Alexandria, Egypt Travel Guide: What to See, Where to Stay, and How to Get There From Cairo

Alexandria offers a relaxed Mediterranean escape from Cairo’s bustling streets. From a range of beautiful visitor’s attractions and numerous accommodation options, this city is a top holiday choice for the travelers.

Key Takeaways

• Ideal Mediterranean Alternative: Alexandria offers a breezy, laid-back escape from the frantic heat of Cairo, best enjoyed over a recommended 2 to 3-day stay between October and April.
• Convenient Transport Options: Located 220 km from Cairo, the city is easily reachable in 2 to 3.5 hours via modern Talgo trains, buses, or private rideshares like Uber.
• Must-See Historical Attractions: The top sights blend Greco-Roman and Egyptian history, including the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Citadel of Qaitbey, the Catacombs of Kom El-Shuqqafa, and the 10-mile Corniche promenade.

Alexandria is one of the underrated gems in Egypt as it replaces the frantic desert heat and aggressive touts of Cairo and Luxor with a breezy, laid-back Mediterranean Sea. This historical coastal hub provides a unique multi-layered glimpse into the country’s past and present. What you can experience are fresh seafood, Greco-Roman history, and sweeping coastal views.

This blog acts as a travel guide for Alexandria, thereby listing the top attractions, staying options, and available routes.

What to Keep in Mind Before Traveling to Alexandria?

You need to be aware of certain aspects if you are planning to visit Alexandria. Here are some essential facts that you must know.

Best Time to Visit and Recommended Stay Duration: The best time to visit Alexandria is between October and April (mild Mediterranean weather). Staying for a day can be a rush, it’s better to allot 2 to 3 days for this trip.

Language and Currency: The main language in Alexandria is Arabic. However, English is spoken in tourist areas. The major currency is Egyptian Pound (EGP), but US dollars are accepted in many hotels.

Entry Requirement: Because of the seamless application procedure, e-Visa should be prioritized over paper visa. Get your Egypt e-Visa and start planning for Alexandria.

How to Reach Alexandria from Cairo?

Alexandria is 220 km northwest of Cairo. You can reach here from the capital city via:

By Train

You can take a train from Cairo’s Ramses Station to Alexandria’s Sidi Gaber or Misr Station. The duration of the journey is 2 to 3.5 hours. You have to pay around $20 to $30 for first or second-class tickets.

Standard express trains are frequent but a bit slower. Rely on the latest Spanish-built Talgo trains as they are quicker and comfortable. Book tickets via the Egyptian National Railways portal at least a day in advance.

By Bus

Travelers can board buses from major bus hubs like Tahrir Square or Ramses in Cairo to Moharam Bek or Sidi Gaber in Alexandria. The journey can be around 3 to 4 hours. The ticket price ranges from $3 to $9.

The top bus companies in the Cairo-Alexandria route are Super Jet, West Delta, Golden Arrow, etc. If you are planning to choose this transportation option, book well ahead of time. You can consider the Go Bus platform.

By Rideshare or Private Car

This is a quickest and most convenient transportation option where you can reach Alexandria within 2 to 2.5 hours. Consider the Cairo-Alex Desert Highway to reach your destination faster.

Considering Uber or a private transfer is a flexible option for you. You have to bear around $15 to $25 for this.

What are the Top Attractions in Alexandria that You Must not Miss?

The best attractions in Alexandria are:

Bibliotheca Alexandrina

Bibliotheca Alexandrina is the modern reincarnation of the ancient library of Alexandria. The architecture, a great sun disk presiding over the Waterfront Corniche is something that you cannot stop admiring.

The inside of this place includes the Manuscript Museum, Planetarium, 4 art galleries, etc. The huge reading room can hold eight million volumes. Try to arrive early as the reading room is best in morning light.

Citadel of Qaitbey

Fort Qaitbey was built by Mamluke Sultan Qaitbey to fortify this port from attack. This was a significant chess piece in Alexandria’s security. The major highlights to consider are The Lighthouse Foundation, Taabiya, The Mamluk Mosque, etc.

This attraction is a sight to feast your eyes on and you can obtain a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea. Visit there in the late afternoon for golden-hour sea views. Don’t miss the chance of obtaining exceptional sunset photography.

Catacombs of Kom El-Shuqqafa

The Catacombs of Kom El-Shuqqafa are a beautiful three-level burial site, which dates to 2nd century AD. The stunning architecture of this attraction blending Greek, Roman, and Egyptian styles is something that makes this place unique. Accessing this underground place via a 35-meter spiral staircase is a cherished activity for the travelers.

When you visit this place, wear closed-toe shoes as the stairs can be humid and slippery. The other highlights are The Rotunda, The Triclinium, Anubis-as-Roman-Legionary, etc.

The Corniche

The Alexandria Corniche is a 10-mile crescent-shaped waterfront promenade that provides stunning Mediterranean views. This serves as the social heart of the city where you can seek a scenic stroll, taste fresh seafood, and access major landmarks.

Clicking pictures near the Stanley Bridge is one of the common tourist activities. Don’t miss eating in the seaside cafes.

Where to Stay in Alexandria?

From luxury to budget, Alexandria offers a range of accommodations. Like:

Luxury Hotels

If you prefer an unmatched comfort combined with breathtaking sea views, go for luxury hotels. Such hotels offer seafront setting, spa, private beach, etc. to elevate your staying experience.

You have to pay around $150 to $400 per night if you consider this accommodation. Some of the renowned options are Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano, Hilton Alexandria Corniche, SUNRISE Alex Avenue Hotel, etc.

Mid-Range Hotels

Mid-range hotels in Alexandria are available at $60 to $150 per night. Such hotels offer different leisure amenities, like swimming pools, wellness centers, on-site cafes, etc.

If you seek mid-range hotels, you can stay in Hilton Alexandria Corniche, Renaissance Alexandria Hotel, Steigenberger Cecil Hotel, etc. Such hotels often offer close access to beaches.

Budget Hotels

If you are tight on budget, choose low-range hotels. They offer basic amenities that ensure minimal comfort. The key options include Triomphe Hotel, Hotel Union, etc.

Often, budget is not the sole consideration in selecting accommodation. Here are some suggested areas based on your priorities.

How to Get Around Alexandria?

When you are aware of how to reach Alexandria, it’s time to understand how to get around the city. The available options are:

Uber and InDrive: To avail the quickest and the most flexible way to wander in Alexandria, you can book an Uber or an InDrive. This is suitable for first-time travelers and female travelers.

Taxis: There are black and yellow taxis in Alexandria that you can avail. This is useful for short hops. Negotiate fare before getting in.

Microbuses: This is the cheapest option. What sets this transportation option apart is that it offers excellent local experience. Well, you must understand basic Arabic to travel in microbuses.

Final Thoughts

Alexandria is located 220 km northwest of Cairo, and can be reached via public transport like train, bus, or private car. Tourists need to book hotels in advance after receiving their travel permit.

Ready to Tick Alexandria Off Your Travel List?

Get aware of the top destinations and accommodation options before planning for Alexandria. Fill in the application form, upload the necessary documents, pay the application fee, and submit the application. Once you get your e-Visa mailed, plan for your trip.

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Check your eligibility for Online Egypt Visa and apply for Egypt e-Visa 5 (five) days in advance of your flight. Citizens of many countries including Moldovan citizens, Dutch citizens, Paraguayan citizens, Ukrainian citizens and South African citizens can apply online for Egypt e-Visa.