Top-Rated 21 Things to Do in Alexandria

Alexandria is in the north of Egypt, right on the Mediterranean Sea, and is one of the unique places to visit in Egypt and the Middle East. Alexandria was Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, and by the late 18th century, it was one of the world’s most important places for trade. So, in this article, we will discuss the top things to do in Alexandria, Egypt.

Today, Alexandria is still focused on maritime trade, Alexandria being the first port in Egypt. But it is also turned towards tourism, with in particular its seaside. It has also kept some touches of its past (French street signs, Greek community with Greek restaurants and cafes, etc.).Visit Alexandria and enjoy many activities and historical places.

Things To See in Alexandria Egypt

Alexandria Museums

1- Libary of Alexandria

The Library of Alexandria, or bibliotheca Alexandria, is a modern Egyptian landmark and the city’s cultural center. It has one of the most ambitious libraries in the modern world and many museums that show Alexandria’s History and culture.

Its design is based on a vast sun disc on top of the Corniche on the water. The main library is enormous, with a reading room holding eight million books. The Antiquities Museum in Alexandria has artifacts from Ancient Egypt to the Greco-Roman period. The best exhibits are statues found during underwater excavations in the harbor.

If you plan to visit the Library of Alexandria, consider these suggestions to enhance your experience and expand your knowledge:

• Explore the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
• Attend lectures and exhibitions at the library.
• Enjoy the stunning seafront location.
• Visit the Manuscript Museum inside.

2- National Museum of Alexandria

Alexandria National Museum is a must-see if you want to learn about the History of Alexandria.

Inside, the collection takes you from the Pharaonic era (in the basement) to the Hellenistic period (on the ground floor), when Alexander the Great’s Ptolemy dynasty ruled Egypt and Alexandria, and up to the Byzantine and Islamic eras (on the 1st floor).

Alexandria National Museum does a great job of bringing ancient Alexandria to life. It has excellent map drawings showing what Alexandria would have looked like in the classical period, which helps people understand how the city has changed.

Explore the wonders of the National Museum of Alexandria with these tips to make your visit both enjoyable and educational:

• Discover Egypt’s rich history.
• Don’t miss the mummies and artifacts.
• Spend time in the beautiful garden.
• Consider hiring a guide for insights.

3- Museum of Royal Jewelry

This museum is just near Stanley Bridge, and you can quickly get there by tram. It takes place in the palace where Fatma Al-Zahraa Haider lived. She was a descendant of Muhammad Ali Pasha, Egypt’s first ruler (pasha) under Ottoman rule, and he started the royal family dynasty that ruled Egypt until it became independent in 1952.

The palace, built in 1923, is an excellent example of how Islamic and European styles of architecture can work well together. Some rooms are worth seeing just for the gilded and painted ceilings made of plasterwork. Still, the rooms have a collection of jewelry, household items, and works of art that belonged to different members of the Muhammad Ali Pasha dynasty.

Discover the opulence of the Museum of Royal Jewelry using these helpful recommendations for a more enriching tour:

• Admire exquisite jewelry pieces.
• Learn about the royal history.
• Take a guided tour for detailed knowledge.
• Photography is often restricted, so be prepared.

4- Cavafy Museum

Constantine Cavafy, born in Alexandria in 1863 and died in 1933, was a Greek poet who became well-known for his work after he died. His apartment, which is on what is now Sharm el-Sheikh Street, is a tribute to his life and a big draw for anyone making a literary pilgrimage to Alexandria.

Cavafy worked as a journalist and civil servant for most of his life. His poetry was mainly unknown outside a small group of Alexandrian writers, such as the English novelist E.M. Forster, who was a fan of Cavafy’s work. On the other hand, his poetry tells a lot about Alexandria’s long History, especially its Hellenistic roots, and he has become one of the most famous writers in Alexandria. There are a lot of his manuscripts and letters in the small museum.

Immerse yourself in the world of the renowned poet at the Cavafy Museum and learn how to make your visit truly unforgettable:

• Explore the life and work of the poet.
• Appreciate the historic atmosphere.
• Check the museum’s opening hours.
• Combine with a visit to other nearby attractions.

