Things To Do
in Damietta
Damietta (Dumyat) is a port city in the Nile Delta of northern Egypt, known for its bustling fish markets, riverside corniche and export-oriented port. The city has a long history as a trading and crafts center, particularly famous for seafood and finely crafted furniture. Nearby Ras El-Bar, at the mouth of the Nile, offers sandy beaches, coastal dunes and a popular summer resort atmosphere.
Damietta’s blend of working-port energy, Delta landscapes and accessible bird- and marine-watching make it a rewarding stop for cultural and nature-focused travelers.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the historic streets of Damietta, where ancient architecture and vibrant markets come to life. Visit the stunning Al-Mansouriya Mosque, known for its intricate designs and rich history. Breathe in the aroma of fresh bread from local bakeries as you sip on a cup of traditional Egyptian tea.
After lunch at a local restaurant, head to the Damietta Museum, where you can explore artifacts and exhibitions showcasing the city's cultural heritage. Wander through the bustling souks, where you can find local handicrafts, textiles, and spices. Enjoy watching artisans at work, creating beautiful pottery and weaving traditional fabrics.
As the sun sets, make your way to the banks of the Nile for a picturesque view of the river. Indulge in a delicious dinner at a waterfront restaurant, sampling local seafood specialties. Cap off your evening with a leisurely walk along the riverbank, soaking in the calming sounds of the water.
Begin your beach day at Ras El Bar, where the golden sands meet the Mediterranean Sea. Spend the morning sunbathing and swimming in the clear waters while enjoying the warm Egyptian sun. Grab a refreshing coconut drink from a nearby vendor to keep cool.
After a relaxing morning, take part in exciting water sports such as jet-skiing or banana boat rides offered along the shore. Enjoy a beachside lunch featuring grilled seafood and fresh salads at one of the local eateries. Spend the afternoon playing beach volleyball or simply lounging with a good book while listening to the waves.
As evening approaches, enjoy a stunning sunset over the horizon, painting the sky in vibrant hues. Savor dinner at a beachfront restaurant, where you can indulge in a fresh catch of the day. Wrap up your evening with a stroll along the promenade, watching the locals enjoying the cool sea breeze.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a local cafe | $0.50-2 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within city) | $1-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $30-70 |
| 🛍️Souvenir or market purchase | $2-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Abundant fresh seafood and authentic Delta cuisine
- Close to beaches, coastal dunes and excellent birdwatching sites
- Less touristy than Egypt’s major cities — more authentic local life
- Crafts and furniture workshops offer unique shopping and cultural experiences
- Limited nightlife and fewer tourist services compared with big cities
- Infrastructure can be basic in places; expect fewer English speakers outside main tourist spots
- Summer humidity can be uncomfortable for some travelers
- Some attractions and signage may lack tourist information or English translations
- "Ahlan / Ahlan wa sahlan" - Hello / Welcome
- "As-salamu alaykum" - Peace be upon you (formal greeting)
- "Shukran" - Thank you
- "Min fadlak (to a man) / Min fadlik (to a woman)" - Please / Excuse me
- "Bikam?" - How much?
- "Fein al-hammam?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Ana la afham" - I don't understand
Places to Visit in Damietta
Visit one of these nice places.
Picturesque riverfront views, fishing boats, nightly life and sunsets along the Nile branch—great for street and landscape shots.
Dynamic, colorful scenes of the morning catch, fishermen, nets and market stalls—excellent for candid and documentary photos (ask before photographing individuals).
Coastal dunes, long sandy beaches and the lighthouse at the Nile mouth offer dramatic seascapes at sunrise and sunset.
Wetland landscapes, reed beds and migratory birds; early morning light is best for wildlife and nature photography.
Close-up shots of craftsmen, carved wood and finished furniture pieces—good for intimate cultural photography, but request permission first.
Food in Damietta
Damietta Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic fish-and-rice dish made with caramelized onions, spices and a white-fish fillet—commonly found in fish restaurants along the Corniche and port.
Must-Try!
Fresh-caught fish grilled over charcoal and served with rice and salad; available at almost every seafood restaurant and fish market eateries.
