16 Unique Things to Do in Alexandria, Egypt
Many people skip this city when they come to Egypt, or they rush through it on a day trip tour, but it completely stole my heart. It’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Egypt. In this post, I’ll help you with the top things to do in Alexandria, Egypt.
Between its vintage trams, charming streets, and horse carriages along the Corniche, it feels like you’ve stepped into another time.
Here’s how to spend the perfect weekend in Alexandria, Egypt.
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How to Get to Alexandria
From Alexandria Airport
Alexandria has an airport, Borg El Arab International Airport (HBE). However, it’s still a 45 to 1 hour taxi into the city as it’s located 40 km southwest of Alexandria’s city center.
From Cairo
From Cairo, you can get to Alexandria in many ways.
By Private Car
You can hire a taxi or an Uber ride for ~1,400 EGY ($30 USD). This is convenient if you’re traveling with others and you can split the cost.
Using the Swvl app
This ride-sharing app will allow you to book a ride to or from Alexandria in a shared shuttle. The cost is around 350 EGY ($7).
By Train
The only downside is that you can’t book tickets online as a foreigner. You must go to the train station ahead of time (tickets do sometimes sell out).
There are several trains you can take, but the best one to take is the new and very nice Talgo trains. The journey takes 2.5 hours, and the cost is around $25 USD for a second-class ticket and $30 USD for a first-class ticket.
You will leave from Ramses Train Station in Cairo, and when you arrive in Alexandria, you can call an Uber or get a taxi to your hotel or downtown Alexandria.
Be sure not to book the Egyptian fare ticket, as you will be fined on the train if you do!
How Long to Spend in Alexandria
I would recommend 2-3 days in Alexandria and a minimum of one night. I stayed for one night, and although I saw many of the highlights, it still felt a bit rushed. That’s because there’s a lot to see beyond the tourist trail in Alexandria. If you want to take your time to enjoy the beautiful European-style architecture, go to a few of the museums and sights, then make it 2 to 3 nights in Alexandria.
Private Guide in Alexandria
If discovering hidden gems is your thing, I highly recommend my guides, Maii and Maro. They are locals of Alexandria and can show you all the hidden gems and best things to do in Alexandria, Egypt. Most tours bring you to the Catacombs, the Corniche, and for lunch. Then, leave! I would say you’d not give justice at all to Alexandria if that’s all you did.
I was able to explore Alexandria and fall in love with its beauty with the help of my favorite guide in Egypt, Maii. Plus, she covers the whole of Egypt, not just Cairo. Tell her joujoutravels sent you for a discount!
Where to Stay in Alexandria
I recommend staying in downtown Alexandria so you’re within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and the very best things to do in Alexandria.
Grey Studios, Corniche: I stayed in the place pictured above with a sea view! As someone who is obsessed with hotels with a view, I highly recommend staying at this beautiful apartment overlooking the Corniche. It is in a really safe building with security. There’s a cute vintage elevator, and the building is really unique. The staff are very helpful and courteous.
Steigenberger Cecil Alexandria: A historic hotel in the heart of Alexandria. Located near the Corniche in Downtown Alexandria.
Four Seasons: A luxurious 5-star hotel on the Mediterranean coast. With beautifully designed rooms and suites with stunning sea views. Guests can enjoy a private beach, amazing food, a full-service spa, and impeccable service. Located near San Stefano / Raml Station.
Tolip Hotel: An affordable stay with access to a beach and rooms with sea views. Located in Eastern Corniche / Montaza.
Top 16 Things to Do in Alexandria
1. Enjoy Egyptian Breakfast
Start your morning with breakfast at Mohamed Ahmed Restaurant, a local favorite that’s been serving traditional Egyptian food for decades. Egyptian breakfast includes foul (mashed beans), falafel, tahini, and more.
2. Check out the Alexandria Library (The Bibliotheca)
The Bibliotheca is the most beautiful library, which has the capacity to hold 8 million books and has a collection of around 1 million books. Its design features a striking tilted-disc building with walls engraved in scripts from around the world.
