Alexandria.

What to do in Alexandria Mediterranean Coast Egypt

Alexandria runs along a twenty-kilometre waterfront arc, making the sea your constant compass. Days here follow a classic Mediterranean rhythm: quiet mornings at Roman ruins and museums, unhurried lunches over grilled fish in the Ras El Tin quarter, and late-afternoon tea at colonial-era cafes. It suits independent travellers who appreciate literary history, salt-faded architecture, and a refreshing break from the intensity of Cairo.

24 hours in Alexandria Mediterranean Coast Egypt

Start by 09:00 at the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa before taking a ten-minute cab to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Walk along the harbour for grilled sea bream at Greek Club, then reach the 15th-century Qaitbay Citadel by sunset to watch fishermen cast lines into the surf. Select 1 Day above to see it.

2 days in Alexandria Mediterranean Coast Egypt

Dedicate your second day to the leafy Montaza Palace grounds at the eastern tip of town. Head back through Souq El Attarine to hunt for antique brass, stopping for spicy kebda iskandarani (Alexandrian liver) sandwiches at an alleyway stall in downtown Mansheya. Choose 2 Days to expand the plan.

3 days in Alexandria Mediterranean Coast Egypt

With three days, take a morning taxi out to the austere desert war memorials and Commonwealth graves at El Alamein. Return to Alexandria for a slow evening over Turkish coffee and Greek pastries at Cafe Delices, watching the blue trams glide across Raml Station.

Alexandria Mediterranean Coast Egypt itineraries by interest

• Local Seafood in Alexandria Mediterranean Coast Egypt

  Select fresh sea bass, calamari, and red mullet by weight at Anfushi fish market stalls, grilled simply with cumin, garlic, and lemon.

• Literary Heritage in Alexandria Mediterranean Coast Egypt

  Trace the quiet haunts of Cavafy and Forster around the poet’s preserved apartment on Sharm El Sheikh Street and the historic Cecil Hotel.

• Ancient Architecture in Alexandria Mediterranean Coast Egypt

  Descend the spiral staircase into the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa and visit the Roman amphitheatre uncovered in central Kom El Dikka.

• Waterfront Walks in Alexandria Mediterranean Coast Egypt

  Stroll the curving Corniche from Stanley Bridge past the Qaitbay Citadel, where the ancient Pharos lighthouse once guarded the harbour.

• Modern Architecture in Alexandria Mediterranean Coast Egypt

  Tour Snohetta’s massive tilted disc at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, housing millions of books and four distinct specialist museums.

• Historic Cafes in Alexandria Mediterranean Coast Egypt

  Sip mint tea or strong Turkish coffee beneath high ceilings at Cafe Delices and Brazilian Coffee Stores, open continuously since the 1920s.

• Street Food in Alexandria Mediterranean Coast Egypt

  Queue alongside locals for crisp fava bean taameya, spicy Alexandria-style beef liver sandwiches, and warm, syrup-soaked basbousa.

• Public Parks in Alexandria Mediterranean Coast Egypt

  Escape the coastal traffic among the date palms, Italianate pavilions, and coastal gazebos of the former royal Montaza Palace gardens.

• Sacred Architecture in Alexandria Mediterranean Coast Egypt

  Inspect the intricate woodwork of Abu El Abbas El Mursi Mosque and the marble interior of Saint Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral.

• Markets & Produce in Alexandria Mediterranean Coast Egypt

  Navigate the bustling alleys of Souq El Attarine for spices, copper, vintage jewellery, and freshly roasted nuts sold by weight.

• Urban Transport in Alexandria Mediterranean Coast Egypt

  Ride the double-decker blue tram line or the classic yellow streetcars through downtown, an easy way to rest your feet for pennies.

• Day Trips in Alexandria Mediterranean Coast Egypt

  Travel ninety minutes west across coastal dunes to the World War II battlefields, memorials, and Commonwealth cemetery at El Alamein.