Alexandria
Alexandria, Egypt: Complete Travel Guide, Attractions & Ancient Wonders (2025–2026)
Introduction: Why Alexandria Still Matters
Alexandria isn’t just Egypt’s second-largest city — it’s a timeless crossroad where empires met, philosophies clashed, and history was written. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE, Alexandria became the intellectual capital of the ancient world, home to the fabled Great Library, the Lighthouse of Pharos, and thinkers like Hypatia and Archimedes.
Today, the city stands as a living mosaic of Pharaonic, Greek, Roman, Islamic, and colonial influences — all while overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Whether you're a historian, beach lover, or curious explorer, Alexandria promises a deeply enriching experience.
Where Is Alexandria, Egypt?
Located on Egypt’s northern coastline along the Mediterranean Sea, Alexandria lies about 220 km (137 miles) northwest of Cairo. It's easily reachable by:
Train: Frequent routes from Ramses Station in Cairo (2.5–3 hours)
Private car or transfer: Part of many Luxury Egypt Tours
Flights: Limited domestic flights to Borg El Arab Airport
Its waterfront location makes Alexandria Egypt's maritime gateway, culturally and commercially.
Top 15 Tourist Attractions in Alexandria
Alexandria is a treasure chest of archaeological marvels, libraries, palaces, and seaside sites. Here are the top highlights:
1. Bibliotheca Alexandrina
A modern tribute to the Great Library, this cultural center contains over 8 million books, several museums, planetariums, and art galleries.
2. Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
These underground tombs date back to the 2nd century AD and blend Pharaonic, Greek, and Roman design — a true example of cultural fusion.
3. Citadel of Qaitbay
Built in 1477 on the original site of the Lighthouse of Alexandria (a Wonder of the Ancient World), this fortress guards the eastern harbor with stunning sea views.
4. Pompey’s Pillar
A 27-meter-high Roman column built in honor of Emperor Diocletian, standing near the ruins of the Serapeum Temple.
5. Montazah Palace and Gardens
This lavish 19th-century complex blends Ottoman and Florentine design. It features royal gardens, greenhouses, and coastal walking trails.
6. Roman Amphitheatre
Discovered in the 1960s, this is Egypt’s only surviving Roman amphitheatre with marble seating and an ancient lecture hall.
7. The Serapeum and Temple of Serapis
An ancient sanctuary dedicated to the Greco-Egyptian deity Serapis. It once housed part of the Library of Alexandria’s manuscript collection.
8. Alexandria National Museum
Over 1,800 artifacts across Pharaonic, Roman, Coptic, and Islamic periods — housed in a restored Italian mansion.
9. El-Mursi Abul Abbas Mosque
An architectural landmark and spiritual center built in the 13th century, with Andalusian-style domes and stunning marble work.
10. Royal Jewelry Museum
Displays the extravagant collections of Egypt’s last monarchs — including King Farouk’s jeweled watches, tiaras, and coronation gifts.
11. Greco-Roman Museum (reopening soon)
A vast collection of statues, pottery, and mummies — currently under renovation and expected to reopen in late 2024.
12. Stanley Bridge
A modern, photogenic bridge crossing the Mediterranean Corniche. Best visited at sunset.
13. Cleopatra’s Bath and Underwater Ruins
Snorkel or dive to see submerged columns, sphinxes, and ruins allegedly linked to Cleopatra’s palace complex.
14. Maamoura and Mandara Beaches
Family-friendly public beaches with nearby cafés, amusement parks, and corniche promenades.
15. Al Alamein (Day Trip)
Just 1.5 hours west of Alexandria, this WWII battlefield offers museums, memorials, and cemeteries honoring Allied and Axis soldiers.
A Brief History of Alexandria
331 BCE: Founded by Alexander the Great
3rd century BCE: Becomes capital of Greco-Roman Egypt and site of the Great Library, housing over 700,000 scrolls
Roman Period: Home to the largest Jewish community outside Jerusalem and early Christian centers
7th century CE: Conquered by Arab armies, becomes Islamic port city
19th–20th centuries: A cosmopolitan haven under British and French influence
Modern day: A city where past and present blend — with archaeological discoveries continuing
Where to Stay in Alexandria
| Hotel | Neighborhood | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Four Seasons San Stefano | San Stefano | 5-star luxury resort with private beach and mall access |
| Paradise Inn Le Metropole | Downtown (Raml Station) | French colonial charm, central location |
| Steigenberger Cecil | Saad Zaghloul Square | Historic hotel once hosting Churchill and Somerset Maugham |
| Hilton Alexandria Corniche | Eastern Corniche | Rooftop pool, beach club, panoramic sea views |
| Cherry Maryski Hotel | El Mansheya | Affordable comfort near markets and attractions |
What to Eat in Alexandria
Don’t leave Alexandria without trying:
Grilled mullet (bouri) or shrimp sayadia
Feteer meshaltet — layered Egyptian pastry with sweet or savory fillings
Alexandrian liver sandwiches — spicy street food classic
Roz bel laban — rice pudding with cinnamon
Baklava & basbousa — Middle Eastern sweets from local patisseries
Local favorites: Balbaa Seafood, Fishawi, Mohamed Ahmed (for Egyptian breakfasts)
Beaches and Coastal Life
Stanley Beach – Accessible and scenic, great for photography
Mandara & Maamoura – Budget-friendly family spots
Cleopatra Beach (Abu Qir) – Popular for local legends and shore views
Montazah Beach – Scenic, quieter, surrounded by palace gardens
How to Get to Alexandria from Cairo
| Mode | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Train | 2.5–3 hours | Several classes; depart from Ramses Station |
| Private Car | 2.5 hours | Offered via Custom Egypt Tours |
| Flight | 1 hour | Via Borg El Arab Airport — limited routes |
Best Time to Visit Alexandria
The city has a Mediterranean climate, with cool winters and warm summers.
Best Months: October to April (comfortable for sightseeing)
Avoid: July–August (hot, humid, crowded with local tourists)
Top Events: Alexandria International Film Festival, Bibliotheca events, New Year at Montazah
Alexandria in Your Egypt Itinerary
Alexandria is ideal as a 2–3 day extension to your main Egypt itinerary. Many travelers combine it with:
Pro tip: Ask your travel advisor to include private transfers and Egyptologist-guided tours for Alexandria.
Alexandria Egypt Travel FAQs
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Alexandria is known for the Great Library, Lighthouse of Pharos, Greco-Roman ruins, Mediterranean culture, and historic scholars like Hypatia.
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Yes. It’s safe and popular among Egyptian families and international travelers, especially in winter and spring.
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2 to 3 days is ideal to explore attractions, enjoy beaches, and sample local life.
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Yes! Many private Egypt day tours include Alexandria with roundtrip transfers.
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Alexandria is coastal, breezier, and more Mediterranean in vibe. Its history is rooted in Greek, Roman, and Islamic seafaring culture, unlike Cairo’s Pharaonic and Islamic dominance.
Plan Your Alexandria Adventure Now
Whether you’re tracing the steps of ancient scholars or enjoying seafood by the sea, Alexandria offers a different side of Egypt — one that’s just as grand and rich in memory.
