Founded by Alexander the Great, Egypt’s Mediterranean capital was once home to the ancient world’s greatest library and one of its Seven Wonders.
Why Visit Alexandria
Alexandria’s ancient Library, one of the largest and most significant in the classical world before its destruction, has been reborn as the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a striking piece of architecture and a symbol of the city’s intellectual legacy. The Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, once stood where the medieval Qaitbay Citadel now guards the harbor. With a distinctly Mediterranean feel compared to Cairo, Alexandria’s corniche, catacombs, and Greco-Roman history give it a different flavor of Egyptian travel.
Top Experiences
- Bibliotheca Alexandrina: a modern library and cultural center built to honor the legacy of the ancient Library of Alexandria.
- Qaitbay Citadel: a 15th century fortress built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria.
- Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa: an underground Roman era necropolis blending Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artistic styles.
- Alexandria National Museum: a museum tracing the city’s history from pharaonic times through the modern era.
- Corniche: Alexandria’s long Mediterranean waterfront promenade.
Book Alexandria Tours & Activities
Explore the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, visit the ancient catacombs, or walk the Mediterranean corniche with guided tours of Alexandria.
Private Cairo Airport Transfer (Pickup or Drop-off Service)
Practical Tips
- Alexandria makes a popular day trip from Cairo, about a three hour drive or train ride away.
- The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa are one of the few places showing genuine fusion of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman funerary art.
- The city’s Mediterranean climate and corniche give it a noticeably different feel and pace than Cairo.
- Seafood restaurants along the waterfront are a highlight, reflecting Alexandria’s coastal identity.
FAQ
Can Alexandria be visited as a day trip from Cairo?
Yes, high speed trains and organized day tours connect the two cities in about two and a half to three hours each way.
What happened to the original Library of Alexandria?
The ancient library was destroyed over centuries through a combination of fires, conflicts, and neglect; its exact fate remains debated among historians.
Final Thoughts
Alexandria offers a different, more Mediterranean side of Egypt, where ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian history mix along a genuinely pleasant waterfront city.
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