About Alexandria, Egypt
As Egypt's second-largest city, Alexandria provides a distinct travel experience from Cairo, focusing on its Greco-Roman past and vibrant seaside life. Visitors arrive primarily for its historical sites, breezy corniche, and fresh seafood, making it an ideal destination for cultural exploration and relaxation.
Travel Tips
Saudi and GCC nationals enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days; verify passport validity.
Carry Egyptian Pounds (EGP) for local markets and taxis, as cash is preferred.
Use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem for reliable city transport.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites or traditional areas.
Places to Visit
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
culturalA modern architectural marvel, this library houses millions of books, museums, and a planetarium, echoing the ancient Great Library's legacy.
Citadel of Qaitbay
landmarkA 15th-century fortress built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, offering sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea from its Anfoushi location.
Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
landmarkExplore this unique three-level underground necropolis, showcasing a blend of Pharaonic, Greek, and Roman funerary art in the Karmouz district.
Montazah Palace Gardens
natureWander through the sprawling royal gardens surrounding King Farouk's former summer palace, featuring lush greenery and access to private Mediterranean coves in Montaza.
Pompey's Pillar & Serapeum
landmarkWitness the monumental 285-ton granite column towering over the ancient Serapeum temple ruins, flanked by sphinx statues in Karmouz.
Roman Amphitheatre of Kom El-Dikka
landmarkDiscover Egypt's only Roman amphitheater with 13 tiers of marble seating, alongside ancient Roman bath and villa remains in Downtown Alexandria.
Alexandria National Museum
museumHoused in an Italianate mansion, this museum presents Alexandria's history through Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, and Islamic artifacts, located on Tariq El-Horreya.
Things to Do
Explore Cleopatra's Sunken Palace
outdoorFor certified divers, explore the submerged ruins of Cleopatra's palace and ancient statues off the Eastern Harbor seabed.
Visit the Royal Jewelry Museum
cultureAdmire the opulent treasures of the Muhammad Ali dynasty, including diamonds and gold, housed in a grand Zizinia mansion.
Wander the Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque
religiousExperience the beauty of Alexandria's historic mosque in Anfoushi, known for its cream-colored domes and towering minarets.
Dine at the Anfoushi Fish Market
foodSelect fresh Mediterranean seafood and have it grilled to order at the bustling local eateries near the Citadel.
Experience historic café culture
foodSip traditional Egyptian coffee and shisha at heritage venues like Trianon or Brazilian Coffee Stores in Downtown Alexandria.
Stroll the Corniche at sunset
outdoorWalk along Alexandria's iconic waterfront promenade during golden hour, enjoying the Mediterranean breeze with locals.
Retail therapy at San Stefano Mall
shoppingBrowse a wide array of premium local and international retail brands in one of Alexandria's largest luxury shopping centers.
Picnic in Montazah Gardens
familyEnjoy a relaxed family afternoon among the sprawling, palm-shaded lawns of the historic royal grounds.
Areas to Stay
Downtown Alexandria (Al Raml)
Ideal for culture enthusiasts and budget travelers, this historic area offers walkable access to heritage cafes, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and the Corniche.
Roshdy & Stanley
Perfect for couples and families seeking a balance of city life and seaside calm, with scenic bay views and immediate access to Stanley Bridge.
San Stefano
A luxurious and modern district, home to high-end hotels and a premier shopping mall, suitable for business or luxury travelers seeking top-tier services.
Montaza
A quiet, green, resort-style retreat at the city's eastern edge, perfect for families and relaxation seekers prioritizing space and private beach access.
Best Time to Visit Alexandria
Alexandria is most pleasant during spring and autumn, offering mild weather ideal for exploring. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are cooler with occasional rain, but generally mild.
| Month | High (°C) | Low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
January | 18° | 9° | 50 |
February | 19° | 10° | 30 |
March | 21° | 12° | 15 |
April | 24° | 14° | 5 |
May | 27° | 17° | 2 |
June | 29° | 20° | 0 |
July | 30° | 22° | 0 |
August | 30° | 23° | 0 |
September | 29° | 21° | 2 |
October | 27° | 18° | 10 |
November | 23° | 14° | 30 |
December | 19° | 11° | 60 |
September to November, and March to May (mild weather, ideal for sightseeing)
June to August (hot and humid, fewer tourists, potential for lower fares)
Cost of Living
- Currency
- Egyptian Pound (EGP)
- Language
- Arabic
- Timezone
- Africa/Cairo (UTC+2)
- Budget meal
- Approximate 50-100 EGP per person at local eateries
- Mid-range meal
- Approximate 200-400 EGP per person at sit-down restaurants
- Public transport
- Approximate 5-10 EGP for a single bus or tram ride; prices vary
- Coffee shop
- Approximate 70-120 EGP for a specialty coffee at a café
Quick Facts
- Airport
- Borg El Arab International Airport (HBE)
- Country
- Egypt
- Currency
- Egyptian Pound (EGP)
- Language
- Arabic
- Flight demand
- Moderate
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Destination
Alexandria is renowned for its rich Greco-Roman history, the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and its vibrant Mediterranean coastal atmosphere. It offers a distinct cultural experience from Cairo.
Yes, Alexandria is family-friendly, offering attractions like the Montazah Palace Gardens, the Alexandria Aquarium, and the Planetarium Science Center, alongside safe beaches.
The currency used in Alexandria is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). You can exchange currency at banks, authorized exchange offices, and ATMs are widely available throughout the city.
Airport
Alexandria is served by Borg El Arab International Airport (HBE). It is located approximately 45-60 minutes west of the city center.
Yes, Borg El Arab International Airport (HBE) provides designated prayer rooms for Muslim travelers within its terminal.
Yes, travelers can easily purchase local SIM cards from major Egyptian operators like Vodafone, Orange, or Etisalat at kiosks inside Borg El Arab Airport upon arrival.
Getting Around
The most convenient options are taxis or ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem. Public buses also operate to Muharram Bek Bus Station, but taxis offer direct service.
Yes, popular ride-hailing apps such as Uber, Careem, and inDriver are widely available and recommended for getting around Alexandria reliably and with transparent pricing.
Public transport like buses and trams are available and inexpensive, but can be crowded and challenging to navigate without local knowledge. Ride-hailing apps or taxis are often preferred by tourists.
Culture & Etiquette
Tipping, or 'baksheesh,' is customary. Expect to tip 10-15% in restaurants and small amounts to service providers like porters, guides, and taxi drivers.
Modest dress is advisable, especially when visiting religious sites or traditional areas. Loose, conservative clothing respects local customs and is comfortable in the climate.
Yes, haggling is a common practice and expected in traditional markets like Mansheya. It's an opportunity to engage with local vendors and secure better prices.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Alexandria for pleasant weather is during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), when temperatures are mild and humidity is lower.
Summers in Alexandria (June-August) are typically hot and humid, with high temperatures. While popular for domestic tourism, international visitors might prefer cooler seasons for sightseeing.
