Overview

Alexandria, Egypt, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Mediterranean," is a city rich in history and culture. Situated on the northern coast of Egypt on the Mediterranean shores, it is considered among the most important port cities starting from the ancient times reaching out until today. The city was the home to one of the old seven wonders - The Lighthouse - as well as its Great Library which was reincarnated in the disc-shaped Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Part of the ancient city of Alexandria disappeared under the sea and other parts disappeared under the modern city, but you can still find some visible remains of the glorious past as well as recovered items from the sea.

Major attractions such as Qaitbay Castle, Pompey's Column, Egyptian National Museum and Montaza Palace offer visitors the opportunity to explore the city's past and experience the beauties of modern Egypt. Alexandria features unique beauty combined with a rich history, making it a must-visit city when exploring Egypt.

Things to See & Do

Spend some time getting acquainted with the city and take a walk around the bustling seaside city. The long wide strip known as The Corniche runs for 12 ½ miles along the Mediterranean waterfront of Alexandria. This area is brimming with seaside restaurants, open-air cafes, food stalls, and shops. This is a great area to enjoy some local cuisine at one of the eateries while taking in the wonderful views of the water.

Visit the popular souq (open-air markets) district, the perfect location to immerse yourself in the lively marketplace and shop for unique souvenirs. Several bustling bazaars stretch through the backstreets of Alexandria, each specializing in different products; such as the Attareen Antique Market, the Anfushi Fish Market, and the Souq Ibrahimiyya.

Visit the stunning Citadel of Qaitbay an icon of the city, this beautiful 15th-century fortress sits on the coast overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It was Built in 1477 by Sultan Qaitbay on the site of the famous Pharos Lighthouse to defend Alexandria from the advances of the Ottoman Empire. In 1952 the fortress was restored and turned into a Maritime Museum, visitors can see several of rooms boasting breathtaking views of the harbor.

See the spectacular ornate Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque another iconic landmark of the city. The mosque is the most important and historic in the city, it was erected in 1775 by the Algerians and built over the tomb of the 13th-century Sufi Saint Abul Abbas al-Mursi, from Murcia, Spain. Check out the octagon-shaped building with a central tower and see the intricately decorated interiors featuring Islamic mosaics, tiling, and woodwork.

Discover the famous Alexandria Library, the largest library of the ancient world dating back to the 3rd Century B.C. to the 4th Century A.D. when it was a place frequented by philosophers and scientists who came to seek knowledge. The new modern library sits on the Eastern Harbor, it was established in 2002, housed in a unique and iconic building that resembles a slanted, white disk-shaped, inscribed by 120 different human scripts. There are three museums, The Manuscript Museum, The Antiquities Museum, and the Science Museum along with four art galleries, a Planetarium and a massive reading room which holds 8 million books.

Make your way to the ancient sites of Alexandria: Roman Amphitheatre, Kom el Dikka, the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa and Pompey`s Pillar.

The Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages and dates back to the 2nd Century. The site was discovered in 1900 when a donkey fell into a pit, there is a 65 foot spiral staircase which leads visitors down into the Catacombs with dozens of chambers, sculpted pillars, statues, and other religious symbols are covering three levels underground.

The Roman Theatre is one of the most popular monuments in the city found on the site of the Serapeum, Alexandria`s Acropolis. The pillar features 13 semicircular tiers made of white marble which seated up to 800 spectators back in the 2nd century A.D.

Kom El Deka translates to `Mound of Rubble`, an extensive Roman theatrical, residential complex and an archeological site that was an upscale residential area during the Graeco-Roman times. The complex featured beautiful villas, bathhouses, and the theatre with more sites still being uncovered.

Explore the magnificent museums found around the city. The Alexandria National Museum can be found in the city center, housed in the renovated Al-Saad Bassili Pasha Palace, spread over three stories featuring over 1,800 archeological pieces in chronological order. Mahmoud Said Museum is housed in a beautiful Italian-style villa, which was the artist's home. The artist was once one of Egypt`s finest 20th-century artists, the museum displays around 40 works of art including several statues carved into different stones such as marble, granite, limestone, and basalt. The Royal Jewelry Museum is an art and history museum housed in the former palace of Princess Fatma Al-Zahara built in 1919. The halls in the museum are decorated by a collection of jewels and jewelry from the Muhammad Ali Pasha dynasty along with 19th-century paintings, statues, and decorative arts.

Explore the spectacular Montazah Palace located along the shore of Alexandria facing the al Montazah Gulf. A beautiful palace built in 1892 featuring Ottoman and Florentine architectural styles boasting two towers and lush verdant gardens. The tranquil gardens cover 150 acres of land on the low plateau east of central Alexandria overlooking the nearby beach. This is a spectacular spot to watch the sunset with access to the nearby beaches.

Nightlife

When the sun sets in Alexandria, the city turns into a lively and dynamic metropolis, offering an eclectic mix of entertainment options for locals and visitors alike. From chic rooftop bars with stunning sea views to traditional cafes buzzing with conversation. Whether you're looking to dance the night away, enjoy a quiet drink, or experience authentic Egyptian music and cuisine, Alexandria offers it all.

There are many waterfront bars to enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea. For a more laid-back experience, the city's numerous cafes offer a perfect setting to relax with a traditional shisha and a cup of Egyptian coffee. Music lovers will appreciate Alexandria's live music venues, which showcase everything from contemporary bands to classical Arabic music. Additionally, cultural events and performances, such as theatre and poetry readings, add a unique touch to Alexandria's nightlife.