Why Should You Visit Alexandria?
Top Reasons to Visit Alexandria Egypt & What to See
Visiting Alexandria, Egypt, is to meet a city of street and strand is whispering through each every ancient excellence and present-day glory. Whether you yearn to tread the paths of previous empires or purely enjoy warmth from a Mediterranean beach, Alexandria offers an array of experiences. This guidebook leads you around its storied past, vibrant culture spots and tranquil escape along the coastlines, allowing for an extraordinary visit to Alexandria, Egypt. So, set your map now and travel to Alexandria!
About Alexandria, Egypt
- Alexandria is perfect combination of a historical heritage and a ancient city. The place provides a variety of opportunities from walking along ancient ruins and exploring historical sites like the Citadel of Qaitbay to sunbathing in picturesque sandy beaches of the Mediterranean coast.
- Alexandria’s extraordinary modern-library Bibliotheca Alexandrina, which reflects the ancient royal Windsor Palace Hotel, gives visitors a glimpse of city’s rich historical background with a combination of antiquity and royal’s exclusive experience.
- Cultural and culinary explorations in Alexandria are plentiful, with options ranging from visiting museums filled with antiquities to savoring the fresh catch at lively local fish markets and dining in restaurants with scenic sea views.
Exploring the Lure of Alexandria, Egypt’s Coastal Jewel
Alexandria provides a harmonious combination of solary views of the Mediterranean and an vast history. The ancient citywas established by the famous Alexander the Great in the period of 332 BC. Thus, throughout the years, it has gained a reputation and is well regarded as the source of culture. It was holding the status of Egypt’s capital till the nation fell under the attacks of the Arab. At present, Alexandria is considered the country’s second-biggest city and is yet performing as a high-priority seaport and center of industry. The city’s function in history is undoubtful.
Beyond its remarkable past. Graced with a unique atmospheric allure unlike the more desert-dominated landscapes in Egypt. Blessed by its near perfect geographical location on this tempting coast makes Alexandria an exciting fusion of all the divergent, at times contrasting, components of World Culture that have chosen to settle on her shores. There is an alluring spate of experiences promising to lead those interested in antiquity to sandy beaches or, at the other end of the scale, immersive cultural escapades.
The Legacy of the Ancient World in a Modern Metropolis
Every step through Alexandria reveals its storied past as a formidable ancient world metropolis. Currently the second-largest city in Egypt, Alexandria stands as an enduring emblem of its historic significance during times when it flourished under the dominion of Ptolemaic, Roman, and Byzantine rulers. It beautifully marries Greek and Roman cultural influences despite having faced decline in the 18th century before revitalizing itself in the 19th century to integrate with Egypt’s burgeoning national consciousness.
Alexandria today offers real charm that is not just about tourist attractions. It is a living museum, where the ancient comfortably coexists with the brand-new. It is the place to visit for every person looking for a kaleidoscope of culture and economy alike, and there is simply no such in Egypt. Therefore, for a historian wanting to plunge into the history of Alexandria, no other place in the country can offer so much interaction with the city’s glorious Greco-Roman past.
How to Explore Alexandria’s Rich Cultural Heritage?
Think of wandering along through the historic streets of Alexandria, where each step reveals new depths of history that have been pivotal in shaping the Mediterranean world. Having served as Egypt’s capital for over a millennium, this city thrived as a center of commerce and scholarly activity throughout the Greco-Roman era , underscoring its substantial impact across the region. Its significance in church politics and religious studies underscores its critical role in early Christianity.
Alexandria is located between ancient walls. It overlooks the clear Mediterranean Sea. Alexandria has long been the center of global maritime connections and has spread Greek culture. People are excited to explore Alexandria and discover its wonders.
- What used to be the center of Greek culture is now a lively, diverse city.
- The historical landmarks are adorable with their centuries-old simplicity.
- Enjoy the lively atmosphere of the bustling local markets.
- The locals are proud of their delicious cuisine.
- The gorgeous seashore offers stunning beaches.
Alexandria stands out as a prominent port city, having an unique essence.
Discover the magnificent architectural wonders of Alexandria
One must see it while walking around Alexandria. This city vividly depicts its history and intertwines it with what we see today. All layers of this city are in a walk-in format: ancient civilizations and their glorious temples and statues, crucial moments in the more recent formulation of the nation and its victories, and these outstanding achievements and dreams on behalf of our present reality. Here, history is not only on paper but depicted on the walls of mighty fortresses, large palaces, and historical-age libraries.
You can visit the old heart of Alexandria or the modern uptown area. You will see many beautiful old buildings there. The old parts of the city and the newer parts have different styles. Both offer exciting sights to see. Alexandria was a major center for literature and the cotton trade in the 19th century. This greatly impacted the city. Alexandria has many beautiful historic buildings that visitors can explore. The city’s architecture from that period is awe-inspiring and opulent.
