Alexandria
the city of Alexander.
Founded by Alexander the Great and ruled by Cleopatra's dynasty, Alexandria was the ancient world's greatest port. Today it is a breezy seaside city with its own character.
What it is
really like.
Alexandria is about 220 km north-west of Cairo, roughly three hours by road or two and a half by train. Alexander the Great founded it in 331 BC, and for centuries it was the capital of Egypt under the Ptolemies, home to the famous lighthouse and library.
Little of the ancient city is visible above ground, which surprises some visitors. What you see instead is layered history: Roman catacombs, a Mamluk fortress on the site of the lighthouse, early twentieth-century cafés and a long curving seafront, the Corniche.
Most tours treat Alexandria as a day trip from Cairo, which means a lot of driving. We prefer an overnight stay, or using it as the first stop on the way to the north coast and Siwa.
The best of
Alexandria.
The places we build days around. Not a list to tick off: most people choose three or four and leave time between them.
The Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa
A Roman-era burial complex cut deep into the rock, mixing Egyptian and Greek styles.
Qaitbay Citadel
A fifteenth-century fortress built on the site of the ancient lighthouse.
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina
A modern library and cultural centre inspired by the ancient one, with museums inside.
Pompey's Pillar
A single Roman column nearly 27 metres tall, among the ruins of the Serapeum.
The Roman amphitheatre
The only Roman theatre found in Egypt, at Kom el-Dikka.
The Corniche
A seafront walk, ideally ending with fresh fish at a harbour restaurant.
Alexandria,
answered.
Is Alexandria worth visiting?
Yes, if you are interested in Greek, Roman and modern Egyptian history, or want a break from the heat of the south. It is cooler and breezier than Cairo.
Should we do a day trip or stay overnight?
We recommend a night. A day trip means about six hours on the road and a rushed visit.
Can we swim in Alexandria?
There are city beaches, but they are busy in summer. For swimming, Marsa Matruh or the Red Sea are better.
Ways to fit Alexandria
into a trip.
Cairo, Alexandria & the Nile
Cairo, an overnight in Alexandria and a three-night Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor: Egypt's ancient and classical sides in nine days.
See this journey →
Desert, Oasis, Cairo
Cairo and Alexandria, the Mediterranean coast road and three nights in Siwa Oasis, with a 4x4 day in the Great Sand Sea.
See this journey →Tell us how long
you have.
Send your dates and who is travelling. We will suggest how many nights Alexandria deserves and what fits around it.