Alexandria Travel Guide

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Alexandria: The Pearl of the Mediterranean

Discover where the legends of Alexander the Great and Cleopatra meet the modern spirit of Egypt’s cultural capital.

Greco-Roman Heritage Mediterranean Cuisine Modern Library of Alexandria Coastal Promenade Sultan Qaitbay Citadel

1. City Overview

Alexandria, Egypt’s second-largest city and its principal seaport, stretches along the sun-drenched Mediterranean coast for nearly 32 kilometers. Often referred to as "The Pearl of the Mediterranean," it offers a distinct atmosphere that sets it apart from the Pharaonic grandeur of Cairo and Luxor. Here, the air is salt-tinged, the buildings reflect a faded European elegance, and the pace of life flows with the rhythm of the tides. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE, Alexandria was the intellectual heart of the ancient world for centuries, home to the legendary Great Library and the Pharos Lighthouse—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today, it is a bustling metropolis of over five million people where modern skyscrapers stand alongside 19th-century colonial plazas and ancient Roman ruins.

Visitors to Alexandria are greeted by the iconic Corniche, a sweeping waterfront promenade that serves as the city's social spine. From the historic district of Bahary, where fishermen haul in their daily catch, to the upscale neighborhoods of Smouha and Gleem, Alexandria is a city of layers. It is a place where you can explore underground catacombs in the morning, lose yourself in one of the world's most advanced libraries in the afternoon, and feast on the freshest Mediterranean seafood at sunset.

2. Why Visit Alexandria?

A Window to Greco-Roman Egypt: Unlike the rest of Egypt, Alexandria is the best place to experience the legacy of the Ptolemaic and Roman eras, with unique artifacts and architecture not found elsewhere in the Nile Valley.
The Intellectual Spirit: The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is not just a library; it is a global cultural hub that honors the ancient city's role as a beacon of knowledge.
Mediterranean Charm: Enjoy a milder climate, beautiful sunset views over the sea, and a cosmopolitan culture that blends Egyptian warmth with Levantine and European influences.
The Culinary Capital of the Coast: Alexandria is widely considered the best place in Egypt for seafood, offering everything from humble street stalls to high-end waterfront dining.

3. History & Cultural Significance

The story of Alexandria began in 331 BCE when the young Macedonian king, Alexander the Great, sought to build a capital that would bridge the Greek world and the ancient Egyptian empire. He chose a strip of land between the sea and Lake Mareotis, where the fishing village of Rhacotis once stood. Under the Ptolemaic dynasty, the city flourished as the capital of Egypt, becoming the largest city in the world at the time. It was here that Queen Cleopatra VII, the last of the Ptolemies, ruled alongside Mark Antony, and where the Pharos Lighthouse guided ships into the world’s busiest port.

Alexandria was the epicenter of science and philosophy. Scholars like Eratosthenes, who first calculated the Earth’s circumference, and Euclid, the father of geometry, walked its streets. The Great Library of Alexandria reportedly held the entire sum of human knowledge on papyrus scrolls, though it was tragically lost to fires and conflict over several centuries.

The City's Rebirth

After the Arab conquest in 641 CE, the capital moved to Fustat (Old Cairo), and Alexandria slowly declined. By the time Napoleon Bonaparte invaded in 1798, it had shrunk to a small village. However, the 19th-century ruler Muhammad Ali Pasha revived the city, building the Mahmoudiyah Canal to reconnect it to the Nile. This sparked a golden age of cosmopolitanism, attracting thousands of Greeks, Italians, and Armenians who helped shape the beautiful "Belle Époque" architecture that still defines the city center today.

4. Top Attractions

Bibliotheca Alexandrina

A modern masterpiece of architecture, the library’s disc-shaped building represents the sun rising over the Mediterranean. It can house up to 8 million books and contains four specialized museums (Antiquities, Manuscripts, Sadat, and History of Science), a planetarium, and an art center. The exterior wall is carved with scripts from every known language, celebrating human diversity.

The Citadel of Qaitbay

Dominating the Eastern Harbor, this 15th-century fortress was built by Sultan Qaitbay on the exact site of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse. Some of the massive red granite blocks used in its construction are believed to be remnants of the original Wonder. Today, it offers stunning views of the city and the sea from its ramparts.

Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

Considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages, this underground necropolis combines Egyptian, Greek, and Roman funerary styles. Descend three levels of spiraling stairs to see tombs decorated with snakes, Medusa heads, and Anubis wearing Roman legionnaire armor—a fascinating display of ancient cultural fusion.

