Alexandria is a city in Egypt. It faces the Mediterranean Sea and flourished as a major port city. The city was founded in 331 BCE by Alexander the Great of Macedonia and is named after him. Some of the top things to do in Alexandria, Egypt is exploring ancient history, archaeology and ancient architecture while enjoying beaches, boat cruises and water sports.
The city was a major center for the Hellenic Civilization and it replaces Memphis for the spot. Many of the best places to visit in Alexandria, Egypt hail from this culture and time period. It was one of the largest city in the ancient world before being out sized by Rome. The city was under the rule of Pharaohs, Greeks, Romans, Persians, Islamic Caliphs and Arabs. You will see influence of all these cultures in various tourist places in Alexandria.
The city was once home to the famed Lighthouse of Alexandria and the Library of Alexandria. The former of these is one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world and both of these hold a legendary status among ancient monuments. Sadly, you won’t come across them during Alexandria sightseeing today as they have been long gone.
But, you do get to see their recreated blueprints, models, estimations and artistic interpretations at several history and archaeological museums in the city. These are some of the most wonderful things to see in Alexandria. The famed Library has also been recreated into a modern monument housing many of the manuscripts held by its ancient predecessor. It is one of the most popular Alexandria tourist attractions. This library also contains several museums outlining the city’s history, heritage and culture.
Another one of major historical sites in Alexandria, Egypt is the Qaitbay Citadel hailing from the 15th century. The locals call it the Bride of the Mediterranean. This citadel has been the guardian of the port city and was integral to trade in the region. Though the most memorable experience from Alexandria travel would be scuba diving to explore the ruins of ancient submerged city of Heracleion Thonis. This experience is a blend of magic, adventure and discovery that should not be missed out on when you visit Alexandria.
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The Top 20 Tourist Places to Visit in Alexandria, Egypt
1. Citadel of Qaitbay
This defensive fortress was built in 1477 under reign of Sultan Al Ashraf Sayf al Din Qa’it Bay. The citadel guards the Eastern Harbour on northern tip of the Pharos islands. It is included among best things to do in Alexandria Egypt for its role in protection, development and politics of the city. You will need about an hour to tour this historical fort.
I suggest you should take a Guided Tour of Citadel of Qaitbay.
2. Mustafa Kamel Hellenistic Necropolis
This necropolis dates back to the 2nd century BCE. The necropolis was discovered when ground was being leveled to make a football field. It is one of the best places to visit in Alexandria Egypt to learn about ancient Egypt. There are 4 tombs in this cemetery and several intricate carvings and frescoes. You would need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this place.
3. Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
These catacombs hail from the 2nd century A.D. and exhibit a fusion of Egyptian and Graeco-Roman styles of architecture. Its elaborate structure and interior decor makes it one of the most interesting historical sites in Alexandria Egypt. Some of the highlight areas of these catacombs include the central rotunda, spiral staircase, burial chamber, sepulchral chapel and triclinium funebre. You will need about 1 hour to explore these catacombs.
4. Pompey’s Pillar
This 25 meter high pillar is made from granite was built in 297 A.D. and was dedicated to Emperor Diocletian. The pillar is part of the Temple of Serapis, which was once used to store manuscripts of Great Library of Alexandria. It is one of the most popular historical Alexandria tourist attractions. You would need 30 to 45 minutes for this place.
5. Roman Amphitheater
Also known as Kom el-Dikka, meaning the Mound of Rubble, these ruins of ancient roman amphitheatre were discovered when clearing rubble to build a housing society. It is one of the biggest Alexandria attractions hailing from Roman culture in the region. You will also see ruins of a Ptolemaic temple, a bathhouse and villas. You would need 2 hours to explore these ruins.
6. Montazah Palace
The palace was built in 1892 by Abbas II, the last Khedive of Egypt. It was used primarily as a hunting lodge for the ruler and his family. The palace contains a luxury hotel, a casino and a museum of royal relics. The gardens of the palace are also quite popular. You would need about 2 hours to tour this palace during Alexandria sightseeing.
