Alexandria
A coastal city with a rich cultural heritage.
Overview
Alexandria, located in the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, is a city with rich history and culture. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, the city has served as an important center for trade and learning for centuries. With its strategic location and diverse cultural influences, Alexandria offers a unique blend of ancient and modern architecture, arts and crafts, and culinary traditions. The city’s Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers, makes it an ideal year-round destination. Visitors can explore the city’s numerous landmarks, such as the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, and the Qaitbay Citadel. Nature lovers can also enjoy the city’s coastal and desert landscapes, and spot a variety of wildlife and plant species in the nearby Ras Mohamed National Park.
Things to Do
Alexandria, with its rich history and cultural diversity, offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the top things to do in Alexandria:
Visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina: The modern library is a tribute to the ancient library of Alexandria and is a must-visit for book lovers.
Explore the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa: This ancient necropolis is a unique blend of Egyptian and Greco-Roman styles.
Marvel at the Qaitbay Citadel: This impressive fortress was built in the 15th century by Sultan Qaitbay to protect Alexandria from invaders.
Walk along the Corniche: Take a stroll along the seafront promenade and enjoy the stunning views of the Mediterranean.
Visit the Alexandria National Museum: Learn about the city’s rich history and cultural heritage through its extensive collection of artifacts.
Shop at the Souq: The bustling market offers a wide range of souvenirs, spices, textiles, and handicrafts.
Enjoy the Beaches: Alexandria has several beautiful beaches where visitors can relax and soak up the sun.
Try the Local Cuisine: Alexandria’s culinary scene is a fusion of Egyptian, Greek, and Mediterranean flavors. Be sure to try the seafood and local delicacies.
What to See
Citadel of Qaitbay: This impressive fortress was built in the 15th century by Sultan Qaitbay to protect Alexandria from invaders. The citadel offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and is a great spot for photo opportunities.
Pompey’s Pillar: This ancient column stands tall at over 25 meters and is a must-see for history buffs. The pillar dates back to the Roman era and was erected in honor of the Emperor Diocletian.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina: This modern library is a must-visit for book lovers and those interested in history. The impressive structure is a tribute to the ancient Library of Alexandria, which was one of the largest and most significant libraries of the ancient world.
Montazah Palace: This beautiful palace was built in the early 20th century and served as a summer residence for the Egyptian royal family. The palace is surrounded by stunning gardens and offers a great spot for a relaxing afternoon.
Alexandria National Museum: Learn about the city’s rich history and cultural heritage through its extensive collection of artifacts. The museum offers a fascinating insight into Alexandria’s past, from its ancient roots to its modern-day significance.
Roman Amphitheater: This ancient amphitheater dates back to the 2nd century AD and is a must-see for those interested in ancient history. The amphitheater could seat up to 800 spectators and was used for gladiatorial contests and other public events.
The Corniche: Take a leisurely stroll along the seafront promenade and enjoy the stunning views of the Mediterranean. The Corniche is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and offers a great atmosphere for people-watching.
Alexandria Aquarium: This modern aquarium is home to a wide range of marine life, including sharks, stingrays, and turtles. The aquarium offers a great educational experience for visitors of all ages.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Alexandria is during the spring and fall months, from March to May and September to November. During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (around 18°C to 30°C). The humidity is also lower during these months, making it more comfortable for outdoor activities.
Visiting Alexandria during the spring and fall months also means avoiding the peak tourist season, which is from June to August. During these months, the city can get quite crowded, and hotel prices can be higher. Visiting during the shoulder season also means you’ll have a better chance of finding affordable accommodation and avoiding long lines at popular attractions.
Getting there
By Air: Alexandria is served by the Borg El Arab International Airport, which is located approximately 25 miles (40 km) southwest of the city center. The airport offers international and domestic flights, with several airlines offering direct flights from major cities around the world. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or hire a car to reach the city center.
By Road: Alexandria is well-connected to other parts of Egypt by a network of highways and roads. Visitors can take a bus or hire a car to reach the city from Cairo, which is located approximately 135 miles (220 km) to the south. The journey takes about 3-4 hours, depending on traffic. There are also bus services from other major cities in Egypt, such as Luxor and Aswan. Visitors can also drive to Alexandria from neighboring countries, such as Libya and Sudan, using the network of international highways that connect the region.
Where to Stay
Mid-Range Accommodation:
Steigenberger Cecil Hotel Alexandria
Located in the heart of the city, Steigenberger Cecil Hotel offers comfortable mid-range accommodation with a touch of historic elegance. The hotel features well-appointed rooms, a variety of dining options, a rooftop terrace with panoramic views, and easy access to the city’s attractions.
Paradise Inn Windsor Palace Hotel
Situated along the Corniche promenade, Paradise Inn Windsor Palace Hotel offers mid-range accommodation with views of the Mediterranean Sea. The hotel features spacious rooms, a rooftop pool, several dining options, and a fitness center, providing a relaxing stay in Alexandria.
Luxury Accommodation:
Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria
Set in a modern building overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria offers luxurious accommodation with impeccable service. The hotel features elegant rooms and suites, several dining options serving international cuisine, a spa, a fitness center, and a private beach, ensuring a luxurious stay in Alexandria.
Hilton Alexandria Corniche
Located along the Corniche promenade, Hilton Alexandria Corniche offers luxurious accommodation with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The hotel features spacious rooms and suites, several dining options, a rooftop pool, a spa, and easy access to the city’s attractions, making it an ideal choice for luxury travelers.
Other Attractions in Egypt
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
Luxor
The Valley of the Kings
Hurghada
The Pyramids of Giza
Karnak Temples
Abu Simbel
Mount Sinai
Museum of Egypt
Pyramids of Djoser
Saint Catherine's Monastery
General Knowledge Base
General information aboutAlexandria, Egypt.
Alexandria is a city located on the Mediterranean coast of Egypt. It was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC and was the capital of Egypt for nearly 1,000 years
Alexandria is known for its rich history, ancient landmarks, and cultural significance. It was once home to the Great Library of Alexandria, one of the largest libraries in the ancient world.
Alexandria covers an area of about 2,679 square kilometers (1,034 square miles) and has a population of over 5 million people.
Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC. He named the city after himself and planned it as a center of trade and culture.
Some famous landmarks in Alexandria include the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (a modern version of the ancient library), the Citadel of Qaitbay (a 15th-century fortress), and the Alexandria National Museum.
Alexandria has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers. The average temperature in the summer is around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit).
Alexandria has a rich culinary tradition, with dishes influenced by Mediterranean, African, and Middle Eastern cuisine. Some popular dishes include koshari (a vegetarian dish made with rice, lentils, and pasta), ful medames (a dish made with fava beans), and seafood dishes.
Alexandria’s economy is based on trade, manufacturing, and tourism. The city is home to several industrial zones and is a major port for Egypt
