10 Things to Do in Alexandria, Egypt
Alexandria felt different from the rest of Egypt the moment I stepped off the train. Instead of desert heat and traffic horns alone, there was sea air, a long waterfront called the Corniche, and a low, easy light reflecting off the Mediterranean. This city has been a meeting point for over two thousand years, and you can still feel it. Here is what I did in Alexandria that I would repeat without hesitation.
Tour the New Library of Alexandria
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is the modern reimagining of the ancient library that made this city famous, and it is the best place to start. The building tilts like a giant sun disc leaning into the sea, and inside there is a reading room with room for millions of books. I walked through the exhibits on ancient Egypt, the history of writing, and a permanent display of old scientific instruments. Give yourself at least two hours; it is more museum than library.
See the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
Underground, the catacombs are a maze of tombs carved into rock when Romans and Egyptians shared this coast. I climbed down a spiral stairwell and found rooms where painted figures mixed Greek and Egyptian styles in a way I have never seen elsewhere. The blend of cultures in the carving is a reminder that Alexandria was built on trade and exchange, not isolation.
Wander the Corniche at Sunset
The Corniche is a long seaside road, and my favorite thing was simply walking it. Locals fish off the low seawall, families sit on benches, and vendors sell corn and juice. At sunset the light goes soft and pink over the harbor, and the whole city seems to slow down. I walked from one end toward the fort and it became the memory I keep telling people about.
Visit Fort Qaitbay
At the western end of the Corniche sits Fort Qaitbay, built on the site where the Pharos lighthouse once stood. The fort is small and stone, and I liked it best for the setting, perched right on the harbor lip with the sea on every side. Climbing its brief walkways gives you views back along the whole waterfront.
Browse the Roman Amphitheater Site
Not far inland, the Kom el-Dikka site holds a well preserved Roman amphitheater discovered by chance during construction. I sat on the stone steps and pictured crowds here nearly two thousand years ago. The surrounding excavation also shows layers of older Alexandria, which made me appreciate how deep the city runs.
Eat Seafood Overlooking the Harbor
Alexandria is a fishing city, and the food proves it. I picked a waterfront restaurant and ordered grilled sea bream with rice and salad, and it was among the best seafood I have had, at a price that made me double check the bill. Ask for whatever came in that morning and let the kitchen cook it simply.
Haggle in the Old Souks
Away from the shore, the older shopping streets are full of fabric, spice, and household goods. I wandered partway into the souk and bought saffron and a small woven bag, and the sellers were patient with my halting Arabic. Come with small bills and an open mind; the browsing alone is worth it.
Walk the Grounds of the old Mosque of Abu al-Abbas
This mosque on the eastern edge is large and graceful, with a pale facade that stands out against the water. I am not Muslim, but I walked the clean marble courtyard with respect and enjoyed the quiet symmetry of the buildings. It sits near a stretch of the Corniche that is calmer than the center, good for a lingering stroll.
Trace the City Through Its Old Coffeehouses
Downtown Alexandria has historic cafes with high ceilings, mirrors, and slow service, places where people still sit for hours over tea or coffee. I stopped at one and watched an old man play dominoes while a radio murmured in the corner. Nothing grand happened, and that was the point; these rooms preserve a slower Alexandria.
Make a Trip to the Montaza Palace Gardens
A short taxi ride east brings you to the Montaza, a royal estate on the coast with large manicured gardens running down to the sea. I walked the shaded paths between palms and flowers, then lay on the grass near the water. It is the greenest, most relaxed part of the city, and a good way to close a trip.
Alexandria will not wow you with grand single sights the way Cairo does. Its pull is slower, built on atmosphere, history layered under a busy modern port town, and the sea on every horizon. Take it at walking pace, eat the fish, sit by the water, and let the city’s long story filter through the everyday rhythms. That is the Alexandria I left loving.
