Most travelers fly into Egypt thinking only about Cairo’s pyramids or Luxor’s temples. But they’re missing something special. Alexandria sits right on the Mediterranean coast, offering a completely different side of Egypt that most visitors never see.
This coastal city mixes ancient history with modern life in ways you won’t find anywhere else in the country.
The sea breeze, fresh seafood, and Roman ruins make it feel worlds away from the desert attractions down south. You’ll find everything from underground catacombs to seaside restaurants serving the day’s catch.
In this guide, we’ll cover seven must-see experiences that make Alexandria worth the trip. From medieval wonders to waterfront dining, you’ll find plenty of reasons to add this city to your Egypt plans. Let’s look at what makes Alexandria such a special destination.
Top Things to Do in Alexandria, Egypt
Alexandria offers activities that range from ancient history to modern culture. Here’s what you absolutely shouldn’t miss during your visit.
Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, A Medieval Wonder
The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa stand as one of the Seven Wonders of the Medieval World and hold UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
This 2nd-century burial site reaches three levels underground, making it one of the most impressive things to do in Alexandria, Egypt, for history fans.
You’ll walk down a winding staircase into a maze of passages filled with detailed decorations. What started as a single family’s tomb grew into a massive catacomb over time.
The blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artistic styles makes this site truly special.
Ancient Roman Amphitheater
Dating back to the 4th century AD, this Roman amphitheater remains in surprisingly good condition.
The ancient mosaics are thousands of years old yet still intact, showing off the craftsmanship of Roman builders.
This venue once hosted musical concerts, theater shows, and other artistic events. Today, you can test the remarkable acoustics that made performances possible without modern sound systems.
The site also includes ruins of old baths and villas that give you a fuller insight into Roman life.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina, The Modern Library of Alexandria
Alexander the Great founded the original Library of Alexandria, which became the largest library in the ancient world.
Here’s the mystery: no one has ever found archaeological remains of it, leaving historians to wonder if it truly existed as described.
The modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina opened in 2002 as a tribute to that legendary library. Today, it serves as a research center and cultural hub for the city.
This is one of the best things to do in Alexandria, a Egy, if you want to connect ancient legends with modern culture.
Waterfront Dining Near Fort Qaitbey
The Corniche runs along Alexandria’s waterfront, offering Mediterranean Sea views paired with traditional Egyptian food.
This area gives you a chance to relax between historical sites while enjoying fresh air and good meals.
Fish Market Marina stands out as a top restaurant choice in this area. You’ll find fresh seafood served right by the seaport, with boats bobbing in the water nearby.
Many guided tours include lunch here, so you might not need to plan this separately.
Fort Qaitbey and the Legendary Lighthouse
Fort Qaitbey sits on the exact spot where the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria once stood. That lighthouse was one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World before earthquakes brought it down centuries ago.
Sultan Qaitbey built this medieval fortress using stones from the collapsed lighthouse. In 1994, swimmers found remains of the lighthouse underwater near the fort.
There are plans to create an underwater museum someday, which would make this already popular attraction even more interesting.
Pompey’s Pillar
This ancient column dates back to 232 AD and weighs an impressive 285 tons. The red granite came all the way from Aswan, showing the effort ancient builders put into moving such massive materials.
The pillar marks where a grand ancient temple once stood. You can still see some remaining tunnels to walk through.
While some visitors find this site less exciting than others, it holds real historical value as one of the things to do in Alexandria, Egypt, that connects you to the city’s Roman past.
Cleopatra’s Underwater Palace (For swimmers)
If you’re a certified scuba diver, you can visit the sunken remains of Cleopatra’s palace. The Submersion goes down about 10 meters (30 feet) below the surface, where an earthquake long ago caused the island to sink and scatter palace ruins across the seafloor.
Be ready for challenging conditions, including murky water, cold temperatures, and limited visibility.
Not many Submersion operators offer this experience anymore, so you’ll need to do some research ahead of time. This is definitely one of the more unusual things to do in Alexandria, Egypt.
