Best Things to Do in Ismailia: From Lake Timsah to Suez Canal

When Dalida sang Ahsan Nas – “the finest people” – she wrapped Egyptian cities in affection, each one celebrated in her soulful, upbeat verses in Egyptian Arabic, a nod to her roots. Among them was Ismailia, where she sang: “Oh Ismailia, oh Ismailia, I love to visit you at sunset”. For the Egyptian-Italian songstress who later became a French icon, this wasn’t just a lyric – it was a love letter sung in the late 1970s, and is still cherished in Egyptian pop culture to this day. 

Ismailia might not be the first city that comes to mind when people think of visiting Egypt. Most people flock to Cairo for the pyramids, Alexandria for the Mediterranean, or Sharm El Sheikh for luxurious Red Sea resorts and spas. Yet Ismailia still has its own allure that invites visitors to slow down, relax, and enjoy the sunset the way Dalida once imagined.

There are many things to do in Ismailia for those seeking a mix of culture, history, and waterfront charm. Nestled along the west bank of the Suez Canal and surrounded by beautiful lakes, the city offers a calmer pace of life compared to neighbouring Cairo. 

Ismailia is known for its mild Mediterranean climate, making it one of Egypt’s more comfortable year-round destinations. With cool winters and warm summers, things to do in Ismailia are best enjoyed outdoors.

Ismailia is also famous for its delicious mangoes, a symbol of the city’s agricultural pride and cultural identity. Every summer around mid-August, the Mango Festival celebrates this sweet fruit with tastings and local markets, drawing in visitors from across Egypt. The mango groves around the city not only supply much of the country, but also give Ismailia a unique seasonal rhythm.

Today, the tradition has taken on a modern flair. Farmers and entrepreneurs use social media to market their harvests, while cafés experiment with mango-inspired desserts, juices, and matcha tea. We can’t overstate how delicious these tropical mangoes are – so if you’re visiting during the summer, this event is not to be missed.

Whether you’re in town for a weekend or an extended stay, there are plenty of things to do in Ismailia that combine relaxation and local experiences. This carefully curated guide introduces you to the highlights – from Lake Timsah to the world-famous Suez Canal – while providing recommendations to help you make the most of the many things to do in Ismailia.

Lake Timsah, or “Crocodile Lake,” is one of Ismailia’s true hidden gems – and we love it that way, because it still retains its quiet charm. Not many visitors from Cairo or neighbouring cities know about it, which makes it one of the most tranquil spots along the coast.

The lake connects directly to the Suez Canal and offers an escape from the noise of city life. Locals and travellers come here to swim, enjoy water sports, or simply relax by the shore. There are no pyramids, no loud street vendors or blaring car horns – just pure bliss.

Lake Timsah’s calm, clear waters make it a popular spot for families, as well as couples looking for a relaxed getaway. When in town, make sure to book your stay at Mercure Ismailia Forsan Island Hotel, which is just a 7-minute drive from Ismailia. It’s also perfectly placed to take in the breathtaking views of the lake at different times of the day. With a pool, private beach, and spacious rooms, the hotel offers modern amenities where you can relax in nature surrounded by lush palm trees and turquoise blue waters.

For those craving a little adventure, boat rides and water sports like paddle-boarding add an active edge to the lake’s laid-back charm. 

The Suez Canal is more than a global trade route – it’s a living symbol that has shaped the movement of people, goods, and ideas for over 150 years. For Egyptians, it’s also a source of pride: when the canal was nationalised in 1956, it became a powerful symbol of independence and the country’s break from its colonial past.

Linking the Mediterranean with the Red Sea, the canal continues to welcome massive cargo ships and tankers that glide through its narrow passageway – a magnificent sight that brings its importance to life. For travellers wondering if the Suez Canal is worth visiting, the answer is absolutely yes. Best of all, it serves as a reminder that this waterway doesn’t just connect seas, it connects cultures.

A stroll along the waterfront promenade provides a unique perspective. Travellers can also take a walk through the simple, yet charming old town. 

