Alexandria travel guide
Alexandria is a beautiful city on the Mediterranean Sea with plenty of attractions to keep visitors occupied for days. Here’s our complete guide to everything Alexandria has to offer. If you’re interested in history, be sure to visit the Alexandria National Museum, which has exhibits on the city’s Greco-Roman past. For a more modern perspective, check out the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a massive library complex that includes a museum, planetarium, and research center.
If you want to enjoy Alexandria’s Mediterranean setting, head to the Corniche, a waterfront promenade lined with cafes and restaurants. Or, go for a swim at one of the city’s many beaches. After sunset, the fun continues at one of Alexandria’s nightclubs or bars.
No matter what your interests are, you’ll find plenty to do in Alexandria, Egypt.
You’re Going to Love Alexandria
Here in this cosmopolitan city, you can tour ancient ruins, enjoy elegant 19th-century theaters and galleries, and experience world-class classical concerts. It’s the perfect place to discover the talent of modern Egyptians and classical artists alike.
Alexandria – Egypt’s Mediterranean Gem
If you’re looking for a laid-back Mediterranean city that’s easy to get around, then Alexandria is definitely worth a visit. With its mix of ancient ruins and modern architecture, the city has something for everyone. Plus, the library here is one of the largest in the world – so you’re sure to have plenty of interesting places to explore while you’re here.
Alexandria’s laid-back atmosphere is perfect for those who want to take it easy while they’re in town. But don’t let the lack of excitement fool you – this city has plenty going on under the surface. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day at the beach or an action-packed night out on the town, Alexandria has something for everyone
When to visit Alexandria City
When should you visit Alexandria? That depends on what you’re interested in seeing and doing. If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation, then the best time to visit is during the summer months. However, if you’re looking for more excitement, then you’ll want to visit in the winter or spring.
No matter when you visit Alexandria, you’ll be able to enjoy the city’s beautiful architecture and scenery. The city is home to many important historical landmarks, including the Egyptian Museum and King George VI Memorial Park. You’ll also find plenty of shops and restaurants to explore.
How to Get to Alexandria
There are several ways to get to Alexandria, depending on your destination and the time of year. The most direct route is by car, but you may want to consider flying if you have a tight schedule or need to take advantage of cheaper airfare.Top 5 Reasons to Visit Alexandria
- The city has a rich history and is full of attractions that will fascinate visitors of all ages.
- Alexandria is home to some of the best restaurants in the country, and there’s always something new to try.
- The weather is perfect for all types of activities, from sightseeing to outdoor sports.
- The city is known for its vibrant nightlife, and there’s never a shortage of things to do.
- Alexandria is a welcoming city that feels like a second home.
Top Places to Visit in Alexandria
If you’re looking for a beautiful city to spend your vacation in, Alexandria is definitely the place to go. It has amazing architecture and scenery, and there’s always something new to see. If you’re not really interested in visiting specific places, just wandering around is always a fun experience – no matter where you are in the city.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life or an exciting way to explore all that Alexandria has to offer, there’s always something enjoyable waiting for you here.
The Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque
The Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque is a group of three ancient Islamic buildings clustered together, and it’s the most spectacular mosque complex in Alexandria. Unlike mosques in many countries, both men and women can enter the main chamber. The inside is beautifully decorated with rings of lanterns hanging from the ceiling. Foreigners are welcome in the mosque, and no one seems to mind us snapping a few photos while we’re here. Be respectful and quiet when inside – shoes must be taken off before entering. There is no entrance fee, but if you leave your shoes in the boxes at the door, a man who watches them expects a tip (he asked for EGP 1, about €0.05/$0.05). The mosque opens around midday until late in the evening when it’s lit up beautifully. It’s located near the western end ofthe cornicheand clearly marked on Google Maps.
Pompey’s Pillar and The Serapeum of Alexandria
The ancient artefacts and the modern apartment blocks juxtaposition is an interesting sight. It’s worth exploring the site thoroughly, as there’s also the remains of the Serapeum of Alexandria, an ancient Greek temple that contained an offshoot of the ancient Great Library of Alexandria. Step inside one of the mysterious tunnels beneath this ancient building, and find out what secrets it holds. This entrance costs EGP 80 (€4.15/$4.40), and it’s easy to find using Google Maps. Get lost in its dark chambers, or explore its winding passages for a unique experience. Inside the site, from Pompey’s Pillar, head towards the back corner, away from the main entrance, to find the Serapeum. The juxtaposition between ancient Pompey’s Pillar and modern apartment blocks in background is striking.