6 Best Places To Visit In Alexandria
Below are some of Alexandria’s most famous attractions that give you a wonderful view of the city’s historic past.
Fort Qaitbey: Where Ancient Meets Medieval
The Citadel of Qaitbay is a strong fortress in Alexandria. It was built on the same spot where the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria stood. The Lighthouse was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Citadel was built between 1477 and 1479 by Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qa’it Bay. This fort was made to protect against attacks, like during the Ottoman expansion. It also held political prisoners.
Fort Qaitbey has endured many events. This includes Napoleon’s French expedition in 1798 and British bombings in 1882. The fort shows how it has stayed strong and able to change over time. Within its ancient walls, it shows the history of ancient wonders to early modern Egypt. This includes renovations by Muhammad Ali Pasha in the 19th century. There are also parts that hint at the fort’s ancient glory.
The attraction of Fort Qaitbey is that it is a symbol of clashing epochs, demonstrating Alexandria’s rich tapestry of history, a bastion where you can witness every single stone echoing across eras.
Bibliotheca Alexandria: Echoes of the Great Library
The Bibliotheca Alexandria, which was opened in 2002, is a contemporary reminder of Alexandria’s reputation as a historic crossroads of cultures and ideas. This modern library is designed to evoke the architectural splendor of the original Library of Alexandria (ancient library), which was historically considered the center of learning and intellectual pursuit. It is a unique design featuring a 160-meter-diameter circular roof covered in glass and inscribed walls with characters from various scripts symbolizing continuing intercultural dialogue.
70,000 square meters of space over eleven cascading levels and can accommodate 2,000 readers simultaneously. It presents Alexandria as a place of endless international intellectual exchange and diverse collections in this new iconic building do justice to, and continue, the city’s rich history of local and worldwide learning and knowledge dissemination. When visitors enter such rooms, they find themselves in an environment that seemingly evokes echoes of the past millennia’s learned readers who once wandered through the library’s halls.
You can still visit the ruins of the original Library of Alexandria
Its first building was in 246 BC which had around 450,000 books in its collection.. Although the fire of Alexandria city was partly responsible for its destruction it was really the result of a few factors – the ancient libraries are still in use today. It has only been the storage room below the Seraporean ruins that remains. What lies under Pompeys Pillar? It doesn’t make sense. Very noisy.
You can visit the catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
Kom El Shoqafa is an archaeological site in Alexandria, Egypt, famous for its catacombs. The site dates back to the 2nd century AD and represents a mix of the Egyptian, Greek, and Roman styles. Kom El Shoqafa consists of several tombs and funerary objects, including statues and other archaeological items that can give information about the type of funerals practiced in their time. The most famous are the Hall of Caracalla, which is full of the bones of horses and humans, and the Triclinium. In this banqueting hall, the dead are thought to have been honored. The various elements are richly decorated with carvings, emphasizing the mix of cultures. It was discovered in 1900 and is one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages. I see the preservation of Kom El Shoqafa as very important as it is one of the few places to see the true nature of the ancient and cosmopolitan Alexandria, which can only be truly understood with this information.
Feel like royalty in the Montazah gardens
Montazah Gardens is a palace with history. It’s close to the Mediterranean Sea. Ancient Egyptian rulers like Fuad and king Farouk used it as a hunting lodge. The area was chosen well by Khedive Abbas. The lodge is a big, red, and grand-looking building. It’s one of the Victorian buildings on the Mediterranean shores. Khedive Abbas entertained guests and hunting parties at this lodge. In the 20th century, King Farouk’s changes made it an even grander royal retreat house. It was private, away from the public and media. Anyone could visit the Montazah Gardens. The gardens and forest reserve have been well-maintained and look attractive.
Visit the luxurious Montazah palace
The highlights at Montazah Gardens are palaces built in the 18th or 20th century. In 1892 Salamleka’s palace was constructed but not as a royal palace. Previously this house was a hunting camp. Today they are being transformed into luxury hotels and casinos. Montazah Palace, or Al-Haramlik, was commissioned by King Fuad in 1932 as summer palace of kings and queens. The site is today a museum and casino which teaches arts and the Muhammad Ali’s history. During my trip it was closed to the public but my guide told me it is as well a presidential palace.
Learn about Pompey’s Pillar and visit more tombs
Pompey’s Pillar was initially constructed by Roman soldiers as a victory columns. They were built after winning the great battles. The building at Alexandria was designed to honour Emperor Dioclestian winning over an invasion of Alexandria. At 260 metres high it was among the biggest antiquities, monolithic structures. Alongside this section are two rediscovered Roman sphinx statues. It’s an incredible site, but I didn’t come here to explore it. I missed my first trip to the underground storeroom which was the only remains of Alexandrias oldest Library until I was told by a guard about it. It’s nice getting inside, but I also felt a bit scared of coming alone.
