Port Said was initially a working camp established by Said Pasha in 1859 to house men who worked on the Suez Canal. Later during the 19th century, and due to its proximity to the canal, it became an important port where major maritime powers attended consults. It was heavily damaged during the Suez Crisis, and the wars of 1967 and 1973, but was rebuilt and now stands to be Egyptians’ summer resort and duty free port.

Visitors can sense a piece of this beautiful city’s culture and history by touring the National Museum, which includes Pharaonic and prehistoric artifacts, Islamic and Coptic exhibits of textile, manuscripts and coins, and a room devoted to the Khedive family’s artifact. Moreover, the Military Museum houses a small Pharaonic and Islamic displays, in addition to artifacts that were left behind from the Suez Crisis and the 1967 and 1973 wars.

Port Said coexists with Port Fouad; a very small community across the Canal that is known for its charming gardens and sprawling residences.