The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa were a sight to behold. The underground passages of the labyrinth are extensive and spread over three levels. They are filled with dark tunnels and confusing twists and turns, making it a challenging place to explore. The different architectural styles reflect the different civilizations that buried their dead there. The funeral cult of ancient Egyptians was very influential, and their paintings inspired works seen in Luxor centuries later. Some of the carved reliefs are particularly impressive, showing off a level of craftsmanship that is still unmatched today.There are also several tombs above ground, which are worth a quick look if you’re in the area.
The Roman Theatre
This ancient Roman theatre is a popular spot for Alexandrians to take wedding photos. The mosaics here are beautiful, and the theatre itself is very small. It’s a great place to take a break from the hectic city life, and it’s also a popular location for Alexanderian couples to get married.
Alexandrian Markets
Alexandria is a beautiful city full of lively markets. They’re great places to do some shopping and chat with locals, as well as witness the organized chaos that is everyday Egyptian life. One particular feature of Alexandrian fish restaurants is the abundance of fresh fish and seafood. If you’re staying somewhere with cooking facilities, the markets are a great place to pick up some of the day’s catch for dinner.
One of the favorite markets is located on Zawiet al Aarag street, quite close to the Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque. It’s crammed full of groceries in an amazing array of colors. The Zawiet al Aarag market is a great place to get groceries if you’re staying in Alexandria. It’s full of colorful food, and the locals are friendly and easy to talk to. It can be chaotic, but it’s also a lot of fun.
Eastern Harbour and Corniche
One of the things to love about Alexandria is the refreshing sea breeze that blows in from the Mediterranean. A relaxing walk along the corniche is a great way to spend an hour or two, maybe with a stop off for tea at a local cafe.
Alexandria actually has two harbours – eastern and western. The western harbour is an industrial area, so the eastern harbour, known as Al Mina’ ash Sharqiyah, is where you’ll spend most of your time. The corniche runs right along its length, making it a lovely walking route.
Alexandria is Egypt’s doorway to the Mediterranean Sea
If the heat of the city becomes too much, head to Alexandria’s beaches for a refreshing break. Maamoura has special areas where you can stretch out and relax in the cool waters of the Mediterranean. Experience Alexandria’s rich culture and history by visiting some of the city’s most popular modern attractions, like the stunning Bibliotheca Alexandrina, picking through English-language books at the street market on Nabi Daniel Street, or attending the world-famous Alexandria Film Festival in September. Whether you’re looking to learn more about Alexandria’s past or experience its present day vibrancy, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city.
Places to Eat in Alexandria
There are loads of great places to eat in Alexandria, so take your time and find one that you like. Even upmarket restaurants are really cheap compared to international standards. These are a couple of recommendations:
The fish market in Alexandria on the corniche, being on the Mediterranean coast, Alexandria has some of the best seafood around, and Fish Market does a great job with their dishes. You can literally just point at the fish or seafood you want and the waiters will be able to understand what you’re saying. The entrance to the fish restaurants is usually very easy to find if you’re looking for it. A typical meal for two including drinks and food costs just over 20 Egyptian pounds (less than $3). They open at noon every day!Getting Around Alexandria
There are a few different transportation options available in Alexandria, depending on what you’re looking for.
If you don’t want to walk, taxis are an easy option. Be careful to negotiate the price before setting off, as they’re not metered. Ride hailing apps like Uber and Careem also operate in Alexandria, and can be a good alternative if you don’t want to haggle.
Local buses can be tricky to figure out, but there is usually one that goes your desired destination. The best place to take a bus is along the road by the corniche–if the driver doesn’t understand you, point across the harbour at your destination!
What to do in Alexandria – The best attractions in Alexandria
Pompey’s Pillar: A Memorial to Diocletian
This ancient burial site is preserved by Roman columns and adorned with Egyptian motifs. It’s an eerie place to wander, full of mysterious history.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina: Risen from the Ashes – Ancient Alexandria’s library
Inside the National Museum, you’ll find reading rooms that are specially designed for the blind, as well as facilities for children. Plus, there’s also a planetarium on-site. It’s a great place to learn about different planets and their moons.
As many as 40,000 scrolls were burned during Julius Caesar’s assault on the city in 48 BC, when he supported Cleopatra against her brother Ptolemy XIII. However, it was Christian mobs that destroyed this vast storehouse of “pagan” knowledge in 293 and 391, though medieval Europe later mythologized its destruction as proof of Arab barbarism. In response to the writings of the Greeks contradicting Islamic scripture, Amr proclaimed that if the two texts agreed with each other, they were worthless; but if they disagreed, then they were dangerous and must be destroyed.
