Named after Alexander the Great, the amazing city of Alexandria was where Cleopatra ruled. Now, it’s the second-biggest city in Egypt and is well-known for its impressive architecture and beautiful places. It’s a key economic area, housing the famous Great Library of Alexandria and the Pharos Lighthouse, one of the ancient world’s seven wonders. For anyone who likes to make the most of their stay, you will discover the 20 best, unmissable things to do in Alexandria Egypt.
Table of Contents
1. Explore Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque
Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque is a captivating building erected during World War II over the tomb of a revered 13th-century saint, known as the patron saint of local fishermen. Nowadays, it’s surrounded by Egypt’s largest and most unusual combo of religious and shopping spaces, where a group of mosques sits atop a terrace that conceals an underground shopping center. There’s also a modern office building with more shops nearby, its sharp, modern angles clashing with the mosques’ smooth and curvy designs. Visitors who dress modestly can enter the mosque; just remember to remove your shoes and not take photos inside.
Mr. Muhammad Karim 9, Omar Bin Al-Khattab Group, Commercial Market, Mosques Square, Abu Abbas Al-Morsi, Bahri, Al Gomrok, Alexandria Governorate 21500
2. Learn About Alexandria’s Past At The Alexandria National Museum
The Alexandria National Museum holds a small but remarkable assortment of artifacts, including pieces retrieved from under the Western Harbor in recent underwater archaeological digs. Its exhibitions cover the city’s extensive timeline, featuring Christian relics, Islamic art, and insights into Alexandria’s time under colonial rule. The museum is housed in an early 20th-century Italianate palace, designed by a French architect, reflecting the city’s colonial history.
131 El-Shaheed Galal El-Desouky, Bab Sharqi WA Wabour Al Meyah, Bab Sharqi, Alexandria Governorate 5423004
3. Visit Fort Qaitbay
Fort Qaitbay stands on the edge of the Corniche, overlooking the Eastern Harbor. Built on the ancient site of Alexandria’s Pharos lighthouse, one of the ancient world’s seven wonders, the fort integrates the lighthouse’s remnants into its foundation. The Pharos, constructed in the 3rd century BC by a Greek named Sostratus, towered approximately 122 meters high, its light visible 53 km away. This engineering marvel, featuring around 300 rooms and a fuel-lifting hydraulic system, underwent several reconstructions before its destruction in a 1307 earthquake. Sultan Qaitbay erected the present fort on its ruins in 1479. Recent discoveries by a French team of Pharos parts offshore have sparked renewed interest and talks of an underwater museum.
The fort’s exterior walls enclose a spacious courtyard, and walking along its ramparts offers expansive coastal views. Interestingly, the fort’s arrow slits, once for defense, now provide secluded spots for Egyptian couples. Inside, the fort is less captivating, containing a plain mosque, a mural of President Nasser with the Egyptian navy, and a “fleet of Senefroo” model. Artifacts from Napoleon’s sunken ship l’Orient are displayed upstairs.
In summer, the fort hosts evening music events and concerts.
4. Enjoy Cocktail In Bleu Lounge
Bleu stands out as Alexandria’s trendiest spot. Here, you can relax with a shisha and cocktail in hand. Sporting modern decor and a marble-floored terrace that offers stunning views of the north coast beaches and Corniche (available from May to November), this bar is a favorite among the fashionable crowd.
399 El Geish Rd., Alexandria, Egypt | fourseasons.com/alexandria/bleu-lounge/
5. Chill And Enjoy The View At Skyroof – Windsor Palace Hotel
Sky Roof, perched atop the Windsor Palace Hotel, offers a picturesque view of Alexandria Beach and beyond. With international DJs starting their sets at 9 pm, the vibe is always lively. The outdoor lounge, featuring plush sofas and tables, is perfect for enjoying the music, though you might want to move indoors if the wind gets too strong. The menu won’t disappoint, offering dishes like Piccata with Mushroom and Mashed Potato, Grilled Chicken Breast, Pizza, and Fried Fish Fillet with Rice. While it’s said that reservations and social media profile approval are needed, that might not always be the case.
El-Gaish Rd El Gondy El Maghool، Square، 21562, Egypt | instagram.com/skyroofalexandria/
6. Enjoy Some Shopping At San Stefano Mall
The San Stefano Grand Plaza shopping mall in Alexandria turns shopping into a luxurious adventure! This modern mall is packed with everything from upscale designer stores to well-loved global brands. Its spacious, orderly design ensures a smooth shopping journey. Besides shopping, the mall has many spots ideal for quick snacks and relaxed dining. Set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea, a visit to San Stefano Grand Plaza is not just shopping—it’s a memorable experience.
El-Gaish Rd, San Stefano, El Raml 2, Alexandria Governorate 5452053, Egypt
7. Relax And Rejuvenate At The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria
At the Four Seasons Hotel in Alexandria at San Stefano, you will enjoy a wide range of high-end spa services like massages, facials, and signature treatments. They focus on a holistic approach to taking care of both your mind and body. Your visit starts with a custom check on your lifestyle, leading to a relaxing time in one of their 14 treatment rooms, including spaces just for couples.
