Alexandria is a paradise for history lovers visiting Egypt, with a unique blend of ancient architecture and cutting-edge modern design.
8 things to do in Alexandria
Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt, located right on the Mediterranean Sea. The port city was founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great and was once ruled over by Cleopatra.
Visit the Lighthouse of Alexandria (Pharos)
The Lighthouse of Alexandria, also known as the Pharos of Alexandria, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. A fire near the top of the 110m high tower provided light, reflected out across the sea by a burnished bronze mirror, a beacon of hope and guidance for sailors navigating the Mediterranean Sea.
The lighthouse was commissioned in around 305 BCE by the first Ptolemy, the Greek general who stayed to rule after Alexander the Great conquered Egypt. Construction of the Graeco-Roman design began around 280 BCE during the reign of Ptolemy’s son, built strategically over 33 years, in three stages of decreasing size. Experts estimate the building cost twice as much as the Parthenon.
For centuries, the Lighthouse of Alexandria was the tallest manmade structure anywhere (second to the Great Pyramid of Giza). The Lighthouse was the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World to fall, finally destroyed by multiple earthquakes. Ruins of the Lighthouse were rediscovered on the floor of Alexandria’s harbour in 1994 and can be viewed while diving.
The site was adapted into a medieval fort by the Sultan of Egypt in about 1480. Visitors can explore the site where it once stood (now the Citadel of Qaitbay) and imagine the grand significance of this ancient wonder.
See the Citadel of Qaitbay
The Citadel of Qaitbay is a 15th-century fortress with breathtaking views across the Mediterranean Sea, built between 1477 and 1479 AD on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria by Mamluk Sultan Qaitbay to protect the city from Ottoman and Crusader invasion.
A symbol of military strength and architectural grandeur, this imposing fortress helped to shape Alexandria’s defence and maritime activity. The structure has been meticulously restored and preserved, with ongoing restoration and maintenance ensuring future generations can appreciate the geometric patterns and decorative elements adorning this masterpiece of Islamic architecture.
Citadel of Qaitbay, Egypt by Adobe Stock
Wander through its towering walls, explore its historic chambers, and imagine the battle of the French invasion of Egypt in 1798, when Napoleon Bonaparte and his troops attempted to capture the citadel.
After seeing the fortress, unwind with a stroll along the coast to bask in Alexandria’s charm and beauty.
Explore the Graeco Roman Museum
Graeco-Roman Museum, Egypt by Flickr
The Graeco-Roman Museum is the oldest building in Egypt designed to store, preserve, and display antiquities. It’s the legacy of Italian archaeologist Giuseppe Botti, whose persistent efforts eventually led to the establishment of this collection in 1892, in a modest rented property. The museum’s existence sparked a cultural renaissance in Alexandria, with demand leading to the design and construction of a dedicated museum building. Botti was appointed the first director.
The museum holds a treasure trove of artefacts from the Greek and Roman eras of ancient Egypt. The museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of the era. content.
From impressive sculptures to ancient coins, each exhibit tells a story of a time when Greek and Roman influences merged with ancient Egyptian traditions.
See Pompey’s Pillar
Pompey's Pillar, Egypt by Adobe Stock
Pompey’s Pillar is one of the largest monolithic columns ever built, the only whole and standing ancient monument remaining in Alexandria. The 20.46m shaft is carved from a solid piece of red Aswan granite. The original monument reached nearly 30m into the sky, including a 7-metre statue once poised at the top.
The towering granite column is a remarkable sight. Built to honour the Emperor Diocletian with his statue at the top, it was later named Pompey’s Pillar by passersby who remembered the murder of General Pompey by Cleopatra’s brother.
Underneath the column, steps lead down to the remains of the great temple of Serapis, a hybrid Greek and Egyptian god of Alexandria. There was also the daughter library of the Great Library, where anyone visiting the temple could read the scrolls.
Alexandria was truly the intellectual and religious hub of the Mediterranean before the Serapum was destroyed in AD391 in a final assault on pagan intellectuals by Christians, who left only the pillar standing.
Discover The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
Just a short walk from Pompey’s Pillar is the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, a maze of tunnels and chambers that served as a burial site in the 2nd century AD. Over its 300 years of use, the underground structure was expanded to hold over 300 corpses, making it the largest known Roman burial site in Egypt.
Discovered accidentally in 1900 when a donkey disappeared underground, this underground wonder showcases Alexandria's famous fusion of Pharaonic and Greek styles. It’s one of the last major works of construction dedicated to the religion of ancient Egypt.
