Alexandria

Urban Coastal Beaches

Population: 5 million

Best Season to Visit:

Best Off-Peak Month to Visit: August–September

Famous For: Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Citadel of Qaitbay, Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, Mediterranean beaches, Greco-Roman Museum, Historic port city, Mediterranean cuisine, Ancient history and archaeology

Train Access: Yes (Egyptian National Railways)

Bus Access: Yes (Alexandria Public Transport Authority (APTA) buses)

Alexandria sits on Egypt's Mediterranean coast and centers on the Corniche, a waterfront promenade stretching along the harbor where locals and visitors walk, dine, and watch the sea. The Citadel of Qaitbay dominates the northern tip, a 15th-century fortress built on the site of the ancient Pharos lighthouse, with views across the harbor and a small maritime museum inside. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern library on the waterfront near the Citadel, houses millions of volumes and hosts rotating exhibitions on Egyptian history and culture. Downtown Alexandria clusters around Saad Zaghloul Square and Talaat Harb Street, where colonial-era buildings, cafés, and shops reflect the city's cosmopolitan past. The Greco-Roman Museum on Safia Zaghloul Street displays statuary, mosaics, and artifacts from Alexandria's Hellenistic period. Montaza Palace, a royal residence set in gardens on the eastern coast, combines Ottoman and European architecture and opens its grounds to the public. The catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa, carved into bedrock beneath the city, blend Egyptian and Greco-Roman burial styles and remain among the largest Roman burial sites outside Italy.

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Planning Your Trip to Alexandria

Weather: Alexandria has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, with temperatures typically ranging from 8°C to 30°C throughout the year.

Festivals: Alexandria National Film Festival, Mediterranean Biennale for Contemporary Art

Best Things for Kids to Do: Montaza Palace and Gardens offer open grounds, a small beach, and palace rooms to explore with views across the coast. The Aquarium in the Citadel area houses Mediterranean and Red Sea fish species in tanks accessible from the fortress grounds. The Alexandria Zoo, located in the Nuzha district south of downtown, contains lions, giraffes, and birds in landscaped enclosures. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina's planetarium and children's library wing provide interactive exhibits and educational programs.

Hidden Gem: The Alexandria National Museum, housed in a restored 1926 Italian palace on Tariq al-Horreya Street, displays royal artifacts, manuscripts, and decorative arts from Egypt's modern era in intimate period rooms that few tourists visit compared to the larger Greco-Roman Museum.

Accessibility: The Corniche promenade has paved sections suitable for wheelchairs, particularly near Saad Zaghloul Square and the Citadel approach. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina features ramp access and accessible restrooms. Many older downtown streets and the catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa have uneven surfaces and stairs that present barriers to mobility devices.

For the Runner: The Corniche waterfront path runs approximately 8 km along the harbor from the Citadel westward, with paved sections and sea views. Montaza Palace grounds include tree-lined paths suitable for running through the gardens and along the eastern coastal area.

Restaurants in Alexandria

Alexandria offers a diverse dining scene with a mix of Mediterranean, Egyptian, and international cuisines. The waterfront area features numerous seafood restaurants and casual eateries, while the city center has upscale dining options. Local street food and traditional Egyptian dishes are widely available and affordable.

Where to Stay

Alexandria's accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses in the downtown area near Saad Zaghloul Square to upscale waterfront hotels along the Corniche. Mid-range options cluster in the Raml Station and Sidi Bishr neighborhoods, while luxury properties occupy prime seafront locations with views of the harbor and Citadel.

Best Hotels: Steigenberger Cecil Alexandria, located on Manshiya Square overlooking the harbor, is a historic 1929 hotel with Art Deco interiors and a rooftop bar

Dog-Friendly Hotels: Hilton Alexandria Green Plaza, Sheraton Montazah Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano

Alexandria

Planning Your Trip to Alexandria

Restaurants in Alexandria

Where to Stay

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