Alexandria is Egypt’s breezy Mediterranean counterpoint to Cairo, and it welcomed me with glorious sea views and rum soaked history. Old libraries, grand mosques, and seafood dinners line its coast.

Let me share the best things to do in Alexandria with honest advice.

Overview

Alexandria stretches along Egypt’s northern coast and was once the intellectual capital of the ancient world. Its history fades into the modern cafes and cool sea breeze today.

I loved its faded glamour, a city of peeling belle epoque buildings and endless waterfront promenades. It feels nostalgic, elegant, and utterly distinct.

When to Go

March through June is my favorite window for Alexandria, with mild days and comfortable evenings by the sea.

Spring brings soft skies and fewer crowds, which I found ideal for strolling the wide Corniche. Autumn in September and October offers warm seas and pleasant weather.

I would avoid the heat of July and August if possible.

Top Things to See and Do

Walk the long Corniche promenade along the Mediterranean and watch the cast iron lanterns light up at dusk. I did this every single evening.

Visit the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a vast tribute to the ancient library. I wandered its reading rooms and lovely exhibitions for hours.

Descend into the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, a layered underground necropolis. The dim chambers and carvings fascinated me completely.

See the towering Qaitbay Citadel on the harbor, built over the ancient lighthouse site. My sunset visit was absolutely memorable.

The evenings along the Corniche were my favorite time, with lanterns glowing over the water. I walked them after every dinner.

Where to Stay

Hotels along the Corniche offer unbeatable sea views. I stayed there and woke to the sound of the waves every morning.

Budget options near the center put you close to the cafes and museums. I found them clean, friendly, and convenient.

For a special treat I would pick a historic seafront hotel with old world charm. The atmosphere felt straight out of the city’s golden age.

Many attractions cluster within easy walking distance of one another. I covered the main sights on foot without any strain.

Getting Around

The Corniche is perfect for walking, and I strolled its whole length without hurry. It connects most of the main attractions comfortably.

Trams and micros buses weave through the city for cheap local transport. I used them to reach the outer sights with ease.

A train from Cairo takes just a few hours, making Alexandria an easy weekend escape. I loved watching the landscape change along the way.

Food to Try

Seafood is the heart of Alexandrian dining. I ate grilled fish, shrimp, and squid at bustling spots near the water. A defining dish is Alexandrian liver sandwiches, a beloved street food.

I tried one with pickles and chilies and understood the cult following. Sweet pastries and strong coffee fueled my afternoons in the old cafes. The slow pace suited the seaside mood perfectly.

Daily Budget

Alexandria is easy on the wallet. I managed on about forty dollars a day with a decent hotel and local market meals.

Adding seafront dining and museum tickets brought my total closer to seventy five dollars daily. The city rewards slow travel, and it costs little to simply stroll the Corniche for hours.

My best experiences were nearly free.

Safety Tips

Alexandria is generally safe and welcoming, but I stayed alert in crowded markets and on public transport. I had no trouble at all.

Keep your valuables secure at busy sights like the catacombs and the library. A simple crossbody bag kept everything safe for me.

The sea near the Corniche is for looking rather than swimming in most places. I relaxed on the shore instead and stayed comfortable.

The old library district rewards slow lingering over coffee and pastries. I spent an entire afternoon lost in its quiet charm.

Local Tips

The Corniche is lovely at every hour, but I loved it best at sunset. I timed one of my best evenings simply to watch the light fade.

Seafood tastes best at the bustling restaurants locals fill. I always chose the busiest place and never regretted it. A guided tour of the library and catacombs adds real depth.

My guide spun the ancient stories into vivid life.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day one I arrived and walked the full Corniche, ending with grilled fish at a harbor cafe. Day two I visited the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa.

Day three I explored Qaitbay Citadel and shopped the quieter lanes before heading back to Cairo.

With more time I would add the beaches east of the city and the grand old mansions of the Russian quarter.

Expecting a modern cultural hub can disappoint, so I came for the faded history instead. The nostalgia is exactly the charm.

Common Mistakes

Treating Alexandria as no more than a day trip from Cairo is a mistake. I gave it two nights and found the pace perfect.

Skipping the catacombs because of the effort involved means missing magic. I braved the steps and was richly rewarded. Forgetting that some sights close midday can disrupt plans.

I visited the main sites in the mornings instead.