Overview
Alexandria sits on Egypt's Mediterranean coast roughly 220 km northwest of Cairo, strung along a narrow strip of land between the sea and Lake Mariout. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE, it served for centuries as the intellectual and commercial capital of the ancient world, home to the legendary Library and the Lighthouse of Pharos — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Today Alexandria is Egypt's second-largest city, a working port with a population of over five million. Its character is distinctly different from Cairo: the pace is somewhat slower, the seafront is the social spine of the city, and the European-influenced architecture of the 19th and early 20th centuries is visible in peeling belle-époque facades along the Corniche and in older residential districts.
For travelers, Alexandria offers a layered experience — Ptolemaic catacombs beneath busy streets, a world-class modern library built on the site of the ancient one, remnants of a Roman amphitheatre, and a seafood culture tied to the Mediterranean. The city rewards curiosity and walking, but managing expectations about the state of some heritage sites and the density of urban traffic is important.
Before You Go
Visas
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Egypt. For current requirements and how to apply, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult Egypt's official immigration authority or your nearest Egyptian consulate before booking.
Health
No vaccinations are universally mandated for entry from all countries, but hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine immunizations are commonly recommended. Consult a travel health clinic 4–6 weeks before departure. Tap water in Alexandria is not reliably safe to drink — bottled or filtered water is the standard choice for visitors.
Money
ATMs are available throughout the city. Currency exchange is possible at banks, licensed exchange offices, and many hotels. Carrying some smaller-denomination Egyptian Pound notes is useful for markets, taxis, and tips. Verify current exchange rates and any limits on currency import or export locally or through official channels.
Weather context
Summer (June–August) is hot and humid, with temperatures often above 30 °C. The city does receive more rainfall than Cairo — mostly between November and February — and can feel cool and grey in the heart of winter. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for sightseeing.
Getting There
By Air
Alexandria Borg el Arab International Airport (HBE) is the main commercial airport, located roughly 45 km southwest of the city centre. It handles international and domestic flights. A second smaller airport, Alexandria El Nouzha, has been used for limited domestic services — verify its current status before relying on it. Transfer time from Borg el Arab to the city centre can vary significantly depending on traffic; confirm transport options on arrival.
By Train
Egyptian National Railways operates frequent services between Cairo Ramses Station and Alexandria's Misr Station (also called Sidi Gaber in some references). The journey takes roughly 2–2.5 hours on faster express trains. Trains are a popular and practical option; booking in advance, especially for first-class carriages, is advisable during public holidays and summer weekends.
By Road
Inter-city buses and minibuses connect Alexandria with Cairo and other Egyptian cities. Several private bus operators run the Cairo–Alexandria route; verify schedules and companies locally. Driving from Cairo via the Desert Road or the Agricultural Road is feasible but unfamiliar road conditions and traffic around both cities require attention.
Getting Around
Alexandria's main attractions are spread along and just behind the 20-km Corniche, making orientation relatively straightforward once you understand the east–west layout of the waterfront.
Taxis and ride-hailing: Yellow metered taxis operate in the city; agreeing on a fare before departure or insisting on the meter is advisable. Ride-hailing apps available in Egypt (verify current availability) offer a more predictable pricing experience for visitors.
Trams: Alexandria has one of the oldest tram networks in Africa, though the system is old and can be slow and crowded. It remains a genuinely local experience and can be useful for short hops along the waterfront corridor. Verify operational status of specific lines on arrival.
Minibuses and microbuses: Cheap, frequent, and used by residents — they follow fixed routes but can be confusing without Arabic and local knowledge. Not generally the easiest option for first-time visitors.
Walking: The Corniche, the area around the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Eastern Harbour, and the downtown district around Saad Zaghloul Square are reasonably walkable, though traffic and pavement conditions vary. Sun protection and water are essential in warmer months.
Things to See & Do
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
The modern library, opened in 2002, stands near the site of the ancient Library of Alexandria. It is a significant architectural and cultural landmark housing a large book collection, several museums (including a manuscript museum and a science museum), and a planetarium. It hosts exhibitions and events year-round. Verify opening hours and admission fees directly with the library before visiting.
Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
Considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages, these Roman-era burial chambers (1st–2nd century CE) descend several levels underground and blend Egyptian and Greco-Roman artistic styles in a striking way. Among the most important archaeological sites in Alexandria. Verify current access and fees locally.
Qaitbay Citadel
Built in the 15th century by Sultan Qaitbay on the site where the ancient Lighthouse of Pharos once stood, this fortress juts into the Eastern Harbour and offers views across the water. The structure itself is historically significant and photogenic.
Pompey's Pillar and the Serapeum
A single massive granite column — the largest of its kind outside Constantinople when erected — stands in the western part of the city alongside sphinx statues and underground galleries. The site is often less crowded than other major attractions.
Graeco-Roman Museum
This museum holds one of the most important collections of artifacts from the Hellenistic and Roman periods in Egypt. Note: check current operational status before visiting, as the museum has undergone renovation periods.
The Corniche
A simple walk or drive along the seafront promenade at different times of day — early morning, late afternoon, evening — reveals the rhythm of Alexandrian daily life. The Eastern Harbour and the Stanley Beach area each have distinct atmospheres.
