Port Said (Egypt)

Port Said is a Mediterranean port city in northeastern Egypt, extending some 30 km (19 ml) along the coast. The city has population around 600,000 (Egypt's 2nd largest - after Cairo) and was established in 1859 during the creation of Suez Canal.

City's economy is based on container shipping, commercial fishing and industries like processed food, cigarettes, chemicals. Port Said is a major seaport where are exported Egyptian products (including rice and cotton). Other large businesses are fueling (for vessels passing through Suez Canal), duty-free port and tourist resort activities (especially during summer). Port Said's Lighthouse is world's first built from reinforced concrete.

The city has numerous old houses with grand balconies, giving it a distinctive look. Port Fuad (twin city) is on the eastern bank of the canal. Both cities are connected with free of charge ferries running all day, and together form a metro area (population over 1 million) which extends on both African and Asian sides of Suez Canal. World's other metropo area that also spans two continents is Istanbul (Turkey).

Port Said cruise terminal