Alexandria Egypt is a beautiful coastal city on the northern edge of the country, known for its seaside views, historic sites, and laid-back atmosphere. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Alexandria, this post highlights the main sites you can explore, whether you’re visiting for a day or just passing through.
We have visited Egypt twice together, and while we’ve only spend one day in Alexandria together, Ahmed has been many times over the years visiting family. This list brings together the key experiences to help you plan your time in the city.
If you’re looking for more detailed planning information, including where to stay, when to visit, and safety tips, check out our full Alexandria Egypt Travel Guide below:
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Quick Tips for Visiting Alexandria
Often the only way of booking tickets in advance is if you’re doing a day trip from Cairo or doing a walking tour. While we haven’t personally done these tours in Alexandria, we have had good luck with Get Your Guide in the past! Otherwise, tickets for most attractions are usually purchased on site (and sometimes cash is required).
Google Maps is generally good for finding your way around on your own between these different activities and sites. That means you need to have access to the internet while in Alexandria. Our favourite way to do that is with an e-Sim card, allowing you to have local data. There are lots of reliable providers, but we rely on Airalo (and have used them in many countries, including Egypt, with no issues). You can purchase an Airalo e-Sim through the app or website.
Things to Do in Alexandria Egypt
1. Citadel of Qaitbay
A historic fortress along the waterfront and one of Alexandria’s most recognizable landmarks. It’s a great spot for views over the Mediterranean and an easy stop while walking the Corniche.
You will need tickets to get inside, and often the only way to buy these in advance is if they are included with a tour (often from Cairo).
2. Bibliotheca Alexandrina
A modern library built to honour the ancient Library of Alexandria. Even if you don’t go inside, the architecture alone makes it worth a visit.
3. Antiquities Museum
Located inside the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, this small museum displays artifacts from Alexandria’s ancient past. It’s a quick add-on if you’re already visiting the library.
4. Alexandria Corniche
A long waterfront promenade that runs along the Mediterranean. It’s ideal for walking between sights and taking in the coastal views.
5. Stanley Bridge
A well-known bridge along the Corniche that’s especially popular for photos. Nice to stop by if you’re already exploring the waterfront.
6. Eat fish by the ocean
One of the best things to do in Alexandria is simply sit down for fresh seafood by the water. There are plenty of casual spots along the coast to do this.
More Things to Do in Alexandria
These are things we didn’t get to see due to only spending one day in Alexandria, but come highly recommended by family or are on many “Things to do” lists:
- Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa
- Kom el-Dikka (Roman theatre)
- Pompey’s Pillar (the Arabic name is Amoud Al Sawari)
- Alexandria National Museum
- Montazah Palace & Gardens
- Ras el-Tin Palace
- Abu Abbas al-Mursi Mosque
- Royal Jewelry Museum
- St. Mark’s Cathedral
Again, unless you’re part of a tour, tickets for attractions are usually purchased on site.
Alexandria Tour Options
A note that we haven’t personally done tours in Alexandria, as we have had family show us around. These are some of the more highly rated tours we found to help you with your research.
- Archaeological sites tour, including library, Citadel, Palace, Cathedral, Mosque, & more
- Walking tour of Alexandria (this one’s free!)
- Private tour from Cairo, fewer sites
- Group tour from Cairo, including lunch – this one hits basically all the major sites and is very extensive
- Budget-friendly tour (does not include the Citadel or Palace)
Want more details to help plan your trip? Our full Alexandria Egypt Travel Guide covers where to stay, when to visit, and everything else you need to know.
MAP of Things to do in Alexandria, Egypt
HOW TO USE THE MAP: Click on the Wanderlog logo in the bottom right corner to open the full-size map up in a new tab. There, you can choose to just look at activities I’ve done (or haven’t) or see all of the activities on the map at once (click the 3 squares in the top right to choose). You can also export the map to Google Maps, share the map with others, or save the map.
Helpful Planning Tips
I rely on these tools when planning my trips:
- Get Your Guide – tours around Alexandria or to Alexandria from Cairo
- Airalo eSIM – get Egyptian data instantly on arrival, without roaming charges
- Stay22 – compare hotels across Alexandria at a glance
- Wanderlog – keep track of your trip details, organize your itinerary, and map out your stops
- Bring cash – tips are expected (they love US dollars)
- Bring a photocopy of your passport, as you will need it to get tickets at some sites
- If you’re married to an Egyptian, bring a copy of your marriage certificate – at sites where you tend to pay on-site, you can get in for the Egyptian price!
