Alexandria, Egypt’s second-largest city with nearly six million residents, was founded over 2,300 years ago by Alexander the Great. Once home to Queen Cleopatra and the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—the city blends rich history with modern vitality. Its enduring legacy is seen in landmarks like the Citadel of Qaitbay and the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, making it a compelling stop on any Egypt tours itinerary.
In the modern era, the stunning Bibliotheca Alexandrina symbolizes Alexandria’s renewed commitment to knowledge. This guide explores the city's historical sites, cultural gems, Mediterranean charm, and world-class seafood traditions.
The Citadel of Qaitbay, built between 1477 and 1479 AD by Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaitbay, stands on the ruins of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. After earthquakes destroyed the lighthouse, Qaitbay repurposed its stones to create a formidable limestone fortress guarding Alexandria’s eastern harbor.
Spanning 17,550 square meters, the citadel showcases strategic military design, with layered defenses and half-circular bastions, reflecting its crucial role in protecting the city from naval threats during medieval conflicts.
Discovered by accident in 1900, Alexandria's Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa date from the 2nd to 4th centuries CE and are celebrated as one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages. This underground necropolis blends Egyptian, Greek, and Roman styles in its tombs, statues, and frescoes.
Visitors descend a spiral staircase into chambers featuring burial niches and a triclinium, where families once held funerary feasts. The site's name, meaning "Mound of Shards," reflects the broken pottery left behind by mourners in rituals of remembrance and reverence.
Pompey's Pillar, a towering granite column built between 298–302 AD to honor Emperor Diocletian—not Pompey—remains Alexandria’s only ancient monument still in its original location. Standing 26.85 meters tall and weighing around 285 tons, it showcases Roman engineering excellence.
Nearby, the well-preserved Roman Amphitheater, unearthed in 1960, features thirteen marble seating rows for 600 spectators. Once used for performances and later Byzantine meetings, it highlights Alexandria’s cultural and political significance during the Greco-Roman era.
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina, completed in 2002, symbolizes Alexandria's revival as a global center of knowledge. Designed like a giant sundial facing the Mediterranean, its circular architecture bridges past and present. The vast main reading room spans 20,000 square meters across eleven levels, once making it the world's largest.
Its granite exterior, engraved with 120 writing systems, represents universal knowledge. More than a library, the complex houses research centers, museums, galleries, exhibitions, and a planetarium. Its global stature grew in 2009 with the addition of 500,000 volumes from France's national library, making it the sixth-largest Francophone library.
The Graeco-Roman Museum, founded in 1892 by archaeologist Giuseppe Botti, was Egypt’s first institution dedicated to preserving antiquities. Its neoclassical building, opened in 1895, showcases Alexandria’s rich Greek and Roman heritage. Recent acquisitions include marble statues of Emperor Marcus Aurelius and Hercules. Currently under restoration, the museum will soon reopen with modernized exhibits to better highlight its culturally significant collections.
Wadi el Natrun, about 90 minutes from Alexandria, is a key site in early Christian history and the birthplace of monasticism. Founded by Saint Macarius around 330 AD, it once housed 700 monasteries devoted to prayer and study.
Today, four ancient monasteries remain active, preserving centuries-old spiritual traditions. Each day begins at 3:00 AM with bells calling monks to prayer and labor, continuing a legacy of devotion that has survived for over 1,500 years.
The Mediterranean coastline beckons visitors to pause and absorb Alexandria's natural splendor after hours spent among ancient monuments and cultural institutions. These azure waters have witnessed empires rise and fall, yet today they offer tranquil moments where history meets horizon in perfect harmony.
Eastern Alexandria's Montaza complex, once a royal retreat, spans 150 acres of lush gardens and coastal beauty. At its heart stands El-Haramlek Palace, built in 1932, blending Ottoman and Florentine styles with striking towers and Renaissance details. The grounds feature winding paths, exotic plants, and palm trees, creating a serene escape scented with jasmine and sea air. Visitors can enjoy cafés, private beaches, and accommodations, all offering scenic views of this historic royal estate.
Stanley neighborhood highlights Egypt’s Mediterranean architectural legacy with its elegant 400-meter bridge, completed in 2001. Featuring Italian Florentine design and Islamic-style towers, it reflects Alexandria’s royal-era aesthetics. The adjacent Corniche serves as the city’s social hub, where locals enjoy sunsets, fishermen cast lines, and couples stroll along the promenade—affectionately known as "Lovers Bridge."
