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Alexandria Travel Guide: Yes, It’s Worth Visiting!

Discover why Alexandria is worth visiting with our complete guide. Explore iconic landmarks like the Bibliotheca and Qaitbay Citadel, and savor Egypt's best seafood. This guide provides everything you need: top things to do, where to stay, practical travel tips, and curated itineraries to help you experience the city's unique Mediterranean charm.
  • Updated: October 10, 2025

So, is Alexandria worth visiting? The answer is a resounding yes. Forget the desert heat and pharaonic temples for a moment; Alexandria offers a completely different side of Egypt. This is a city where Greco-Roman history whispers from ancient catacombs, elegant European-style architecture lines the seafront, and the fresh Mediterranean breeze carries the scent of fresh seafood. It’s a city of poets, philosophers, and bygone glamour that provides a refreshing and essential contrast to any Egyptian itinerary. This Alexandria Travel Guide will show you exactly why this coastal pearl deserves a spot on your list.

The Verdict: Why Alexandria Is Absolutely Worth Visiting

The Verdict Why Alexandria Is Absolutely Worth Visiting

Unlike any other city in Egypt, Alexandria offers a unique blend of history, culture, and coastal charm. It provides a refreshing break from the intensity of Cairo and the ancient focus of Luxor. Here’s why you should make the trip as we head into 2026.

A Walk Through Time: From Ancient Wonders to Modern Marvels

Alexandria has always been a beacon of knowledge and culture. The spirit of its ancient Great Library, one of the wonders of the ancient world, is reborn in the stunning modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina. The legacy of its Great Lighthouse, the Pharos, lives on in the formidable Qaitbay Citadel, built on its very foundations. This is a city where you can descend into Roman burial chambers in the morning and explore a masterpiece of modern architecture in the afternoon.

Egypt’s Mediterranean Soul: A Different Cultural Vibe

If Cairo is the bustling, chaotic heart of Egypt, Alexandria is its relaxed, Mediterranean soul. The city’s lifeline is the Corniche, a long, curving seaside promenade where life unfolds. The architecture in the downtown area tells stories of a cosmopolitan past, with Belle Époque buildings that feel more southern European than Middle Eastern. The pace is a little slower, the air is cooler, and the atmosphere is entirely unique.

A Culinary Hotspot: The Best Seafood in Egypt

For food lovers, Alexandria is a pilgrimage site. Its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea means it is the undisputed seafood capital of Egypt. From humble street food stalls to bustling fish market restaurants where you pick your own catch, the quality and freshness are unparalleled. A trip to Alexandria is worth it for the food experience alone.

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Top Historical Sites & Landmarks: Alexandria Travel Guide

Top Historical Sites & Landmarks Alexandria Travel Guide

Founded by Alexander the Great, this city was once the intellectual capital of the world. While its greatest ancient wonders are gone, their legacy and other incredible historical sites remain.

Bibliotheca Alexandrina: The Modern Lighthouse of Knowledge

The single most impressive modern landmark in Egypt, the Bibliotheca is a breathtaking homage to the original Great Library. Its main reading room is a vast, tiered space that can hold 2,000 readers under a stunning slanted roof designed to look like a rising sun or a computer chip. But it’s more than a library; the complex also houses several excellent museums, including an Antiquities Museum, a Manuscript Museum, and a science museum, making it a full day’s cultural experience.

The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa: A Greco-Roman Underworld

kom esh shokafa alexandria - cairo and alexandria from luxor

Discovered by accident in 1900 when a donkey fell through a hole in the ground, this vast Roman-era burial complex is one of the most fascinating sites in Egypt. Descend a spiral staircase into a multi-level tomb that showcases a unique and beautiful fusion of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art and religious motifs. You’ll see Roman-style statues dressed as Egyptian pharaohs and depictions of Egyptian gods alongside Greco-Roman symbols.

Qaitbay Citadel: A Fortress on the Pharos’s Ruins

Standing proudly at the entrance to the eastern harbor is this impressive 15th-century defensive fortress. What makes it so special is its location: it was built on the exact site of the legendary Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, using some of its fallen stones. Explore the ramparts and climb the main tower for magnificent panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the city.

Pompey’s Pillar & the Serapeum: Relics of a Lost Temple

10 top rated attractions and things to do in alexandria egypt fun tours

Soaring 27 meters into the sky, this massive column of red Aswan granite is a true marvel of ancient engineering. Despite its name, it has nothing to do with the Roman general Pompey; it was likely erected in 297 AD to honor the Roman Emperor Diocletian. It is the only remaining part of the great temple of the Serapeum that once stood here.

The Roman Amphitheater: Echoes of the Past

Located in the heart of the city, this well-preserved Roman theater is the only one of its kind in Egypt. It features 13 tiers of white marble seating, complete with a small stage and beautiful mosaic flooring in the wings. It provides a tangible link to the city’s Roman past and is a pleasant and easily accessible site to explore.

See what other destinations made our list of the top attractions in Alexandria.

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Best Things to Do in Alexandria: Beyond the Ancient Sites

Best Things to Do in Alexandria Beyond the Ancient Sites

To truly experience Alexandria, you must embrace its modern life and seaside culture. This section of our Alexandria Travel Guide covers the essential experiences.

Stroll the Corniche: The City’s Lifeline

The Corniche is Alexandria’s outdoor living room. A walk along this seaside promenade is the quintessential local experience. In the evening, you’ll find families, fishermen, and friends enjoying the cool sea air, sipping tea from vendors, and watching the waves crash against the shore.

