Places to visit in Alexandria: a practical guide

Bibliotheca Alexandrina

The rebuilt Library of Alexandria is the modern symbol many travellers recognise first. The complex contains public reading rooms, rotating exhibitions, a small antiquities display and a planetarium. For visitors it is valuable in two ways: it provides comfortable, air‑conditioned spaces to recover from the sun and it operates as an interpretive gateway to the city’s long history. Allow 60 to 120 minutes to visit the main galleries and the exterior forecourt, then step onto the seafront for a short promenade. Consider checking the library’s events calendar before you go in case there is a temporary exhibition or talk that interests you.

Citadel of Qaitbay

Sitting on the eastern tip of the historic Pharos island, Qaitbay Citadel occupies the site once guarded by Alexandria’s lighthouse. The sea views are expansive and the fort’s compact interior rewards a late afternoon visit. Surfaces and stairways can be uneven so wear sensible shoes. Photographers will prefer the hour before sunset for the warm light and calmer atmosphere. Small souvenir sellers cluster near the entrance and local cafés nearby are good for a pre or post‑visit cup of tea.

Kom el‑Shoqafa and Pompey’s Pillar

This Roman‑era cluster contains the Kom el‑Shoqafa catacombs, an unusual fusion of Egyptian and Graeco‑Roman funerary art, and Pompey’s Pillar, a dramatic Roman column that anchors a small archaeological park. Together these sites give a clear sense of Alexandria’s importance in the Roman period. Both are state‑run sites so opening rhythms follow the standard pattern of daylight hours. Mornings are generally quieter and cooler for both the catacombs and the open archaeological area around Pompey’s Pillar.

Montaza Palace and Gardens

Montaza changes the pace: wide lawns, shaded walks, seaside pavilions and a compact royal palace that faces a private beach. Locals treat Montaza as a weekend retreat so it is busiest on Friday and Saturday, which are the local weekend days. The gardens are perfect for a slow walk or a picnic; bring water and sunscreen and take time to sit under the trees. If you want to see palace interiors, check for guided‑visit availability that day through the gardens’ administration.

Corniche, museums and seafood

The Corniche is Alexandria’s everyday stage: fishermen, cafés, small fish restaurants and views of the working port. Break a Corniche walk with a visit to the Alexandria National Museum for a compact, well‑presented overview of the city’s archaeology and modern history. Harbour‑side restaurants serve the freshest local fish; menus are usually displayed outside so you can see prices at a glance. If you prefer a quicker option, neighbourhood sandwich shops sell ta’amiya and ful prepared in simple local styles.

Getting there and getting around

Alexandria sits roughly 200 kilometres from Cairo. Travel time depends on transport choice and traffic. The fastest public option is Egypt’s express train services which, on their better schedules, take around two to two and a half hours. Road transfers by private car or shared coach are common; depending on departure time and traffic, the transfer can be closer to three hours. If you plan a day trip from Cairo, book an early train out and a late return and confirm timetables in advance because times can change.

In the city, taxis and ride‑hailing apps are the most practical choice for moving between dispersed sights. The Corniche and a compact central museum cluster are walkable in fair weather. For short trips, agree a fare beforehand if a meter is not used, or ask your hotel or host to call a reputable taxi. Local buses cover many routes but are slower and less predictable for sightseers who want to stick to a schedule.

Staying connected and eSIMs

Mobile coverage in Alexandria is generally good across the city centre and along the seafront. For most visitors the simplest approach is to buy an eSIM Egypt plan before travel or immediately on arrival. An eSIM keeps maps, ride‑hailing and ticket confirmations working without roaming surprises and avoids queuing for a physical SIM at the airport. If you prefer a physical SIM, outlets are available at the airport and in the city; activation usually requires showing a passport and may include a short registration process.

Which plan to choose depends on your trip. For a short visit, a modest data bundle will cover maps, messaging and a few photo uploads. If your itinerary continues to the Red Sea or Sinai, compare operator coverage for destinations such as Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada before you buy. For convenience, many travellers buy an eSIM plan in advance so it is ready to activate on arrival; you can also purchase local eSIMs in city stores. For step‑by‑step activation and troubleshooting in desert and resort areas, see our guide to how to get connection in Sinai, and for arrival and city troubleshooting check our Travel in Cairo article. If you are ready to buy, consider an Egypt eSIM product before you travel to avoid delays on arrival and to keep essential services running from the first taxi ride.

Suggested itineraries and practical tips

Pick the plan that matches your time and energy. Two realistic options below keep walking manageable and prioritise good light for photos.

• Long day from Cairo – Catch an early express train or private transfer; start at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, follow the seafront toward the Corniche and the Alexandria National Museum, take a late afternoon taxi to Qaitbay Citadel for sunset and a harbour dinner. Return to Cairo on a late train or by private transfer.
• Two relaxed days – Day one: Bibliotheca, Kom el‑Shoqafa, Pompey’s Pillar and a leisure walk along the Corniche with lunch near the quay. Day two: Montaza Gardens in the morning, a local fish restaurant for lunch and a slow afternoon in seaside cafés or visiting any museums you missed the first day.

Practical tips and safety

Below are hands‑on points travellers use on the ground. They are practical and specific so you can decide quickly while you plan or during your visit.

Timing and light. Mornings are best for museums and archaeological sites because temperatures are lower and crowds are smaller. Late afternoon is best for the Corniche and Qaitbay Citadel because the light softens and sea breezes make walking more comfortable.

Tickets and opening hours. Major public museums and archaeological sites usually follow standard daytime hours and sometimes close for national holidays or official events. If you need to be certain about a specific opening or a guided visit, call ahead through your hotel or the site administration. Avoid relying on a single third‑party listing for exact times.

Accessibility. Modern venues such as the Bibliotheca offer ramps and lifts. Older sites and ramparts may have uneven surfaces and steps. If accessibility is essential, contact the site or your hotel before you travel so they can confirm arrangements or suggest accessible alternatives.

Money and tipping. Cash in Egyptian pounds is widely used for small purchases, markets and local cafés. Card acceptance is increasing in museums, larger restaurants and hotels, but carry some cash for taxis and small vendors. Tipping is customary in tourist contexts; a small amount for guides, drivers and café staff is appreciated.

If you want mobile data ready before you arrive, compare our listing for a straightforward purchase and activation experience.