Photography enthusiasts can capture Alexandria’s coastal charm from several key locations:
These moments showcase more than scenery—they reflect Alexandria’s deep, historic bond with the Mediterranean.
Alexandria's culinary heritage reflects centuries of Mediterranean influence, creating a distinctive food culture that sets this coastal city apart from the rest of Egypt. The marriage of fresh seafood with ancient spices tells the story of a port city where cultures have mingled for millennia.
Alexandria, Egypt's seafood capital, offers fresh, authentic dining experiences shaped by its Mediterranean location. At Fish Market near the Eastern Harbor, guests choose their catch from the day’s haul, with dishes like sayadieh and sayadia showcasing local flavors.
The Greek Club Restaurant reflects the city’s multicultural heritage with Mediterranean-style grilled fish and stunning sea views. White and Blue Restaurant adds refinement with dishes like samak singari in tahini sauce, blending tradition with modern culinary flair.
Old Town Alexandria offers a glimpse into daily life through its food vendors and historic eateries. Mornings begin with the scents of ful medames and ta'ameya, while century-old cafés near Saad Zaghloul Square serve Egyptian coffee with basbousa and konafa, fostering lively social gatherings. At Souq Ibrahimiyya, visitors experience the city's rich culinary and artisanal heritage through unique spice blends and handcrafted goods.
Alexandria's dining culture emphasizes leisurely, social meals, typically enjoyed between 2–4 PM. Signature dishes like roz bi laban (rice pudding) and feteer reflect the region’s sweet and savory balance. Unlike Cairo’s fast pace, Alexandria encourages diners to linger, savoring food as fishermen return with the day’s catch—highlighting the city’s deep connection to the sea and its Mediterranean culinary traditions.
Alexandria is a Mediterranean city that blends ancient history with vibrant coastal life, offering a rich cultural experience beyond typical tourist routes. Its landmarks—like the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Pompey’s Pillar, and the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina—reflect a unique fusion of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman heritage.
The sea shapes daily life, from fresh seafood and scenic Corniche walks to the city’s relaxed, contemplative pace. Alexandria's culinary traditions and evolving cultural identity make it a deeply rewarding destination for travelers seeking history, authenticity, and inspiration in a setting where human creativity meets natural beauty.
Q1. What are the must-visit historical sites in Alexandria, Egypt?
For history enthusiasts in Alexandria, the top historical sites include the Citadel of Qaitbay, which stands on the very spot of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria. You should also explore the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, a fascinating underground wonder dating back to the 2nd century, and the imposing Pompey's Pillar along with the nearby Roman Amphitheater.
Q2. Is the famous Library of Alexandria, Egypt, still in existence today?
While the original ancient Library of Alexandria no longer stands, its legacy continues in the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina. This impressive architectural marvel, opened in 2002, has the capacity to house eight million books and attracts over 1.4 million visitors each year, serving as a vibrant cultural and intellectual hub in Alexandria.
Q3. What are some relaxing spots to enjoy Mediterranean views in Alexandria, Egypt?
For stunning Mediterranean vistas in Alexandria, you can visit the beautiful Montaza Palace and Gardens, take a leisurely stroll along the iconic Alexandria Corniche, or simply enjoy the scenic views from Stanley Bridge. These locations offer picturesque settings perfect for relaxation and photography.
Q4. What type of cuisine is Alexandria, Egypt, best known for?
Alexandria is particularly renowned for its seafood. Local culinary favorites include sayadieh (fish served with spiced rice) and sayadia (a flavorful fish soup). The city's food scene also boasts a unique fusion of Mediterranean and Egyptian flavors, a true reflection of its diverse cultural history.
Q5. How many days should I plan to spend exploring Alexandria, Egypt?
While some visitors opt for a day trip from Cairo, Alexandria truly merits several days of exploration. To fully appreciate its rich historical sites, diverse cultural attractions, Mediterranean charm, and vibrant culinary scene, spending multiple days allows for a more relaxed pace and a deeper immersion into the city's unique atmosphere, whether you're combining it with Nile cruises or focusing solely on the city.
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