399 El Geish Rd., San Stefano, Alexandria | fourseasons.com/alexandria/spa/
8. Visit Greco-Roman Museum
Founded in 1895, the Greco-Roman Museum in the RAML Station area houses a top-notch collection, including notable finds from Pompey’s Pillar like the Apis Bull statue and statues from the Kom el-Shoqafa catacombs. It stands out as Egypt’s leading museum for the period from 332 BC, when Alexander the Great arrived, to AD 619, during the third Persian occupation. The museum not only features Greco-Roman artifacts but also showcases many pharaonic pieces, highlighting the extensive cultural blending with Greek and Roman traditions. Among its highlights are early Christian mummies, pieces of a temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and a courtyard displaying an array of statues bathed in sunlight.
Al Mesallah Sharq, Al Attarin, Alexandria Governorate 5372053, Egypt | facebook.com/GraecoRomanMuseumAlex/
9. Marvel At Kom al-Dikka Ancient Amphitheater
It is a unique, ancient amphitheater, the only one in Egypt, dating back to the 4th century AD and rebuilt in the 6th century after an earthquake. This place transitioned from a cultural center to a venue for City Council meetings, as suggested by old political graffiti. The site also includes the remains of ancient baths and residential areas, where the cisterns and walls stand out. Here, red bricks indicate the location of the heated baths, part of a sophisticated system that also included cold and steam baths. This entire area was abandoned following the Persian conquest in the 7th century. A notable part of the residential area is the Villa of the Birds, named after its vibrant floor mosaics that beautifully depict various birds, showcasing the high level of artistry of the time. These mosaics have been restored and are now under a protective cover. In the summer, the amphitheater sometimes becomes a venue for opera performances, bringing contemporary art to this ancient site.
5WV3+QVR, Ismail Mahana, Kom Ad Dakah Gharb, Al Attarin, Alexandria Governorate 5371040, Egypt
10. Relax in Montazah Gardens
Montazah Gardens, located in the Montazah area, became a symbol of royal life in Egypt in the mid-18th century when Mohammed Ali’s descendants became khedives, or princes. The grand El Montazah Palace was built in the 1890s by Khedive Abbas Hilmi Pasha just outside Alexandria. Between 1922 and 1952, under Egyptian royalty, the palace was expanded into an ornate Italianate style by King Faoud, becoming the backdrop for extravagant parties within its vast, green gardens. It was from this palace that King Farouk, Faoud’s son, left Egypt for the last time following his abdication in 1952, eventually living in exile in Rome where he died in 1965. Nowadays, the palace is owned by the government.
The gardens, known for their beautiful flowers, lawns, and beaches, are a favored spot for local families to enjoy leisurely walks or picnics.
Montaza Palace, El-Gaish Rd, Al Mandarah Bahri, Montaza 2, Alexandria Governorate 5527001, Egypt
11. Take an up-close look at nature’s marvels at Alexandria Zoo
Alexandria Zoo is an exciting mix of learning and enjoyment! It has a wide variety of animals, beautifully kept surroundings, and welcoming staff, making it a top destination. You can take an up-close look at nature’s marvels for visitors of all ages. Expect to see everything from impressive big cats to lively primates, ensuring each trip is filled with discovery and education. The zoo’s dedication to preserving wildlife and caring for animals, with interactive programs and a friendly vibe, is a gem for families and animal lovers.
Passage in Antonyades Palace, Ezbet Saad, Sidi Gaber, Alexandria Governorate 5432034, Egypt
12. Visit Planetarium And Imax Theater At Bibliotheca Alexandrina
The $190 million project supported by UNESCO aimed to bring back to life the famous Great Library of Alexandria, known as a key ancient learning center. Located near the Silsileh Peninsula by the Eastern Harbor, an area historically linked to royalty and potentially the site of the original library. The building, designed by architects from Norway, looks like a huge cylinder leaning towards the sea, with a roof made of diamond-shaped windows that light up the inside’s seven levels. A notable feature is the outer wall, covered in granite from Aswan with ancient language inscriptions.
While the vast inside is impressive from the upper gallery, the library also hosts various small museums and exhibits for more exploration. It’s been updated with a planetarium and an IMAX theater, offering science and astronomy activities, such as stargazing, learning about constellations, and interactive displays.
63 Shar’a Soter, Alexandria, 21526, Egypt | bibalex.org/en/default
13. Visit Anfushi Tombs
Dating back to the 3rd century BC during the Ptolemaic era, these tombs, though smaller than the Catacombs at Kom el-Shoqafa, feature more preserved decorations. The limestone walls of this necropolis are adorned with paintings that mimic marble and showcase a variety of pharaonic gods. Located on a strip of land (once an island) that divides the Western and Eastern harbors, these tombs sit about halfway between the Palace of Ras al-Tin on the west and Fort Qaitbay to the east.
