Alexandria Attractions

Alexandria’s Greco-Roman and royal landmarks each have a full visitor guide:

• Citadel of Qaitbay
• Montazah Palace and gardens
• Pompey’s Pillar
• the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
• the Library of Alexandria

Visit them all on our Explore Alexandria tour, take an Alexandria day trip from Cairo, or see every Alexandria tour for more options.

Escape the urban bustle and immerse yourself in the grandeur of Montazah Palace, a seaside escape built by Egypt’s Muhammad Ali dynasty. The grounds boast sweeping gardens, ornate royal architecture, and a beach that is perfect for a leisurely stroll along the Mediterranean coast. Nestled between two beaches, the palace remains one of the most photographed royal sites in Alexandria.

See the full Montazah Palace guide for visiting hours and tips.

Embark on a journey through time at the Alexandria National Museum, home to a treasure trove of Pharaonic artifacts, mummies, Greco-Roman sculptures, and Islamic ceramics that trace the city’s layered past. History buffs can dig deeper at Kom el-Dikka, an archaeological site where excavated remnants of a Roman amphitheater, bathhouses, and villas offer a glimpse into everyday life in Greco-Roman Alexandria.

Stretching for kilometers along the Mediterranean, the Corniche is Alexandria’s scenic seaside promenade, perfect for people watching, a fresh seafood meal, or simply enjoying the sea breeze. Just beyond it, a string of beaches offers swimming, sunbathing, and water sports for every kind of traveler.

For the truly adventurous, a day trip to the sunken city of Heracleion reveals underwater ruins believed to have been swallowed by the sea centuries ago, one of the most unforgettable excursions near Alexandria.

Alexandria enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate year round. Spring and autumn bring comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds, summer is hot but ideal for the beaches, and winter stays mild with the lowest tourist numbers.

The city is easy to reach by plane, train, or bus, with Borg El Arab International Airport handling domestic and international flights and regular trains connecting Alexandria to Cairo and other major cities. Once there, taxis and the metro make getting around simple.

Alexandria is generally safe for tourists. As with any destination, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas and avoid deserted areas at night.

A Short History of Alexandria

Alexander the Great founded the city in 331 BC, and under the Ptolemies it became the capital of Egypt and home to the Great Library and the Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Roman rule from 30 BC kept the harbor thriving, the Byzantine era followed, and the Arab conquest of 641 AD opened the city’s Islamic chapter. Landmarks from every one of these eras still stand today, which is what makes a guided walk through Alexandria feel like flipping through 2,300 years in an afternoon.

Local Life Beyond the Landmarks

Alexandria’s charm doesn’t stop at its monuments. Wander the souq district and you’ll trade museum quiet for haggling, spice stalls, and the everyday rhythm of a working Mediterranean port city. It’s the best way to feel the city the way Alexandrians live it, and your guide will happily point you to the stalls worth your time.

Where to Stay in Alexandria

Beachfront hotels line the Corniche with sea views, upscale Smouha suits travelers who want modern comfort, and Downtown Alexandria puts you among historic streets and charming boutique hotels. Pick by what you want outside your window: the Mediterranean, quiet comfort, or the city’s old heart.