What to See in Alexandria

On a first visit, prioritize the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, Pompey's Pillar, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the Citadel of Qaitbay, with a walk along the Corniche between them. With more time, add the Roman Theatre at Kom el-Dikka, the Alexandria National Museum or the Graeco-Roman Museum, and the gardens of Montaza.

Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC and became the capital of the Ptolemies, the Greek-Macedonian dynasty that ruled Egypt until Cleopatra. It was one of the great cities of the ancient world, famous for its lighthouse, the Pharos, and its library. Neither survives, and much of the ancient city lies beneath the modern one or under the waters of the harbor.

That shapes how you should approach a visit. Alexandria is not a city of grand standing temples like Luxor. Its sights are scattered, varied, and best understood by theme: Roman-era archaeology, the modern library, the medieval waterfront and the cosmopolitan city of the 19th and 20th centuries. This guide sets out the essential sights, what to add with more time and how to group them.

The four core sights

Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa

The catacombs are a remarkable archaeological site in Alexandria. Dating mainly from the Roman period, this underground burial complex is reached by a spiral staircase and descends several levels into the rock. What makes it special is the mix of styles: Egyptian gods appear in Roman dress, and classical architecture frames traditional Egyptian funerary scenes. The main tomb chamber is the highlight, and the adjoining galleries hold hundreds of burial niches. Allow about 45 minutes, and be aware that the lowest level can be affected by groundwater.

Pompey's Pillar and the Serapeum

A short drive from the catacombs, Pompey's Pillar is a single granite column about 27 m tall, standing on the hill where the Serapeum, a major temple of the god Serapis, once stood. Despite the name, it has nothing to do with Pompey; it was erected in honor of the Roman emperor Diocletian around the end of the third century AD. Around it you can see sphinxes, foundations of the temple and underground passages. The visit is short, around 30 minutes, and pairs naturally with the catacombs.

Bibliotheca Alexandrina

Opened in 2002, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a modern library and cultural center inspired by the memory of the ancient library, not a reconstruction of it. The building is striking: a vast tilted disc facing the sea, with walls carved with characters from scripts around the world. Inside, the main reading room descends in terraces under a ceiling designed to let in natural light. The complex includes museums, among them an antiquities museum and a manuscripts museum, as well as exhibition spaces and a planetarium. Allow at least an hour, more if you want to see the museums. Check current opening days before you go.

Citadel of Qaitbay

At the western tip of the Eastern Harbor, the Citadel of Qaitbay was built in the 15th century by the Mamluk sultan Qaitbay, on or near the site of the ancient Pharos lighthouse. Some of the lighthouse's stones are thought to have been reused in its construction. The fortress itself is handsome, with thick walls and views across the Mediterranean, and the walk out to it along the harbor is part of the experience. Allow 45 minutes to an hour.

Worth adding with more time

• Roman Theatre at Kom el-Dikka: a small but beautifully preserved Roman auditorium in the city center, with excavated baths, lecture halls, and the Villa of the Birds, which has fine floor mosaics.
• Alexandria National Museum: a well-organized museum in an Italianate mansion, covering the city's history from the pharaonic period through the Greco-Roman, Coptic, and Islamic eras. Good for context in about an hour.
• Graeco-Roman Museum: reopened after a long renovation, with a major collection of sculpture, coins, and objects from Alexandria's classical past.
• Montaza Palace Gardens: large seaside gardens at the eastern end of the city around a former royal palace, good for a walk and popular with local families. The palace itself is generally viewed from outside.
• Mosque of Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi: an elegant mosque near Qaitbay, an important religious site in the city. Visitors should dress modestly and avoid prayer times.
• Royal Jewelry Museum: a former palace displaying jewelry and decorative objects of Egypt's royal family, with lavish interiors.

Alexandria beyond the monuments

Part of Alexandria's appeal has nothing to do with tickets. The Corniche, the long waterfront road around the Eastern Harbor, is the city's living room, especially in the late afternoon and evening. The center around Raml Station and Saad Zaghloul Square still has old cafés, pastry shops, and grand early 20th-century buildings from the era when Alexandria was home to large Greek, Italian, and other communities. The old tram network, fish restaurants where you choose your catch, and the Attarine area's antique shops all give a sense of a city that feels distinctly Mediterranean. If you enjoy literature, the small museum in the former home of the poet Constantine Cavafy is a quiet stop for admirers of his work.

Grouping the sights by area

Alexandria stretches for many kilometers along the coast, and traffic can be slow, so grouping sights by area saves time.

One day or two?

With one day

On a day trip from Cairo, focus on the four core sights. Start with the catacombs and Pompey's Pillar, have lunch, then visit the Bibliotheca and finish at Qaitbay, ideally in time for late-afternoon light on the harbor. This is a full day, so avoid adding more than one extra stop.

With an overnight

With a night in the city, you can split the sights over two days, add Kom el-Dikka and one museum, walk the Corniche at sunset and enjoy a seafood dinner. A second morning also gives you time for Montaza or a half-day trip to Rosetta. Our Alexandria destination page has more ideas for longer stays.

Practical tips

• Pace yourself: the sights are spread out, so a car or private tour makes the day far more efficient than relying on taxis between every stop.
• Photography: rules vary by site and can change. Some places restrict photography inside, so check at the entrance.
• Dress: modest clothing is appropriate throughout the city, and essential at mosques, where women should cover their hair.
• Weather: Alexandria is milder than Cairo in summer but can be cool, windy, and rainy in winter. Bring a light jacket from December to February.
• Opening days and hours: these change, especially at the Bibliotheca and museums, so check current details or ask us before you plan your day.

Frequently asked questions

What should I not miss in Alexandria?

The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, Pompey's Pillar, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the Citadel of Qaitbay make a strong first-time combination. Together they cover Roman-era archaeology, the modern library and the medieval waterfront. Add a walk along the Corniche to understand the city's character.

Can I see the ancient Library or Lighthouse of Alexandria?

No, neither survives. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a modern institution inspired by the ancient library, and the Citadel of Qaitbay stands on or near the site of the Pharos lighthouse. Museums in the city display objects that help you picture the ancient city.

Are there Ptolemaic sites to visit in Alexandria?

Alexandria's Ptolemaic remains are fragmentary because the modern city occupies the same ground and parts of the ancient city lie underwater. Most visible sites date from the Roman period. The Graeco-Roman Museum and the Alexandria National Museum provide useful context for the Ptolemaic era.

How many hours do I need in Alexandria?

A full day of eight to nine hours on the ground is enough for the four core sights, not counting the drive from Cairo. An overnight lets you add museums, Kom el-Dikka, and the waterfront at a relaxed pace. Two nights suit travelers who want day trips to Rosetta or El Alamein.

Is the Corniche worth visiting?

Yes. The Corniche is part of Alexandria's identity even though it is not a ticketed site. Late afternoon and evening are the best times, when the light is soft and the waterfront is full of local life.

If you would like help deciding how much of Alexandria fits your itinerary, tell us about your trip and we will suggest a plan that matches your time and interests.