Montaza Palace: Mediterranean Masterpiece
The shimmering palace is a beautiful sight – the royal gardens are open to the public for hours of leisure, and long open halls built into the structure lead visitors to breathtaking views of the sea. Tours of this amazing place are highly recommended!
Citadel of Qaitbay: In Defense of the City
The Lighthouse of Alexandria was once a wonder of the ancient world. Today, visitors can wander the ruins of this great structure, and enjoy some historical context in the Qaitbay Maritime Museum. The Ras el-Tin Palace is just thirty minutes away. This imposing structure is one of only two surviving palaces from antiquity.
Kom el-Dikka: Fancy Remants
Walk among the ruins of an ancient civilization, shivering in the cool air as mosaics on the floors sparkle under your feet. From here you can Witness History in all its glory, as a society that once flourished is now gone forever.
Catacombs of Kom es-Shoqafa
The Catacombs of Kom es-Shoqafa are the largest known Roman burial structure in Egypt, and one of the last major constructions to pay tribute to the Ancient Egyptian religion. They were probably built in the second century AD, and began as a family crypt. Over three centuries, they grew into a labyrinth with more than three hundred chambers, all dedicated to storing bodies. Today, you can visit them via a spiral staircase beside the shaft down which bodies were lowered on ropes.
Diving in Alexandria
Explore fascinating shipwrecks and ancient ruins in Abu Qir Bay with the help of a certified dive instructor. This beautiful bay is only 5-8 meters underwater, making it accessible to even inexperienced divers. Dive sites around Fort Qaitbey include the Roman trading vessels lying 500 meters offshore, while Cleopatra’s Palace can be explored near Silsilah. Both sites are well worth a visit for any diving enthusiast!
The Pharos of Alexandria
Divers have located over 2500 stone objects underwater at depths of 6-8m, including the head of a colossus of Ptolemy as pharaoh, and the base of an obelisk inscribed to Seti I, both of which have been brought to the surface. In addition, there are several monoliths , weighing 50-70 ton apiece and embedded in the rock by the impact of their fall, which can only have belonged to the lighthouse. Five hundred metres offshore wrecks of Greek and Roman trading vessels laden with amphorae of wine and fish sauce have been found, along with over fifty anchors of all eras – more pieces in the mosaic picture of ancient Alexandria that’s emerging from surveys of the Eastern Harbour.
Vintage coffee houses and pastisseries
In the 1920s, Brazilian Coffee Store and Sofianpoulo Coffee Store used vintage machinery to grind and roast beans. These stores are still open today, thanks to their unique styles. Pastroudis on Sharia Sa’ad Zaghloul was a popular spot for Charles Durrell in the 1930s, and Vinous on Sharia Nabi Daniel is likely to close soon due to termites damage to its Art Deco features.
Popular Neighborhoods in Alexandria
Downtown Alexandria is a famously picturesque location, with easy access to the busy heart of the city. It’s well known for its vibrant shopping and cultural scene, boasting plenty of stores, markets, cinemas, museums, and galleries. If you’re looking for a lively and exciting place to spend your vacation, Downtown Alexandria is sure to meet your expectations.
Downtown Alexandria is also a great place to live. The area has a strong economy, with plenty of jobs and businesses. There are also plenty of amenities for residents, including parks, schools, and shopping areas.
How to Get Around Alexandria
Alexandria is a beautiful city, but it can be difficult to get around if you’re not familiar with the layout. This guide will show you the best ways to get around Alexandria without spending a fortune. If you’re looking to get around Alexandria, there are a few different options available to you. You can use public transportation, bike lanes, or walk in most areas.
Shopping Streets in Alexandria, Egypt
There’s no denying that malls offer a more conventional shopping experience than the street, but they’re great places to pick up souvenirs like perfumes, carpets, and assorted antiques. If you’re looking for something a little more unique, head to San Stefano Grand Plaza or Mirage Mini Mall.
Dangers and Annoyances in Alexandria
When walking down the streets, usually women may find that they are getting a lot of stares. Many Egyptians are very conservative, so it’s important to be aware that for women, if they feel they are being harassed or subjected to unwanted attention, wearing a headscarf can help them blend in.
Is Alexandria safe for tourists?
While Alexandria is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Egypt, there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re planning on visiting this city. First and foremost, be aware of safety concerns specific to tourists. Second, make sure you have the proper travel insurance in case of any unforeseen incidents.
Overall, Alexandria is a safe city to visit. However, as with any other city, it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings and take appropriate precautions when traveling.
