Location: Alexandria
Top Things to do in Alexandria
The 10 Best Things to do in Alexandria, Alexandria Governorate
The Pearl of the Mediterranean has an ambiance more in keeping with its neighbors to the north than with those in the Middle East. Site of Pharos lighthouse, one of the Wonders of the World, and of Anthony and Cleopatra’s tempestuous romance, the city was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE. Today, Alexandria offers fascinating insights into its proud Greek past, as well as interesting mosques, the casino strip of the Corniche, some lovely gardens and both modern and traditional hotels. (Editor's note: Our list was compiled before political unrest prompted many countries to issue travel warnings for Egypt. If you're currently planning a trip to Egypt, please consider the risks and monitor your government's travel alerts.)
Restaurants in Alexandria
1. Alexandria National Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 275 reviews
More than 1800 archaeological pieces are exhibited chronologically from one floor to the next: the basement is devoted to Prehistoric and Pharonic times; first floor to the Graeco-Roman period; second floor to the Coptic and Islamic era that highlights artifacts raised during recent underwater excavations.
Reviewed By RodHarris - Melbourne, Australia
We walked to this small out of the way museum housed in a former grand residence of Alexandria. The walk itself was engaging and interesting as we made our way through the backstreets. On arrival, the museum presents as a magnificent old home. Inside, a wonderful collection through the history of Alexandria is presented with English descriptions. The grounds are equally interesting with marbles and sarcophagus. This is a must see.
2. Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,780 reviews
Located near the site of the ancient library of Alexandria, this modern version is an eleven-story, cylindrical-shaped building that houses more than eight million books. A re-imagining of Alexandria's ancient Great Library, this gorgeously designed cultural center contains a host of museums as well as one of the modern world's most ambitious libraries. Its architecture - a giant sun disk - presides over the waterfront Corniche, while inside, a huge reading room can hold eight million volumes. Below themain library, visitors can explore a range of beautifully curated exhibitions. TheManuscript Museum with its magnificent collection of ancient texts and scrolls and the Antiquities Museum with its Graeco-Roman antiquities and statuary found during underwater exploration in the harbor are the two prime attractions. But there are also rotating art exhibitions, a permanent Egyptian folk art collection, and a Science Museum and Planetarium that are aimed squarely at children.
Reviewed By 994linday - Frisco, United States
Bibliotheca Alexandrina is more than a library! Opened in 2002, here is a cultural complex that also includes a planetarium, four museums, art galleries for temporary and permanent exhibitions, specialized museums, and a manuscript restoration laboratory. The library has shelf space for eight million books! The main structure is a contemporary granite building, circular in design and covered in carvings done by local artists. The library offers guided tours, but since we had our own guide with us, we opted to just peek inside. It was very crowded the day we visited because the schools were on holiday. By the way, you’ll have a great view of the Citadel from here (and remember to look for Bibliotheca Alexandrina when you’re at the Citadel).
3. Fort Qaitbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,068 reviews
Resembling an imposing castle fortress, this citadel was built in the 1480s by Sultan Qaitbey on the site of the Pharos Lighthouse, to protect the city from the crusaders who used to attack the city by sea.
