I’ve just recently returned from having spent 2 amazing days in Alexandria, Egypt (or Alex as the locals say). It’s a mediterranean paradise that had long been on my list of places to see in Egypt, and I’m so glad to have crossed it off!

As the second largest city in Egypt, what attracts many to Alexandria is it’s mix of Roman, Greek and Egyptian history. It may or may not surprise you to know, that Alexandria was a city founded by none other than Alexander the Great.

So whether you are planning a one day trip in Alexandria or if you have the weekend in Alexandria and you want to know what to do, this is the perfect guide to help you plan your own 2 day Alexandrian itinerary!

How many days in Alexandria Egypt

Well, you might be wondering how many days in Alexandria will allow you to get a feel for the city and take in the best sites? While there are many tour options from Cairo for one day tours in Alexandria, the city is so charming and there’s much to see that one day isn’t quite enough! All in all we spent a total of less than 48 hours in Alexandria, and 2 days is my recommended minimum. With two days in Alexandria, you’ll still be able to see many of the tops sights and even have a bit of time to drink some mint tea and watch the incredible sunsets over the Mediterranean.

How to get to Alexandria Egypt

Whether you’re stopping by Alexandria as part of a cruise, or you’re travelling with a tour from Cairo, there are many travel options to consider. Alex is about 218km from Cairo which by car can take anywhere from 2.5 hours to 3.5 hours depending on how severe the traffic is.

Car: While I personally took a road trip from Cairo to Alex, for most foreigners I would not recommend driving in Egypt if you are not used to bumpy streets, chaotic traffic and difficult parking spots. (Did I mention how lucky I am to be married to an Egyptian man!) As in most other countries, all you need for a rental car is an international drivers license from your home country. If this isn’t your first city in Egypt, you may find that Alexandria is famous for their traffic, in Cairo it gets bad… but Alex takes the cake – my theory is the drivers can be distracted by the beautiful seaside views, and I kinda don’t blame them!

Bus & Train: If you’re on a budget, the bus and train are both viable options.

Fly: Flights are only about 50 minutes long, and the airport is located about 1 hour away from the city centre.

Tour: There are several reputable companies you can use to book tours online. Here are a few you might consider: Get Your Guide and Viator.

Best time to visit Alexandria Egypt

As with many other cities with Mediterranean climates, Alexandria also has humid summers and mild but rainy winters. Among locals Alexandria is busiest during the summer, when the people of Cairo in particular, escape the extreme city heat and head straight for the beach. The ideal time to visit, in terms of busy-ness but also perfect climate conditions would be spring (March – April) and fall (September – November).

What to wear in Alexandria Egypt?

When travelling in Egypt in general, I recommend dressing more modestly. If you are a woman looking for tips on how to dress in Egypt, please take a look at this guide for dressing in conservative countries. I found Alexandria to be slightly more modest than other cities like Cairo but more modern than places like Aswan.

Unlike other seaside cities like Sharm El Sheik, Alexandrian’s dress is more conservative both on and off the beach. At the Rea Sea resorts which are hubs for tourists, you’ll see many international women dressed in a variety of ways at the privacy of the resorts. Alexandria has beaches both for the public and privately owned by hotels. Ultimately, dress in what you feel most comfortable in, but also please be considerate and respectful of the local customs and traditions.

Where to stay in Alexandria, Egypt

The ideal place to stay in Alexandria would be somewhere along the Corniche (waterfront promenade). Like with any other city, Alexandria has many high end luxury options, like the Four Seasons or Hilton, but there are fantastic budget options available as well. We ended up choosing something in between at the TOLIP Hotel Alexandria. The hotel was beautiful, clean and the staff were very kind. They also had one of THE BEST hotel breakfasts I’ve ever had – plus it was free (well, included in your hotel booking price)! The location is close to the Library and Citadel and right across from the beach. We even splurged on a sea view room and got to take in the famous Alexandrian traffic from the comfort of our balcony. It’s in the centre of the hustle and bustle and was the perfect base for our 48 hours in Alexandria Egypt.

NOTE: Many hotels offer different pricing for foreigners vs. locals, and you’ll even see it shown in separate listings online, take a look here.

Booking.com

Top things to see in Alexandria Egypt

Where to start on what to see in Alexandria Egypt! This city has something to offer for the adventurer in all of us. Whether you prefer historical sites, libraries, museums, diving or just laying back on the beach, this is the place to do them all!