5- Abu Qir Sunken Cities Museum

Abu Qir is north of Alexandria and to the northwest. In 1992, archaeologists visited that place to look at the sunken cities of Heracleion and Canopus. Ancient Egypt had a town called Heracleion, which was also called Thonis. it was close to Alexandria, and its ruins are in Abu Qir Bay, 2.5 km from the shore and 10 m (30 ft) underwater. Its story goes back to the 12th century B.C., and Greek historians wrote about it.

It became more important as the Pharaohs’ rule came to an end. It was Egypt’s main port for trade with other countries and tax collection. Heracleion was first built on islands near the Nile Delta connected by canals.

Dive into history at the Abu Qir Sunken Cities Museum and use these tips to ensure a captivating and informative excursion:

• Witness ancient underwater ruins.
• Dive into Egypt’s submerged history.
• Consider a guided tour for context.
• Check for special exhibitions.

6- El Alamein War Cemetery

About 112 kilometers west of Alexandria is the rough town of El Alamein. It has a fascinating place in modern world history. During World War II, the Allies won their first decisive victory in North Africa across this dry, unremarkable desert.

More than 80,000 soldiers from Germany, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, India, and Great Britain (Allies) were killed or hurt in the bloody battles that took place here in October 1942. (Axis Forces).

Today, the war memorials are a powerful reminder of how many people died during the 13 days of fighting. The El Alamein War Museum is excellent and gives an overview of the El Alamein campaign by showing many military items. The Commonwealth Cemetery is a well-kept memorial to the dead, with 7,000 tombstones lined up in rows between well-cared-for desert plants.

Most of the 4,500 German soldiers who died are buried in the boxy German Memorial just north of town along the coastal highway. A few kilometers further north is the Italian Memorial, which has a small but interesting museum.

Pay your respects at the El Alamein War Cemetery and make your visit more meaningful with these thoughtful suggestions:

• Pay respects to World War II soldiers.
• Maintain a respectful demeanor.
• Visit the Commonwealth and German cemeteries.
• Reflect on the historical significance.

7- Mahmoud Saeed Museum

Son of Muhammad Saeed Pasha, Egypt’s leader at the time. He went to law school after getting his high school diploma and earned his degree in 1919.

Also, from 1919 to 1921, he traveled around Europe and eventually went to study at the Académie Julian. He returned to Egypt, where he worked at the Mixed Courts of Egypt until 1950, when his father died. Saeed also did a lot of oil painting between 1919 and 1964, when he died. In Alexandria, he first studied painting with the Italian Amelia Casonato Da Forno and then with the Italian Arturo Zanieri.

He often worked in the same studio as his excellent friend Aristomenis Angelopoulos, a Greek painter. The Mahmoud Saeed Museum in Alexandria will take you back to the 1940s and 1950s for a short time, and it was the best time for Egypt in the 20th century.

Also, when Mahmoud Saeed stopped being a judge, he began to paint Egypt as he saw it. Also, he combined some echoes of the past with new styles like cubism and social realism.

The Mahmoud Saeed Museum in Alexandria shows about 40 of Saeed’s paintings.

Navigate the cultural treasures at the Mahmoud Saeed Museum with these valuable tips for a fulfilling visit:

• Discover the works of Mahmoud Saeed.
• Check for visiting hours.
• Enjoy a cultural experience.
• Combine with other nearby attractions.

8-Alexandria Aquarium

Alexandria Aquarium is a small aquarium in Alexandria, Egypt, and it was built in 1930 and is close to the Qaitbay fort on the Eastern Harbour of Alexandria. Many species from the Mediterranean and the Red Sea around Egypt are displayed at the aquarium, as some freshwater species from the Nile and the Amazon.

Delve into marine wonders at the Alexandria Aquarium, and enhance your visit by following these helpful guidelines:

• Explore marine life exhibits.
• Ideal for families with children.
• Verify opening hours in advance.
• Learn about local aquatic species.

Greco-Roman Antiquities

In Alexandria, the Greco-Roman and Pharaonic religions met in the cult of Serapis. The change from pagan religions to Christianity can also be seen in the exhibits, which include mummies, Hellenistic statues, busts of Roman emperors, Tangara statues, and early Christian artifacts.