7. The Alexandria Naval Unknown Soldier Memorial
This monument is dedicated to soldiers who have lost their lives in naval battles. The memorial is one of the most elaborate modern monuments in the city. You won’t need more than a few minutes from Alexandria travel to see this monument.
8. Ras el Tin Palace
This palaces serves as one of the official residence for the president of Egypt. Historically, this palace has been home or summer retreat for numerous rulers of Egypt. The architecture of this palace sees the blend of several styles including Italian Renaissance, Baroque and Moorish. Though you can’t explore all parts of the palace, the facade is still an interesting site to behold when you visit Alexandria and it won’t take more than a few minutes of your time.
9. Alexandria National Museum
Housed in Italian style palace, this museum tells the story of Alexandria and that of Egypt starting from ancient times. It is one of the most fascinating places to go in Alexandria Egypt to learn about history and culture. The exhibits are divided into several sections based on time periods such as Pharaonic Epoch, Hellenistic, Roman, Islamic Period and so on. You will need 2 hours at least to tour this museum.
10. Graeco-Roman Museum
This archaeological museum focuses on the roman rule on Alexandria. The collection in the museum spans from 3rd century BCE to 3rd century AD. It is among the best tourist places in Alexandria to learn about the time of the Roman Empire and the legacy left behind by it in the region. You will need an hour or so to tour this museum.
11. Museum of Fine Arts
The museum focuses on Egyptian and Middle Eastern works of fine arts. You will come across some of the most beautiful things to see in Alexandria while exploring this museum. Though the primary focus is on Egyptian art, the museum also has a selective collection of works of different European styles including Baroque, Rococo, Orientalism and Romanticism. You would need about an hour and a half to tour this museum.
12. Alexandria Aquarium
The museum has several marine animals hailing from the Mediterranean and Red Sea. It is one the top things to do in Alexandria for family tourists. The aquarium also has a few freshwater animals from Nile and Amazon rivers. You will need about an hour to tour this place.
13. Royal Jewelry Museum
This museum is housed in the former palace of Princess Fatma al Zahra. The museum exhibits jewels, jewelry and decorative accessory items from the Muhammad Ali Dynasty. The palace is itself among best places to visit in Alexandria Egypt known for its history, architecture and interior decor. You will need an hour or so to tour this museum.
14. Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque
This mosque was built in 1796 and was built upon the tomb of 13th century saint Abu Abbas el Mursi. Architecturally, it is one the most beautiful things to see in Alexandria. You get to see wonderful swirling Islamic calligraphy designs, intricate carvings and mosaics. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this mosque.
15. Bibliotheca Alexandria
This building is a modern re-imagination of the great library of Alexandria. It is renowned for its beautiful and futuristic looking architecture. It is one of the most popular Alexandria tourist attractions and also cultural heart of the city. This grand complex houses several museums which explore different aspects of the city’s history and heritage. You will need 2 hours at least to explore this place.
I suggest you should book your Tour of Bibliotheca Alexandria.
16. Alexandria Beaches
Being a coastal city, beaches are one of the biggest Alexandria attractions. Some of the most popular beaches in Alexandria are Al Mamurah, Cleopatra, Abu Qir, Aida, Bianchi, Mersa Matrouh, El Maamoura and Helnan Palestine Beach. Though the liveliest coastal part of the city is the Corniche. You can enjoy a variety of beach activities and water sports at these beaches. They are also great places for shopping, dining, nightlife and leisure. You can easily a couple of hours or more at any of these beaches when you visit Alexandria.
17. Underwater City of Heracleion / Underwater Ruins of Alexandria
A visit to this historical site will take you on an adventure and make you feel like you are part of a fantasy film. Ancient port city of Heracleion Thonis sits at the bottom of the ocean in bay of Aboukir. You will have to go scuba diving to explore this site. You will get to see several aspects of the sunken city. The very experience of exploring history underwater makes this the most interesting among historical sites in Alexandria Egypt. You will need 2 to 3 hours for this experience.
