Alexandria is one of Egypt’s most captivating cities — yet most visitors never make it past Cairo. So what is there to do in Alexandria, Egypt, that makes it worth the trip?
More than you might expect. Ancient catacombs, a legendary library, Mediterranean seafood, and submerged ruins you can actually dive through — all in one city. This guide covers everything worth seeing, doing, and tasting so you can make the most of every hour you spend here.
Why Alexandria, Egypt Should Be on Your Travel List?
Most tourists stick to Cairo and Luxor — and miss one of Egypt’s greatest secrets. Alexandria offers a completely different side of the country: Mediterranean in character, cosmopolitan in history, and surprisingly manageable as a destination. It sits just 220 kilometres north-west of Cairo and is easily reached by train in under two hours.
The city is not simply a detour. It is a destination in its own right, shaped by over two millennia of Greek, Roman, Ottoman, and Egyptian influence. The architecture, the food, the pace of life — all of it feels distinct from anywhere else in Egypt.
Top Historical Attractions in Alexandria, Egypt
History is the primary reason travellers come to Alexandria, and the city delivers in abundance.
1. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Opened in 2002 on the approximate site of the ancient Library of Alexandria, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is one of the most architecturally striking buildings in the Arab world. Its vast tilted disc roof — engraved with scripts from 120 different alphabets — shelters a reading room capable of holding eight million books. Inside, visitors will find several specialised museums, including a history of science museum and a rare manuscripts collection, alongside a planetarium and contemporary art galleries. Guided tours in English are available and highly recommended.
2. Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
Considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages, the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa are a subterranean marvel carved into the bedrock in the 2nd century AD. Three tiers of burial chambers descend more than 30 metres underground, blending Roman, Greek, and Egyptian artistic traditions in a way found nowhere else on earth. The main tomb’s carved façade — featuring Egyptian gods dressed in Roman military armour — illustrates the extraordinary cultural fusion that defined ancient Alexandria.
3. Qaitbay Citadel
Built in the 15th century on the very spot where the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria once stood, the Citadel of Qaitbay is the city’s most iconic landmark. It juts into the Eastern Harbour commanding panoramic views of the Mediterranean in every direction. Most visitors come for the views and the dramatic coastal setting, making it one of the best free-to-explore areas of the city.
4. The Greco-Roman Museum
After years of restoration, the Greco-Roman Museum has reopened with one of the finest collections of Hellenistic and Roman antiquities in the world. Highlights include exquisite marble statuary, detailed funerary portraits, coin collections, and artefacts that trace Alexandria’s 1,000-year career as a cosmopolitan Mediterranean capital.
5. Montazah Palace & Gardens
The former summer residence of Egypt’s royal family, Montazah Palace sits within an enormous 150-acre park on the city’s eastern edge. The public gardens are open daily and make for a leisurely afternoon — hire a bicycle, sit by the sea, or simply enjoy the rare greenery.
Outdoor & Waterfront Activities in Alexandria
Alexandria’s relationship with the Mediterranean is central to its identity. There is no shortage of ways to enjoy it.
Walking the Corniche
The Alexandria Corniche is a seafront promenade stretching approximately 26 kilometres from the Eastern Harbour to Montazah. Walking even a section of it at sunset — with the sea on one side and elegant old apartment blocks on the other — is one of those travel experiences that costs nothing and stays with you for years.
Beach Days at Stanley & Mamoura
Stanley Beach, positioned below the distinctive Stanley Bridge, is the city’s most popular urban beach. For something quieter, head east to Mamoura Beach within the Montazah complex. Shoulder months (May and October) offer warm temperatures with far smaller crowds than peak summer.
Boat Trips in the Eastern Harbour
Short felucca excursions in the Eastern Harbour offer a completely different perspective of the city, with particularly rewarding views of Qaitbay Citadel from the water. Local boat operators can be found near the harbour entrance.
Diving Among Submerged Ancient Ruins
One of the most remarkable — and least-known — things to do in Alexandria, Egypt, is exploring the submerged antiquities of the ancient harbour. Statues, columns, and architectural fragments from the Ptolemaic period lie on the seabed where sections of the ancient waterfront subsided. Licensed dive operators offer guided underwater archaeological tours that combine adventure with history in a way found almost nowhere else on earth.
Food, Cafés & Local Life in Alexandria
Alexandrian cuisine is shaped by centuries of Mediterranean influence and a strong maritime identity. It is one of the great reasons to spend extra time in the city.
Fresh Seafood at the Eastern Harbour
The most authentic seafood experience in Alexandria unfolds at the fish restaurants clustered around the Eastern Harbour. Choose your fish or shellfish by weight, hand it to the kitchen, and it arrives grilled, fried, or baked — accompanied by bread, salads, tahini, and lemon. Honest, generous, and often spectacular.
