The easiest way to get there is either to take a "Superjet" bus from Cairo's El Ollaly station (9LE) or from Alexandria's SeedyGaber Station (13LE). The journey time is 2 hours from Cairo, 3.5 hours from Alexandria. Authentic scenes of rural Egypt can be seen on the way. Train connections from Cairo and Alexandria are also available on regular basis.
The most convenient (if not, hair-raising) way to get around is by taxi. Local taxis in Mansoura should be paid max 2.00LE (2007 price) for most journeys for one or two passengers but may be up to 3 or 4 LE if are 2+ passengers with long trips. Shorter journeys could command a cheaper fare of 1.50LE. Taxi Meters are not used. Flag one of the numerous maroon and white cars down at the roadside and shout, "tax" or "taxi". Enjoy the ride.
Mansoura is where King Louis IX of France was captured and ransomed. His prison cell known as "Dar ibn Lokman" can be visited here. On show are some artifacts and paintings, including his cell toilet.
Food hygiene standards are somewhat lacking. Avoid all unsealed foods and you will avoid food poisoning. A variety of Western, and some local, fast food outlets serve food to the rich in the Gamaa (University) district of town. These provide familiar and safer food that is unlikely to be any less healthy than what the locals eat. Fat is added in enormous quantities to most local food. There are great, clean and really fantastic fast food restaurants like; CookDoor, Mo'men, KFC and Pizza Hut. All of them in the University district.
You may also try one of the local restaurants:
Hygiene standards are moderate. Stick to canned and bottled drinks. Tapwater is not guaranteed safe; it may be better to use mineral water or tapwater that has been passed through a filter. Mineral waterand canned juices are widely available. Be aware that in Mansoura, like most non-tourist Egyptian cities, alcoholic bevarages are uncommon except in hotels and a few restaurants.
Accommodation is scarce. This is because tourism is not a local industry. There are a few hotels in town and they are known to all locals. Just ask about "Marshaal" or the "Mansoura Ramada Hotel".
The Gizirt El Ward Sports Club is where the upper classes of Mansoura spend their weekends. Again, just ask. It is known to everyone. The club is only worth visiting to get a better understanding of the culture and fashions. There is little to do there for the tourist. Entertainment venues are rare in Mansoura. Another activity could be a visit to an Ahwa (Cafe). This can be done more safely and with less hassle in Cairo however, where foreigners are not as much of a novelty.
Be aware that transportation can be an inconvenience owing to Mansoura being very crowded.