Best Things to Do in Alexandria, Egypt

Alexandria stretches along 32 km of Mediterranean coastline in northern Egypt, founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC and subsequently home to one of the ancient world’s greatest libraries, the legendary Pharos Lighthouse (one of the Seven Wonders), and the most cosmopolitan city in the ancient Mediterranean. Most of the ancient city lies under the modern one or beneath the harbor’s waters, but the things to do in Alexandria include some extraordinary survivals: the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa (a 3-level Roman-era necropolis with Egyptian and Greek motifs, the most impressive Roman-era catacombs in Egypt); the Citadel of Qaitbay (a 15th-century Mamluk fortress built on the site of the Pharos Lighthouse); the Roman Amphitheatre (Kom el Dikka); and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the extraordinary modern library that consciously evokes its ancient predecessor and houses several museums including one to Anwar Sadat.

Best time to visit

March through May and September through November are ideal. Alexandria’s Mediterranean climate is more moderate than Cairo’s; summer temperatures rarely exceed 30°C (compared to Cairo’s 40°C+) and the sea breeze is constant. Summer (June through August) is actually quite busy as Egyptian families come to the coast from Cairo to escape the heat. Winter (December through February) is the quietest period, with occasional rain. The city’s famous Corniche promenade is most pleasant in spring and autumn.

Getting around

Alexandria is best navigated by tram (the historic tram network, operational since 1860, is one of the oldest in Africa and connects most major sites) and taxi. The distance between the Catacombs (Kom el Shoqafa area, southwest) and the Citadel (northeast) is significant; using taxis between major sites saves time. Organized tours from Cairo make Alexandria accessible as a day trip (2.5 hours by air-conditioned bus on the Desert Road), but staying overnight in Alexandria allows the corniche evening atmosphere and a more relaxed pace.

What to eat and drink

Alexandria is Egypt’s fish and seafood capital. The fish market and restaurants at Abu Kir (20 km east) have Alexandria’s best seafood; locals drive out for grilled fish by the kilo. In the city, Kadoura Restaurant and Balbaa are the most consistent local fish restaurants near the corniche. For street food, fiteer (Egyptian flatbread pastry) from the historic market area, and ful medames (stewed fava beans) from the old city souks. The pastisserie culture (Greek and Italian legacy) means exceptional cream-filled pastries at places like Athineos Cafe on Midan Raml.

Neighborhoods to explore

The Eastern Harbor and Corniche – The sweeping waterfront boulevard connecting the Citadel of Qaitbay eastward to the library; the main pedestrian and cafe zone with views of the harbor where the ancient Pharos stood.

Kom el Shoqafa – The Catacombs area, southwest of the center, with the most important Roman-era archaeological site in the city.

Kom el Dikka – Central Alexandria, site of the Roman Amphitheatre and adjacent Roman villa baths. Within walking distance of the main city hotels.

Anfushi – The older Ottoman and Islamic quarters north of the corniche, with traditional coffeehouses, mosques, and the Anfushi Tombs (Ptolemaic-era tombs).

Montazah – The eastern suburb with the royal palace gardens (now a public park) built by the Khedive Abbas II and expanded by King Farouk. A pleasant escape from the city center.