Growing up in the the small city of Damietta, there wasn’t that many options. What to do on weekends, summers, and all of that business. We had to create our own fun. Sahel wasn’t accessible for me at the time, and I was too young for my parents to let me go to Dahab by myself or with friends.
So yes, my options were limited. One of the places I used to go to was Portsaid. It’s a city that lies in the north east of Egypt, extending about 30 kilometres along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, north of the Suez Canal. Portsaid had a bit of Cairo’s craziness, but also a lot of the peacefulness, all thanks to the sea. This is a list for anyone who wants to go out of their comfort zone and experience somewhere new. It’s also a list for anyone who finds themselves in Portsaid; if that ever happens, here’s what you have to do.
Take a walk on the Corniche
The Corniche might look very chaotic, but it’s beautiful in its own sort of way, you know? You need to walk it from the start till the very end at De Lesseps’ statue. I also suggest you do that at 5 am when it’s very calm.
Or El-Gomhoreya street
This street is probably one of the only streets in Portsaid, or Egypt in fact, that hasn’t changed by the passing of time. Something about walking on that street makes me feel cozy.
Hit Liverpool Cafe
They make a mean Nutella waffle, if you’re into that sort of stuff.
Or have a pizza from Pizza Pino
Funnily enough, this place is across the street from a Pizza Hut, but I’ll always pick Pino over it or anything else. You seriously need to have a slice of their pepperoni pizza.
Have a ride on el ma3adeya
El ma3adeya translates into the crosser, and that’s what it does. It’s a boat of some kind that gets you from point a to b. It’s also the only mean of transport that’ll take you from Portsaid to Portfouad and vice versa. The whole ride is an experience you must try.
Visit Portfouad
Portfouad is considered an extension of Portsaid. You’ll think that you’re in Europe for a second whilst you walk in its streets.
Pretend you’re your favorite Friends character and visit Central Perk
Yup, a Friends fan from Portsaid decided to create a replica of the cafe from the hit TV show.
Culture vultures need to visit El-Nasr Museum
All the artsy-fartsy kinds need to scour this place. You will absolutely love it, make sure to get some leb or termis though…
Last but not least, get a waklet samak
There’s no shortage of fishermen in this city. You’ll find them everywhere, which is why fish or seafood places in general are everywhere. I’m not going to recommend a specific place as every single place I’ve tried was superb.
WE SAID THIS: Portsaid accents are not as bad as they sound in the movies. They tend to dramatize it and make it more “funny” on screen. I just thought you should know…
