Alexandria is a calm city with a great atmosphere and fascinating history, located on the northern coast of Egypt. With picturesque views across the Mediterranean Sea and a huge list of attractions to visit, it’s no wonder the city has a steadily growing tourist rate! If you’ve been debating visiting Alexandria, Egypt, this travel guide is going to walk you through everything you need to know!
Once home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—the famed Lighthouse of Alexandria—and the legendary Library of Alexandria, this coastal gem still echoes with the legacy of its past. Whether you’re wandering through the grand Qaitbay Citadel, strolling along its vibrant waterfront, or soaking in the diverse cultural influences, Alexandria offers a unique glimpse into Egypt’s rich history with a refreshing coastal vibe.
Read on to find out all of the travel information that you need to help you plan a trip to Alexandria, fill your itinerary and have an amazing time!
This post contains affiliate links. This means if you purchase something from a link, I may make a small commission, at no cost to you. This helps me keep the site running and free.
If you like this post, be sure to sign up for my e-mail list for travel inspiration (and get your FREE budget printable), or connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.
Is Alexandria Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Alexandria is a city where history meets the Mediterranean coast and has a unique mix of ancient charm and the modern world.
Founded by Alexander the Great, the city has great historical significance but still has a relaxed vibe that makes it a refreshing contrast to Egypt’s bustling capital, Cairo.
When most people think of Egypt, they imagine exploring the Great Pyramids of Giza, admiring boats along the Nile or touring the ancient attractions of the bustling cities of Cairo and Luxor, but if you have a few spare days you should definitely make an effort to visit Alexandria – on more than just a day trip.
Alexandria has so many things to do that you simply can’t tackle them all and get a good sense of the city in just one day, as most tourists would attempt!
At first glance, some of Alexandria’s former grandeur may seem lost to time, but it’s a city that reveals its true beauty in layers, rewarding those willing to dig deeper and explore more than just its highlights.
The city is a lot quieter than other historical locations in Egypt, but it is no less interesting and as it’s located on the coast, it would make a relaxing addition to your itinerary.
If you’re looking for a coastal escape with a mix of culture, history, and natural beauty, Alexandria should definitely be on your Egypt bucket list.
How Many Days In Alexandria?
To truly appreciate Alexandria, you’ll want to stay at least three or four days.
While many visitors treat the city as a quick stop or a day trip from Cairo, this approach means you’ll miss out on exploring Alexandria’s rich atmosphere, culture, and history on a deeper level.
Unlike the other bustling cities in Egypt like Cairo and Luxor, Alexandria is a location that welcomes you to slow down and appreciate a relaxed, coastal vibe while taking in all of its wonderful history and charm.
Spending a few days in the city allows you to immerse yourself in the city’s character and feel its unique mix of cultures. From its ancient roots to modern influences, Alexandria is a place that reveals itself gradually, allowing those who take the time to truly explore it to uncover its allure.
Should you have more time on your hands then extending your stay up to around one week, will allow you to take some day trips along the coastline, discovering more of Egypt’s ancient history and its fascinating melting pot of cultures.
Things To Do In Alexandria
There are so many things to do in Alexandria that you could easily spend weeks exploring the city. But here are a set of 10 of the best activities that you should try to fit into your itinerary while visiting the city:
Peruse the Collections at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a striking revival of the old Library of Alexandria, one of the most renowned ancient libraries in the world.
Opened in 2002, the new modern architecture sits on the coast and is quite the sight to behold. The library’s design, featuring a massive, tilted disc, mirrors the sun’s arc and reflects the library’s aim to promote knowledge and enlightenment.
The granite exterior wall is carved with letters, pictograms, hieroglyphs and symbols from more than 120 different human scripts.
Inside, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina houses millions of books in various languages, alongside several state-of-the-art research facilities and museums.
Its vast reading rooms and cultural spaces are designed to host learning and dialogue, echoing the spirit of its predecessor. The library also hosts exhibitions, conferences, and educational programs, many of which are focused on Ancient Egyptian history, allowing visitors to bridge the past with the present.
A visit to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is not just about exploring its collections but also about appreciating its role as an intellectual and cultural safehouse.
Learn About Alexandria’s History at the Greco-Roman Museum
The Greco-Roman Museum, located in Alexandria, Egypt, is renowned for its remarkable collection of artifacts dating back to the Greco-Roman period.