6V2F+RMW, Ibrahim Al Awal Sq., Ras at Tin, Al Gomrok, Alexandria Governorate 5321020, Egypt
14. Dive in Underwater Ruins
Alexandria’s waters, just like its land, are filled with ancient wonders, including old monuments and artifacts. The city boasts over five shallow diving spots around its harbors. The most visited among these are the Pharos Island site, Antirhodos Island (known as Cleopatra’s sunken palace), and a World War II shipwreck.
To dive at these sites, you need to know how to swim. Each spot offers a peek into the city’s rich history. Antirhodos Island, close to the shore, is famous for what’s left of Cleopatra’s palace, an Isis temple, and two sphinxes. The sea bed here is littered with old stones, pillars, jars, lamps, and bowls. Near the Qaitbay Citadel on the eastern harbor, the Pharos Island dive site has pieces of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, which collapsed into the sea after an earthquake. You can book here.
15. Cross A Unique Stanley Bridge
The Stanley Bridge, built in the late 1990s over the sea in the Stanley Bay area, is Egypt’s first bridge of its kind. It offers a unique experience for visitors to cross in horse-drawn carriages, enjoying the sea views and cool breeze. Shopping malls and fancy hotels are located just across the bridge, with plenty of cafes and beaches along the coastal road nearby.
Though it was originally made to help with traffic, the Stanley Bridge has become an important sight and shows off modern Alexandrian architecture. The bridge is 400 meters long, and 30 meters wide, and has four towers with Islamic-style designs, made to match the Al Montazah royal palace’s style.
Fleming, El Raml 1, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt
16. Explore Serapeum of Alexandria
Ptolemy III Euergetes, a ruler from the past, created the Serapeum of Alexandria, a temple for the god Serapis, who was seen as the city’s guardian. Now, the only part left to see above ground is a big Roman pillar called Pompey’s Pillar. There are a few underground passages open for exploring, and some objects from the temple are shown in The Greco-Roman Museum.
This place is on high land that lets you see the land and the sea around. The ancient pillar, made from red granite from Aswan, is the only piece of old Alexandria still there. Steps go down from the pillar to what’s left of the big Serapis temple, built during the time of the Romans and the early rulers of Alexandria. Records and digs show this temple was the most splendid in the Greek area of Alexandria. It was torn down and closed in 325 AD, probably because Constantine, a Christian ruler, ordered it.
Located in Alexandria’s ancient heart, the Serapeum is just off Karmooz Street along the Kanal Al Mahmoudeya Al Bahri road through the city, joining highway 75.
17. Discover the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
The Kom El Shoqafa catacombs, known as one of the Middle Ages’ Seven Wonders, are an ancient graveyard in Alexandria, Egypt, famous for its mix of Roman, Greek, and Egyptian designs. One key feature is the Hall of Caracalla, filled with both human and animal bones.
A winding staircase leads down into the catacombs, a sprawling network of underground tunnels and rooms spread over several floors. The main area where people were buried is beautifully decorated with temple themes, and there were special rooms where the dead’s families would come together for meals in their honor. The name “Kom El Shoqafa” means “mound of shards,” named after the ancient tradition of breaking terracotta pots and dishes brought as food offerings for the deceased. Found in 1900, these catacombs were used for burials from the 2nd to the 4th century and are located about 100 feet below ground, with their origins tracing back to the 2nd century AD.
12 متفرع من ش, Ras at Tin, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt
19. Enjoy a stroll On The Alexandria Corniche
The Alexandria Corniche, a favorite spot along the city’s coastline, is a great place for either a relaxing walk or a scenic drive. Along the way, there’s a lively market where you can buy everything from souvenirs and crafts to clothes, snacks, and ice cream.
This area also includes the Citadel of Qaitbay, located where Alexandria’s famous old lighthouse once stood. The Stanley Bridge over the Corniche is unique in Alexandria for crossing over the sea. Another attraction is Al Maamoura Beach, nestled between the Corniche and the Stanley Bridge, where visitors can enjoy the seaside.
Al Azaritah WA Ash Shatebi, Bab Sharqi, Alexandria Governorate 5424020, Egypt
20. Admire Ancient Gems At The Royal Jewelry Museum
The Royal Jewelry Museum is a special place that shows off jewels and treasures from Egypt’s royal family, who were in charge from 1805 until 1952 under Muhammad Ali Pasha’s family.
The museum is set in a beautiful palace built in 1919 by Zaynab Fahmi in the Zizinya area of Alexandria. This palace was once home to Fatma al-Zahra’, a relative of Muhammad Ali Pasha. The building mixes European and Islamic designs, filled with royal portraits, fancy ceilings, and detailed floor designs. It has two main parts, the east and west wings, each with a basement and two more floors, connected by a corridor.
Inside, you can see all kinds of royal belongings, like a special necklace with diamonds and emeralds that belonged to Muhammad Ali Pasha. There are also fancy items that show how rich the royal family was, including a chessboard made of gold, binoculars covered in diamonds, and gold cups decorated with jewels. Plus, there are stunning jewelry sets made by Europe’s top designers, which used to be worn by Egypt’s queens and princesses.
27 Ahmed Yehia, San Stefano, El Raml 2, Alexandria Governorate 5451010
