Mediterranean Coast · Egypt
Egypt's Mediterranean second city, founded by Alexander the Great, where ancient catacombs sit beneath a modern seafront.
Photo: Original: Mono Abo-Abda · CC BY-SA 4.0
Alexandria is Egypt's Mediterranean second city, founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE and once home to the ancient world's greatest library and one of its Seven Wonders, the Lighthouse of Alexandria.
That ancient legacy lives on in a striking modern form, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina rising directly on the shore as a deliberate tribute to its lost predecessor, alongside genuine Roman-era catacombs still being explored.
Most visitors treat it as a refreshing change of pace from the Nile Valley's desert heat, a breezy seafront city with its own long corniche, seafood restaurants and a noticeably more relaxed, cosmopolitan character.
Why visit
Alexandria's case rests on combining a legendary ancient legacy with a relaxed Mediterranean coastal character.
A striking library built to honour the ancient world's greatest, lost centre of knowledge.
Built from the fallen stones of the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Roman-era tombs decorated with a genuine mix of Egyptian, Greek and Roman styles.
A breezy, Mediterranean seafront city, noticeably cooler and more relaxed.
Fresh Mediterranean catch served right along the corniche.
Main attractions
Alexandria's essential sights combine legendary ancient history with a relaxed Mediterranean seafront.
A striking modern library built as a deliberate tribute to the legendary ancient Library of Alexandria, lost to history.
Tip The building's sloped, disc-shaped design is meant to evoke a rising sun over the Mediterranean.
Built from the fallen stones of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Tip The citadel's ramparts offer sweeping views back along Alexandria's curving harbour.
A long, breezy seafront promenade, curving along the harbour past cafés, fishermen and the citadel itself.
Tip A sunset walk here is one of Alexandria's best free experiences.
A fascinating Roman-era burial site, its carvings blending Egyptian, Greek and Roman styles in a single place.
Tip One of the largest known Roman-era burial sites in Egypt, worth a proper guided visit.
A towering Roman-era granite column, despite its name actually unrelated to the historical figure Pompey.
Tip Combine with the nearby Serapeum ruins, part of the same archaeological site.
A beautiful former royal palace, its gardens and seafront setting now open as a public park.
Tip A peaceful spot for a walk, with real views over the Mediterranean from the palace grounds.
One of the city's best views, the full sweep of Alexandria's harbour and corniche visible from the ramparts.
Tip Visit in late afternoon for the most flattering light over the water.
Things to do
Alexandria rewards a relaxed pace, mixing ancient history with real time along the Mediterranean.
An absorbing few hours, taking in the library's striking architecture and attached museums.
Tip The antiquities museum within the complex is easy to miss but well worth the extra time.
A worthwhile hour, exploring the fortress built from the ancient lighthouse's own fallen stones.
Tip Combine with a corniche walk, since the citadel sits right at its western end.
An essential Alexandria evening, strolling the long seafront promenade as the light fades over the water.
Tip A good spot to find fresh seafood dinner afterward.
A fascinating underground visit, tracing a unique blend of Egyptian, Greek and Roman burial traditions.
Tip A guide adds real context to the mix of cultural influences carved into the walls.
A quick, worthwhile stop, standing beneath one of Alexandria's few remaining ancient monuments above ground.
Tip Combine with the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, since both sit relatively close together.
A peaceful escape from the city centre, walking former royal gardens overlooking the Mediterranean.
Tip A good spot for a relaxed afternoon away from the busier central sights.
Local food
Alexandria's food leans on fresh Mediterranean seafood, a real change from the Nile Valley's traditional staples.
Some of Egypt's best, grilled or fried fish and shellfish landed straight from the Mediterranean.
Where to try it Seafood restaurants along Alexandria's corniche.
A reliable classic, found throughout the city at every price point.
Where to try it Restaurants throughout central Alexandria.
An essential breakfast, found at cafés throughout the city.
Where to try it Breakfast stalls and cafés throughout Alexandria.
Egypt's own fava bean version of falafel, a beloved local street food.
Where to try it Street stalls throughout Alexandria.
A beloved home-style dish, often made here with a seafood variation given the coastal setting.
Where to try it Traditional restaurants throughout Alexandria.
A refreshing national drink, well suited to Alexandria's Mediterranean breeze.
Where to try it Cafés and restaurants throughout the city.
Accommodation
Alexandria offers accommodation along the corniche, with several hotels offering direct sea views.
Transport
Alexandria is well connected to Cairo, making it an easy addition to a wider Egypt itinerary.
Alexandria's long corniche layout makes taxis useful for longer distances, though the centre itself is walkable.
When to go
Alexandria's Mediterranean climate is milder than the Nile Valley, making it comfortable across a wider range of seasons.
The most pleasant weather, warm without the intense heat of Egypt's interior.
Warm and busy with domestic tourists escaping Cairo's heat, though the sea breeze keeps it comfortable.
Cooler and rainier than the rest of Egypt, Alexandria's most distinctly Mediterranean season.
Worth planning around: Nothing strongly — Alexandria's milder coastal climate makes it workable across most of the year.
Itinerary
Built around the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the citadel on day one, ancient sites on day two.
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina and Qaitbay Citadel.
The catacombs and Pompey's Pillar.
Travel tips
Practical notes that make an Alexandria visit noticeably smoother.
FAQ
Two days covers the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Qaitbay Citadel and the main ancient sites comfortably.
Yes — the train takes under three hours each way, making it a workable, if full, day trip.
No, lost to history — the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina was built nearby as a deliberate tribute to it.
Its Mediterranean seafront setting, ancient history founded by Alexander the Great, and a striking modern library built in tribute to its lost predecessor.
Cooler, thanks to its Mediterranean coastal position and sea breeze, a welcome contrast to inland Egypt's desert heat.
Yes — it stands on the site of, and partly built from, the fallen stones of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Alexandria, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Greater Cairo, Egypt
Egypt's sprawling capital, home to the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and a historic old city of mosques, museums and centuries-old bazaars.
Don't miss Standing at the base of the Great Pyramid of Giza, unable to fully comprehend that it was already over 2,000 years old when Cleopatra was born.
Explore Destination — Cairo & GizaMatrouh Governorate, Egypt
Egypt's most remote and culturally distinct oasis, home to the Oracle Temple of Amun, the ruined mudbrick town of Shali, salt lakes and the Great Sand Sea.
Don't miss Floating effortlessly in a warm salt lake at sunset, the crumbling towers of Shali's mudbrick old town glowing gold on the horizon.
Explore Destination — Siwa OasisWestern Desert, Egypt
A surreal Sahara landscape of wind-carved white chalk formations, reached via Bahariya Oasis and typically explored on an overnight desert camping safari.
Don't miss Lying back on a rug beside a campfire deep in the White Desert, its ghostly chalk formations glowing under an uninterrupted blanket of stars.
Explore Destination — White Desert & Bahariya OasisRead next
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