As you wander through its halls, you’ll be mesmerized by a diverse array of relics, including stunning sculptures, statues, and mosaics that reveal the blend of Greek and Roman influences throughout history. Each exhibit tells a story, from depictions of deities and rulers to scenes of everyday life.
From intricately designed mosaics to exquisite jewelry, coins, and pottery, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the artistic and cultural exchanges between Egypt and the Mediterranean civilizations.
Overall, the Greco-Roman Museum is captivating attraction, perfect for those eager to delve into the fascinating world of ancient Egypt’s Greco-Roman era.
Tour the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, also known as the “Hill of Treasure,” is a fascinating Roman-era burial site from the second century AD.
This underground necropolis offers a unique glimpse into ancient funerary practices in Alexandria, with clear influences of both Egyptian and Roman cultures.
The site features three levels of chambers carved into rock, with the central area adorned with Egyptian and Roman symbols, including carvings of the god Anubis and statues of Roman emperors.
You can explore the complex via a spiral staircase winding downwards around the main tomb shaft and view many elaborate decorations, including the tombs of notable figures like Emperor Tigrane.
Enjoy the Exhibits at The National Museum of Alexandria
The National Museum of Alexandria is a must-visit for anyone keen to dive into Egypt’s rich history. It beautifully captures the grandeur of the civilizations that once thrived in the region, with thousands of artifacts to explore across several exhibits.
The museum’s extensive collection spans from ancient Pharaonic artifacts to Greco-Roman relics, giving you a complete view of Egypt’s cultural evolution.
As you explore its halls, you’ll come across everything from intricate statues and pottery to coins, jewelry, and other treasures unearthed from Alexandria’s many archaeological sites.
Covering a broad range of periods including the Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic, and Islamic, the museum paints a vivid picture of Alexandria’s past.
Whether you’re a history buff or just curious about Egypt’s heritage, the National Museum of Alexandria offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s diverse history.
Walk Through Fort Qaitbay
Fort Qaitbay is a striking fortress built in 1477 by Sultan Qaitbay. It sits proudly on the northern on the coast of Alexandria in the Mediterranean Sea and had an original purpose of defending Alexandria from the advancing Ottoman Empire.
The fort’s dramatic history also includes surviving extensive damage from a British bombardment in 1882, after which it was restored in the early 20th century.
What makes the citadel truly fascinating is its foundation – it was built on the ruins of the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World!
Wandering through Fort Qaitbay feels like stepping into an ancient fairy tale, with its thick stone walls and sweeping views of the Mediterranean.
Imagine Historical Life at the Ancient Roman Ampitheater
The Roman Amphitheater in Alexandria is a fascinating site that reveals sunken remnants of the past unearthed beneath the city’s east harbor.
Built in the 4th century AD, the amphitheater featured 13 marble rows, seating up to 600 spectators, with granite columns and VIP compartments with domed ceilings. Unlike typical ancient performance venues, recent research suggests that this site may have served as a meeting place for dignitaries.
However, an earthquake over a thousand years ago caused significant damage to the structure, leaving only a few walls and fractured pieces of stone behind. These remains highlight the remarkable architectural skills that the Romans possessed, surviving even the most damaging of natural events.
Be Wow-ed by The Royal Jewelry Museum
The Royal Jewelry Museum in Alexandria is another great attraction for tourists, offering a stunning collection of approximately 11,500 pieces of jewelry, accessories and other artifacts from Egypt’s Royal Family, from Muhammad Ali Pasha’s reign onwards.
Housed in the former palace of Princess Fatma Al-Zahraa which was built in 1919, the museum building itself is incredibly beautiful, with Ottoman, Florentine and Rococo inspired architecture.
Visitors are invited to admire gorgeous pieces like tiaras, necklaces and even a diamond and emerald collar one owned by Muhammad Ali Pasha. Other treasures include a set of jeweled golden binoculars and a gold chessboard.
The collections are simply marvelling and most guests spend a couple of hours perusing the wonderful jewels and exploring the grand palace.
Pay Your Respects at the Unknown Soldier Memorial
The Unknown Soldier Tomb in Alexandria is a solemn memorial that is dedicated to the unidentified soldiers who lost their lives in Egypt’s wars.
