Alexandria sits 220 km north of Cairo along the Mediterranean coast, reachable in roughly two hours by Egyptian National Railways intercity train from Ramses station. The coastal city was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC and served as the intellectual capital of the ancient world; today it blends Graeco-Roman ruins, Ottoman fortifications, and a long Corniche seafront into a compelling day trip from the Egyptian capital.
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a vast modern library built on the presumed site of the ancient Library of Alexandria, anchors the eastern waterfront. Its curved titanium facade conceals eleven stacked reading floors, a planetarium, and four specialist museums — allow at least ninety minutes inside. A short walk along the Corniche leads to the Qaitbay Citadel, a fifteenth-century Mamluk fortress constructed on the foundations of the Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The citadel's ramparts offer unobstructed views across the harbour and are best photographed in the late-afternoon light.
Inland, the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa represent the largest Roman burial site in Egypt: three tiers of carved tomb chambers descend into the earth, blending Egyptian and Roman funerary motifs in a style unique to Alexandria's syncretic culture. Pompey's Pillar, a 27-metre red-granite column erected in honour of Emperor Diocletian, stands nearby alongside the remains of the ancient Serapeum temple.
A practical day arc: catch the early morning train, arrive by 10 am, walk to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, continue to the Qaitbay Citadel for a Corniche seafood lunch — grilled sea bream and calamari are house staples at the restaurants clustered west of the fortress — then visit the catacombs and Pompey's Pillar in the early afternoon before returning to Cairo on the early evening train. The waterfront fish market at Abu Qir, east of the city centre, is a worthwhile detour if time allows.
November through April offers the most comfortable temperatures, with daytime highs between 17 °C and 22 °C. Summer months are warm and humid, and the city draws heavy domestic tourism on weekends; arriving on a weekday significantly reduces queues at all major sites.
How to get there
- Egyptian National Railways intercity train (Alexandria Ramses station)
- Private car or taxi
- Bus from Turgoman station
Highlights
- Bibliotheca Alexandrina
- Qaitbay Citadel
- Corniche seafood restaurants
- Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa
- Pompey's Pillar
Tips for visiting
- Take the 8 am air-conditioned first-class train from Cairo Ramses station (around EGP 100 each way); book tickets a day ahead at the station or via the Egyptian National Railways website.
- The Bibliotheca Alexandrina charges a separate entry fee (around EGP 70); photography inside the reading halls requires an additional permit purchased at the front desk.
- The Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa close by 5 pm — visit in the early afternoon to avoid guided-tour groups arriving from cruise ships mid-morning.
- Seafood restaurants along the Corniche west of the Citadel serve fresh catch at good value; confirm the per-kilogram price before ordering.
- Carry Egyptian pounds in cash; card acceptance outside major hotels and the Bibliotheca is unreliable across the city.
When to visit
October to April, when Mediterranean temperatures range from 17 °C to 22 °C, is the most comfortable period for a day trip; midweek visits avoid the domestic crowd that fills trains and the Corniche from Friday through Saturday.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the train journey from Cairo to Alexandria take?
The intercity express from Cairo Ramses station takes approximately two hours to Alexandria Sidi Gaber or Misr station. First-class tickets are air-conditioned and cost around EGP 80–120 each way, making the train far more comfortable than road alternatives.
Can all five main sites be covered in a single day?
Yes, if departing Cairo by 8 am. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina (90 min), Qaitbay Citadel (60 min), catacombs (45 min), and Pompey's Pillar (30 min) can be completed by 4 pm, leaving time for a Corniche seafood lunch between stops.
Is Alexandria safe to visit independently without a guide?
Alexandria is generally safe for independent travellers. The main heritage sites are well-signposted, and the Corniche waterfront is busy with locals throughout the day. A local guide adds historical depth but is not required for navigation.
Are the main sites accessible for wheelchair users?
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina has lifts and ramp access throughout its floors. The Qaitbay Citadel has uneven cobblestones and some stepped ramps. The Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa are reached via steep stairs and are not suitable for wheelchair users.