9- Kom el-Dikka

No one cared much about the old pile of rubble in the middle of Alexandria until the 1960s, when they decided to clear the area so that new homes could be built. As work began, the Kom el-Dikka (“Mound of Rubble”) revealed a lot of ancient ruins, including a small Roman theatre, that had been buried there for a long time.

Today, the area is a small park with ruins from the Greco-Roman period of Alexandria. There are also the remains of a Ptolemaic temple, a Roman bathhouse, and several Roman villas.

Experience the historical significance of Kom el-Dikka with these tips for a more rewarding visit:

• Visit ancient Roman ruins.
• Explore the Roman theater.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
• Consider a guided tour.

10- Pompey’s Pillar

Near the Catacombs of Kom el-Shuqqafa, in Carmouz, there is a hill with the remains of ancient walls, architectural pieces, and rubble. On this hill is Alexandria’s only ancient monument that is still in one piece.

Pompey’s Pillar rises from the ruins of the ancient and famous Serapeion (Temple of Serapis), once used to store extra manuscripts from the Great Library of Alexandria.

This almost 27-meter-tall column made of red Aswan granite and topped with a Corinthian capital has nothing to do with Pompey.

Stand in awe of Pompey’s Pillar by following these recommendations to maximize your historical exploration:

• Marvel at the ancient monolith.
• Learn about its history.
• Climb to the top for panoramic views.
• Visit the Serapeum nearby.

11- Catacombs of Kom el-Shuqqafa

The Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa were cut out of the rock on the south side of a hill in the Carmouz district. They are considered from the 2nd century C.E. and are a great example of how Egyptian and Greco-Roman styles came together in Alexandria. They were found in 1900 when a donkey fell into one of them. They are composed of sarcophagi and loculi (shelf tomb) chambers on several levels.

The central dome is reached by descending a spiral staircase into the ground. On the right are the main burial chamber and the Sepulchral Chapel. Every 91 niches in the chapel are big enough to hold three or four mummies. On the left is a big room called the Triclinium Funebre, and it was used for banquets to honor the dead.

Unearth the mysteries of the Catacombs of Kom el-Shuqqafa with these tips for a captivating and educational visit:

• Explore fascinating underground tombs.
• Admire the blend of Egyptian, Roman, and Greek art.
• Prepare for dim lighting.
• Join a guided tour for insights.

Alexandria Activites

12- Alexindra Corniche.

The long Corniche Road along the water in downtown Alexandria is just as much a symbol of the city as any of its monuments.

Walking along the Corniche, especially from the main waterfront square of Midan Saad Zaghloul to Fort Qaitbey on the western tip of the Eastern Harbor, you can feel the cosmopolitan elegance and decadence of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

You can still see many buildings along the Corniche from this time, though many are in bad shape and falling apart.

Stroll along the beautiful Alexandria Corniche and enjoy your walk with these ideas for a more scenic experience:

• Enjoy a scenic seaside walk.
• Savor local street food.
• Watch the sunset over the Mediterranean.
• Visit nearby cafes and attractions.

13- Qaitbey Citadel

Walking west along the long Corniche road along the water in Eastern Harbor, you’ll get to Qaitbey Citadel.

This fort has been keeping watch over Alexandria since 1480. The Citadel of qaitbay may not be a suitable replacement for the site of the great Pharos Lighthouse, which was one of the world’s seven ancient wonders but was destroyed by a strong earthquake in 1303.

The Mamluke Sultan Qaitbey built Fort Qaitbey to protect this critical Egyptian port from attack. It was built with stones from the Lighthouse that had fallen.

Inside, you can look around the rooms with stone walls and climb to the top to see the sea.

Explore the grandeur of the Qaitbey Citadel using these suggestions to ensure a memorable and informative visit:

• Explore a historic fortress.
• Enjoy panoramic views of Alexandria.
• Learn about its maritime history.
• Wear comfortable shoes for the climb.

14- Alexandria’s Underwater Ruins

When diving in Alexandria, you won’t see coral reefs and fish like in the Red Sea. Instead, the dive sites around Eastern Harbor are all about ancient underwater ruins.

