Alexandria is Egypt's second-largest city, a Mediterranean port stretching along a broad curving corniche on the country's northern coast. Founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC, it was once home to the ancient Great Library and the Lighthouse of Pharos, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today Alexandria mixes Greco-Roman ruins, Ottoman-era forts, Belle Époque architecture, and a lively seafood and fishing culture along a coastline of sandy bays.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Alexandria.
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1
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Tip: Buy the combined ticket for the Main Library plus Antiquities and Manuscript Museums to see the full complex · Photography inside the reading room is generally permitted but tripods and professional gear may require prior permission · Bring a passport or student ID for the discounted rate · Visit on a weekday morning to avoid school groups and tour buses · Allow extra time for security screening at the entrance, standard for major Alexandria sites
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2
Citadel of Qaitbay
Tip: Visit in the late afternoon for cooler temperatures and sunset views from the ramparts · Wear flat, sturdy shoes for the uneven stone stairways inside the keep · Foreign visitors pay a higher ticket price than Egyptian or Arab nationals, so bring ID or a passport · Combine with a walk to the nearby Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque · There is no dedicated audio guide on-site, so hiring a local guide beforehand helps with historical context
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3
Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
Tip: Visit in the morning when the underground chambers are cooler and less crowded · Wear non-slip shoes since the stone stairways can be damp · A local guide or the on-site information boards help explain the mixed Egyptian-Roman iconography · Combine the visit with the nearby Pompey's Pillar, a five-minute walk away · The lowest burial level is flooded and closed, so do not expect access beyond the main chambers
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4
Pompey's Pillar
Tip: Visit in the late afternoon for warmer light on the red granite · Bring water and sun protection since the site has little shade · Combine with the nearby Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, a five-minute walk away · The site is compact, so 30-45 minutes is enough for most visitors · Foreign visitors pay a higher entrance fee than Egyptian or Arab nationals
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5
Montaza Palace Gardens
Tip: Visit on a weekday to avoid the large family crowds that gather on Fridays and weekends · Palace interiors are closed to visitors, so plan the visit around the gardens and beach areas · Wear comfortable shoes for walking the cliff paths and garden avenues · Bring cash for the beach areas and any small vendors inside the grounds · Go in the late afternoon for cooler temperatures and better light for photos
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6
Alexandria National Museum
Tip: Visit on a weekday morning for the quietest experience · Allow 90 minutes to two hours to see all three floors · Photography is generally allowed but flash photography may be restricted near delicate artifacts · Bring a passport or student ID for reduced admission where applicable · The museum is walkable from Raml Station, so it pairs well with a downtown walking route
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7
Roman Amphitheatre (Kom el-Dikka)
Tip: Visit in the morning before the midday heat, since the site has little shade · Allow about 45 minutes for a full walk-through · Wear comfortable shoes for the uneven ancient stonework · Combine with a downtown walking route since the site sits near Raml Square · Foreign visitors pay a higher entrance fee than Egyptian nationals
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8
Graeco-Roman Museum
Tip: Visit on a weekday morning for the quietest experience · Allow an hour to ninety minutes for the main galleries · Combine with the nearby Cavafy Museum, both located near Nabi Daniel Street · Photography is generally allowed but check for restrictions near fragile pieces · Bring a student ID or passport for reduced admission where applicable
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9
Stanley Bridge
Tip: Visit around sunset for the best light and photos of the illuminated towers · Weekday evenings are quieter than weekend evenings when the beach fills with local crowds · Wear comfortable shoes for walking the bridge deck and beach steps · Bring cash for nearby cafes along Stanley Bay if planning to stay longer · There is no entrance fee, so it works well as a quick stop along a Corniche walk
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10
Alexandria Corniche
Tip: Walk in the early morning or at sunset to avoid the midday heat · The tram runs parallel to the Corniche, so it is easy to walk one way and ride back · Weekend evenings are the busiest, especially in summer · Wear sun protection since much of the walk is exposed to open sea air and sun · The route connects several major sites, including the Citadel of Qaitbay and Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Landmarks
Citadel of Qaitbay