The memorial is located in Sidi Gaber and acts to serve as a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice that the soldiers who fought for their country gave, but whose names remain unknown
The tomb is an impressive structure, featuring a simple yet elegant design that emphasizes honor and respect. The main monument is adorned with symbolic elements and inscribed with commemorative plaques.
The Unknown Soldier Tomb provides a tranquil setting for reflection and is a significant historical landmark in Alexandria, drawing visitors who come to pay their respects and contemplate the cost of freedom and peace.
Admire Montaza Palace and Gardens
Montaza Palace and gardens was constructed in 1892 by the order of Khedive Ismail and was intended to be a place of pleasure and luxury for the royal family. It was later used as a summer residence by King Farouk.
Today, the palace is owned by the government of Egypt and welcomes thousands of visitors every year. It is a great attraction to visit if you’re interested in history or are looking to tour an Insta-worthy location.
The palace complex consists of the Palace and the Montaza Gardens. The Palace has three floors with a central courtyard, which is decorated beautifully with regional plants and flowers.
The gardens span for what seems like miles and contain several smaller palaces and piazzas, a mosque, a beach club and several open-air pools.
The Rose Garden and Palm Grove which is packed with tropical plants are very impressive sections of the Montaza Gardens that you should make sure to visit.
Relax on El-Maamoura Beach
El-Maamoura Beach is very picturesque, with beautiful sandy shores and a peaceful atmosphere. It would be a shame to visit an Egyptian coastal city and not check out it’s shoreline!
Visitors and locals flock to the beach to get away from the bustling city attractions, with sunbathing and swimming in the crystal-clear water being very popular.
The beach is divided into public and private sections – which can be somewhat pricey. In the public section you can still pay a smaller fee for renting a sun lounger or umbrella for a more comfortable experience.
The beach is pretty busy all year round but the summer is considerably more crowded, so it’s best to get to El-Maamoura early to reserve your spot on the sand.
Where To Stay In Alexandria
Alexandria is overflowing with great accommodation options and there is a perfect range of budget to luxury hostels, hotels and apartments available across the city.
Here are three of the best accommodation options in Alexandria that will offer you great access to the beach front or the city’s best attractions:
Luxury Accommodation – Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria At San Stefano
The Four Seasons Hotel at San Stefano, is located just a short journey outside of Alexandria, with a private sandy beach overlooking the Mediterranean.
This hotel is the definition of luxury with incredible spa facilities, an outdoor pool, fabulous restaurant options and endless recreational activities.
A hotel limousine is also available to collect and deliver you to the airport, allowing you to start and end your holiday in style!
Mid-Range Accommodation – Tolip Hotel
This beautiful 5-star hotel just outside of Alexandria’s city center has both sea and city views, features an outdoor pool with bars, spa, gym, and nine diverse dining options. Guests at the Tolip Hotel can enjoy a range of different-sized modern rooms, complete with elegant balconies.
This hotel would certainly fall into many people’s categories of luxury and comes at an excellent price!
Budget Accommodation – Arabian Nights Apartment
While budget travelers will often opt for hostel accommodation, the impressive affordability of private apartments in Alexandria is very tempting.
The Arabian Nights Apartment in the heart of Alexandria is perfectly located for discovering all of the city’s best attractions. The apartment has two bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen and free WiFi, making it a comfortable place to rest your head while exploring the city.
How To Get Around Alexandria
Getting around Alexandria and its attractions is pretty simple, with several great transport options available. No matter how you choose to travel around the city, you can expect a fraction of the price that you’d pay in Western countries – everything is so affordable!
Airport Information
If you have arrived in Alexandria via the airport, then the best way of reaching the city (which is 48 km away) is by taxi. Make sure you negotiate the fare before starting your journey and that the driver uses their meter so that you aren’t in for any surprises once you arrive in the city.
Ride-sharing apps like Uber are also a reliable option in Alexandria, and remove the need for haggling as the price is set on the app.
You could also check if you hotel or accommodation offers a shuttle service to help make your transfer from the airport even more hassle-free.
Buses
Alexandria’s public bus system serves most of the city but it isn’t always viewed as the best option for travellers.
Bus routes in Alexandria can be a bit confusing if you’re not used to the system and you can easily end up heading in the wrong direction. They are also usually very crowded and can take a very long time to complete even short journey due to the frequency of the stops.
