Alexandria is Egypt’s Mediterranean city: a long sweep of seafront Corniche, sea breezes, old cafés and some of the best seafood in the country. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, it was the capital of the Ptolemies and Cleopatra, home of the great Library and of the Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today you can see Roman catacombs, a Mamluk fortress on the site of the Lighthouse and the striking modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Here are the best things to do in Alexandria and how to plan a day trip or a stay.
Planning a trip? Start with our complete Egypt travel guide and our Egypt itineraries.
Alexandria at a glance
| Topic | The quick answer |
|---|---|
| Where | Egypt’s Mediterranean coast, about 3 hours from Cairo |
| Founded | 331 BC, by Alexander the Great |
| Known for | The Corniche, the Citadel of Qaitbay, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Roman catacombs, seafood |
| City | Egypt’s second-largest city and main port, stretching about 40 km along the sea |
| Time needed | A long day trip; 1–2 nights to slow down |
| Best time | Spring, summer and fall; winter can be windy and rainy |
Things to do in Alexandria
1. Walk the Corniche
The seafront road curves around the Eastern Harbor for kilometers, lined with old buildings, fishing boats and cafés. Walk it at sunset, when half the city comes out for the breeze.
2. The Citadel of Qaitbay
At the tip of the harbor stands a Mamluk fortress built in 1477 by Sultan Qaitbay, on the very spot where the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria once stood. Explore the walls and towers, and look out over the sea where the Lighthouse’s stones still lie underwater.
3. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina
A modern tribute to the ancient Library of Alexandria, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a huge tilted disk facing the sea, its outer wall carved with letters from scripts around the world. Inside are a vast reading room, museums and exhibitions.
4. The Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa
Discovered by accident in 1900, these underground tombs spiral down several levels into the rock. Their carvings mix ancient Egyptian gods with Greek and Roman styles, a perfect picture of Alexandria’s mixed heritage.
5. Pompey’s Pillar and the Serapeum
On the ancient acropolis, a Roman granite column rises about 30 m (99 ft), with sphinxes at its base and the remains of the Serapeum temple around it.
6. The Roman theater at Kom el-Dikka
In the city center, excavations have uncovered a small, beautifully preserved Roman theater with marble seats, along with Roman baths and villas.
7. Montaza Palace gardens
East of the center, the gardens of the former royal palace of Montaza run down to quiet beaches and a little lighthouse. The palace itself isn’t open, but the gardens are a lovely place for a walk.
8. Museums
The Alexandria National Museum tells the city’s story from the pharaohs to modern times, and the Greco-Roman Museum holds the city’s classical collection.
Where to eat: seafood and cafés
- Seafood: choose your fish at the counter, then have it grilled or fried and served with rice, salads and dips.
- Sayadeya: the local specialty, fish cooked with spiced brown rice and caramelized onions.
- Kebda Iskandarani: Alexandria-style liver with garlic and chili, a famous street sandwich.
- Old cafés and patisseries: Alexandria’s historic cafés and pastry shops are part of its charm.
More dishes to try in our Egyptian food guide.
How to get to Alexandria
- By train: fast trains link Cairo and Alexandria in about 2.5–3 hours.
- By car or with a driver: about 3 hours on the desert road, depending on traffic.
- On a guided day trip from Cairo, the easiest way to see the highlights in one day.
- Getting around: taxis and ride-hailing apps; the old tram is a slow, charming ride.
A day in Alexandria
- Morning: the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa and Pompey’s Pillar.
- Midday: the Roman theater at Kom el-Dikka, then a seafood lunch.
- Afternoon: the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
- Sunset: the Citadel of Qaitbay and a walk along the Corniche.
Staying the night? Add Montaza’s gardens, the museums and an evening at one of the old cafés. See our 14-day itinerary for how Alexandria fits into a trip.
When to go
Alexandria is milder than Cairo all year. Summer is warm and busy with Egyptian families escaping the heat, spring and fall are lovely, and winter can bring wind, rough seas and some rain. See the best time to visit Egypt.
Local-guided experiences
Mahmoud Fawzy, one of our hosts in Cairo and Giza, runs these Alexandria trips:
Alexandria Day Trip from Cairo
A day by the Mediterranean with Mahmoud Fawzy: Alexandria’s landmarks, the Corniche and lunch by the sea.
3 Days: Cairo, Giza and Alexandria
The pyramids, Saqqara and the Grand Egyptian Museum, then a day in Alexandria, with Mahmoud Fawzy.
Find a local guide: meet our local guides in Egypt.
Alexandria FAQ
Is Alexandria worth visiting?
Yes, for a change of pace from Cairo: the sea, the Corniche, Greco-Roman sites, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and great seafood.
Can you visit Alexandria as a day trip from Cairo?
Yes. It’s about 2.5–3 hours each way by train or car, so a long day trip covers the highlights.
What is Alexandria famous for?
Being founded by Alexander the Great, the ancient Lighthouse and Library, Cleopatra, its Corniche and its seafood.
Can you see the Lighthouse of Alexandria?
No, it collapsed centuries ago. The Citadel of Qaitbay was built on its site in 1477, partly with its stones.
What are the best things to do in Alexandria?
The Corniche, the Citadel of Qaitbay, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa, Pompey’s Pillar, the Roman theater and Montaza’s gardens.
When is the best time to visit Alexandria?
Spring, summer and fall. Winter can be windy, with rough seas and some rain.
Sources
- Alexandria (Wikipedia) — founding, Lighthouse and Library, Citadel of Qaitbay, Pompey’s Pillar, catacombs, Kom el-Dikka
- Bibliotheca Alexandrina
- Wikimedia Commons — photographs credited in each caption
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