This industrial port city connects the Mediterranean and Red seas through its famous canal. The waterfront includes cargo terminals, seafood restaurants and maritime museums.
Suez, a city of 700,000 people in northeastern Egypt, sits at the southern entrance of the Suez Canal. From Port Tawfik's waterfront promenade, you'll see container ships and oil tankers passing through the canal. The city has three ports handling international maritime traffic. Walk through the busy El Arbaeen market, swim at the Red Sea beaches of Ain El Sokhna, or visit the palm-lined springs of Ain Musa where Moses reportedly struck his staff against the ground.
Transportation in Suez
Regular trains run between Cairo and Suez every two hours, with the journey taking approximately 2.5 hours. Local minibuses connect the five main districts, while taxis circulate throughout the city center. The Ahmed Hamdi Tunnel, connecting to the Sinai Peninsula, has two lanes in each direction and operates 24 hours a day.
Districts of Suez
The city has five main districts. In El Arbaeen, you'll find the central market selling fresh produce, spices, and textiles, along with government offices and streets lined with clothing shops and electronics stores. El Ganayen extends to the Ismailia Governorate border and includes the beachfront area of Ain Sokhna. From Port Tawfik District's waterfront promenade, you can watch ships entering and leaving the canal from designated viewing platforms with benches and shade structures.
The Suez Canal Today
Ships pass through the canal daily between Europe and Asia. The three ports - Suez Port, al-Adabiya, and al-Zaytiya - handle different types of cargo: Suez Port processes container ships, al-Adabiya manages bulk materials like grain and coal, while al-Zaytiya specializes in petroleum products. You can watch the maritime traffic from several spots along Port Tawfik's waterfront, where information boards explain the canal's operation.
Nearby Attractions
At Ain Musa, 20 kilometers southeast of Suez, seven natural springs emerge from the ground surrounded by date palms. The site has paved walking paths and covered seating areas. The Military Tourist Memorial, 3 kilometers north of Ain Musa, displays tanks, artillery pieces, and bunkers from the 1973 war, with detailed information panels explaining the conflict. Ain El Sokhna's beaches extend for several kilometers along the Red Sea coast, with water temperatures ranging from 20°C to 27°C (68°F to 81°F) throughout the year.
Weather and Visiting Times
Suez experiences hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures typically range from 35°C to 45°C (95°F to 113°F), while winter temperatures stay between 10°C and 20°C (50°F to 68°F). Schedule walks and sightseeing for early morning or late afternoon during summer months. Winter months (November to March) have comfortable temperatures for exploring the city and its surroundings.