Walking around here was truly impressive! I would love to use this place to work and relax. It’s such a quiet and unique space.
With your ticket, you can also visit the Antiquities Museum inside the library, where you’ll find ancient artifacts discovered during the library’s construction, including statues, coins, and pieces from the Pharaonic, Greek, and Roman eras. There’s also a Manuscript Museum, Science Museum, and even a Planetarium.
📍 Bibliotheca Alexandrina (Google Maps)
⏰ Opening Times: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Sunday–Thursday); Closed (Friday); 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Saturday)
💰 Entry: EGP 150 (≈ $3.16 USD)
3. See the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa is one of the top things to do in Alexandria. This impressive underground necropolis was built in the 2nd century AD. You’ll go down winding tunnels to discover burial chambers and intricate carvings. It was discovered by accident when a donkey tripped and fell down.
📍 Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa (Google Maps)
⏰ Opening Times: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (daily)
💰 Entry: EGP 200 (≈ $4.21 USD)
4. Visit the Citadel of Qaitbay
Visit the Citadel of Qaitbay, one of Alexandria’s most iconic historical landmarks and one of the best things to do in Alexandria. Built in the 15th century on the exact site of the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria, the citadel served as a defensive fortress guarding the Mediterranean coast.
When visiting, you can explore the ramparts and enjoy panoramic views of the harbor and city.
📍Citadel of Qaitbay (Google Maps)
⏰ Opening Times: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (daily)
💰 Entry: EGP 200 (≈ $4.21 USD)
5. Admire the jewelry at the Royal Jewelry Museum
A hidden gem in Alexandria is the Royal Jewelry Museum, a stunning collection of royal jewelry. The museum is located in actual palace, the former residence of Queen Farida. So part of the attraction is seeing the beautifully decorated rooms too!
The 20th-century architecture includes ornate frescos along the ceilings of the walls and the prettiest staircase leading up to more rooms full of jewelry. The collection of jewelry from Egypt’s royal family includes tiaras, necklaces, and ceremonial pieces.
One of my favorite rooms was actually the preserved bathrooms. It’s impressive to see how detailed even that was!
Note: When visiting, you’ll be asked to cover your shoes with plastic provided to protect the flooring.
📍 Royal Jewelry Museum (Google Maps)
⏰ Opening Times: 9:00 AM – 4:15 PM (daily)
💰 Entry: EGP 220 (≈ $4.63 USD)
6. See the Sidi Morsi Abu al-Abbas Mosque
Visit the Sidi Morsi Abu al-Abbas Mosque, one of Alexandria’s most iconic landmarks. It was built over the tomb of the 13th-century Sufi saint Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi. The mosque has stunning Andalusian-Islamic architecture, featuring a central dome surrounded by four smaller domes and a 73-meter minaret.
Located in the historic Anfoushi district overlooking the eastern port, it serves as both a place of worship and a famous landmark. To visit, you must cover your head, shoulders, arms, and knees.
📍 Sidi Morsi Abu al-Abbas Mosque (Google Maps)
⏰ Opening Times: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM (daily)
💰 Entry: Free
👗 Dress Code: Modest clothing required
7. Ride a Vintage Tram
Alexandria is famous for its historic tram system, one of the oldest in Africa and the Middle East, dating back to 1863. These trams, some of which are vintage wooden carriages, are an iconic part of the city’s charm.
They run along the Corniche and connect key districts like Raml Station, San Stefano, and Sidi Gaber. So be sure to ride one or at least take pictures of them as they are so photogenic. I also loved seeing all the vintage-looking cabs, buses, and cars roam the streets of Alexandria.
There are also horses on carriages going down the main streets. It’s such a cute city!
8. See Pompey’s Pillar & Serapeum
Another best thing to do in Alexandria is to see the last remaining pillar of the Serapeum, Pompey’s Pillar. It stands tall as one of the few ancient ruins left in Alexandria.
