Are you planning to visit Alexandria, Egypt? Alexandria boasts a treasure trove of sights, from the awe-inspiring Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern marvel echoing the legendary ancient library, to the fascinating Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa.
This blog unveils the best places to go in Alexandria for an immersive experience, including how to reach Alexandria and the best time to visit.
Best Places To Visit in Alexandria, Egypt
First up on our list, we have one of the most iconic Alexandria tourist attractions, the Bibliotheca Alexandria. The magnificent Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a breathtaking landmark shaped like a giant sun disk, boasts millions of volumes waiting to be explored. Dive deeper and discover a treasure trove of museums beneath the library's surface
Immerse yourself in Alexandria's rich past at the Antiquities Museum, or be captivated by ancient scrolls at the Manuscript Museum. The Science Museum and Planetarium will ignite the imaginations of all ages, making the Bibliotheca Alexandrina one of the best things to see in Alexandria.
Opening Hours: Weekdays (Sunday-Thursday): 10 AM to 7 PM. Saturdays: 10 AM to 2 PM. Closed on Fridays.
Type of activity: Indoor activity in Alexandria.
Entry Fees:
Main Library:
Free for children under 4 (Egyptian citizens only)
EGP 5-20 for Egyptian citizens
EGP 20-150 for non-Egyptians (student discounts available)
Inclusive Ticket (Main Library + Museums):
EGP 25-120 for Egyptian citizens
EGP 50-300 for non-Egyptians (student discounts available)
Individual Museums:
EGP 10-50 for Egyptian citizens
EGP 30-250 for non-Egyptians (student discounts available)
Planetarium & Science Center (separate tickets):
EGP 20-200 for both Egyptian citizens and non-Egyptians (student discounts available)
Location: Bab Sharqi, Alexandria Governorate 21526
Moving on with our list, we have one of the most unique places to go in Alexandria: the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa. Discovered by accident in 1900 when a donkey fell through the ground, the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa are a fascinating mix of Egyptian and Roman influences.
Carved out of rock over 2,000 years ago, you enter through a spiral staircase that leads to a large chamber. The complex was originally a private family tomb but later became a public cemetery, holding up to 300 bodies. Eventually, it was forgotten and buried by time, only to be rediscovered centuries later.
Opening Hours: Daily from 9 AM to 4 PM.
Type of activity: Indoor activity in Alexandria.
Entry Fees: N/A
Location: Ras at Tin, Alexandria Governorate.
Another one of the most iconic attractions in Alexandria, Egypt is the Citadel of Qaitbay. The Citadel stands proudly on the very spot where the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, once stood.
Wander its halls, climb to the rooftop for panoramic sea views, and keep an eye out for hints of the legendary lighthouse that once stood here. This historic fort is a must-visit Alexandria tourist attraction for anyone exploring Alexandria's rich past.
Opening Hours: The Citadel opens doors from 8 AM to 5 PM, except on Fridays and Saturdays as they are closed.
Type of activity: Outdoor and Indoor activity in Alexandria.
Entry Fees: Adult Egyptians pay 60 EGP for a ticket, and children pay 30 EGP for a ticket. Adult tourists pay 150 EGP, and children tourists pay 75 EGP.
Location: Borg Rashid, Rosetta, Beheira Governorate 22746.
The Montaza Palace
During your visit to Alexandria, consider stopping by the house of the last Egyptian Monarch King Faruk. Built in 1892 by Khedive Abbas Hilmi II, the palace served as a hunting lodge and residence. Today, the palace grounds are extensive with several gardens, fountains, and sculptures. The Montazah Palace Gardens are one of the highlights, featuring a Rose Garden, Palm Grove, and a Mosque where visitors can enjoy the beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea from the palace.
Opening Hours: From 8 AM to 12 AM.
Type of activity: Indoor activity in Alexandria.
Entry Fees: 25 EGP per person.
Location: Montaza Palace, El-Gaish Rd, Al Mandarah Bahri, Montaza 2, Alexandria Governorate 5527001
The Alexandria Corniche
Type of activity: Outdoor activity in Alexandria.
