Arish
Introduction
Arish, also called El-Arish, is the capital of Egypt's North Sinai Governorate and the largest city on the Sinai Peninsula. It sits on the Mediterranean coast, roughly 344 kilometres northeast of Cairo and about 45 kilometres west of the border with Gaza.
Before you go
Before you travel to Arish, understand that this is a seaside city with potential for tourism, but it has been a focal point of terrorist activity, with several attacks having taken place in and near the city. Because of this, you should treat your plans with real caution rather than assuming a relaxed resort atmosphere. Consult the warning on the Egypt article before making any arrangements, and let that guidance shape whether — and how — you visit.Getting there
Getting to Arish by air is not an option: the international airport remains closed because of the security situation. You can, however, reach the city overland from Cairo and from other cities in the Sinai Peninsula, whether by public transport or in a private vehicle. The border with Gaza is open, though closures can occur at any time, so plan for the risk. If you are coming from Israel, the nearest crossing open to tourists is at Taba, roughly 200 km to the south.Getting around
Getting around Arish is shaped far more by security conditions in North Sinai than by ordinary logistics. Checkpoints, curfews, restricted roads and changing local security decisions all influence how — and whether — you can move about, so plan your movements around that reality first. The beach, the market, the fortress area and central services sit close together by the standards of a large city, which makes the centre reasonably manageable on foot, but beyond that core the city spreads out and you will need a vehicle. Walking is subject to the same security considerations as any other movement, and movement after dark falls under curfew restrictions, so plan your day so you are not trying to walk anywhere at night.
Local transport consists of taxis, microbuses, private cars and walking. Microbuses are the primary shared public transport, running fixed routes within the city and along the Northern Coastal Highway — east toward Rafah, west toward Bir al-Abed and El-Qantarah — with fares paid directly to the driver; Midan el-Gamaa (University Square) is the main hub for both local and regional services. Taxis are standard but metered taxis are not the norm, so agree a fare before departure. There is no metro, tram or usable passenger rail service, and you should not count on ride-hailing or informal drivers. If travel is essential, use pre-arranged transport through trusted local or institutional channels rather than improvising on arrival, carry identification at all times, expect vehicle searches and possible questioning at military checkpoints, and never photograph checkpoints, military sites, police positions, ports or sensitive infrastructure. Confirm fares locally, since older quoted figures are unreliable, and allow for delays — checkpoint stops can add significant time.
Where to stay
For a seaside stay, base yourself at a resort just outside the city, where the coast is the main draw. This kind of option suits travellers who want to be near the water and away from the centre.Food & drink
Arish offers little in the way of a defined eating scene, and you will not find a section of the guide devoted to restaurants or notable local dishes. Plan to eat simply, and treat meals as a practical part of your day rather than a destination in themselves. The same goes for drinking: there is no separate bar, café or nightlife culture set out for visitors here. If you are looking for a lively food and drink quarter, this is not the city for it.What to see and do
In Arish, the main sights are few and easy to take in. Arish Castle was built by the Ottoman ruler Suleiman the Magnificent in the sixteenth century, and its remains now stand in a state of disrepair, so come for the sense of history rather than for intact architecture. The Rifa'i Mosque, the city's main mosque, sits at the central square and is straightforward to find on a walk through the middle of town. The source lists no particular activities for Arish, so plan your time around these two landmarks and the life of the central square around them.Three days in Arish
Day one: Base yourself in Arish, the capital of North Sinai Governorate on the Mediterranean coast of the Sinai Peninsula. Start with Arish Castle, a fort with Ottoman roots, then walk the waterfront and get your bearings. Because this is North Sinai, checkpoints are common, so carry your passport and confirm your plans locally before heading out. In the evening, eat at a local spot and ask about the catch of the day.
Day two: Head east along the Northern Coastal Highway toward Rafah, passing Bir Abed. If you continue toward the border, note that Rafah sits on the Gaza frontier and the area is sensitive; confirm access before you travel. Alternatively, go west toward Qantarah. Microbuses run along the highway, but taxis give you more flexibility. Before any long drive, check the security situation and ask your hotel to confirm the route.
Day three: Stay in Arish and explore Midan Gamaa, also known as University Square, and the surrounding streets. Browse the markets, drink tea, and watch daily life. If you want a longer trip, Taba and the Israel border are far to the east, and Cairo is a long drive west; both require planning and checkpoints. For a relaxed final day, keep it local: walk, eat, and enjoy the Mediterranean.