18. Souq Market
The old market of Alexandria is a labyrinth of lanes. You will find all kinds of things being sold here from handicraft items to electronics. It is also one of the best places to go in Alexandria to try out some interesting street food items. You would need an hour or so to explore this old market.
19. Cavafy Museum
This museum is dedicated to the life and works of Constatine Cavafy, an Alexandrian Greek poet. The museum is housed in his former residence and exhibits many aspects of his personal and artistic life. You will need about 30 to 45 minutes from Alexandria sightseeing to explore this small museum.
20. The Cathedral of St. Mark
The church is built upon the site of the ancient church of St. Mark the Evangelist from 42 AD. This site has seen churches being built and destroyed several times over. This church is known for its beautiful facade and for exhibiting relics of St. Mark. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this church.
If you are looking for more tourist places in Alexandria, check out the sections below. We have put together an exhaustive list of attractions and activities to explore in and around the city.
Things to do in Alexandria
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Alexandria
- Bibliotheca Alexandrina
- Citadel of Qaitbay
- Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
- Montaza Palace
- Serapeum
- Pompey’s Pillar
- Alexandria National Museum
- Royal Jewellery Museum
- Sidi Morsi Abu Abbas Mosque
- Ancient Rome Theatre
- Greco Roman Museum
- Ras el Tin Palace
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Cavafy Museum
- Antoniades Palace
- Mahmoud Said Museum
- Eliahu Hanavi Synagogue
- St. Takla Church
- Mustafa Kamel Hellenistic Necropolis
- Cathedral of St. Mark
- Al Qaaed Ibrahim Basha Mosque
- Saint Catherine Cathedral
- Planetarium Science Center
- Ras Soda Temple
- Kom el Nadura
- Elharamlik Palace
- El Nabi Daniel Mosque
- Princess Aziza Fahmy Palace
- El Attarine Mosque
- Kik Cajon Memorial
- Arabic Calligraphy Museum
- Villa of Birds
- Heracleion Thonis
- El Hakaneia Palace
- Tabia Cosa Pasha
- Mohamed Ali Pasha Statue
- The Archeological Society of Alexandria
- National Maritime Museum
- Kom al Dikka
- Mozaieque Museum
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Alexandria
- Abu Qir Bay
- Nelson’s Island
- Lake Maryut
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Alexandria
- Alexandria Zoo
- Alexandria Aquarium
- Al Shalalat Park
- Antoniades Gardens
- Kouta Park
- El Montaza Garden
- Sir Allenby Garden
Shopping in Alexandria
- Souq District
- City Center Alexandria
- Green Plaza Mall
- Deeb Mall
- Attareen Antique Market
- Designia Mall
- City Light Mall
- San Stefano Grand Plaza
- Zahran Mall
- Matajer Mall
- Souq Ibrahimia
Beaches & Island in Alexandria
- Cleopatra Beach
- Abu Qir, Aida Beach
- Bianchi Beach
- Mersa Matrouh Beach
- El Maamoura Beach
- Helnan Palestine Beach
- Al Mamurah Beach
- Montaza Beach
- Stanli beach
- Tolip Beach
- Glime Beach
- San Stifanu Beach
- Shati al Anfushi Beach
- Honeymoon Beach
- Miyami Beach
Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure Activities to Do in Alexandria
- Hiking
- Desert Safari
- Scuba Diving
- Water Sports
- Boat Cruise
- Yacht Cruise
Sightseeing in Alexandria
- Corniche Waterfront
- Stanley Bridge
- Eastern Harbour
- El Montaza Bridge
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Alexandria
- White and Blue
- Asmak Shaaban
- Kadoura
- Stefano’s
- Mohamed Ahmed
- Abd el Wahab
- Malek es Seman
- Byblos
- El Lol
- Tikka Grill
- Chez Gaby
- Samakmak
- Farag Abou Khaled
- Sea Gull
- Teatro Eskendria
- Potasta
Where to Stay in Alexandria?
Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Alexandria. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Alexandria.
Luxurious Hotels
- Hilton Alexandria Corniche
- Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria
- Steigenberger Cecil Hotel
- SUNRISE Alex Avenue Hotel
- Helnan Palestine Hotel
- Radisson Blu Hotel, Alexandria
- Golden Jewel Beach & Hotel
- Alexandria Mediterranean Suites
- TOLIP Hotel Alexandria
- Sheraton Montazah Hotel
- Aifu Resort
- Paradise Inn Le Metropole Hotel
Mid-Range Hotels
- Romance Alexandria Hotel
- Hilton Alexandria King’s Ranch
- Eastern Al Montazah Hotel
- Plaza Hotel
- Paradise Inn Windsor Palace Hotel
- The Grand Plaza Hotel Smouha
- San Giovanni Hotel
- Africana Hotel and spa
- Royal NJ Hotel
- Mandara Armed Forces Apartments
Budget Hotels
- Cherry Maryski Hotel
- Hilton Alexandria Green Plaza
- Green Plaza Inn Hotel
- Alkadi Hotel
- Alexander The Great Hotel
- Miramar Boutique Hotel
- Adham Compound Hotel
- Smoha Zahran Haus
- Fouad Hotel
- Hotel Transit Alexandria
Custom Tours Package in Alexandria
How to Reach Alexandria?
By Air
The best option for Alexandria travel is the Borg el Arab airport. You can get direct flights from cities in Africa, Middle East, Asia and Europe. Some of the major destinations include Athens, Abu Dhabi, Amman, Jeddah, Kuwait City, Riyadh, Sharjah, Doha, Benghazi, Cairo, Dubai, Medina, Bahrain, Muscat, Istanbul, Paris, Milan and Rome.
You can get buses and cabs to get to places to go in Alexandria from the airport. The airport is situated 45 kms away from the city, so this journey will not be cheap.
By Road
You can get trains to visit Alexandria from Cairo. There are regular and rapid trains available connecting Ramses Station to Misr Station. There are also several buses running between Cairo and Alexandria. You can also get buses from Heliopolis, Midan Tahrir and Giza.
If you are planning to reach Alexandria by road, you should head for route 40 or 75.
By Water
You can get passenger boats for Alexandria from Venice in Italy and Tartus in Syria.
Image Reference
- Citadel of Qaitbay – Moody Man / Flickr
- Mustafa Kamel Hellenistic Necropolis – Dan Diffendale / Flickr
- Catacombs of Kom el Shouqafa – Rüdiger Stehn / Flickr
- Pompey’s Pillar – Elias Rovielo / Flickr
- Roman Amphitheatre – kmf164 / Flickr
- Montazah Palace – ASaber91 / Flickr
- The Alexandria Naval Unknown Soldier Memorial – Moro 2088 / Wikimedia Commons
- Ras el Tin Palace – Omer Bozkurt / Flickr
- Alexandria National Museum – Néfermaât / Wikimedia Commons
- Graeco-Roman Museum – Allan Gluck / Wikimedia Commons
- Museum of Fine Arts – Roland Unger / Wikimedia Commons
- Alexandria Aquarium – Hatem Moushir / Wikimedia Commons
- Royal Jewelry Museum – Elias Rovielo / Flickr
- Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque – shady shaker / PixaBay
- Bibliotheca Alexandria – Dan Lundberg / Flickr
- Alexandria Beaches – Elias Rovielo / Flickr
- Underwater City of Heracleion / Underwater Ruins of Alexandria –
- Souq Market – MatHelium / Flickr
- Cavafy Museum – DIMSFIKAS / Wikimedia Commons
- The Cathedral of St. Mark – Dan Lundberg / Flickr
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