Stuffed vegetables (mahshi) and simple stews accompany meals in local homes and family restaurants, a good option for non-fish eaters.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively early-morning market where you can see the daily catch, buy fresh fish and try small market stalls serving quick fried fish sandwiches and grilled skewers.
Vendors sell koshary (lentils, rice, pasta and sauces), falafel (ta'ameya), shawarma and ful medames—good for inexpensive, filling meals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Modest clothing is respectful, especially near religious sites; women often prefer to cover shoulders and knees, and a scarf handy can be useful when visiting mosques.
Use polite greetings (Ahlan, As-salamu alaykum) and accept offers of tea when visiting homes or shops; handshakes are common but wait for a woman to extend her hand first.
During Ramadan avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours out of respect, unless you are in designated tourist areas where exceptions may be tolerated.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially women, and be cautious around military or port facilities where photography may be restricted.
Bargaining is common in markets and with street vendors—start lower and negotiate politely; fixed-price shops are less likely to haggle.
Safety
Tipping in Damietta
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping (baksheesh) is appreciated across Egypt: small tips for porters, restroom attendants and guides are customary; in restaurants leaving 10% is common when service isn’t included. For taxi drivers, rounding up is typical; give slightly more for exceptional service or assistance with luggage.
Cash in Egyptian pounds (EGP) is widely used—carry small denominations for markets. ATMs are available in the city and cards are accepted at many larger restaurants and hotels, but smaller shops and markets may be cash-only; notify your bank before travel for card use.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid, especially July–August; coastal breezes at Ras El-Bar make beach visits comfortable, but mid-day heat can be intense—plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Milder temperatures and clearer skies make autumn one of the best times to visit for both city exploration and birdwatching as migration begins.
Mild to cool temperatures with occasional rain from December to February; comfortable for walking and sightseeing but pack a light jacket for evenings.
Warm and pleasant with increasing humidity—wildflowers and agricultural activity make Delta landscapes attractive; pollen may affect allergy sufferers.
Damietta at Night
Hiking in Damietta
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Walks along the dunes and shoreline near the Nile mouth—relatively flat but sandy terrain with excellent sunrise/sunset views and coastal birdlife.
Gentle walks around reed beds and shallow lake margins—best with a local guide for birdwatching and safe access to important habitats.
Low-key walking routes through surrounding Delta villages and irrigation canals to observe rural life, orchards and farm landscapes—easy terrain and culturally rich.
Airports
How to reach Damietta by plane.
A small regional airport serving limited or charter flights; commercial flight options are limited so many travelers use larger nearby airports.
A regional international airport serving Alexandria and the western Delta; reachable by road and used by travelers coming from Alexandria and the Mediterranean coast.
Egypt’s main international gateway—reachable by a few hours’ drive or bus from Damietta and offering the widest range of international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents are Egyptian Arabs living in urban and rural Delta communities involved in fishing, agriculture, trade and crafts.
Communities tied to the fishing industry and port activities form a visible demographic group with daily routines centered around the docks and marketplaces.
Small-scale carpenters and workshop owners known for skilled woodwork and furniture production are an important local group and part of Damietta’s economy.
Coptic Christians are a longstanding minority community in the region, living alongside the Muslim majority and participating in local cultural life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Egypt, widely played and followed in Damietta with local amateur clubs and street football common among youth.
Both a livelihood and pastime—coastal and Nile fishing are central to local life and sports fishing outings can be arranged.
During summer, activities like swimming, windsurfing or casual boating are popular around Ras El-Bar and nearby beaches.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Damietta.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available (mahshi, falafel/ta'ameya, koshary, salads), but menus tend to highlight seafood; ask staff to confirm ingredients and request dishes without fish or meat broth.
Vegan choices are more limited but possible—koshary, falafel, fresh salads and vegetable stews are suitable; confirm that butter or dairy are not added.
Most food is halal by default in Egypt. If you have seafood allergies or other food allergies, communicate clearly (in Arabic if possible) and avoid busy market stalls where cross-contact is likely.