Divers have a unique chance in Alexandria to dive among the broken statues and columns of the old city.

When diving in Alexandria, you should know that you won’t be able to see much.

In the past few years, the waters off the coast have been full of treasures for underwater archaeologists.

Archaeologists found the port town of Heracleion-Thonis northeast of the city in the bay of Aboukir. They have brought many of the treasures to the surface, which can be seen in Alexandria’s museums.

The Eastern Harbor is still where most recreational diving takes place now.

The most popular place in Eastern Harbor is “Cleopatra’s Palace,” which makes sense since it used to be a palace. However, we’ll never know if the great lady lived there.

There are still a lot of sphinxes, toppled columns, and statues in place here, making it a fascinating place to dive.

Dive into the depths of Alexandria’s Underwater Ruins with these guidelines to make your visit more enlightening and exciting:

• Dive or snorkel to see submerged ruins.
• Arrange a guided underwater tour.
• Bring your own snorkeling gear if possible.
• Be mindful of underwater preservation efforts.

15- Montazah Gardens

On the eastern edge of Alexandria, Montazah is an oasis of calm with tall palm trees, well-kept lawns, and blooming flowers. It was off-limits to everyone except the royal court and their servants.

In the 1890s, Khedive Abbas Hilmi built it as a hunting lodge. King Fuad later added a lot to it, and it replaced Ras el-Tin Palace as the royal family’s summer home.

The unusually designed Montazah Palace is not open to the public, and it has towers that look like they came from Florence and Rococo touches. Still, everyone is welcome to walk through the vast gardens, which can be a nice break from the busyness of Alexandria.

At the park’s edge is a small beach with a bridge leading to a small island.

If you need some peace, a trip to Montazah is just what you need before heading back into the chaos of the city.

All of the minibusses going west on the Corniche road along the water pass by Montazah. They charge between 1-2 EGP depending on where you board.

Discover the tranquility of the Montazah Gardens and make your visit more serene and enjoyable by following these tips:

• Relax in the royal gardens.
• Visit the Montazah Palace.
• Enjoy the sea views.
• Ideal for a leisurely day out.

16- Dine Out in Alexandria’s Fish Restaurants

Many people come to Alexandria to eat the fresh seafood there.

The harborfront, where you can eat with a view of the water, and the working-class neighborhood of Anfushi, which has a maze of streets going west from Fort Qaitbey and the harbor, are the best places to find restaurants serve fresh fish.

After dark, Anfushi is the most lively part of Alexandria, with traditional coffeehouses spilling out onto the street and the smell of sheesha (water pipes) and grilled fish in the air.

You should see more of Anfushi than just its restaurants. On Qasr Ras el-Tin Street, you can find the city’s shipyards. Further down the street, the busy Alexandria fish market is an excellent place for photographers when people haggle hard in the mornings.

Savor the flavors of Alexandria’s Fish Restaurants by considering these recommendations for a delightful dining experience:

• Try fresh seafood dishes.
• Seek local recommendations for the best restaurants.
• Enjoy waterfront dining.
• Savor the unique flavors of Alexandria.

17- Ras el-Tin Palace.

When the desert heat of Cairo got too much for Egypt’s sultans in the summer, they would escape to the luxurious Ras el-Tin Palace.

It’s also known as where Egypt’s last king, King Farouk, officially gave up power in 1952 before sailing out of Alexandria’s harbor and exiling to Italy.

The Egyptian navy lives in the palace now, so regular people can’t go inside to see its beautiful rooms. Still, it would be best if you visited the enormous white facade, best seen from the water in the harbor.

Step back in time at Ras el-Tin Palace and use these tips to enhance your understanding of its historical significance:

• Admire the historic palace architecture.
• Explore the nearby beaches.
• Respect any restricted areas.
• Learn about its royal history.

18- Shop at the Alexandria Souk

One of the best things to do in Alexandria, Egypt, is to dive right into the Souk District, a maze of shops and market stalls where it’s easy to get lost.

This is Alexandria as it has been for thousands of years: a busy marketplace where people from all over the Mediterranean and now from all over the world come to shop and visit.

