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About Alexandria
Alexandria curves for roughly 20 km along the Mediterranean, anchored by the Eastern Harbour where the Qaitbay Citadel now stands on the site of the ancient Pharos lighthouse. The city's ancient legacy survives in the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, the Roman amphitheatre at Kom el-Dikka, and Pompey's Pillar, while the striking modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina reimagines the lost Library of Alexandria on the waterfront. Away from the antiquities, Alexandria is a working Mediterranean port city with a laid-back, less touristy feel than Cairo, known for its seafood restaurants, tram network, and cooler sea breezes that make it a popular summer escape for Egyptians. The city stretches along a corniche connecting distinct districts, from the old town around Anfushi to the eastern beach suburbs of Montaza and Stanley.
- Capital
- Alexandria
- Largest city
- Alexandria
- Population
- ~5.5 million (Alexandria Governorate)
- Languages
- Arabic
- Currency
- Egyptian Pound
- Time zone
- EET/EEST (UTC+2/+3, DST observed since 2023, last Friday of April to last Thursday of October)
Explore Alexandria by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Alexandria
The 22 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Citadel of Qaitbay
Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
Pompey's Pillar
Montaza Palace Gardens
Alexandria National Museum
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Alexandria Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Alexandria, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Alexandria
- Days 1-2Alexandria city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Alexandria
- Days 1-3Alexandria comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Alexandria, departure
Where to stay in Alexandria
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget EGP 1,300 (~$25)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range EGP 3,700 (~$71)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury EGP 10,500+ (~$201+)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano
Luxury beachfront hotel attached to the San Stefano Grand Plaza mall, with a private beach and multiple pools.
Check rates on Booking.comSteigenberger Cecil Hotel
1929 Art Deco landmark on Saad Zaghloul Square where Winston Churchill and Somerset Maugham once stayed, now a restored upscale hotel.
Check rates on Booking.comHilton Alexandria Corniche
Modern high-rise hotel with harbour views, a short walk from the Green Plaza shopping district.
Check rates on Booking.comParadise Inn Le Metropole
Restored early-1900s hotel on the Corniche with high ceilings and period detailing, mid-range pricing for a historic property.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Alexandria
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Kadoura Restaurant
Fish Market Restaurant
Abou Ashraf International Fish
Samakmak
Zephyrion Fish Restaurant
San Giovanni Restaurant
Book a food tour in Alexandria We may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Getting around Alexandria
Alexandria stretches roughly 40 km along the Mediterranean coast, so getting around means combining a few different modes rather than relying on one system. The historic Raml tram, once the spine of the city, is suspended since April 2026 for conversion into an elevated light-rail line and is expected to reopen in 2027; in the meantime, microbuses and city buses run the same east-west corridors. White taxis and ride-hailing apps (Uber and Careem) are the easiest way to move around for most visitors, since fares are low and routes flexible. The Cairo-Alexandria train, run by Egyptian National Railways, is the most comfortable way to reach the capital, while Go Bus, Blue Bus, and SuperJet coaches offer frequent, cheaper intercity links. Borg El Arab International Airport (HBE) sits about 40-50 km southwest of the city center and is best reached by taxi or ride-hailing app, since public transport options are limited.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in EGP, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | EGP 550 (~$10.55) | EGP 1,900 (~$36.50) | EGP 6,500 (~$124.70) |
| Food (per day) | EGP 400 (~$7.70) | EGP 900 (~$17.25) | EGP 2,200 (~$42.20) |
| Transportation | EGP 150 (~$2.90) | EGP 300 (~$5.75) | EGP 700 (~$13.40) |
| Activities | EGP 200 (~$3.85) | EGP 600 (~$11.50) | EGP 1,100 (~$21.10) |
| Daily total | EGP 1,300 (~$25) | EGP 3,700 (~$71) | EGP 10,500+ (~$201+) |
Best time to visit Alexandria
Weather through the year in Alexandria
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Alexandria.
Essential travel tips
- Combine Alexandria with a Cairo trip using the frequent intercity trains rather than flying
- Visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina early in the day to avoid tour-group crowds
- Carry small EGP notes for trams, taxis, and market stalls, as change can be scarce
- Bring a light jacket even in summer, since sea breezes cool the corniche in the evening
Safety information
Alexandria is generally safe for tourists, with the main risks being petty theft, overcharging, and traffic rather than violent crime; standard city-travel precautions are sufficient for most visitors
Cross streets with caution - Alexandria's traffic is dense and fast-moving, crosswalks are often informal, and drivers do not reliably yield to pedestrians, including along the busy Corniche road
Agree on taxi fares before the ride or use a metered ride-hailing app (Uber or Careem), since street taxis frequently quote inflated tourist prices
Dress modestly, especially away from resort areas: covering shoulders and knees is respectful and reduces unwanted attention, particularly for women
Keep bags zipped and worn in front in crowded areas such as Downtown markets, the tram, and around major tourist sites, where pickpocketing can occur
Photography of military, police, and some government installations is prohibited; ask before photographing individuals, especially women
Carry a copy of your passport and visa rather than the original where practical, and keep the original secured at your accommodation
Political gatherings and demonstrations should be avoided; even peaceful protests can escalate quickly and are best observed from a distance
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Alexandria?
Most visitors need a visa to enter Egypt. Many nationalities, including US, UK, EU, Canadian, and Australian citizens, can get a 30-day single-entry visa on arrival at major international airports for around $25 USD cash, or apply online in advance through the official Egypt e-visa portal. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with the nearest Egyptian embassy or the official e-visa website before traveling.
Is the tap water safe to drink in Alexandria?
Tap water in Alexandria is not recommended for visitors. Stick to sealed bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth, check that bottle seals are intact before purchase, and avoid ice at budget restaurants and street stalls.
What is the best way to get to Alexandria from Cairo?
The most practical way to reach Alexandria from Cairo is by intercity train from Ramses Station to Alexandria's Misr Station, which takes roughly 2-3 hours and runs frequently throughout the day. Buses are a cheaper but slower alternative, while flights are rarely necessary given the short overland distance.
What are the top attractions in Alexandria?
The top attractions in Alexandria include the Qaitbay Citadel on the site of the ancient lighthouse, the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, Pompey's Pillar, and the Roman amphitheatre at Kom el-Dikka. The corniche and eastern harbour also offer scenic walks and fresh seafood dining.
Is Alexandria safe for tourists?
Alexandria is generally considered safe for tourists and calmer than central Cairo. Standard precautions apply: use metered taxis or ride-hailing apps, watch for pickpocketing in crowded markets, agree prices in advance with vendors, and dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention. Travelers should check current government travel advisories before visiting.
Explore Alexandria by city
The cities below have their own guides — hotels, attractions and where to eat, in depth.