Rashid (Rosetta) sits 65 km east of Alexandria on the Rosetta branch of the Nile, reached in about 1 to 1.5 hours by shared minibus from the Abu Qir or Moharam Bek depots, private taxi, or organized day tour, often combined with a stop at nearby Rashid Fort. The old town is known for its well-preserved Ottoman-era merchant houses, built from alternating bands of red and black brick with elaborately carved wooden mashrabiya screens, several of which have been restored as small house-museums open to visitors. Rashid was also where the Rosetta Stone was discovered in 1799, and a marker near the original find site commemorates the event, though the stone itself is in the British Museum. A typical day trip starts with a morning arrival to explore the historic houses along the main old-town streets while the light and temperature are still comfortable, followed by a walk along the Nile corniche where local fishing boats dock. Afternoon time can be spent browsing the town's traditional markets or continuing on to Rashid Fort at the river mouth. Simple riverside restaurants in Rashid serve grilled Nile fish and traditional Egyptian dishes, making lunch by the water a practical stop before the return journey. October through April is the most comfortable season for walking the old town's narrow streets, since summer humidity off the Nile can make midday exploration uncomfortable.
| Distance | 65 km east of Alexandria |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 1-1.5 hours by minibus or taxi |
| Getting there | Mode: Minibus or taxi; Detail: Shared minibuses (service taxis) run from Alexandria's Abu Qir and Moharam Bek depots to Rashid; private taxis and organized tours also make the run directly |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Rashid Old Town, Beheira Governorate, near the Rosetta branch of the Nile |
How to get there
- Minibus/shared taxi from Abu Qir or Moharam Bek to Rashid (about 1-1.5 hours, EGP 20-40/USD 0.40-0.80)
- Private taxi door-to-door from central Alexandria
- Organized day tour combining Rashid town with the Rashid Fort
- Self-drive along the coastal road via Abu Qir and Edku
Location
Rashid Old Town, Beheira Governorate, near the Rosetta branch of the Nile
31.4044, 30.4164 View on map
Highlights
- Ottoman-era merchant houses with red-and-black brick facades and carved mashrabiya screens
- Rosetta Stone discovery site marker near the old town
- Nile corniche and working fishing harbor
- Traditional local markets in the historic town center
- Riverside restaurants serving fresh Nile fish
Tips for visiting
- Take a shared minibus (service taxi) from Alexandria's Abu Qir or Moharam Bek depots for the cheapest direct route
- Combine the visit with Rashid Fort, a short local taxi ride from the old town, to make the most of the trip
- Some historic houses charge a small entry fee and keep limited hours, so confirm opening times before setting out
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking the old town's narrow, uneven streets
When to visit
October through April is most comfortable for walking the old town; mornings are best for exploring the historic houses before the afternoon heat and humidity build.
Frequently asked questions
How do visitors get from Alexandria to Rashid?
Shared minibuses run from the Abu Qir and Moharam Bek depots in Alexandria and take about 1 to 1.5 hours; private taxis and organized tours also make the trip directly.
Is the actual Rosetta Stone in Rashid?
No, the stone was discovered near Rashid in 1799 but has been held in the British Museum in London since 1802; a marker in the town commemorates the find site.
Can Rashid and Rashid Fort be visited in one day?
Yes, the fort is a short local taxi or tuk-tuk ride from the old town and is commonly combined with a Rashid town visit in a single day trip.
What is there to eat in Rashid?
Simple riverside restaurants along the Nile corniche serve grilled Nile fish and traditional Egyptian dishes.