Stanley Bridge: A Modern Landmark on the Alexandria Corniche
Stanley Bridge is the contemporary landmark presenting the city of Alexandria to the Mediterranean Sea. It is a gracefully arching bridge over calm waters, connecting two absolutely unrelated parts of the city. The Stanley Bridge lets people travel or simply walk between the areas, enjoying the serenity and fresh air that the busy corniche road may lack. Undoubtedly, this is a must experience for anyone who has traveled to Alexandria in order to get better acquainted with this ancient city at its very authentic.
KOM el-DIKKA in Alexandria, Egypt
Kom el-dikka means mound of rubble. It got its name in 1947 after the authorities decided to clear up a mound of rubble which sat atop the site of this ancient relic to build houses. What the cleared up rubble, however, revealed where a vast array of ancient ruins which included but weren’t limited to a Roman theatre, a mosaic type flooring and a temple that dated back to the era of the Ptolemaic rule.Today, it serves as a symbol of Alexandria’s historical depth and architectural ingenuity, attracting scholars and tourists alike.
Sun, Sea, and Sand: Alexandria’s Pristine Beaches
Alexandria is called the ‘Pearl of the Mediterranean’. It has sandy shores where travelers can relax and enjoy the warm sun. For a quieter spot, private beach offer calm away from crowds. Other areas are busy with active beach scenes for visitors who enjoy that. Some noteworthy beaches in Alexandria include Maamoura, Montaza, Stanley, and Sidi Abdel Rahman.
Don’t forget to bring your sunscreen and towel as you prepare for your visit to Alexandria’s splendid seaside attractions.
Museums and Cultural Treasures of Alexandria
Museums of Alexandria are the places where the city keeps its historical wealth. The first thing that needs to be mentioned is the large scope of the museums and they cover the whole long history of the city from the time of its foundation to the times of the Muhammad Ali Dynasty. A big number of these museums are dedicated to separate civilizations that had its influence on this place.
Alexandria National Museum
The National Museum is an essential destination for anyone interested in learning about its fascinating history. In addition to the collection, it guides you through the pharaonic ages in its basement and to Hellenistic times, where Alexandria and Egypt were ruled by the Ptolemy dynasty initiated by Alexander. The two ground floor level exhibits of artefacts are the main highlight of the museum’s collection.
Royal Jewelry Museum
The Museum, located at the northeast corner of Stanley Bridge, is easily accessible from Central Alexandria via the metro. It was built in the house that once housed Fatma Al-Zaghrah Haider, a descendant of the first viceroy of Egypt during Ottoman rule who established the Egyptian royal family. The 1923 palace itself represents a good example of the amalgamating architecture style from Islamic and European design.
Explore the Museums of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Most travelers in Alexandria commented first on this new reconstruction of Alexandria’s old Great Library. The Library Alexandrina is a key cultural center and cultural hub in Egypt. The library includes an impressive modern library and several museums that explore Alexandrian history. His architecture revolves around an immense Sun disk that dominates Corniche Bay. Across the large library, the reading room holds more than eight million books. The main tourist attraction is the beautiful exhibitions below the main library.
Alexandria has an amazing café culture
I was especially surprised by Alexandria’s cafe culture. The strip is full of chic cafes and a variety of restaurants. Locals and tourists talk over a coffee and a shisha pipe, eat a delicious meal or enjoy an incredibly tasty bakery. I was walking through the city searching for something to eat, one café I found was Trianon. It looks like a 1930’s art deco. In 1905 the house was opened by Greek poet Cavafy as a favorite haunting place. The restaurant has some delicious snacks in its bakery. There are no smoking rules here. There is also not much smoke-free space in there.
Shop and Dine
Corniche offers great seafood in the Mediterranean Sea and offers many restaurants in the vicinity. The Corniche is a long path/high boulevard where locals go swimming in the sea fishing and enjoying the breezes. It spans approximately twenty kilometers and you’ll find many buildings from the 1950s. If you like to buy everything you can go to Souq for shopping. Most major Arabic cities have souqs, where sellers and traders negotiate on large markets. There is an enormous souq at Midan At-Tahrir (Liberation Square).
Dine Out in Alexandria’s Fish Restaurants
Thousands of tourists come to Alexandria to enjoy fresh seafood. The best areas for restaurants serving fresh fish are the waterfront and the working-class neighbourhoods at Anfushi. They run east from Fort Qaitbey and the harbour on narrow lanes. Just after sunset, Anfushi is the livelier part of the city, surrounded by traditional cafés that run across the streets and lingering scents. A trip to Anfushi is worth visiting beyond restaurants.
