Top Things to Do in Alexandria, Egypt: The Pearl of the Mediterranean

Alexandria offers a completely different experience from the pyramids, desert landscapes, and ancient temples that many travelers associate with Egypt. Sitting along the Mediterranean coast, this historic city combines ancient civilizations, European influences, seafood restaurants, waterfront views, museums, and a distinctive local atmosphere.

Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Alexandria became one of the ancient world's most important cultural and intellectual centers. Today, it remains Egypt's second-largest city and one of its most distinctive destinations.

If you are planning a visit, this guide to Alexandria Egypt things to do will help you decide what to see, where to explore, and how to make the most of your time.

1. Visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina

The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks and should be near the top of any Alexandria itinerary.

The modern library was designed as a cultural revival of the ancient Library of Alexandria. Today, the complex includes the main library, specialized libraries, museums, a planetarium, research centers, exhibition spaces, and other cultural facilities.

The building itself is worth seeing even if you are not a traditional museum or library traveler.

Why Visit?

The Bibliotheca Alexandrina combines:

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  Modern architecture

  
  


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  Ancient history

  
  


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  Museums

  
  


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  Cultural exhibitions

  
  


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  Research facilities

  
  


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  Mediterranean views

  
  

It is an excellent stop for travelers interested in both Egyptian history and contemporary culture.

2. Explore the Citadel of Qaitbay

The Citadel of Qaitbay is one of Alexandria's most famous historical landmarks.

Built in the 15th century, the fortress stands on the Mediterranean waterfront at the site traditionally associated with the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria.

Walking around the citadel gives visitors impressive views of the sea and Alexandria's coastline.

Why It Matters

The location connects several chapters of Alexandria's history: the ancient lighthouse, the medieval Islamic period, and the city's later development as a major Mediterranean port.

For photographers, the waterfront setting also makes the citadel one of the city's most visually interesting locations.

3. Discover the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

One of the most fascinating Alexandria Egypt things to do is exploring the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa.

These underground tombs demonstrate the cultural mixture that developed in Alexandria during the Graeco-Roman period. Egyptian, Greek, and Roman influences can be seen in the site's architecture and artistic details.

The catacombs are particularly interesting because they show how different traditions interacted in ancient Alexandria.

If you enjoy archaeology and unusual historical sites, this should be high on your list.

4. See Pompey's Pillar and the Serapeum

Pompey's Pillar is another important reminder of Alexandria's Graeco-Roman past.

The surviving column stands near the ancient Serapeum, an important religious complex dedicated to the god Serapis.

The area gives travelers a chance to explore Alexandria beyond its more famous coastal attractions and understand the city's role during the Hellenistic and Roman periods.

5. Walk Along the Corniche

For a more relaxed experience, spend time along Alexandria's Mediterranean Corniche.

The waterfront is one of the best places to experience the city's everyday rhythm. You can watch boats, enjoy the sea breeze, stop at a café, or simply walk while taking in views of the Mediterranean.

This is also a good opportunity to experience Alexandria as a living city rather than only as an archaeological destination.

6. Explore Montazah Gardens

Montazah Gardens offers a quieter alternative to the city's historical attractions.

The gardens were associated with Egypt's royal family and are known for their landscaped grounds and coastal setting. The official tourism platform recommends Montazah as one of Alexandria's places to explore.

It can be a good stop for travelers who want a break from museums and archaeological sites.

7. Try Alexandria's Seafood

No guide to Alexandria Egypt things to do would be complete without mentioning seafood.

As a major Mediterranean port, Alexandria has a strong seafood culture. Local restaurants offer a variety of freshly prepared fish and seafood dishes.

For visitors, trying a traditional seafood meal is more than simply finding lunch—it is part of experiencing the city's coastal identity.

8. Discover the Graeco-Roman Heritage

Alexandria's history is not limited to ancient Egypt.

The city became an important center of the Ptolemaic and later Roman worlds, creating a fascinating combination of Greek, Egyptian, and Roman traditions.

Sites such as the Roman Theater at Kom El-Dikka and the Catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa illustrate this multicultural history.

Travelers interested in classical history may find Alexandria especially rewarding because its archaeological story is different from what they encounter in Luxor or Giza.

9. Visit the Cavafy Museum

Literature lovers can add the Cavafy Museum to their itinerary.

The museum occupies the former apartment of Constantine Cavafy, the famous Greek-Alexandrian poet. It preserves documents and manuscripts connected with his life and work.

It is a smaller attraction, making it a good addition between larger sightseeing stops.

10. Enjoy Alexandria After Sunset

Alexandria has a special atmosphere in the evening.

The Mediterranean waterfront, cafés, restaurants, and illuminated city streets create an experience that is very different from daytime sightseeing.

An evening walk along the Corniche followed by a seafood dinner can be one of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to finish your Alexandria visit.

How Many Days Do You Need in Alexandria?

A single day can cover several of the major attractions, but staying overnight allows you to explore the city at a slower pace.

For a first visit, prioritize:

1. 
   

   Bibliotheca Alexandrina

   
   


2. 
   

   Citadel of Qaitbay

   
   


3. 
   

   Catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa

   
   


4. 
   

   Pompey's Pillar

   
   


5. 
   

   Corniche

   
   


6. 
   

   Montazah Gardens

   
   


7. 
   

   A traditional seafood meal

   
   

If you have additional time, add the Cavafy Museum and explore more of Alexandria's neighborhoods and cultural attractions.

Is Alexandria Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you want to experience a side of Egypt that is different from the traditional Nile Valley itinerary.

Alexandria combines Mediterranean scenery with ancient history and modern Egyptian life. Its identity has been shaped by Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Arab, and Mediterranean influences over many centuries.

For American travelers who have already visited Cairo and the pyramids, Alexandria can provide a refreshing change of scenery.

FAQs About Alexandria Egypt

What are the best things to do in Alexandria, Egypt?

The top attractions include the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Citadel of Qaitbay, Catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa, Pompey's Pillar, Montazah Gardens, and the Mediterranean Corniche.

Is Alexandria worth visiting on an Egypt trip?

Yes. Alexandria is especially worthwhile for travelers interested in Mediterranean culture, archaeology, architecture, seafood, and Graeco-Roman history.

Can Alexandria be visited as a day trip from Cairo?

Yes. Many travelers visit Alexandria on a day trip, although staying overnight allows more time to explore the city without rushing.

What is Alexandria famous for?

Alexandria is famous for its Mediterranean setting, ancient library heritage, Graeco-Roman history, Citadel of Qaitbay, and distinctive coastal culture.

What food should I try in Alexandria?

Seafood is one of the city's specialties. Visitors can try locally prepared fish and other Mediterranean-style seafood dishes.

Final Thoughts

Alexandria is one of Egypt's most fascinating cities because its story extends far beyond the pharaohs. From the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina to ancient underground catacombs and the medieval Citadel of Qaitbay, the city brings together thousands of years of history beside the Mediterranean.

If you are searching for Alexandria Egypt things to do, focus on a combination of historical attractions, cultural experiences, waterfront walks, and local food. That combination is what makes Alexandria feel different from almost anywhere else in Egypt.