Alexandria Travel Guide 2025 – Mediterranean Heritage, Bibliotheca & Seafood

🌊 Why Visit Alexandria?

Alexandria feels like a different country from the rest of Egypt. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, this Mediterranean city was once the intellectual capital of the ancient world — home to the legendary Library of Alexandria and the Lighthouse of Alexandria (one of the Seven Wonders).

Today, Alexandria is a charmingly faded beauty with a European-influenced architecture, a breezy Mediterranean waterfront, incredible seafood, and a distinctly cosmopolitan atmosphere. The modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a stunning tribute to its ancient predecessor, while the Qaitbay Citadel sits on the exact site where the ancient lighthouse once stood.

At just 2.5 hours from Cairo, Alexandria makes an easy day trip — but staying overnight lets you enjoy sunset over the Corniche and a leisurely seafood dinner by the Mediterranean.

Top Alexandria Attractions

📚

Bibliotheca Alexandrina

A modern architectural marvel honoring the ancient Library of Alexandria. The stunning tilted-disc building holds 8 million books, museums, a planetarium, and art galleries. The exterior wall features carved characters from 120 scripts.

🎫70 EGP (~$1.50)

💡Allow 2-3 hours. The Manuscripts Museum and Antiquities Museum inside are gems.

🏰

Qaitbay Citadel

A 15th-century fortress built on the exact site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria — one of the Seven Wonders. Stunning Mediterranean views from the battlements. The lighthouse ruins are incorporated into the foundations.

🎫120 EGP (~$2.50)

💡Go at sunset for incredible photos. The surrounding seafood restaurants are excellent.

💀

Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa

A massive 2nd-century Roman burial complex carved deep underground. One of the Seven Wonders of the Medieval World. Three levels of tombs blend Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art styles — truly unique.

🎫120 EGP (~$2.50)

💡Only the first two levels are accessible. The spiral staircase is narrow — not for claustrophobic visitors.

🌊

Corniche (Seafront)

Alexandria's iconic waterfront promenade stretching over 20 km along the Mediterranean. Walk, people-watch, and take in the sea views. The area from Stanley Bridge to the Citadel is the most scenic stretch.

🎫Free

💡Walk it at sunset. Try corn-on-the-cob from the street vendors. Cafes along the water are perfect for tea.

🏡

Montaza Palace & Gardens

Beautiful royal palace complex with 370 acres of manicured gardens, beaches, and walkways overlooking the Mediterranean. The Turkish-Florentine style palace is stunning from the outside (interior closed to visitors).

🎫50 EGP gardens

💡Great for a peaceful afternoon walk. The beach here is one of Alexandria's best for swimming.

🏛️

Pompey's Pillar & Serapeum

A massive 25-meter red granite column from the 3rd century — the largest of its type outside Rome. Stands on the site of the ancient Serapeum temple. Nearby sphinxes and subterranean galleries add to the atmosphere.

🎫80 EGP (~$1.60)

💡Combine with the catacombs (10 min walk away). 30-45 minutes is enough.

🌊 2-Day Alexandria Itinerary

Day 1: History & Waterfront

Morning at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina — explore the reading room, Manuscripts Museum, and Antiquities Museum. Walk along the Corniche to the Qaitbay Citadel (built on the Lighthouse of Alexandria site). Explore the fortress and enjoy views of the Mediterranean. Late afternoon: tea or coffee at a waterfront café. Sunset from the Citadel is unforgettable. Dinner: grilled seafood at the Fish Market area near Qaitbay.

Bibliotheca AlexandrinaQaitbay CitadelSeafood Dinner

Day 2: Underground Wonders & Royal Gardens

Morning at the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa — descend into the fascinating Greco-Roman underground burial complex. Walk to Pompey's Pillar (nearby). For lunch, head to Mohamed Ahmed on Shakour Street for legendary ful and falafel (open since 1960). Afternoon: take a taxi/Uber to Montaza Palace Gardens for a relaxing walk through the royal grounds and a swim at the beach. Return via Stanley Bridge for sunset photos.

CatacombsMontaza GardensStanley Bridge

Alexandria Food Guide

🐟 Grilled Fresh Fish

Choose your fish from the display, pay by weight, and they grill it with tahini and lemon. Doesn't get fresher than this.

Try at: Fish Market near Qaitbay — from $5/person

🦐 Sayadeya (Fish & Rice)

Fish cooked in rich caramelized onion sauce, served over seasoned rice. Alexandria's signature dish — rich, savory, and unforgettable.

Try at: Balbaa Village — $8-12

🫔 Kibda Iskandarani (Liver)

Alexandria-style spiced liver, sautéed with peppers and served in fresh bread. A beloved street food that's spread across all of Egypt.

Try at: Any street cart — $1-2

🧆 Ful & Falafel

Alexandria's falafel (ta'ameya) is made with fava beans instead of chickpeas — lighter, crispier, and more flavorful. A breakfast essential.

Try at: Mohamed Ahmed (since 1960) — $1-2

Getting to Alexandria

🚂 Train from Cairo

ALEX Express: 2.5h, 100 EGP (~$2)

First class, air-conditioned, frequent

From Ramses Station (Misr Station)

🚌 Bus from Cairo

SuperJet/Go Bus: 2.5-3h, $5-8

Comfortable, Wi-Fi on some services

Drops at Sidi Gaber or Moharam Bek

🚗 Private Transfer

Uber/Careem: 2.5h, $30-50

Most flexible option

Stop at Wadi El Natrun monastery en route

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Alexandria worth visiting?

Yes! Alexandria offers a completely different atmosphere from the rest of Egypt — Mediterranean sea breeze, European-influenced architecture, world-class seafood, and fascinating ancient history. It's Egypt's second city and feels like a blend of Egyptian and European cultures. Perfect as a day trip from Cairo or a 2-day escape.

How do I get from Cairo to Alexandria?

Train is the best option: 2.5 hours from Cairo's Ramses Station (first class: 100 EGP / ~$2). The ALEX Express runs frequently. Buses (SuperJet or Go Bus) take 2.5-3 hours ($5-8). Private car/Uber: 2.5 hours via the desert highway. Avoid driving yourself — Egyptian highways are chaotic.

How many days do you need in Alexandria?

Alexandria works as a day trip from Cairo (2.5h each way), but 2 days is ideal to properly explore. Day 1 for the Bibliotheca, Citadel, and Corniche. Day 2 for the catacombs, Montaza Palace gardens, and seafood feast. It's also a great starting/ending point for a Mediterranean coast road trip.

What is the Bibliotheca Alexandrina?

The modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina (opened 2002) is a stunning architectural tribute to the ancient Library of Alexandria — one of the greatest libraries in history. The building's tilted disc design can hold 8 million books. Inside you'll find reading rooms, museums, art galleries, and a planetarium. Entry is very affordable (70 EGP / ~$1.50).

What food should I try in Alexandria?

Alexandria is Egypt's seafood capital. Must-try dishes: fresh grilled fish at the Fish Market area, fried calamari, shrimp tagine, sayadeya (fish with rice in onion sauce), and the famous 'liver Alexandria' (kibda iskandarani) — a beloved Egyptian street food. For dessert, try the local ice cream at Azza or Mohamed Ahmed for ful and falafel.

Alexandria Travel Guide: Where Egypt Meets the Mediterranean