Planning Your Alexandria Visit
Getting the most out of your Alexandria trip takes some planning. Here’s what you need to know before you go.
Why You Need a Guide and Driver
Egypt presents some real challenges for independent travelers, including heavy traffic, language barriers, and the possibility of scams.
These issues become especially tricky when you’re trying to see multiple sites in one day.
Guided tours solve these problems by providing a professional driver and an Egyptologist guide who brings historical context to life.
Tours typically include lunch and cover all the major sites except the underwater palace. You’ll see more, learn more, and deal with less stress.
Making the Most of Your Day Tour
Start your day by telling your guide which attractions matter most to you. This helps them manage time wisely, so you don’t miss what you came to see.
Be realistic about what a day tour from Cairo involves. The drive takes about three hours each way, making it a long day overall.
Your guide will handle tickets and entrance fees, but knowing your priorities helps everyone make the best use of limited time.
Best Time and Logistics
The drive from Cairo to Alexandria takes approximately three hours in normal conditions. Traffic can be heavy, similar to Cairo, but at least you get sea views once you arrive.
October offers great weather for visiting, though other months work too, depending on what you can handle temperature-wise.
Bring water and comfortable shoes since you’ll be walking quite a bit. The things to do in Alexandria, Egypt, involve a fair amount of being on your feet.
Beyond the Main Attractions
After hitting the major historical sites, take time to enjoy Alexandria’s local atmosphere and natural beauty.
Strolling the Corniche
The waterfront promenade gives you a feel for daily life in Alexandria. You’ll see boats on the Mediterranean, local families out for walks, and vendors selling snacks.
Stop for mint and lemon juice at one of the many small shops along the way. The walk can take you all the way to Fort Qaitbey’s citadel if you have the energy.
This is one of the more relaxing things to do in Alexandria, Egypt, between packed historical sites.
Montazah Gardens and Palace
These royal gardens belonged to King Farouk, Egypt’s last monarch, who used them as his summer residence. The grounds stretch along the coast and offer open sea views mixed with royal history.
Plan for significant walking if you visit, since the area covers a lot of ground. The combination of gardens and Mediterranean coastline makes it worth the effort if you have extra time in the city.
Conclusion
Alexandria deserves serious consideration when planning your Egypt trip. This Mediterranean city offers a different flavor of Egyptian history that you won’t find in Cairo or Luxor. The mix of Roman ruins, medieval wonders, and modern culture creates experiences you can’t get anywhere else in the country.
From underground catacombs to waterfront meals, the things to do in Alexandria, Egypt, give you variety beyond the typical tourist trail. The coastal setting adds something refreshing to the usual desert scenery most people associate with Egypt.
Don’t make the mistake of skipping this seaside treasure. Add Alexandria to your plans and see a side of Egypt that most travelers miss. The city rewards visitors who take time to look beyond the obvious attractions. If you have questions about planning your visit, feel free to drop them in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a day trip to Alexandria from Cairo take?
The round trip takes about six hours of driving time. Most guided tours last 10 to 12 hours total, including travel and site visits, making it a full-day commitment.
Is Alexandria safe for tourists visiting Egypt?
Alexandria is generally safe for tourists, especially when traveling with a guided tour. Having a local guide helps you avoid common tourist scams and language barriers while keeping you secure.
What’s the best way to get around Alexandria during your visit?
Taking a guided tour with a driver is the most practical option. Independent travel is possible but challenging due to traffic, language issues, and the distance between major attractions across the city.
Can you visit Alexandria’s beaches during your tour?
Most day tours focus on historical sites rather than beach time. However, you can visit beaches independently if you extend your stay. The Corniche area offers beach access near several attractions.
What should I wear when visiting historical sites in Alexandria?
Wear comfortable walking shoes and modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees, especially at religious sites. Bring layers since coastal weather changes throughout the day, and don’t forget sunscreen and a hat.