15th-century Mamluk fortress built directly on the ruined foundations of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse, guarding the entrance to the Eastern Harbour
Alexandria Corniche
Signature waterfront promenade running from Qaitbay Citadel past Downtown to Stanley Bridge and beyond
Stanley Bridge
Illuminated suspension bridge over Stanley Bay, one of Alexandria's most photographed modern landmarks
Museums
Graeco-Roman Museum
Statuary and mosaics from Alexandria's Ptolemaic and Roman periods, housed in a purpose-built downtown museum
Alexandria National Museum
Museum tracing the city's history from the Pharaonic period through the Islamic era, set in a restored early-20th-century villa
Royal Jewelry Museum
Former royal palace in San Stefano displaying the jewelry collection of Egypt's ruling Muhammad Ali dynasty
Mahmoud Said Museum
Villa museum in Gianaclis devoted to Egypt's pioneering modernist painter Mahmoud Said
Cavafy Museum
The preserved apartment of Greek-Alexandrian poet Constantine Cavafy, with manuscripts and personal effects
Archaeological_sites
Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
Three-level Roman-era rock-cut necropolis blending Egyptian, Greek, and Roman funerary art
Pompey's Pillar
27-meter red granite column raised for Emperor Diocletian, flanked by ancient sphinxes
Roman Amphitheatre (Kom el-Dikka)
Alexandria's only surviving Roman theatre, excavated in the heart of downtown
Anfushi Necropolis
Ptolemaic-era rock-cut tombs in the Anfushi district, decorated with painted funerary scenes
Religious_sites
Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque
Alexandria's largest mosque, a four-domed Mamluk-revival structure built over the tomb of a 13th-century Sufi scholar
Terbana Mosque
Ottoman-era mosque near the old harbour, notable for its striped stone-and-brick facade
Parks_and_gardens
Montaza Palace Gardens
Seafront royal gardens with palm-lined paths and a small private-feeling cove
Antoniadis Gardens
Formal Italianate gardens adjoining Nouzha Gardens near Sidi Gaber
Shallalat Gardens
Downtown park built around a surviving stretch of the old city walls
Cultural_venues
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Modern library and cultural complex built near the site of the ancient Library of Alexandria, with museums and a planetarium
Alexandria Opera House (Sayed Darwish Theatre)
Early-20th-century theatre hosting opera, ballet, and orchestral performances
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Hours
- Most archaeological sites and museums open daily 9:00AM-4:00PM or 5:00PM; the Bibliotheca Alexandrina keeps shorter weekend hours and closes on Fridays. Mosques are viewable at all times but restrict non-worshipper interior access around the five daily prayer times.
- Fees
- Foreign-visitor admission typically runs EGP 60-200 (~$1.15-3.85) per site; Egyptian and Arab nationals pay a separate, lower rate. Students with valid ID usually receive roughly half price. A combined ticket covering the Catacombs, Pompey's Pillar, and the Graeco-Roman Museum can save money over separate entries.
- Best Times
- Weekday mornings shortly after opening avoid both the midday heat and tour-bus groups at sites like the Catacombs and Bibliotheca Alexandrina; the Citadel of Qaitbay and Stanley Bridge are best in late afternoon for sunset light.
- Booking
- Advance booking is not required for any of Alexandria's major sites; visitors simply buy tickets at the gate. Day trips to El Alamein, Rosetta, or Wadi El Natrun should be arranged the day before through a hotel front desk or a licensed tour operator, since public transit does not reliably serve those routes.
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh midday light.
Book tickets online in advance for major attractions to skip long queues and sometimes save money.
Many cities offer multi-attraction passes that include public transport. Calculate whether they save you money based on your itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to see Alexandria's main attractions?
Two full days cover the highlights: one for the Corniche, Qaitbay Citadel, and Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and a second for the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, Pompey's Pillar, and the Graeco-Roman and National Museums. A third day allows time for Montaza Palace Gardens or a day trip to El Alamein.
Is the Pharos Lighthouse still standing?
No. The ancient lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was destroyed by earthquakes and finally collapsed by 1303. The Citadel of Qaitbay was built in 1477 directly on its foundations using some of the original stone, and remains the best way to visit the site today.
Are Alexandria's museums and mosques accessible to non-Muslim visitors?
Yes. All the museums listed are open to any visitor, and Alexandria's mosques, including Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi, welcome non-Muslim visitors outside of the five daily prayer times, provided modest dress is worn and shoes are removed before entering the prayer hall.
Is photography allowed inside Alexandria's museums and archaeological sites?
Photography is generally permitted at outdoor sites like Pompey's Pillar, the Catacombs, and the Citadel of Qaitbay, though tripods may require prior approval. It is specifically prohibited inside the Royal Jewelry Museum's galleries; check signage at each museum entrance, as policies vary.