Feteer Meshaltet — Alexandria’s Street Pastry
A flaky layered pastry cooked on a large flat griddle, feteer meshaltet can be topped with cheese, eggs, honey, or jam. Look for roadside stalls in Bahari and the older city-centre neighbourhoods for the most authentic versions.
Historic Cafés of the City Centre
A handful of legendary establishments survive from Alexandria’s cosmopolitan heyday. Trianon Café (established 1905) and Pastroudis (established 1923) preserve an atmosphere of faded belle-époque elegance that no renovation could replicate. Sit down, order a strong Turkish coffee, and absorb the surroundings.
Day Trips from Alexandria, Egypt
Alexandria’s coastal location makes it a natural base for exploring the surrounding region.
El Alamein War Cemetery & Museum
Located approximately 105 kilometres west of Alexandria, El Alamein was the site of one of World War II’s most decisive battles. The Commonwealth War Cemetery, the German Memorial, and the Italian Memorial stand in quiet dignity side by side. The adjacent museum provides detailed historical context and is genuinely moving.
Abu Mena — UNESCO World Heritage Site
Located roughly 45 kilometres south-west of the city, Abu Mena was once one of the most important early Christian pilgrimage centres in the ancient world. The ruins of basilicas, baths, and pilgrim hostels spread across a surprisingly large archaeological site.
Marsa Matruh for Beaches
For the best Mediterranean beaches in Egypt, Marsa Matruh — 290 kilometres west — offers crystalline turquoise water and white sand that rivals anywhere in the region. The drive along the coastal road is scenic in its own right.
Practical Tips for Visiting Alexandria, Egypt
Getting there from Cairo: The express train from Cairo Ramses Station takes approximately two hours and is the most comfortable option. Private transfers take 2.5 to 3 hours by road.
Best time to visit: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the most pleasant conditions — warm without being oppressive, with long daylight hours.
Getting around: Taxis and ride-hailing apps (Uber and Careem both operate here) are the most practical option. Walking works well along the Corniche and in the compact city centre.
Currency: Egypt’s currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Cash is essential for street food, local cafés, and smaller establishments. ATMs are widely available.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alexandria, Egypt
Is Alexandria, Egypt safe to visit?
Yes. Alexandria is considered one of Egypt’s safer cities for tourists, with a visible security presence around major sites and a generally welcoming urban atmosphere. Standard travel precautions apply: keep an eye on belongings in crowded markets, use licensed taxis or reputable ride apps, and dress modestly when visiting mosques or historical sites.
How many days do you need in Alexandria?
Two full days is the comfortable minimum for the major highlights — the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, Qaitbay Citadel, and a walk along the Corniche. Three to four days allows for the Greco-Roman Museum, a day trip to El Alamein, and proper exploration of the food scene. A week is never wasted for travellers who enjoy immersive, unhurried travel.
Can you visit Alexandria as a day trip from Cairo?
Yes — and it is one of Egypt’s most popular day excursions. Departing Cairo on the 7 AM express train arrives in Alexandria by 9 AM, leaving a full day for sightseeing before an evening return. That said, an overnight stay is strongly recommended; the city feels completely different at dusk, and the coastal evening light is exceptional.
What is Alexandria, Egypt most famous for?
Historically, Alexandria is best known for the ancient Library of Alexandria — the greatest repository of knowledge in the ancient world — and the Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In the modern era, the city is celebrated for its Mediterranean character, distinctive café culture, and its extraordinary layering of Greek, Roman, Ottoman, and Egyptian heritage.
What is the best time of year to visit Alexandria?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are widely considered the best times to visit. Temperatures are warm and comfortable, crowds are manageable, and the Mediterranean light is at its most beautiful. Summer brings heat and busy beaches; winter is mild but occasionally rainy.
What language do people speak in Alexandria?
Arabic is the primary language. English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants catering to tourists, and at all major historical sites. Learning a few basic Arabic phrases — shukran (thank you), min fadlak (please), bikam (how much?) — is warmly appreciated and often improves the experience noticeably.
Ready to See Alexandria, Egypt for Yourself?
Now that you know what is there to do in Alexandria, Egypt, the only question left is when you are going. From its ancient catacombs and world-class library to its sun-drenched Corniche and extraordinary seafood, Alexandria is a city that surprises visitors in the very best way — and one that they consistently wish they had spent more time in.
Whether you are planning a day trip from Cairo, a multi-day cultural itinerary, or an extended Mediterranean holiday, the right guidance makes all the difference.
El Sultan Travel specialises in bespoke Egypt travel experiences — private transfers, expert local guides, carefully selected accommodation, and custom itineraries built around what matters most to you.
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Let us handle every detail so you can simply enjoy one of the world’s most fascinating cities.