Reviewed By 277vincentm - New Orleans, United States
The Citadel of Qaitbey with its splendid views of the Mediterranean (see Rampart View view), is easily the most striking historical structure in Alexandria. Built in 1477, it’s relatively modern by Egypt’s timeline, which goes back ten times further. But 1477 is a good 15 years before Columbus discovered America, and the history of the site predates the Roman Empire. The citadel stands on and incorporates stones from one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Lighthouse of Alexandria. Qaitbey was neither Arab nor Egyptian, but a Circassian. But he did a credible job of building a newer, stronger fortress where the old Lighthouse had been. The NW corner of the fort might put you directly above or beside where the Pharos used to stand, as a placard states that this is “most likely to be attributed to the remainings of the old lighthouse.” I assume that when the Arabs captured Alexandria from the Byzantines in 641, the Baths were still being used. The first of the series of earthquakes that destroyed the Lighthouse occurred 150 years after the Arab conquest. (See Byzantine Bath photo). As well as walking the ramparts carefully (see Rampart View) and looking at the warm waters of the Mediterranean just as archers did centuries ago (see Torquoise Waters photo), you can go into the main tower, the most imposing structure in the citadel (see Main Tower photo). The rock steps are irregular; there are no handrails; and the roof of the main tower is not accessible. A door on the top floor of the tower looks as if it leads up to the top of the tower, but its gate is firmly locked (see Don’t Man the Rooftop photo). Some graffiti spray-painted onto the NE corner of the tower may be why rooftop access is now prohibited. Still, inside the tower you’ll find striking windows, chambers and passageways (see Ancient Windows and Passageway photos). Persons with minor mobility impairments can enter the courtyard below, but should use care if trying to climb up to upper levels (the footing is treacherous in many areas). Those with severe impairments (wheel-chairs, etc) can enjoy the view from the wide courtyard, but almost certainly should not attempt to go any higher. Similarly, children should be closely controlled for their own safety, because potential falls are a real danger in some spots. Other visitors can easily spend an hour or two wandering around the ramparts, enjoying the views through ancient windows, and wandering through the labyrinthine chambers of the tower.
4. Montazah Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 903 reviews
Royal gardens of King Faruk. The king was the last Egyptian monarch.
Reviewed By 39alaag - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Montazah gardens is one of the most amazing gardens worldwide was done as part of the royal palaces of the last Egyption King Farouk The collection of flowers and trees is unique globally in well maintained and have a lot of locations to set and enjoy the weather authentic excellent coffee shop and hotel around Most importantly it is also on The seaside located on the sea
5. Stanley Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 558 reviews
Reviewed By kuhnh2015
It is amazing to see the Stanley Ridge in the Palace to appreciate the beautiful scenery. The best time to visit is to observe the sunset. The water is so clean and the backdrop of the Palace is something you cannot forget.
6. Royal Jewelry Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 204 reviews
Reviewed By aelkhadem - Giza, Egypt
Among the many wonderful sites we visited in Alexandria, was the Royal Jewelry Museum located no more than a 5 minute drive from the Four Seasons hotel. This 2-story palace housing the Jewelry collection of Egypt’s Royal family originally belonged to Princess Fatma El Zahraa. The palace itself is certainly the most precious jewel as the flooring and ceilings and staircase are unbelievably stunning. Must see for all visitors. Ashraf El Khadem Egyptian Express Travel
7. Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 680 reviews
An ancient circular staircase leads down into these tombs that were tunneled into the bedrock during the age of the Antonine emporers (2nd century AD).
Reviewed By 394valeriej
The catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa (meaning "Mound of Shards") is a great historical archaeological site. There are all types of statues, objects, and tombs within the burial chamber. Those visiting the tombs left some of the objects. There are signs or inspirations of the Roman, Greek, and Egyptian cultures. The catacombs need repair and protection from water. The lower level is flooded. It is obvious that the Egyptians are working on the Catacombs; more help is needed. It would be very sad if anything were to happen. The catacombs are considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages.
8. Corniche
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 655 reviews
The Corniche is a glorious 3km walkway along the harbour dotted with restaurants, markets and historic sights.
Reviewed By R8875ZSsuzannes - Dunedin, United States
The Corniche is a beautiful place to walk and see downtown Alexandria and the people who live there!
9. Ancient Roman Amphitheater
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 410 reviews
Built in the 2nd century AD, this Roman amphitheater has 13 semicircular tiers made of white and gray marble.
Reviewed By M6853YRronw - Cedar City, United States
Kom El-Dekka Site (Roman amphitheater) is in Alexandria - founded by Alexander the Great. It was a ‘well-off’ residential area in Graeco-Roman times, with lovely villas, bathhouses and a theatre. The amphitheater is a marble theater that once seated 800 spectators. This site also contains Roman columns, artifacts (statues, etc.) pulled from ocean, and other interesting areas related to residential area of the time. Spend time walking around, reading the information signs, and enjoying the sights.
