You’ve heard of Cairo. Everyone has. But Alexandria? That’s where things get interesting. Most people treat this Mediterranean port like a quick day trip—a place to see a library, look at a fort, and then rush back to the Giza Pyramids.
Honestly, that’s a mistake.
Alexandria isn’t just a checklist of dusty ruins; it’s a mood. It's the salty breeze hitting your face as you walk the Corniche. It's the sound of backgammon tiles clacking in a cafe that’s been open since 1920. If you’re wondering what is there to do in Alexandria Egypt, the answer depends on whether you want to see the "tourist version" or the city that actually breathes.
The Classics Everyone Mentions (For Good Reason)
You can't go to Alexandria and skip the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. It’s basically mandatory. But don’t just look at the outside. The architecture is stunning—this giant sun-disk tilting toward the sea—but the real magic is the Antiquities Museum in the basement. They have statues there that were pulled straight out of the Mediterranean. Literal sunken history.
Then there’s the Citadel of Qaitbay. It sits right on the spot where the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria once stood. You can actually see blocks of the old lighthouse built into the fort’s walls. It’s a 15th-century fortress that looks like a sandcastle on steroids.
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Walk along the top. The view of the harbor is unbeatable.
Going Underground
If you like things a little creepy, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are a must. They were found by accident when a donkey fell through the ground in 1900. No joke. It’s a multi-level burial site carved into solid rock.
What makes it weirdly cool is the mix of styles. You’ll see a statue that looks Egyptian but is wearing Roman clothes. It’s a cultural mashup from the 2nd century. Just be prepared for some damp stairs and a bit of a claustrophobic vibe.
The Real Alexandria: Beyond the Brochure
If you want to feel the city, you have to eat. Seafood is king here. You’ll see people arguing over the best spot, but Fishawi (near the Citadel) or the Greek Club are solid bets. At the Greek Club, you’re basically sitting over the water. Order the grilled sea bass.
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- Start your morning at Mohamed Ahmed. It’s a legendary bean spot. Get the foul with flaxseed oil. It’s cheap, loud, and exactly how Alexandrians start their day.
- Walk the Corniche at sunset. This is the city's living room. You’ll see families, couples, and vendors selling grilled corn and lupin seeds.
- Visit the Royal Jewelry Museum. Most people skip this because it’s in a residential neighborhood (Zizinia). Bad move. It’s housed in the Fatma Al-Zahra Palace, and the stained glass alone is worth the trip. The jewelry inside is mind-blowing—think diamond-encrusted chess sets and crowns that belonged to the Muhammad Ali dynasty.
What Most People Get Wrong About Alexandria
A lot of travelers expect Alexandria to be a "mini Cairo." It’s not. It feels more like Marseille or Athens than it does the rest of Egypt. It’s faded. It’s nostalgic.
People often ask about the beaches. Look, the public beaches in the city center are crowded. If you want a real beach day, you need to head toward Mamoura or Montazah. The Montazah Palace Gardens are massive—over 300 acres of palm trees and Mediterranean views. It was a royal summer retreat, and it still feels fancy, even if some parts are a bit worn down.
Is it safe in 2026?
Generally, yes. The tourist police are everywhere, and the city is used to foreigners. Just use your head. Pickpocketing happens in crowded markets like Mansheya, and if you’re a woman traveling solo, you might get some unwanted attention. Stay in well-lit areas at night and stick to Uber or Careem instead of hailing random taxis if you want to avoid the "tourist tax" price haggling.
A Perfect 24-Hour Itinerary
If you only have one day, don't try to see everything. You'll just end up tired and annoyed by the traffic.
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Morning: Breakfast at Trianon Café. It’s been around since 1905. The decor is all dark wood and old-world elegance. Then, hit the Roman Amphitheater at Kom el-Dikka. It’s the only one in Egypt. Nearby is the Villa of the Birds, which has these incredible floor mosaics that look like they were made yesterday.
Afternoon: Spend two hours at the Alexandria National Museum. It’s small enough that you won't get "museum fatigue," and it covers everything from the Pharaonic era to the modern day in an old Italian-style palace.
Evening: Grab a coffee at Délices. They have these French-Egyptian pastries that are dangerous for your waistline. Finish with a walk to Stanley Bridge. It’s the iconic photo spot of the city. When the lights come on at night, it’s beautiful.
Practical Tips for Your Trip
- Timing: Visit between October and April. Summer is humid and the city gets packed with people from Cairo escaping the heat.
- Money: Keep small bills for tips (baksheesh). Everyone from the bathroom attendant to the guy showing you a "secret" corner of a tomb will expect a little something.
- Dress: Alexandria is more conservative than the Red Sea resorts. You don't need to cover everything, but avoid super short shorts or tank tops if you don't want stares.
- Transportation: The tram is a cool, vintage way to see the city for pennies, but it’s slow. Use it for the experience, not to get somewhere on time.
Alexandria is a city of layers. You have to be willing to look past the peeling paint and the chaotic traffic to see the Greco-Roman bones underneath. It’s not a museum—it’s a living, breathing port that’s been relevant for over 2,000 years.
Next Steps for Your Trip
To make the most of your visit, download a ride-sharing app like Uber or Careem before you arrive to avoid price negotiations with local taxis. If you plan on visiting the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, check their official website for current exhibition times, as some of the smaller museums inside have different hours than the main library. Finally, book a table at the Greek Nautical Club at least a day in advance if you want a seat directly overlooking the harbor for sunset.