On the bright side though, buses are a very cheap mode of transport and you can travel large distances across the city for less than a couple of dollars.
The double-decker city tour buses would likely be a better option for you, even if the price is a bit higher as the stops are tailored to popular attractions and you can also get information about top tourist sites as you ride.
Tram
Alexandria’s tram system is a lot more tourist-friendly than using the buses in the city.
There are 20 tram routes spanning the length of the city and 140 stops, making it a useful method of transport and allowing you to get close to main attractions within a few short stops.
The tram is very charming way of travelling around the city, with many of the vehicles dating back to the 70s – but still in great working order.
Fares typically range from 1-5 EGP (less than 10¢!)
Taxis and Uber
Taxi and Uber services are commonly used by tourists exploring the city as they are still considered to be very affordable.
If you’d like to use a local taxi service during your stay then look out for the black and yellow cabs and ensure they have a meter before you get in. Many drivers will insist on not using the meter in order to scam you out of money, but try to be firm that you’d like them to use it.
Make sure to check your change carefully before exiting the cab too as shortchanging tourists isn’t uncommon.
Uber has grown in popularity in Alexandria over the past number of years, especially seeing as the ride-sharing app ensures you will be paying a fixed price. Careem is another app that is commonly used across Egypt and works in the same way that Uber does.
It’s important to remember that some local drivers may not speak much English, so you may need to show them exactly on a map where you’d like to go or have Google Translate ready on your phone.
Day Trips From Alexandria
If you have some extra time in Alexandria then you might like to take a day trip out of the city. Here are a few suggestions of good locations that tourists like to visit while staying in Alexandria:
Siwa Oasis
Siwa Oasis is quite a far drive from Alexandria and will require you to hire a private car for the journey or finding a guided tour, but it can be done. You can choose to stay overnight to split up the long driving times.
Siwa Oasis is a magical location, with natural pools that allow you to effortlessly float (an never sink!) due to the high salt content. The atmosphere is so calm and very far removed from any of the big cities – you simply must visit if you have time!
Cairo
If you don’t already have plans to visit Cairo then it would make a great day trip from Alexandria!
Cairo has lots of great attractions to offer like Cairo Tower, felucca rides on the Nile and the amazing Egyptian Museum. The hectic atmosphere is also worth experiencing and the souks here are like no other city!
El Alamein
El Alamein is just a short journey from Alexandria and is most well-known for being the site of a violent battle during World War Two. The town has several memorials and commemorative sites which honor the sacrifices of soldiers during the war and mark the location’s historical importance.
FAQs
Do you need a tour guide for Alexandria?
While you don’t need a tour guide for exploring much of Alexandria, there are a number of attractions you might like to take a guided tour of such as the National Museum or the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa.
Is it safe to travel to Alexandria Egypt now?
Yes, Alexandria is considered safe to travel to at the moment. If you’re feeling apprehensive that this may have changed then make sure to check your local government guidance for advice on travelling within the region before you depart.
How close is Alexandria to the pyramids?
The Pyramids of Giza are 243 km from Alexandria, taking around 2-2.5 hours to reach by car or public transport, making them easily accessible for a day trip!
Conclusion
Alexandria is a wonderful city that a lot of travelers skip over when visiting Egypt. Located on the Mediterranean coast, Alexandria is a relaxing haven that is full of history and charm.
The city has so many great attractions to explore and is well-located for further travel across Egypt. You can discover so much about the country’s past in this city, with plenty of ancient landmark and museums which explore the diverse influence of past civilizations.
While many people choose to see Alexandria in just one day, this is simply not enough time to uncover the city’s beauty, so make sure to stop for at least a few days!
If you do choose to travel to Alexandria on your Egyptian adventure then I hope you have an amazing time and make some unforgettable memories there!
Read More about Egypt
11 Famous Places in Egypt Worth Visiting
25+ Awesome Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt
The Best Time to Visit Egypt: Month by Month
Save “Visiting Alexandria, Egypt” for Later
Alexandria is definitely worth the time! I spent 5 days there last year and loved it. Great clear recommendations!
Excellent guide to Alexandria! I’ve been to several Egyptian cities, but not to this one yet. Would love to visit it some day as I’ve heard so much about it. Beautiful views and so much to do.