Entry Fees: Free.
Location: Al Azaritah WA Ash Shatebi, Bab Sharqi, Alexandria Governorate 5424020.
Another one of the top Alexandria, Egypt attractions is Kom El-Dikka. Uncovered in 1960, it boasts a Roman theatre, public baths, lecture halls, and even the remains of fancy villas. The theatre, once a vibrant spot for concerts, later became a meeting place for leaders. Public baths, built for relaxation, were a popular hangout for centuries.
With lecture halls nearby, Kom el-Dikka hints at a thriving centre of learning too. Though mostly ruins today, this hidden gem whispers of Alexandria's glorious past.
Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM.
Type of activity: Outdoor activity in Alexandria.
Entry Fees: Egyptian Adults pay 20 EGP for a ticket, while Egyptian Students pay 10 EGP for a ticket. Foreigners pay 150 EGP and 75 EGP, for adult and student tickets respectively.
Location: 5WV3+QVR, Ismail Mahana, Kom Ad Dakah Gharb, Al Attarin, Alexandria Governorate 5371040.
Alexandria National Museum is a must-see Alexandria tourist attraction. It's a time capsule, housing treasures from ancient Egypt to modern Alexandria. Get up close with mummies, marvel at Greco-Roman statues, and see what they've pulled from the depths of the sea near Alexandria!
Opening Hours: Summer & Winter: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Ramadan: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Type of activity: Indoor activity in Alexandria.
Entry Fees:
Egyptians & Arabs:
Adult: 20 EGP
Child: 5 EGP
Tourists:
Adult: 180 EGP
Child: 90 EGP
Location: 131 El-Shaheed Galal El-Desouky, Bab Sharqi WA Wabour Al Meyah, Bab Sharqi, Alexandria Governorate 5423004.
The Graeco Roman Museum
To round up our list of the best things to see in Alexandria, we recommend a visit to the Graeco Roman Museum. Founded in 1892, it's packed with fascinating artefacts spanning centuries. Explore rooms filled with glittering jewellery, mummies and sarcophagi, and even a model of an ancient water cooling system.
Marvel at the awe-inspiring Apis Bull statue, a powerful symbol of ancient Egypt. With 25 galleries and a sculpture garden, the Graeco-Roman Museum offers a captivating journey through Alexandria's rich past.
Opening Hours: From 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Type of activity: Indoor activity in Alexandria.
Entry Fees:
Egyptians & Arabs:
Adult: 40 EGP
Child: 20 EGP
Tourists:
Adult: 300 EGP
Child: 150 EGP
Location: Al Mesallah Sharq, Al Attarin, Alexandria Governorate 5372053
How To Reach Alexandria: A Travellers Guide
Planning to visit Alexandria, Egypt? Here’s our guide to making your way to the pride of the Mediterranean:
If you are planning to visit Alexandria, Egypt from outside the country then a simple flight to Alexandria’s major airport the Borg El Arab International Airport will do the trick.
If you are planning to visit Alexandria, Egypt from inside the country, then there are a couple of things we need to consider:
The distance: If you are far from Alexandria for example in Aswan, we advise a flight to Alexandria.
The Budget: If you are on a tight budget, then a train ride to Alexandria or even a Go Bus there will do the trick.
FAQs about The Best Places To Visit in Alexandria, Egypt
What are the must-visit historical sites in Alexandria?
There are many must-visit Alexandria attractions, but we recommend the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, The Citadel of Qaitbay, The Alexandria National Museum, and The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa.
What are the best places to eat in Alexandria?
Explore Azza Ice Cream, Al-Sheikh Wafik, the Fish Market Marina, or the Tivoli Dome Alexandria for delicious treats.
What is the best time to visit Alexandria?
Autumn (September to November) is the recommended season for optimal exploration of Alexandria's numerous outdoor attractions. Pleasant temperatures and sunny skies with minimal rainfall create ideal sightseeing conditions.
What are the best hotels in Alexandria?
There are many great hotels in Alexandria, but we recommend the Hilton Alexandria Corniche, Hilton Alexandria King's Ranch, and Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano for the most optimal experience.
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