Alexandria Tourism: Landmarks and Hotels
Alexandria is a Mediterranean city, with a corniche stretching for tens of kilometers.
Alexandria is Egypt's second-largest city and its largest port, sprawling along the Mediterranean coast for more than 40 kilometers.
What sets it apart is that it’s the lone Egyptian city that feels Mediterranean rather than African: a relatively cool sea, a climate milder than Cairo by a noticeable margin, old early-20th-century architecture, and a Corniche people stroll along at night.
Founded by Alexander the Great, it was Egypt's capital for centuries, and home to the ancient Library of Alexandria and its Lighthouse, counted among the wonders of the world. What remains is little, but layers of Greek, Roman, and Islamic history still show in its sites.
Famous landmarks of Alexandria
The most famous landmarks of Alexandria are the New Library of Alexandria, Qaitbay Citadel, the Colonnade Column, and the Roman Theatre.
The New Library of Alexandria is the city's primary landmark today, a library and cultural center and museums in a circular tilted building overlooking the sea. Allow half a day, and it has independent museum sections that require additional tickets.
Qaitbay Castle was built in the 15th century on the site of Alexandria's ancient Lighthouse, and stands at the end of a seaside tongue surrounded by water on three sides. Its loveliest moments are before sunset when the light on the stone is slanted.
In the heart of the city lie the Colonnade Column and the Roman Theatre in Kom el-Dikka and the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, a full Greek-Roman layer inside a residential district. As for the Promenade, it is a wide garden by the sea that houses a former royal palace and private beaches.
Alexandria Hotels: Where to Stay and Which Area to Choose
Three ideal areas to stay in Alexandria: Ramses Station for first-time visitors, San Stefano for modern hotels, and Montaza and Mamoura for families.
The rule here is simple: the closer you are to the Corniche, the less you need a car. Ramses Station is the heart of the old city, from which you can walk to the Roman Theatre, markets, and historic cafés, and it’s the best choice for a first visit.
San Stefano is a newer area along the Corniche to the east, with broader, higher-standard hotels and a large shopping center. Montaza and Mamoura are further east and quieter, with wider beaches suitable for families, but getting to the landmarks from there takes longer.
Alexandria Weather and Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Alexandria is May to October when temperatures range from 22 to 30°C and the sea is swim-ready.
Alexandria is milder than Cairo in the summer, with a noticeable sea breeze that cools the heat even in peak August. This is why Egyptians themselves visit for the coast, though July and August are crowded on beaches and the Corniche.
Winter here is different from the rest of Egypt: occasionally rainy and windy, the sea rough, and some beach facilities closed. But the historic sites and museums stay open, and the city is much quieter with lower prices.
Spring and autumn are the smartest options: a decent sea, mild weather, and lighter crowds than in summer.
Getting to Alexandria
Alexandria is about 220 kilometers from Cairo, roughly two to two-and-a-half hours by train or about three hours by car.
The train is the most convenient between the two cities: comfortable, frequent, and it arrives at Cairo's Ramses Station in the heart of Alexandria, saving you from highway traffic.
Flying serves the city via Borg El Arab International Airport, about 45 kilometers from downtown Alexandria, roughly an hour by car. Its routes are fewer than Cairo, so many visitors arrive in Cairo first and then take the train.
Getting Around Alexandria
The city stretches along a single coastline, and most sights are on or near the Corniche, so getting around is simpler than in Cairo.
- Transit apps: the most convenient option for visitors, price known before boarding, no haggling.
- Tram: a historic, slow mode but a journey in itself, covering the Corniche corridor.
- Walking: best inside Ramses Station and Downtown where sights are close.
- Taxi: agree the fare before boarding if there is no meter.
The distance between the ends of the Corniche is long, so don’t assume you’ll walk from the Library to the Montazah. Calculate distances by car, not by looking at a map.
Cost of traveling to Alexandria and how many days to spend
Three days are enough for Alexandria's main sights, four days if you want to add a beach day at Montazah or Mamoura.
Alexandria is one of Egypt's most affordable cities, with the biggest expense being accommodation in peak summer when demand for Corniche hotels surges. The sights, transport, and meals are modest, and seafood restaurants are among the most famous to try.
Where is Alexandria located?
On the Mediterranean coast of northern Egypt, it is the country’s second-largest city and largest port.
How many days are enough to visit Alexandria?
Three days for the main sights, four days if you want to add a beach day.
What is the best time to visit Alexandria?
May to October for the sea and weather, spring and autumn for lighter crowds and lower prices.
How far is Alexandria from Cairo?
About 220 kilometers, two to two-and-a-half hours by train or about three hours by car.
What is the best area to stay in Alexandria?
Ramses Station for a first visit since you can walk to landmarks, or San Stefano for a modern hotel on the Corniche.
What airport serves Alexandria?
Borg El Arab International Airport, about 45 kilometers from downtown, about an hour by car.
Is Alexandria family-friendly?
Yes, especially Montazah and Mamoura with their wide beaches, and the city is quieter and less crowded than Cairo.
Is the Library of Alexandria worth a visit?
Yes, it’s the city’s primary landmark today. Allow half a day, and there are internal museums requiring additional tickets.