Why you should Visit Alexandria?

Last updated on November 5th, 2026 at 05:37 pm

Alexandria is Egypt’s sea-side city: ancient history, Roman catacombs, a famous modern library, Mediterranean beaches and seafood, all about three hours from Cairo. This guide gives the reasons to go, the top attractions, how to get there, the best time and practical tips. For a full list of sights, see our Alexandria attractions guide.

Alexandria is Egypt’s sea-side city: ancient history, Roman catacombs, a famous modern library, Mediterranean beaches and seafood, all about three hours from Cairo. This guide gives the reasons to go, the top attractions, how to get there, the best time and practical tips. For a full list of sights, see our Alexandria attractions guide.

Alexander the Great founded the city in 331 BC. It became the capital of the Ptolemies, home to the lost Pharos lighthouse (one of the Seven Wonders) and a great library. Cleopatra VII ruled from here. Under Roman, Byzantine and Islamic rule it remained a major port, and today it is Egypt’s second-largest city.

Alexandria sits on the Mediterranean coast, about 220 km north-west of Cairo. Trains, buses and private drivers connect the two cities in roughly 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic. Our Alexandria day trip guide has a full plan.

• Best time: spring and autumn. Summer is busy and humid, and winter can bring rain and wind.
• How long: one long day for the main sights, or two for a slower visit.
• Tips: dress modestly for mosques, check opening hours at the gate or egymonuments.gov.eg, and use licensed taxis or a driver between sights.

1. Layers of history: Greek, Roman, Coptic and Islamic sites in one city.
2. The sea: the corniche, the beaches and a cooler climate than Cairo.
3. Food: fresh fish and seafood. See our eating and drinking guide.
4. Culture: a famous library, museums and cafes.
5. Easy trip from Cairo: a good break from the desert and the temples.

• Bibliotheca Alexandrina: the modern library. Guide.
• Citadel of Qaitbay: a 15th-century sea fort on the harbour.
• Pompey’s Pillar: a Roman column. Guide.
• Montaza Palace Gardens: royal gardens by the sea. Guide.
• Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa: Roman burial site. Guide.
• Al-Mursi Abu al-Abbas Mosque: a seafront mosque. Guide.
• Alexandria National Museum: artefacts from many periods.

Is Alexandria worth visiting?
Yes for history and the sea, especially as a break from Cairo.

Is it safe?
Generally yes with normal precautions. See our safe travel guide.

What should I wear?
Light, modest clothes and comfortable shoes.

How do I spend a day there?
Start at the library, then the catacombs and Pompey’s Pillar, lunch by the sea, then the Qaitbay Citadel.

Alexandria is worth one or two days if you like history near the sea. Add it as a relaxed break from Cairo, Luxor and the desert.