The Suez Canal Authority building in the city has exhibits on the canal's construction. The local museum covers the city's history. For a shorter trip, the town centre has cafés and the commerce district from the canal era. Egyptian street food includes falafel (ta'ameya), koshari, and shawarma. The Egyptian Pound is the currency, and haggling is standard at markets.