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Alexandria

Egypt's Mediterranean second city — Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Roman ruins + escape from Cairo heat

Alexandria is Egypt's second-largest city — Alexander the Great's namesake, Mediterranean climate, Bibliotheca Alexandrina (the modern successor to the Library of Alexandria), Roman ruins, Ottoman Citadel of Qaitbey + fresh seafood. Escape from Cairo's heat + intensity.

Airport
Borg El Arab (HBE) — 40 km
From Cairo
3h train (~$5) or 2h 30m drive
Best season
April-October
Founded
331 BC by Alexander the Great

Alexandria highlights

Bibliotheca Alexandrina

Modern successor to the ancient library — massive tilted glass disc. Multiple museums + planetarium inside.

Citadel of Qaitbey

15th-century Ottoman fortress on the site of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse (Seven Wonders).

Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

Roman-era underground burial complex — 3 levels of Egyptian + Greek + Roman art fusion.

Roman Amphitheatre

Well-preserved 2nd-century Roman theatre + villa of the birds mosaics.

Corniche seafront walk

15 km Mediterranean promenade — the evening stroll spot. Sunset over the harbour.

Pompey's Pillar

The tallest Roman victory column in the world — 27m, made of a single piece of red granite.

Fish market seafood dinner

Anfushi Bay + Fish Market restaurants — pick your fish, they grill it. Best seafood in Egypt.

Getting there

Alexandria has two airports — Borg El Arab (HBE) 40 km southwest + Alexandria (ALY, limited). From Cairo: 3h train (~$5) or 2h 30m drive. Cheaper to train.

Getting around

Taxi + Uber operates. Yellow trams (Ramleh line) run along the Corniche — historic + cheap. Careem is more common than Uber.

Best time to visit

April-October (Mediterranean beach weather). December-February cool + rainy.

Budget per day

$20-45 backpacker · $60-140 mid-range · $250+ luxury (Four Seasons Alexandria at San Stefano)

Airport transfer from Borg El Arab (Alexandria) (HBE)

Getting out of Alexandria (HBE)

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Where to stay in Alexandria

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Where to stay in Alexandria

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Frequently asked about Alexandria

How do I get from Cairo to Alexandria?
3h train (Ramses Station, EGP 200-500 depending on class), 2h 30m drive, or 40-min flight (rarely worthwhile).
How many days do I need in Alexandria?
2 days — day 1 Bibliotheca + Corniche + fish dinner, day 2 Citadel + Catacombs + Roman Amphitheatre. Weekend escape from Cairo.
Is Alexandria worth visiting?
Yes — completely different vibe from Cairo. Mediterranean feel, fresher air, better seafood. Not as ancient-monument-heavy as Luxor but historically rich.
When is the best time to visit Alexandria?
April-October for beach weather. December-February can be cool + rainy — but still pleasant for museums.