Alexandria is a Mediterranean city shaped by Greek and Roman history, waterfront neighbourhoods, museums and seafood.
On a first visit, prioritise the Citadel of Qaitbay, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Pompey's Pillar and a walk along the Mediterranean Corniche. Add the Graeco-Roman Museum or Montaza Gardens if you have more than one day.
Alexandria feels different from Cairo and Luxor. Its main appeal is the mix of archaeological sites, sea views, museums, seafood and city life.
Alexandria at a Glance
| Experience | Best place | Recommended time |
|---|---|---|
| Sea views and Alexandria's most famous landmark | Citadel of Qaitbay | 1-2 hours |
| Modern culture and architecture | Bibliotheca Alexandrina | 2-3 hours |
| Ancient underground burial complex | Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa | 45-60 minutes |
| Roman Alexandria | Pompey's Pillar and Serapeum | 45-60 minutes |
| Ancient theatre, mosaics and baths | Kom El Dikka | 1-2 hours |
| Greek and Roman collections | Graeco-Roman Museum | 1.5-2 hours |
| Waterfront scenery | Corniche, Stanley Bridge or Montaza Gardens | 2-4 hours |
| Local food | Bahary and Anfushi | 1-2 hours |
1. Visit the Citadel of Qaitbay
The Citadel of Qaitbay is the best starting point for many first visits. The Mamluk fortress stands at the eastern end of the Pharos Peninsula, on the site associated with the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria. Its towers, courtyards and sea-facing walls look over the Mediterranean and Alexandria's Eastern Harbour.
Inside, explore the defensive rooms and climb to the viewpoints. Leave time for photographs and a walk along the waterfront outside the entrance.
Best for: history, architecture, photography and sea views.
After the citadel, continue through Bahary and Anfushi, two of Alexandria's older waterfront districts. They are also convenient areas for a seafood lunch.
2. Explore Bibliotheca Alexandrina
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is Alexandria's modern cultural landmark. The complex contains the main library, museums, exhibitions, research facilities, a planetarium and other cultural spaces overlooking the Mediterranean.
The main library is known for its circular design, sloping roof and large reading room. Visitors can also see the Antiquities Museum, Manuscripts Museum and temporary exhibitions.
A guided tour helps explain the connection between the modern library and the ancient Library of Alexandria. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina states that guided tours require a Main Library admission ticket. Planetarium and Science Museum access use separate ticket arrangements.
Best for: architecture, museums, families, culture and photography.
3. Descend into the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are Alexandria's main underground archaeological site. This necropolis combines Egyptian funerary traditions with Greek and Roman artistic influences. Visitors descend a spiral staircase into chambers, burial niches and decorated spaces cut into the rock.
The site is compact, but a local guide or Egyptologist can explain the mixture of religious symbols, sculpture and burial customs.
The catacombs are difficult for visitors who struggle with stairs, narrow passages or low light.
Best for: ancient history, archaeology and unusual photography.
4. See Pompey's Pillar and the Serapeum
Pompey's Pillar is the popular name for Diocletian's Column, a Roman monument near the remains of the Serapeum. Despite its common name, the column is not associated with the Roman general Pompey.
The surrounding site includes traces of the Serapeum, a temple dedicated to the Greco-Egyptian god Serapis.
Pompey's Pillar and the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are in the same general area. Visiting them together avoids crossing the city between separate archaeological stops.
Best for: Roman history and a short archaeological visit.
5. Walk Through Kom El Dikka
Kom El Dikka is an open-air archaeological site in central Alexandria. Its remains include a Roman theatre, mosaics from the Villa of the Birds, Roman baths, lecture halls and other structures from the Roman and Byzantine periods.
Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities describes the Roman theatre as the only example of its type in Egypt. The site shows how Alexandria remained an urban and intellectual centre after the Ptolemaic period.
Best for: Roman architecture, mosaics and visitors who want to see more than a single monument.
6. Visit the Graeco-Roman Museum
The Graeco-Roman Museum focuses on Alexandria's Hellenistic, Roman and Egyptian heritage. Its collection covers the interaction between Greek, Roman and Egyptian cultures that shaped the city.
The displays include sculpture, religion, daily life and art from Alexandria and wider Egypt. The museum is a useful follow-up to the archaeological sites because it provides context for the objects and cultures found there.
Best for: classical history, archaeology and hot or rainy weather.
7. See the Alexandria National Museum
The Alexandria National Museum occupies a restored Italian-style mansion and contains more than 1,800 artefacts from different periods of Egyptian history. Its collection includes Pharaonic, Greek, Roman, Coptic and Islamic material, along with underwater discoveries from Alexandria's submerged harbour areas.
Choose the National Museum for a broad introduction to Alexandria and Egypt. Choose the Graeco-Roman Museum for a more focused look at the city's classical past.