The Serapeum was a grand temple dedicated to the Greco-Egyptian god Serapis, built during the Ptolemaic period, but much of it was destroyed by earthquakes and later by Christian authorities in the 4th century, leaving only Pompey’s Pillar standing. It’s a massive 27-meter red granite column. There were a few attempts at reconstruction over the centuries, but the temple itself was never fully rebuilt.
📍 Serapeum of Alexandria (Google Maps)
⏰ Opening Times: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (daily)
💰 Entry: EGP 200 (≈ $4.20 USD)
9. Stop by the Ancient Roman Theatre
Visit the Roman Theatre in the Kom El-Dikka district. It’s a hidden gem in the heart of the city. You’ll be surprised how small it is compared to other famous amphitheatres across the world. The Ancient Roman Theatre has seating for around 600 spectators and has 13 rows of marble seats. Don’t miss the beautiful remains of Roman mosaics at the Bird room.
📍 Roman Theatre of Alexandria (Google Maps)
⏰ Opening Times: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (daily)
💰 Entry: EGP 200 (≈ $4.20 USD)
10. Attend a show at Alexandria Opera House
Attend a show at the Alexandria Opera House, also known as the Sayed Darwish Theatre. Built in 1918 and beautifully restored, the theater features Baroque-inspired architecture, gilded balconies, and ornate ceilings. You can watch the ballet, opera, listen to classical music, and see traditional Egyptian performances here. Even if you don’t attend a performance, the building itself is worth visiting. It’s named after Sayed Darwish, the father of modern Egyptian music.
11. Stroll through Fouad Street
Fouad Street in Alexandria is one of Egypt’s oldest and most charming streets, lined with grand colonial-era buildings, vintage cafés, and boutiques.
12. Tour the Alexandria National Museum
The Alexandria National Museum is housed in a beautifully restored Italian-style palace. The museum has artifacts spanning Pharaonic, Roman, Coptic, and Islamic periods. Inside, you will find decorated halls featuring statues, jewelry, pottery, and coins.
📍 Alexandria National Museum (Google Maps)
⏰ Opening Times: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (daily)
💰 Entry: EGP 220 (≈ $4.63 USD)
13. Watch the sunset at the Corniche
Admire the beautiful Corniche at sunset from your hotel with a view! I recommend staying at these apartments for the most stunning view.
You can also relax on Alexandria Beaches along the Corniche and Montaza areas.
14. Try the Street Food
Go on a food tour with a local and try the beef liver sandwich (trust me, it’s good and I was skeptical too). Plus, it’s a famous street food in Alexandria! I had one of the best beef shawarmas ever at Gad in Downtown Alexandria. Then finish off with some dessert like basbousa from El Halaby, the oldest dessert shop in Alexandria since 1909!
Book the amazing local guide I personally used and recommend – ask for Maii or Maro and tell them I sent you for a discount!
15. See the Montaza Palace & Gardens
See the Montaza Palace and Gardens, one of Alexandria’s most picturesque landmarks. Built in the early 20th century by Khedive Abbas II, the last ruler of Egypt’s royal family. The surrounding gardens stretch over 150 acres, filled with palm trees, flowers, and shaded walking paths that lead to the shoreline. You can also relax at the nearby Montaza Beach.
16. Ride a Boat along the Mediterranean
One of the most enjoyable ways to experience Alexandria is by taking a boat ride along the Mediterranean coast. Whether you hop on a colorful local boat from the Eastern Harbor near the Citadel of Qaitbay or join a short private cruise from the Stanley Bridge area, you’ll get stunning views of the Corniche, the city skyline, and the open sea.
Locals often offer short rides (10–30 minutes), and prices are usually negotiable, averaging EGP 100–300 depending on duration and group size.
Heading to Aswan, Luxor, and other parts of Egypt? Then check out my 10-day Egypt Itinerary below!
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