The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Ismailia is a criminally underrated city in Egypt. While it is rather small, contributing to why we don’t tend to think of it as a travel destination, it’s a wonderful place that is worth visiting at least once. With the second edition of the Mango Festival taking place on the 18th and 19th of August, Ismailia will see a whole lot of people visiting this summer. If you’re among the lucky ones travelling to Ismailia that weekend, here are a few ways to make the most of this charming city.

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In the same way that Ismailia is known for its incredibly sweet and juicy fruit, the city is also well-known for its amazing seafood. While you may be there to celebrate what is arguably the country’s greatest crop, you can make the most of what Ismailia has to offer in terms of cuisine by dropping by one of their renowned seafood places, like Fish Market and Alfanar. But if you have the time, you can also go fishing yourself! Ismailia is full of lakes suitable for fishing, including Lake Timsah, which is also among the most beautiful sights to see in the city, regardless of whether you plan on fishing.

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If you’re the kind of person who likes to chill with your close friends and family, we recommend you go for a picnic. Ismailia is home to several clubs and parks that are perfect for picnicking, and the most famous among them is Al Danfa Club (Des Enfants Club).

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But if you enjoy driving, Ismailia is ideal to go cruising, given how small it is; that way, you get to enjoy the beautiful architecture the city has to offer. If you decide to do that, make sure to drop by the Ferdinand De Lesseps house. The Egyptian home of the French diplomat known for developing the Suez Canal still stands in Ismailia, and while it’s not open to visit on the inside, the exterior is an absolute marvel to witness.

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This last one is for the history buffs. Ismailia has a handful of historical sights and museums, having been a battleground throughout Egypt’s modern history. But the most exciting place to visit is probably Ismailia’s Monuments Museum. Among Egypt’s oldest, the museum is home to some 3800 artefacts from various stages of Egyptian history and art styles, including ancient Egyptian and Roman pieces, as well as Coptic artefacts, among many others.