Alexandria Tourism (2023) - Egypt > Top Places, Travel Guide

Alexandria

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Alexandria Tourism

Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt. Being one of the major Mediterranean ports in the country, Alexandria boasts stunning coastlines and beachfronts. Founded by Alexander the Great, the city has a rich history, and is studded with museums, historical neighborhoods, and archaeological parks. The lighthouse of Alexandria was once regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient world.

With a 32 km coastline, Alexandria hosts the Citadel of Qaitbay, Montazah palace, Bibliotheca library (one of the world's largest libraries) and the Roman Theater; coincidentally, it is also where Julius Caesar was thought to be besieged. Most of the attractions in Alexandria lie on or near the Corniche, which stretches for several kilometers. The city is also a great place for diving with underwater ancient ruins. Dining next to the corniche in picturesque cafes and getting lost in the serenity of the vast ocean are some experiences to look forward to while in Alexandria.

Alexandria stretches east to west along the shore for around 50km. A small village with a modern metropolitan vibe, it holds utmost importance in the development of Egypt. Being a significant harbour and a hub for philosophers and scholars, the city has profoundly contributed to the modern world. Ruled by Queen Cleopatra and founded by Alexander the Great, visiting Alexandria will undoubtedly take you a step forward into the history of the Egyptian empire.

Getting Around: Many attractions are located along the corniche and can be explored on foot. Local yellow and black taxis are the most convenient and economical for places far away. Uber and Careem apps are available. Buses, micro buses and trams are also available.
Accommodation: For the best city experience, stay in the corniche area. If looking for luxury hotels, stay in the San Stefano area
During summer, most shops close from noon to 4:00 PM
Visit one of the vintage coffee houses and patisseries. The most famous ones are located on Midan Sa’ad Zaghloul street.

Top Hotels In Alexandria

Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria At San Stefano

9.0 (1422 reviews)

$ 184 onwards

Gleem Luxury Apartments

9.7 (169 reviews)

$ 119 onwards

Steigenberger Cecil Hotel Alexandria

8.7 (3741 reviews)

$ 55 onwards

Eastern Al Montazah Hotel

8.6 (1757 reviews)

$ 31 onwards

2bed rooms 95m, Garden&sea view, first floor, Family only دور اول بمدخل مستقل

9.5 (54 reviews)

$ 51 onwards

Nice house

9.4 (67 reviews)

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Shopping in Alexandria

The Souq District is one of the most popular areas to engage in Egyptian culture and shop your heart out. From local jewellery, clothes and gold to spices, meat and vegetables, the market is studded with cafes and stores. Attareen Antique Market is another important market from ancient Egypt; with its narrow alleys and brick walls, the souk looks aesthetic and is ideal for engaging in some souvenir shopping.

Nightlife in Alexandria

Alexandria might not match Cairo with ravishing nightlife, but it makes for a decent place to chill in pubs and clubs. The oldest bar in Alexandria, Spitfire, dates back to 1883. Alexandria boasts of a wonderful nightlife from jazz music to Karaoke and from live dance performances to power clubs. Al Attarin and Mansheya are popular areas for nightlife in Alexandria with a variety of bars and clubs.

Suggested Itinerary for Alexandria

Day 1: Start your day by visiting the Qaitbay Citadel, which dates back to 1477. Next, you can head towards the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, the largest Roman cemetery in Egypt. Stop for lunch and head to Pompey's Pillar, one of the main attractions of Alexandria. The Pompey's column is situated 100 steps above the Temple of Serapeum; make sure you have the energy to climb up and down. Finally, head to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a world-famous library housing books dating back 5,000 years. With over 8 million books, it is subdivided into four museums, each with a different focus, including manuscripts, artefacts from antiquity, Sadat, the late president of Egypt, and scientific history.

Day 2: Start your day at the Graeco-Roman Museum, which houses the records of Alexander during the Ptolemaic Dynasty and the history of Egypt. Next, head to the Royal Jewellery Museum, the highlight of Alexandria. The museum is decorated with stained glass and gemstones and houses precious vintage jewellery and gems. Post this, you can visit the Montazah Palace Gardens, the summer palace and residence of the last king of Egypt, Farouk.

Day 3: On your last day in Alexandria, start your day at the National Museum, which displays collections from the Pharaoh era, Greek, Coptic, and Islamic eras. Afterwards, head to the villa of birds, located next to the Roman amphitheatre in Kom El-Dikka. This is an off-beat location, and not many tourists know about it, so it is usually quiet. Its natural setting makes it a fantastic spot to watch the sunset, ending your trip perfectly.