Descending into the depths via a spiral staircase, light from a central well pierces the gloom of the flooded lower level. The bodies of the dead would once have been lowered on ropes down the central shaft. The staircase connects to a rotunda, which would have led to the triclinium. In this banqueting hall, grieving relatives paid their last respects with a funeral feast, returning after 40 days and on each anniversary.
At the doorway to the inner chamber are statues of Anubis, the Egyptian god of the dead, dressed as a Roman legionary and with a serpent’s tail from Agathose Daimon, a Greek god. Faded paintings lining the Hall of Caracalla mixing Egyptian and Greek, funerary iconography, including a painting of the mummification of Osiris and the kidnapping of Persephone by Hades.
This hauntingly beautiful site of ancient funerary rituals is one of Alexandria's most fascinating and sombre attractions.
Visit Bibliotheca Alexandrina
The Alexandrina Bibliotheca is located on a magnificent site by Alexandria’s ancient harbour and was inaugurated on 16 October 2002. The modern library building cost around USD 220 million. Eleven stories high, it has a capacity for up to 4 million volumes of books that can be expanded to 8 million using compact storage. This awe-inspiring modern library pays tribute to the ancient Library of Alexandria, one of the most famous libraries of the ancient world.
This stunning example of contemporary architecture is dedicated to capturing the spirit of openness and scholarship of the original library, making millions of books, manuscripts, and digital archives available for public perusal.
The disc-shaped structure is 160m in diameter and was designed by competition-winning Norwegian firm Snohetta to represent “the cyclical nature of knowledge, fluid throughout time”, mirroring the circular layout of Alexandria’s harbour.
The modern library is a thrilling mix of ancient wisdom and modern discoveries, with a new insight in every exquisite corner of the complex, whether a reading room, art gallery or museum collection.
Alexandria Bibliotecha, Egypt by Dennis Bunnik
Explore the Montaza Palace Gardens
Montaza Palace Gardens, Egypt by Flickr
Montaza Palace Gardens is a place to go when it’s time to relax and soak in the natural beauty of Alexandria. Designed and landscaped in 1982 by Khedive Abbas Hilmi II for hunting and as a residence for his companion, then expanded in 1932 by King Fuad I, the palace blends Ottoman and Florentine styles.
Located around 11km from the Citadel of Qaitbay, Montaza Palace nestles in 350 acres of lush gardens stretching along the Mediterranean coastline, with access to beaches and ocean.
There are benches, wading pools and swimming pools for the public to enjoy. Wander through the colourful rows of flowers, enjoy a picnic of Egyptian cuisine and take in the serene atmosphere before resuming a tour of Alexandria.
Alexandria National Museum
Alexandria National Museum, Egypt by Flickr
The Alexandria National Museum is housed in a beautiful mansion and offers a comprehensive look at the city’s rich history. The museum’s displays cover different periods, including the Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic, and Islamic eras, with around 1,800 artefacts telling the stories of Egypt and Alexandria.
Highlights include stunning jewellery, ancient pottery, and fascinating archaeological finds from the city's various historical periods. This museum offers a perspective on how Alexandria has evolved over the centuries.
Discover Alexandria, the coastal oasis of Egypt, with Bunnik Tours
Unlike other destinations in Egypt, Alexandria is a modern city, unique in the Egyptian experience. It links ancient Egypt and today’s people through education and architecture. Alexandria is a gorgeous city to visit and explore.
Experience Alexandria’s beauty and history, with guidance from an expert Egyptologist. Creating lasting memories, lifetime friendships and new connections through small group travel with Bunnik Tours.
FAQs: Visiting Alexandria
What is Alexandria best known for?
Alexandria is best known for its rich academic and architectural history, including the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and landmarks like the Citadel of Qaitbay and the New Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
Is Alexandria a walkable city?
Yes, Alexandria is a walkable city, especially around the historic areas and along the Mediterranean coast, where many attractions are located close to each other.
What is the best month to visit Alexandria?
The best time to visit Alexandria is in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November), when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.
What food is Alexandria known for?
Alexandria is known for its fresh seafood, particularly dishes like grilled fish, shrimp, and calamari, often served with local spices and herbs.
Can I visit the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria?
The original Lighthouse of Alexandria no longer exists, but you can visit the Citadel of Qaitbay, which stands on the same site and offers a glimpse into the city’s maritime history.