Things To Do
in Damietta
Damietta is a picturesque city located in northeastern Egypt, where the Nile River branches out into the Mediterranean Sea. Known for its historic significance as a prominent port city, Damietta boasts a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant local community. The city is famous for its traditional wooden boat-making industry and its bustling fish market, offering visitors a glimpse into its maritime heritage.
With its charming waterfront promenade, lively souks, and ancient mosques, Damietta is a must-visit destination for those interested in exploring Egypt's lesser-known gems.
- "Ahlan wa sahlan" - Welcome
- "Shukran" - Thank you
- "Afwan" - You're welcome
- "La shukran" - No, thank you
- "Min fadlak" - Please
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.20 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $15 - $30
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $10 - $25
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Grand Mosque of Damietta, an architectural marvel. Enjoy a peaceful morning walk around its gardens.
Visit the Damietta Museum to learn about the city's rich history. Don't miss the chance to browse local crafts at nearby markets.
Relax at the Nile Corniche with a scenic view of the sunset. Grab dinner at a local seafood restaurant to taste the fresh catch of the day.
Explore the vibrant streets of Damietta and immerse yourself in local culture. Visit craftspeople to see traditional pottery-making in action.
Stop by the local art galleries showcasing regional artists. Enjoy lunch at a café with stunning views of the river.
Attend a traditional music performance in a local venue. Savor some dessert at a popular pastry shop known for its sweets.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strategic location along the Nile Delta, facilitating access to trade routes.
- Rich cultural heritage with historical sites and traditions.
- Proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, benefiting fishing and tourism.
- Growing agricultural sector due to fertile land.
- Developing infrastructure and investment opportunities.
- Vulnerability to flooding and climate change impacts.
- Limited economic diversification, reliant on specific industries.
- Overpopulation and urbanization leading to environmental stress.
- Infrastructure challenges, including traffic congestion.
- Potential political instability affecting safety and investment.
Best Activities in Damietta
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Visit the Al-Bahr Mosque, an iconic landmark located near the Nile River in Damietta. It offers a beautiful architectural design and a serene atmosphere.
Enjoy a peaceful fishing experience in the Nile River, which offers a tranquil setting for outdoor enthusiasts.
Explore Al-Salam Park, a relaxing green space in Damietta, ideal for picnics, leisurely walks, and enjoying the outdoors.
Tours
Uncover the best of Damietta with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Damietta
Visit one of these nice places.
Ras El Bar Beach offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and is a great spot for taking photos of the coastline and sunsets.
The Nile Corniche provides picturesque views of the Nile River and the surrounding cityscape, making it ideal for capturing scenic photographs.
The Al-Bahr Mosque's minaret provides a high vantage point for panoramic views of Damietta and the surrounding area, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
Food in Damietta
Damietta Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A delicious fish casserole dish made with a blend of local spices and herbs. Best enjoyed at Al Mahalla Restaurant or El Kabeer fish market.
Must-Try!
Vegetables like vine leaves, zucchini, and eggplant stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes minced meat. Can be savored at El Salam Restaurant or local street food stalls.
A traditional soup or stew prepared with jew's mallow leaves and often combined with chicken or rabbit. Widely available at Al Sadeek Restaurant or the Friday market.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Damietta better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
An iconic local fish market offering a wide variety of freshly caught seafood, including shrimp, crab, and a diverse selection of fish. Perfect for experiencing the freshest seafood in Damietta.
A bustling market where visitors can find a diverse range of local fruits, vegetables, spices, and street food. It's an ideal place to immerse in the vibrant local food scene.
Exploring the street food stalls in El Mahatta area offers a chance to taste a variety of authentic Egyptian snacks and street delicacies like ta'ameya (falafel), koshari, and grilled kebabs.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Damietta, Egypt, it is important to respect Islamic customs such as modesty in clothing, especially when visiting mosques or other religious sites. It is also respectful to learn and adhere to local customs and traditions, such as greeting people with 'As-salamu alaykum' and being aware of the significance of Ramadan and other Islamic holidays.
Be aware of gender interactions and norms in Damietta, Egypt. It is important to be respectful and considerate in your interactions with individuals of the opposite gender, as conservative attitudes towards gender roles may be prevalent in the local culture.
Hospitality is highly valued in Damietta, Egypt. It is important to be polite, courteous, and respectful towards others, especially when invited into someone's home. Expressing gratitude and showing appreciation for local customs and traditions is also a sign of respectful behavior.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Damietta with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Damietta
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is common in Damietta, Egypt, especially in restaurants, cafes, and for services such as tour guides or taxi drivers. It is customary to leave a tip of around 10-15% of the total bill.
Cash is the preferred method of payment in Damietta, Egypt. While some larger establishments may accept credit cards, it is advisable to carry enough local currency for smaller transactions and in more local or rural areas.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Damietta.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Damietta, Egypt. Moderate temperatures and less crowds, perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Hot and humid weather, but ideal for beach activities and water sports. Considered as the off-peak tourist season.
Pleasant temperatures and a great time for exploring local culture and historical sites. Fewer tourists compared to summer.
Cool temperatures, but still enjoyable for outdoor excursions. The perfect time for bird-watching in the wetlands and enjoying local cuisine.
Damietta at Night
Hiking in Damietta
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic mountain area located near Damietta, offering several hiking trails with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
While primarily known for its beaches, the area around Ras El Bar provides opportunities for nature walks and short hikes along the coast.
This large lake offers various walking paths and spots for bird watching, ideal for a leisurely hike with a focus on nature.
Situated near Damietta, this area features sandy trails along the beach that are perfect for hiking and enjoying the seaside atmosphere.
A lesser-known hiking spot with various trails that offer a moderate challenge and rewarding views of the Nile Delta landscape.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Damietta through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Damietta by plane.
The largest international airport in Egypt, located about 230 km from Damietta, it serves as a major hub for international flights.
Located in Alexandria, approximately 140 km from Damietta, this airport provides various international and domestic flights.
Located about 480 km from Damietta, this airport primarily serves tourists traveling to the Red Sea resorts.
Approximately 610 km from Damietta, this airport mainly caters to tourists heading for the Sinai Peninsula.
Situated around 650 km from Damietta, this airport handles flights mainly for those visiting historical sites in Luxor.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in Damietta, making up the majority of the population, sharing a common language and culture.
A significant Christian minority in Damietta, contributing to the cultural and religious diversity of the community.
A growing demographic group as a result of ongoing conflicts in the region, contributing to the economic and social landscape.
A small but notable group with historical ties to the region, participating in local commerce and cultural activities.
Various expatriates from different countries, particularly working in tourism and trade.
The Soul of Damietta
Discover the essence of Damietta through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Damietta, with many local clubs and a strong following among the community.
Basketball has gained popularity among the youth, with several teams competing at local and regional levels.
Volleyball is widely played, both in schools and at the community level, with many tournaments held annually.
Handball is a popular sport in Damietta, with teams participating in various competitions and leagues.
Table tennis is a common recreational sport in Damietta, enjoyed by many as both a competitive and casual activity.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Damietta.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most restaurants in Damietta offer a good selection of vegetarian dishes like falafel, salads, stuffed vegetables, and mezzes. Some places also provide vegan-friendly options upon request.
While gluten-free options may not be explicitly labeled, traditional dishes like grilled meats, seafood, and fresh salads can often be suitable for those with gluten restrictions. Communicating dietary needs to the staff is key for a comfortable dining experience.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Damietta with these cultural adventures.