Sample fresh fish from the Fish Market in Alexandria
It’s very dangerous to go to Alexandria without trying to sample any seafood. It was really fresh, and many restaurants had sea views! My personal favorite food is seafood. It is amazing!! A popular place to eat in Alexandria are Fish Markets or locally called “Halaket El – Samak”. It’s quite easily accessible and stands prominent on the Corniche with bright neons at the sunset! You select your fish on the exhibition and charge by the kilogram. Afterwards, you can add extra items like bread and rice. The kids also had very good starters & puds.
Getting Around Alexandria: Transportation Tips
When it comes to traveling through Alexandria, one might say that it is a one-of-a-kind experience. Traditional taxis, as well as car services like Uber and Careem, are typically used by the residents of the area and easily available to provide means of transportation. Taxi apps like Uber and Careem come with their pricing structures to be helpful to those who do not enjoy haggling. Travelers will also find that trams, like Tram Al Ramlh or Tram Al Medina, and public buses serve as the most inexpensive means to explore the ancient city. In addition to that, there are microbuses should a traveler like a messier journey that will allow them to observe the local population’s daily life.
From Train to Bus: Alexandria’s Public Transport Network
In Alexandria, if you’re planning to longer trips or take day excursions to adjacent cities like Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, the train service provides a cost-effective and comfortable mode of transport. Once in Cairo, don’t miss the chance to travel into downtown Cairo for an enriched experience. The train and bus station is situated conveniently close by. Seize this wonderful opportunity to visit Egypt’s captivating cities.
Alexandria offers a comprehensive public transportation system that reflects its status as a significant metropolitan hub. This network facilitates easy access to various attractions and neighborhoods within walking distance of the city.
Day Trip to the El Alamein War Memorials
The hardscrabble community of the Alamein, at 112 km east of Alexandria, possesses a captivating place in the history of today’s history of humanity and culture. Throughout this parched piece of non-descript desert the Allies’first decisive victory was achieved. The brutal battles that erupted at this location in October 1942 killed or wounded over 180,000 soldiers in nations including Britain, Germany and Italy. Today, these memorials are an evocative reminder of the 14-day battle that killed many.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandria in Egypt worth visiting?
I’ve spent more time in Alexandria than most other Egyptian cities outside Cairo and Alexandria is always cited as the top place travelers can visit in Egypt. Let me encourage you for a future vacation to the Mediterranean paradise! 31 January 2020.
How many days in Alexandria, Egypt is enough?
A three day trip to Alexandria allows you to get acquainted with famed city of Alexandria and get a view out of its walls. In addition to seeing classic sights and historical buildings, you can enjoy a day of sightseeing at the El Alamein Military Cemetery.
Is 1 day enough for Alexandria, Egypt?
With a full-day stay in Alexandria, you have the opportunity to visit ancient sights of Alexandria and eat delicious seafood. Is this possible? Start the day with an exploration of Alexandria’s ancient sites. Explore Serapeum, the Greek temple of Serapis.
What is Alexandria best known for?
The city has been largely known by its lighthouse Alexandria, the seventh wonder in the history of the universe and its great library, the largest of all.
Can you visit the Montazah Gardens in Alexandria?
Absolutely, a trip to the Montazah Gardens in Alexandria is recommended for those who appreciate beautifully designed parklands and forest reserves.
Ensure you schedule a visit to soak in the exquisite charm of this destination.
What kind of artifacts can be found at the Alexandria National Museum?
At the Alexandria National Museum, a vast array of historical artifacts is on display. This includes an assortment of jewelry, weapons, sculptures, currency pieces, and glass items alongside a meticulously reconstructed burial chamber featuring mummies that cover various epochs.
This institution provides a profound understanding of the history associated with the city of Alexandria.
Are there any modern landmarks in Alexandria?
Indeed, best city of Alexandria is home to contemporary attractions such as the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the Stanley Bridge, offering those who visit delightful vistas.
What is the best way to get around in Alexandria?
In Alexandria, your transportation choice should align with what you prefer. Options include taxis, public buses, trams, or for trips of a longer distance, trains. Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Careem are available.
When opting to take a a taxi ride in this city, it’s recommended that fares be agreed upon beforehand. Also beneficial is having the names of destinations written out in Arabic when utilizing buses.
Where to stay in Alexandria
The Cecil Hotel. A historic landmark blasted into the corniche. In the past, it hosted famous visitors like Winston Churchill, a famous Egyptian movie actor. I slept in his suite when we were there. Currently, it has the name Steigenberger Cecil Hotel Alexandria. It has been updated, but still retains its roots. The room is large with traditional ceiling heights. Some rooms have balconies offering breathtaking views of the sea, Corniche and Citadel Qaitbay.
