Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Alexandria was the capital of Ptolemaic Egypt and home to the famous Library and Lighthouse. Today it is Egypt's second city: a breezy Mediterranean port with a long seafront Corniche, old cafés and some of the best seafood in the country.
What Alexandria is known for
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina revives the spirit of the ancient library. The Citadel of Qaitbay stands where the Lighthouse once was. Underground, the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa mix Egyptian, Greek and Roman styles, and Pompey's Pillar and the Roman Amphitheatre recall the city's Roman past. Montaza Palace gardens and the beaches along the Corniche are where locals spend summer evenings.
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant. Summer (June to September) is beach season and busy with Egyptian holidaymakers. Winter is cooler, windy and sometimes rainy, but quiet.
How long to stay
A long day trip from Cairo covers the highlights; stay one or two nights to enjoy the seafront and the food.
Tips
Walk the Corniche at sunset, pick your fish by weight at a seafood restaurant, and stop for coffee and pastries at one of the historic cafés.
Alexandria is accessible via Borg El Arab Airport (HBE), which has flights from major cities in Egypt and the Middle East. The city is also reachable by road and rail from Cairo, with regular bus and train services available
Contact us to arrange an unforgettable journey for you and your family.
Popular Attractions
Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deeper connection with the local heritage, our list of popular attractions will help guide your journey and ensure you don't miss the must-see locations
Alexandria's hotels line the Corniche, from grand historic hotels with sea views to modern beach resorts near Montaza and simple, good-value city hotels.
Famous Hotels
A sea-view room on the Corniche is the classic choice; stay near Montaza for gardens and beaches, or downtown to walk to the sights.
Alexandria is all about the sea: fresh fish and seafood cooked the way you choose, plus a few local street-food classics found nowhere else.
Favorite Cuisines
Head to the fish restaurants around Anfoushi and the Corniche, and save room for Alexandrian liver sandwiches and pastries.
Sayadeya
The fisherman's dish: fish baked with caramelised onions and spices over rice.
Grilled Fish and Seafood
Choose your fish, shrimp or calamari from the ice and have it grilled, fried or baked.
Kebda Iskandarani
Alexandrian-style liver, stir-fried with garlic, chilli and peppers, served in bread.
Feteer Meshaltet
Flaky layered pastry, eaten with honey and cream or filled with cheese and meat.
Transportation & More
Alexandria stretches for kilometres along the sea, so most trips run along the Corniche. Taxis and apps are easy, and the old tram is an experience in itself.
Transportation Options
Use the tram for fun, apps for speed, and the train for the trip from Cairo.
Tram
Alexandria's historic trams run through the city from Raml Station; slow but charming and very cheap.
Taxis
The yellow and black taxis are everywhere; agree on the fare first.
Ride-Sharing Services
Uber, Careem and inDrive operate across the city.
Train from Cairo
Frequent trains link Cairo's Ramses Station with Alexandria in about two and a half to three hours.
Airport Transfers
Borg El Arab Airport (HBE) is about 45 to 60 minutes from the centre.
Popular Activties
From thrilling adventures to cultural immersions, each city offers unique experiences that cater to every traveler’s interests.