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.
If you're heading to the coast, don’t miss the Qaitbay Citadel Alexandria Egypt—it’s where history and sea views come together in the best way. Built in the 1400s on the ruins of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, this seaside fortress once guarded the city from naval attacks. Today, you can wander its stone walls, soak in panoramic views of the Mediterranean, and imagine the waves crashing against it centuries ago.
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.
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.
If you’re wandering through Alexandria and stumble upon the Roman Amphitheater, don’t just pass it by—it’s one of the coolest hidden gems in the city! Tucked in the Kom El-Dikka area, this ancient spot has 13 marble rows that once hosted concerts, speeches, and lively debates. It's the only amphitheater of its kind in Egypt, and standing there, you can almost hear the echoes of the past. It’s the perfect mix of history and surprise, right in the heart of the city.
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:
Montazah marina's lighthouse overlook presents a striking contrast between maritime history and Mediterranean beauty.
Stanley Bridge becomes especially photogenic at sunset, with its ornate architecture silhouetted in golden light.
The Corniche promenade offers dynamic shots where the ancient sea meets modern urban life.
Morning and late afternoon provide ideal lighting, turning the Mediterranean into a reflective mirror that highlights the city’s timeless connection to the sea.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Looking for unforgettable things to see in Alexandria? Our Egypt tours offer curated experiences through ancient wonders and vibrant culture. Reserve your spot and explore the magic!
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