Pompey's Pillar & the Serapeum

Standing tall at 27 meters, this red granite column is the largest of its kind in the world. It was actually built in honor of Emperor Diocletian, not Pompey. It marks the site of the ancient Serapeum, the daughter library of the Great Library, and is flanked by two stone sphinxes overlooking the archaeological park.

Montazah Palace & Gardens

Once the summer retreat for the Egyptian Royal Family, these 360-acre gardens are filled with palm trees and gazebos. The Al-Haramlik Palace, built by King Fuad I, features a striking blend of Turkish and Florentine architecture. While the palaces are mostly closed to the public, the gardens and nearby beaches are perfect for a relaxing afternoon walk.

Kom El Deka (Roman Amphitheatre)

Uncovered by accident in the 1960s, this site contains the only Roman amphitheater discovered in Egypt. It features 13 tiers of marble seating arranged in a U-shape. Adjacent to it are the remains of a 4th-century university and the "Villa of the Birds," which houses beautifully preserved floor mosaics.

5. Things to Do / Experiences

Walk the Corniche

No trip to Alexandria is complete without a long walk along the Corniche. Start at the Cecil Hotel at sunset and walk towards Qaitbay. You’ll pass local cafes, street vendors selling *faroza* (roasted nuts) and *loukoumades*, and hundreds of families enjoying the sea breeze.

The Bahary Food Tour

Head to the Bahary district for the ultimate seafood experience. Visit famous institutions like Fish Market or Kaddoura, where you pick your fish from the ice, specify the cooking style (grilled with lemon and oil or fried), and enjoy it with traditional Alexandrian rice and tahini.

Cafe Culture

Spend a morning at Trianon or Brazillian Coffee Stores in the downtown area. These historic cafes have been serving intellectuals and residents since the early 20th century and offer a glimpse into the city's cosmopolitan past.

Ask Aladdin Tip

"If you want to experience the city like a true Alexandrian, take the Tram! Egypt’s oldest tram system is a slow but charming way to see the various districts. Opt for the yellow tourist tram for a bit more comfort, or the blue tram to mix with locals. It’s particularly lovely in the early morning when the city is just waking up."

How to Get There

By Train: The most popular and scenic way to reach Alexandria from Cairo is by train. The journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. The new Talgo trains offer luxury comfort, while the Spanish express trains are reliable and affordable. All trains arrive at Misr Station (Mahatet Misr).

By Air: Borg El Arab International Airport (HBE) is located about 45 minutes west of the city. It receives domestic flights from Cairo and international flights from across the Mediterranean and Gulf regions.

By Bus: Companies like West & Middle Delta and SuperJet run frequent air-conditioned buses from Cairo's Ramses station and Giza.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March - May) & Autumn (September - November): These are the golden periods. The weather is crisp and pleasant, perfect for walking the Corniche and exploring ruins without the heat.

Summer (June - August): The city becomes a haven for Cairo residents escaping the inland heat. It’s vibrant and lively but can be extremely crowded, and hotel prices usually peak.

Winter (December - February): Alexandria has a unique charm in winter. It can be cold and rainy, but the sight of stormy Mediterranean waves crashing against the Citadel is breathtaking for those who prefer a moody, romantic atmosphere.

Travel Tips for Alexandria

Transportation

Use Uber or Careem. The local yellow taxis often require haggling, and ride-hailing apps provide transparent pricing and GPS tracking.

Dining

Seafood is sold by weight. Always check the price per kilo before you have your chosen fish cooked to avoid surprises on the bill.

Footwear

Wear comfortable walking shoes. Exploring the Catacombs and the downtown areas involves a lot of walking, often on uneven surfaces.

Language

While many Alexandrians speak basic English, learning a few words like "Shukran" (Thank you) goes a long way in building rapport with locals.

Who Is Alexandria Best For?

History Buffs

Those fascinated by Alexander, Cleopatra, and the Roman Empire will find endless treasures here.

Food Lovers

The freshest seafood in Egypt and unique local specialties like spiced liver (Kebda).

Couples

The romantic sunset views on the Corniche and the gardens of Montazah offer a perfect getaway.

Ready to Explore the Pearl?

Let Ask Aladdin plan your perfect Alexandria escape. From the ancient lighthouse to the modern library, we bring the best of Egypt to your fingertips.

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