Graeco-Roman Museum or Alexandria National Museum?
| Choose the Graeco-Roman Museum if you want… | Choose the Alexandria National Museum if you want… |
|---|---|
| A focused look at Greek and Roman Alexandria | A chronological overview of Egyptian history |
| Classical sculpture and religious objects | Pharaonic, Coptic and Islamic collections |
| More context for Pompey's Pillar and Kom El Dikka | Underwater finds and a wider range of artefacts |
| A specialist museum visit | A shorter general introduction to the city |
8. Walk the Corniche and See Stanley Bridge
The Alexandria Corniche follows the Mediterranean waterfront and is an easy way to experience the city between museum and archaeological visits.
Walk along the Eastern Harbour, stop for tea or coffee, and continue towards Stanley Bridge if you have time. The Corniche works better as a relaxed city walk than as a list of separate attractions.
Best for: sunset, people-watching, sea views and a break between visits.
Stanley Bridge is more scenic than historic. Add it when you want more time by the water, but do not choose it over Qaitbay, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina or the main archaeological sites on a first visit.
9. Relax at Montaza Gardens
Montaza Gardens offers gardens, royal palaces, seaside views and coastal areas in the eastern part of Alexandria. It is away from many of the city's central archaeological attractions.
Montaza is a better choice for a second day or a slower itinerary. Combining it with Qaitbay, the catacombs and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina can make a one-day visit rushed because the sites are spread across the city.
Best for: gardens, relaxed walks, architecture and coastal scenery.
10. Visit Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque
The Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque is one of Alexandria's best-known religious landmarks. It stands in the Anfushi area near the waterfront and is known for its domes, ornate interior and connection with the Sufi scholar Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi.
The mosque fits naturally into a Qaitbay and Bahary itinerary. Dress modestly and be respectful during prayer times.
Best for: Islamic architecture, local history and a waterfront walk.
11. Eat Seafood in Bahary or Anfushi
Alexandria is known for seafood, and the official tourism guide highlights Bahary as a historic neighbourhood with restaurants overlooking the city's harbours.
Look for restaurants serving:
- Grilled fish
- Fried calamari
- Prawns
- Crab
- Seafood rice
- Sayadeya, a seasoned fish and rice dish
- Tahini, salads and fresh bread
For a straightforward local meal, choose a busy restaurant, ask to see the available fish and confirm the price before ordering. Some restaurants price fish by weight, so check how the final bill is calculated.
The Best One-Day Alexandria Itinerary
A good one-day plan combines Qaitbay and Bahary, then moves to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and one archaeological or museum stop.
Morning
- Start at the Citadel of Qaitbay.
- Walk through Bahary and Anfushi.
- Visit the Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque if it is open to visitors.
- Have seafood lunch nearby.
Afternoon
- Visit Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
- Choose one:
- Kom El Dikka for Roman ruins and mosaics
- The Graeco-Roman Museum for a museum-based history visit
Late Afternoon or Evening
- Walk along the Corniche.
- Add Stanley Bridge if you want more time by the sea.
This route leaves room for traffic, meals and unplanned stops. Trying to enter every museum would make the day less comfortable.
A History-Heavy Itinerary
For ancient Alexandria, follow this order:
- Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
- Pompey's Pillar and the Serapeum
- Kom El Dikka Roman Theatre
- Graeco-Roman Museum
- Qaitbay Citadel
The catacombs, Pompey's Pillar and Kom El Dikka form the strongest group of sites for seeing Alexandria's surviving ancient city. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities identifies these locations as important remains of Alexandria's Roman and Byzantine urban life.
Is Alexandria Worth Visiting From Cairo?
Yes, especially if you enjoy Mediterranean cities, Greek and Roman history, seafood and waterfront walks. Alexandria is accessible from Cairo by train, and Egypt's official tourism information describes air-conditioned trains as a practical option between the two cities. Ride-hailing apps are widely used in Alexandria for travel between attractions.
A day trip covers the main highlights. An overnight stay gives you more time for the museums, Montaza Gardens and the Corniche.
Alexandria is less suitable if your main goal is to see Pharaonic temples, pyramids or royal tombs. Cairo, Luxor and Aswan offer stronger choices for those interests.
Practical Tips for Visiting Alexandria
- Plan by area. Qaitbay and Bahary belong together, while the catacombs and Pompey's Pillar form another useful group.
- Allow time for traffic. Alexandria is a large, busy city, and journeys between districts can take longer than they appear on a map.
- Check official opening information before leaving. Museum hours, ticket prices, entry rules and temporary closures can change.
- Carry small cash and a payment card. Payment arrangements vary between attractions and restaurants.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Archaeological sites involve uneven ground, stairs and exposed outdoor areas.
- Bring modest clothing for religious sites.
- Use a licensed guide for more detailed history. A guide is especially useful at the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Pompey's Pillar and Kom El Dikka.
- Do not try to see everything in one day. Qaitbay, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, one archaeological group and the Corniche make a better plan than rushing through every attraction.
Bottom Line
For one day, stay with Qaitbay, Bahary, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, one archaeological or museum stop and the Corniche. Save Montaza Gardens and a second museum for an overnight visit.