Explore Montaza Palace Gardens: Royal Respite by the Sea

Escape the city bustle in these lush, expansive gardens surrounding the former royal palace. The Montaza Palace Gardens are a beautiful green space with manicured lawns, tall palm trees, and picturesque bridges. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing afternoon picnic or a peaceful walk.

Get Lost in the Old Town (Anfushi) & Souks

Just west of the citadel lies the Anfushi district, the oldest part of the city. Here you can wander through narrow alleyways, see traditional workshops, and get a feel for the city’s fishing heritage. The nearby souks (markets) are a great place to browse for spices and souvenirs.

Discover the Alexandria National Museum & Royal Jewelry Museum

Alexandria boasts two fantastic, often overlooked museums. The Alexandria National Museum offers a beautifully curated journey through the city’s history, from the Pharaonic era to the modern day. The Royal Jewelry Museum, housed in a stunning former palace, displays the opulent collection of the Muhammad Ali dynasty.

Relax at a Traditional Coffeehouse: The Local Experience

Sit at a historic café like Trianon or Delices, order a strong Egyptian coffee or a mint tea, and simply watch the world go by. These grand old coffeehouses are institutions where you can feel the city’s cosmopolitan past and enjoy a moment of quiet reflection.

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What to Eat in Alexandria: A Food Lover’s Guide

What to Eat in Alexandria A Food Lover's Guide - Alexandria Travel Guide

Alexandria is arguably Egypt’s culinary capital. Don’t leave without indulging in its vibrant food scene.

The Freshest Seafood: Where to Find the Best Fish Markets

The seafood experience here is interactive and unforgettable. Head to famous restaurants where you can walk up to a counter piled high with the day’s catch on ice. You choose the specific fish, shrimp, or calamari you want, decide how you want it cooked (grilled, fried, or in a tagine), and pay by weight.

Alexandrian Street Food: Must-Try Local Delicacies

For a true local taste, you must try Kibda Eskandarani—Alexandrian-style beef liver, quickly fried with spicy peppers and served in a small bread roll. The city is also famous for its ice cream parlors, which serve delicious, fresh gelato.

Historic Cafés and Restaurants: Dining with a Story

Many of Alexandria’s downtown restaurants have been serving customers for nearly a century. Dining in one of these establishments is like stepping back in time, with classic decor and menus that have stood the test of time.

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Planning: Your Step-by-Step Alexandria Travel Guide

Planning Your Step-by-Step Alexandria Travel Guide

Now for the logistics. This section covers everything you need to know for a smooth visit.

How to Get to Alexandria (From Cairo and Abroad)

The best way to travel from Cairo is by train. The journey takes 2.5-3 hours, is comfortable, and offers scenic views of the Nile Delta. Book your tickets in advance, especially for the first-class carriages. Buses are a cheaper alternative. Alexandria is served by Borg El Arab International Airport (HBE), about an hour outside the city.

Getting Around: Alexandria Travel Guide

For tourists, the easiest way to get around is by using ride-sharing apps like Uber or Careem, which are reliable and have fixed prices. The iconic yellow trams are a charming local experience but can be slow and crowded. The core downtown area and the Corniche are very walkable.

When to Visit: A Guide to Alexandria’s Seasons

The best times to visit are during the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), when the weather is pleasantly warm. Summer (June-August) is hot, humid, and very crowded with domestic tourists. Winter (December-February) is cool and can be rainy and windy, but the sites are much less crowded.

Where to Stay: A Neighborhood and Accommodation Guide

For the best experience, stay in a hotel along the Corniche with a sea view. This places you centrally and offers beautiful vistas. The downtown area also has many historic and budget-friendly hotels. You can find everything from grand 5-star hotels to simple guesthouses.

Safety, Scams, and Local Etiquette

Alexandria is generally a safe city for tourists. The main thing to be aware of is petty crime like pickpocketing in crowded markets, so keep your valuables secure. Be assertive when saying “no” to persistent vendors. As in any Egyptian city, dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

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Sample Itineraries for Your Alexandria Trip

Sample Itineraries for Your Alexandria Trip

To help you make the most of your time, here are a few sample itineraries.

The Perfect Day Trip from Cairo

  • Morning: Arrive by train, head straight to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch near the Qaitbay Citadel.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Citadel, then visit the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa.
  • Late Afternoon: Catch an evening train back to Cairo.

A Relaxed 2-Day Alexandria Itinerary

  • Day 1: Follow the day trip itinerary but at a slower pace. End the day with a long sunset stroll along the Corniche.
  • Day 2: Visit Pompey’s Pillar and the Roman Amphitheater in the morning. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful Montaza Palace Gardens.

The 3-Day Deep Dive: For History and Culture Buffs

  • Days 1 & 2: Follow the 2-day itinerary.
  • Day 3: Spend the morning at the Alexandria National Museum. In the afternoon, get lost in the Anfushi district, and finish your trip with a coffee at a historic downtown café.

Final Thoughts: Your Alexandria Adventure Awaits

So, to answer the question once more: Is Alexandria worth visiting? Without a doubt. It’s a city that offers a unique historical narrative, a refreshing coastal atmosphere, and a taste of modern Egyptian life that you won’t find anywhere else. It is the perfect complement to a journey through ancient Egypt. Use this Alexandria Travel Guide to start planning your trip to Egypt’s magnificent Mediterranean pearl today.

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