Montazah Palace Gardens
The grounds of the former royal palace at the eastern edge of the city offer gardens, beaches, and a quieter escape from the urban density. Access to the palace building itself may be restricted; verify locally.
Food & Drink
Alexandria's food culture is rooted in its Mediterranean position and its fishing heritage. Seafood is central — fresh fish, shrimp, calamari, and shellfish, often sold by weight and cooked simply (grilled, fried, or baked). The Fish Market area near the Eastern Harbour has long been associated with this tradition, though the restaurant landscape changes over time.
Local staples to try:
- Ful medames: slow-cooked fava beans, a breakfast staple across Egypt
- Ta'meya: Egyptian-style falafel made with fava beans rather than chickpeas
- Koshari: a street food of lentils, rice, pasta, and spiced tomato sauce — ubiquitous and filling
- Fresh seafood: ask for the catch of the day and confirm pricing before ordering, as fish is often priced by the kilogram
- Fiteer: a layered pastry that can be savory or sweet
Coffee culture is present in the form of traditional ahwas (coffeehouses), where Egyptian coffee or tea is served and locals linger for hours. Alcohol is available in some restaurants and licensed establishments, though it is not universally served; Alexandria, like Egypt generally, has a predominantly Muslim population and alcohol is less prominent than in some other Mediterranean destinations. Soft drinks, fresh juice bars, and sugarcane juice stalls are common throughout the city.
Shopping
Alexandria is not primarily a shopping destination in the way that some other cities are, but there are worthwhile options for those interested in local goods.
Attarine Market: One of the older bazaar areas in the city, known for antiques, used furniture, and curiosities. Quality and authenticity vary widely — bargain carefully and buy what you genuinely like rather than assuming something is a valuable antique.
Downtown streets around Saad Zaghloul Square: A mix of small shops selling everyday goods, clothing, and souvenirs. It offers an authentic slice of city commerce.
Souvenirs: Papyrus items, small figurines, and Egyptian cotton products are widely available. Egyptian cotton is a legitimate local product — look for reputable shops rather than tourist-trap stalls if textile quality matters to you.
Bargaining is customary in markets and informal shops; fixed prices are the norm in larger stores and pharmacies. Confirm prices before committing to a purchase, particularly for anything sold by weight or measure.
Practical Information
Emergency Numbers
Verify current local emergency numbers (police, ambulance, fire) on arrival or through your accommodation, as these can vary and should be confirmed from a reliable local source.
Connectivity
SIM cards from Egyptian mobile operators are available at the airport and in the city. Data packages are generally affordable; verify current plans and coverage from providers on arrival. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and in many cafes.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are numerous and generally identifiable by a green crescent sign. Pharmacists often speak some English and can assist with minor ailments. Confirm any prescription medication requirements before travel.
Tipping
Tipping (baksheesh) is a customary and expected part of daily transactions in Egypt — for restaurant service, hotel staff, drivers, and guides. Small amounts in Egyptian Pounds are appropriate in most situations.
Prayer times and Ramadan
Friday is the main day of communal prayer; some businesses have reduced hours around Friday midday prayer. During Ramadan, restaurant and cafe hours shift significantly, with many places closed during daylight hours and busy after iftar (the breaking of the fast at sunset). Traveling during Ramadan requires some planning but can also offer a culturally rich experience.
Safety
Alexandria is generally considered one of Egypt's more relaxed cities for travelers, with a lower intensity of hustling compared to some other tourist-heavy destinations. Standard urban precautions apply: be aware of your surroundings, keep valuables secured, and avoid displaying expensive items unnecessarily.
Petty theft and scams targeting tourists (inflated prices, unsolicited guiding, commission-based shops) occur, as they do in most major cities with a tourist economy. Being politely firm and having a sense of where you are going reduces exposure to these situations.
Road traffic is a genuine hazard — pedestrian crossings are not always respected, and crossing multi-lane roads requires attention and patience. Female travelers may experience unwanted attention on the street; many women find that dressing modestly (covering shoulders and knees) reduces this, though it does not eliminate it. Traveling with a companion, particularly in the evening, is a preference reported by many solo female visitors.
Always check your government's current travel advisories for Egypt before departure, as the security situation can change. Register with your embassy or consulate if your country offers this service.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Alexandria carries a layered cultural identity that sets it apart from other Egyptian cities. Its history as a Hellenistic, then Roman, then Byzantine, then Arab, then Ottoman, and finally briefly European-influenced city means that traces of multiple civilizations coexist in its architecture, neighborhoods, and family histories. The cosmopolitan city of the 19th and early 20th centuries — home to significant Greek, Italian, Jewish, and other communities — has largely faded, but its legacy persists in the built fabric and in Alexandrian self-perception.
Egyptian customs around hospitality, modesty, and religious observance apply here as elsewhere in the country. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon. Dress modestly when visiting mosques, churches, or synagogues — cover your head (for women entering mosques), shoulders, and legs. Remove shoes when required at religious sites.
Alexandria has significant communities of Coptic Christians alongside its Muslim majority, and several historic churches and the Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue (verify access and current status) reflect the city's multi-faith history. Respectful curiosity toward all communities is appropriate. Photography of people should always be preceded by a request; photographing security installations, military sites, or government buildings is inadvisable and may be prohibited.