Founded in the mid-19th century during the construction of the Suez Canal, Ismailia still carries traces of its colonial past. Old French-style villas, wide tree-lined avenues, and well-preserved administrative buildings make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. For a little more history, you can also check out the Suez Canal Museum, which is just a 9-minute cab ride from Mercure Ismailia Forsan Island Hotel. 

But even just walking through central Ismailia offers a glimpse into the city's layered history. The blend of Egyptian culture and colonial architecture offers photographers – and selfie enthusiasts – endless opportunities for Instagram-worthy shots. Even with the Ismailia Museum closed for now, the city itself remains an open-air gallery of living history.

Forsan Island is a lush green retreat located on Lake Timsah, and it’s where the Mercure Ismailia Forsan Island Hotel offers its guests a front-row seat to some of the city’s most captivating views.

The island combines natural beauty with a touch of luxury, making it an ideal spot to unwind after exploring the many things to do in Ismailia. It's also just a 1.5-hour drive from Cairo, but if you’d rather skip the drive, you can catch a train from Cairo to Ismailia, arriving in just under three hours.

The island’s peaceful atmosphere makes it a favourite for couples and travellers looking to balance things to do in Ismailia with rest and relaxation. If you'd like to read more about how to make the most of your stay on Forsan Island, check out our complete guide here.

No trip to Ismailia would be complete without sampling its local specialities. Egypt’s coastal cities have unique recipes that beautifully blend together North African and Mediterranean flavours.

Thanks to its location, Ismailia is known for its fresh seafood and mouthwatering mezze. Grilled mullet, sea bass, shrimp tagine, calamari, and pickled eggplant are all local dishes you’ll find in most family-owned restaurants and casual eateries along the waterfront. Creamy seafood soup made with local herbs is a must-try.

Also, be sure to indulge in Egyptian fishermen’s rice, called Sayadeya. Cooked with caramelised onions and traditional spices, it pairs perfectly with a green salad and fresh seafood. Many restaurants prepare it with shrimp or fish. In fact, some say it even helped inspire Spain’s famous seafood paella – no surprise, given the centuries of Mediterranean trade and cultural exchange that linked Egypt with the wider Islamic world, from North Africa to Andalusia in the south of Spain.

If you’re planning a short stay, here’s a suggested itinerary of things to do in Ismailia that covers the highlights:

• Morning: Check-in at Mercure Ismailia Forsan Island Hotel. Begin at Lake Timsah for a lakeside stroll or swim in the hotel’s private beach. 

• Lunch: Enjoy a seafood meal at Alfanar Restaurant or order a seafood feast at the hotel. 

• Afternoon: Take a walk on the Ismailia Corniche promenade. 

• Explore central Ismailia’s colonial streets in the evening, then unwind at your hotel on Forsan Island. 

• Morning: Head to the Suez Canal for ship-watching and, if available, a guided tour. 

• Lunch: Try a traditional Egyptian seafood restaurant in town. 

• Head back to Mercure Ismailia Forsan Island Hotel in the afternoon, and enjoy a swim on the private beach or go for a boat ride. 

• And just like Dalida used to do, take a sunset walk along the canal before enjoying a farewell dinner by the lake.  

At Lake Timsah in Ismailia, you can swim, relax on sandy beaches, take a boat ride, or dine at waterfront restaurants serving fresh seafood. The lake is also popular for family outings and evening strolls along the promenade.

The best times to visit Ismailia and Lake Timsah are during spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summer can be hot, but the lake breeze and the private beach at Mercure Ismailia Forsan Island Hotel offer some relief.

Besides visiting Lake Timsah, there are many things to do in Ismailia. Top attractions include the Suez Canal, colonial-era architecture in the city centre, and the greenery of Forsan Island.

Ismailia was founded in 1863 during the construction of the Suez Canal and named after Khedive Ismail of Egypt. It became a hub for canal workers and administrators, blending Egyptian culture with European colonial influences.

Getting around Ismailia is easy by taxi, microbus, or on foot for short distances. Many attractions and key things to do in Ismailia are close together, especially around the lake and canal. Renting a car is also an option for more flexibility.