Shop for souvenirs and treasures at the Alexandria Souk, and follow these tips to make your shopping experience more delightful:

• Bargain for souvenirs.
• Explore local handicrafts and textiles.
• Embrace the vibrant atmosphere.
• Be prepared to haggle.

19- Abu Abbas al-Mursi Mosque.

The Abu Abbas al-Mursi Mosque is an essential landmark in Alexandria, and it was built in 1796 over the tomb of Abu Abbas al-Mursi, a Sufi holy man who died in the 13th century.

Abu Abbas was from Murcia, which is in Spain’s Andalusia region. He moved to Alexandria and became a respected religious leader there, and his teachings are still respected in Egypt.

For people who are not religious, the main thing that draws them to the mosque is its beautiful facade covered in Islamic calligraphy designs and motifs.

People who want to see the beautiful and intricate mosaic halls should dress modestly and leave their shoes at the main entrance.

Visit the Abu Abbas al-Mursi Mosque with these suggestions to appreciate its architectural and cultural significance fully:

• Visit a beautiful Islamic mosque.
• Dress modestly and remove shoes before entering.
• Respect prayer times.
• Learn about the mosque’s history.

20- Stanley Bridge.

Stanley Bridge is one of the most famous places in Alexandria, and you can’t visit the city without walking across this fantastic engineering feat.

The 400-meter-long bridge has giant towers and lots of places to look around. It’s best to see it at night, but it gets busy because everyone in Alexandria wants to walk across it.

Cross the Stanley Bridge and enjoy the scenic views while following these recommendations for a picturesque experience:

• Take a leisurely stroll on the bridge.
• Enjoy the view of the bay.
• Try local street food.
• Visit nearby cafes and shops.

21- Mamoura Beach.

Most people don’t go to Alexandria for the beaches, and it doesn’t have much reputation as a beach vacation spot, but don’t forget that you are right on the sunny shores of the Mediterranean.

Mamoura Beach is one of Alexandria’s most excellent and cleanest beaches, and it’s easy to get to from the city center.

You’ll find a busy stretch of sand and rocks far from the city. It’s a great place to get away from Alexandria, and you can sit in the sun and watch the waves hit the shore.

Relax on the shores of Mamoura Beach with these tips for a perfect day of sun and sea in Alexandria:

• Relax on the sandy shores.
• Swim in the Mediterranean waters.
• Check for water sports options.
• Enjoy local beachside cuisine.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

How to get to the city of Alexandria?

Alexandria is located on the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, 218 km (135 miles) north of Cairo. It is the second largest city in Egypt, behind Cairo, but sadly, tourists overlook it. It is accessible in many ways!

Travel by Plane: Alexandria International Airport, or El Nouzha Airport, is located 7 km (4 miles) southeast of the city center. It offers services to domestic destinations within Egypt and cities throughout the Arab world. EgyptAir is the airport’s largest airline, operating more than 50 weekly domestic and regional flights.

Travel by Train: Alexandria is the northern terminus of the line through Cairo to Aswan, and the service to Cairo is excellent. Services are also available to Marsa Matruh via El-Alamein and Port Said.

Travel by highway: Alexandria has a vast road network connecting it to cities east, west, and south of Cairo, including many Delta ones. 2 main roads reach Cairo: the Desert Route and the Agricultural Route, and both are very busy, with the former being 6-8 lanes wide.

On Cruise: Alexandria has a major seaport that is a popular stopping point for ocean cruises, and many visitors experience Egypt by arriving here.

What is Alexandria most known for?

The Lighthouse of Alexandria (Pharos), which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the bibliotheca Alexandria, which was the most extensive library in the ancient world and was one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages, are what Alexandria is best known for.

Is Alexandria Egyptian or Greek?

Alexandria, one of Egypt’s biggest cities, is its main port and a major industrial center. The city is about 183 km (114 miles) northwest of Cairo in Lower Egypt and is on the Mediterranean Sea at the western edge of the Nile River delta.

Is it worth visiting Alexandria, Egypt?

It’s a beautiful city with many fun things to do on Egypt’s northern coast. Traveling to Alexandria and breathing in the fresh air, you could explore the Mediterranean Sea from miles away.