While it’s difficult to narrow down the top sights to see in Alexandria, here are the points of interest in Alexandria that you can’t miss!

TIP: Use the underground tunnels to cross the busy street along the Corniche – unless you are up for a game of chicken with Egyptian traffic and drivers :)!

Citadel of Qaitbay

If you don’t know much about the history of Alexandria, this is the perfect place to visit. It’s currently situated on the sight of the former Lighthouse of Alexandria, which was one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. After it’s destruction, the citadel was erected as a fortress and also a mosque. Since then it has seen it’s share of revolutions, attacks and enemy occupation. It remains today as a Maritime museum, with beautiful views of Mediterranean and the Alexandrian coastline. Visiting the Citadel of Qaitbay was my personal highlight of the trip!

Montaza Palace

The grounds for the Montaza Palace is home to a palace, museum and beautiful extensive gardens overlooking the Mediterranean. There are a few palaces on the estate, the most infamous of which is the Al-Haramlink Palace. None of the palaces are open to he public, but for a fee you can enter into the gardens. If you plan to visit, ensure to schedule enough time, while the distance from town may seem short, with traffic on the Corniche, it can take over 40 min from the Citadel.

Library of Alexandria

Next on the list of where to go in Alexandria is the infamous Library – don’t be fooled it’s not your regular local library. However, do note that it’s not the ancient Great Library of Alexandria which was the largest and most significant of its time. The ancient Library is believed to have been burned down by Julius Cesar and a new modern Library of Alexandria, Bibliotheca Alexandrina was built near what was believed to have been it’s location. The reborn library is impressive both on the outside as it is on the inside.

Pompey’s Pillar

One of the most popular sights in the city, at Pompey’s Pillar expect to see a pillar (the only ancient monument remaining in its entirety in Alexandria), some sphinxes and a Nilometre.

Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

A historical archeological site, in which you will find a necropolis of tombs and statues where you’ll find all Roman, Greek and Egyptian influences.

Royal Jewelry Museum

This museum showcases a stunning collection of jewelry from the last royal family in Egypt, the Muhammed Ali Dynasty. It’s worth coming here alone to see the the former Palace of Princess Fatima Al-Zahra which houses al the jewels. The palace is a piece of art in it’s own right, with incredible architecture and opulent decor.

TIP: They will charge you to bring in your camera, so either be willing to pay or to leave your camera in a locker or back at the hotel!

Alexandria Corniche

It would be hard to visit Alexandria without coming by the corniche, intentionally or unintentionally. The waterfront promenade (or Corniche) runs along the harbour and is without a doubt one of the busiest areas in Alex! Take a stroll and watch the local fishermen fish, or the local family and friends sitting on the boardwalk waiting for the sunset.

Where to eat in Alexandria Egypt

What to eat when in Alexandria? Fresh Fish caught by the local fishermen is a no brainer, but what else is there to try? 

Breakfast at Foul Mohamed Ahmed

This restaurant has the reputation for serving the best foul and falafel, not only in Alexandria, but in all of Egypt! Do as the locals do, and go experience some foul for breakfast!

Lunch at Greek Yacht Club

For the Alexandrian experience, it’s a must to eat at a seafood restaurant and at that one with a view! There are a few restaurants in the building, we tried the one on the first floor that didn’t have great service, but a lovely view. I’d recommend going to the second floor where it’s said to have an even better blue and for a moment you’ll think you’re in Greece!

Dinner at Na3na3 – نعنع

When in Egypt, you must eat… Lebanese food? I know, I just couldn’t resist. If you head to this place, take a seat on the bean bags on the beach and enjoy some Muhammara while you watch the waves!

Dessert at Azza Ice Cream

Alexandrian’s love their ice cream! You’ll walk by an endless amount of them, but one of the best and most famous is Azza!

I can’t believe it took me four trips to Egypt to finally get to Alexandria! If you’re travelling to Egypt, the pearl of the Mediterranean, Alexandria, is a must stop!

Some additional guides that may help with your trip planning:

• Tipping Etiquette in Egypt with tips from a local (my hubby!)
• Where to stay in Cairo, advice on the best neighbourhoods
• 30+ best places to see in Egypt
• Amazing pyramid view hotels you should consider staying at
• The best 15 spots in Cairo for instagram photos
• What to wear in Egypt a guide for women
• 4-day Nile Cruise review from Aswan to Luxor
• The best souvenirs to look for in Egypt
• Traditional Egyptian food you must try!

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