Alexandria is Egypt's second city and its face to the sea: a Mediterranean corniche of fishing boats and 19th-century balconies, founded by Alexander the Great, home of the ancient library and the Pharos lighthouse. The atmosphere is unlike anywhere else in the country.

Alexandria in Egypt
Alexandria. Photo: TheEgyptian / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).

The city sits about two and a half hours from Cairo by road, perfect for a day trip or, better, an overnight stay that catches the sea breeze and evening Corniche. Here is what to see.

Cairo in Egypt
Cairo. Photo: Jorge Láscar from Melbourne, Australia / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0).

Bibliotheca Alexandrina

The modern Library of Alexandria, opened in 2002 near the site of the ancient library, is a stunning tilted disc of glass and granite facing the sea. Inside are millions of books, museums of manuscripts and antiquities, and exhibition halls. Even from outside it is one of the modern icons of Egypt.

Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Egypt
Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Photo: Kullanıcı:Ninlil / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).
Alexandria Full Day Tour from Cairo

Qaitbay Citadel and the Harbor

The 15th-century fortress of Sultan Qaitbay guards the eastern harbor on the exact footprint of the ancient Pharos lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. The ramparts give wonderful views over the fishing fleet and the whole bay.

The Catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa

The catacombs are the largest Roman burial site in Egypt, a spiral staircase descending to tombs where Pharaonic and Roman art merge in eerie, beautiful reliefs. It is one of the seven wonders of the medieval mind, and Alexandria's most atmospheric ancient site.

Day Tour to Alexandria City

Pompey's Pillar and the Roman Amphitheatre

The 30-meter granite column of Pompey's Pillar, actually raised for Diocletian, stands with two sphinxes on the ancient Serapeum mound, while the small Roman Amphitheatre with its thirteen terraces is the finest in Egypt.

Pompey's Pillar in Egypt
Pompey's Pillar. Photo: Roland Unger / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).

The Corniche and Stanley Bridge

Alexandria's soul is its seafront. Drive or walk the Corniche between the ancient harbor and the Montaza palaces, cross the modern icon of Stanley Bridge, and end the day with fresh fish and sea air.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is one day enough for Alexandria?

A day covers the library, citadel, catacombs and Corniche. An overnight stay is more relaxed and lets you enjoy the city in the evening, as our two-day tour does.

What is the best time to visit Alexandria?

Spring and autumn are ideal, with sea breezes. Winters are mild but can be cloudy and windy; summers are busy and warm with cooling sea air.

Can you swim in Alexandria?

Yes, in summer and at organized beaches along the coast east of the city toward Montaza and beyond.

Four practical planning questions for Alexandria

What to know before visiting Alexandria

Check the realistic time needed, local opening patterns, heat, walking conditions and transport before fixing the order of your day. Reconfirm time-sensitive details for your travel date.

Places to include in the same route

Use Alexandria and Egypt’s Mediterranean coast as the practical geographic frame. Group nearby stops and avoid losing the day to unnecessary backtracking.

What to do when you arrive

Choose a small number of experiences that match your interests and pace. Build in time for photography, breaks and the parts of the site that need explanation rather than adding stops only to lengthen the list.

What to book before you go

Arrange timed tickets, a licensed guide and private transport where they materially improve the visit. Use the Alexandria destination guide to compare options that are already published and available for enquiry.

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