10 Best Things to Do and See in Alexandria
Exploring Alexandria on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Alexandria, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Alexandria. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Montaza Palace
Montaza Palace offers an experience that combines architecture and landscape on the Mediterranean coast. Explore an iconic building set within a vast seaside estate, where gardens and sea views are as important as the palace itself. In Alexandria, this site stands out for its aristocratic feel, coastal setting, and quieter atmosphere than the city center. It is a striking landmark for discovering another side of Alexandria’s heritage, between castle, residence, and seafront scenery.
2. Library of Alexandria
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina, in Alexandria, Egypt, is an iconic cultural landmark that attracts both history enthusiasts and curious visitors. This vast modern architectural complex pays tribute to the famous ancient library and offers much more than just a reading space. Visitors will find reading rooms, exhibition areas, research spaces, as well as a variety of collections and cultural activities. Its contemporary architecture and seaside location make it a must-see stop for understanding Alexandria’s intellectual importance.
3. Column of Pompey
Still dominating the landscape of Alexandria, Pompey’s Column is one of the city’s best-known historical sites. This ancient monument stands at the heart of a vast archaeological area, where you can also discover remains from the Greco-Roman period, including stone structures and traces of ancient buildings. A visit here lets you appreciate the scale of the site, its peaceful atmosphere, and the open view over the surrounding ruins. It is an essential stop for understanding Alexandria’s historical heritage.
4. Royal Jewelry Museum Alexandria
The Royal Jewelry Museum in Alexandria offers a visit centered on Egyptian royal jewels in a preserved palace setting. Visitors can explore precious pieces displayed in decorated rooms, where the architecture is part of the experience. The museum combines jewelry, ornament, and the atmosphere of a historic home in San Stefano, giving it a special place among Alexandria’s cultural sites.
5. Ancient Roman Theatre
The ancient Roman theatre of Alexandria is a remarkable historic site that offers a unique glimpse into Egypt’s Roman era. Located in the heart of the city, it features well-preserved marble seating tiers, a stage, and several architectural elements that reflect how performances were organized in antiquity. A visit provides a concrete insight into the cultural life of the past and the blend of influences that defines Alexandria. It is an interesting stop for history and archaeology enthusiasts, in a district rich in traces of the past.
6. Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
The Catacombs of Kom El Chouqafa in Alexandria offer a fascinating journey into a vast underground funerary complex blending Egyptian, Greek, and Roman influences. As you walk through its rock-cut galleries and chambers, you discover tombs, burial niches, carved reliefs, and decorated spaces that showcase the refinement of ancient funerary practices. The site is striking both for its quiet atmosphere and its complex underground architecture, making it one of Alexandria’s most remarkable historical attractions.
7. Abu el-Abbas el-Mursi Mosque
The Abu el-Abbas el-Mursi Mosque in Alexandria is one of the city’s most iconic religious landmarks. Dedicated to a famous Sufi saint, this sanctuary attracts both worshippers and visitors eager to discover an important historic site. Its elegant architecture, with domes, arcades, and decorative details, creates a peaceful and solemn atmosphere. As you walk through it, you will notice a refined ensemble that blends spirituality, heritage, and Alexandrian tradition, right in the heart of a lively neighborhood near the seafront.
8. Alexandria National Museum
The National Museum of Alexandria presents a broad overview of the history of the city and Egypt through a diverse archaeological collection. Set in an iconic Alexandrian building, it lets visitors discover objects from different eras, from antiquity to more recent periods, including statues, jewelry, ceramics, coins, and funerary pieces. The visit offers a clear look at the region’s past and the successive influences that shaped Alexandria, in a tour that is both educational and accessible.
9. Greco-Roman Museum
The Greco-Roman Museum of Alexandria is a must-visit archaeological museum for discovering the richness of Greco-Roman Egypt. Its collections feature a wide variety of items from local excavations, including sculptures, statues, coins, jewelry, ceramics, and funerary stelae. Visitors can see the blended influence of Greek, Roman, and Egyptian cultures through works from different periods, carefully preserved and displayed. The visit offers a vivid glimpse into the history of Alexandria and its major role in the ancient world.
10. Museum of Fine Arts, Alexandria
The Museum of Fine Arts of Alexandria is a museum where visitors can discover a collection of artworks showcasing visual arts, with collections and exhibitions that may span several styles and periods. Located in the city of Alexandria, Egypt, it offers visitors a cultural break in the heart of a destination rich in heritage. People come here to admire paintings, sculptures, and other artistic expressions in a setting designed for contemplation and learning, whether they are art lovers or simply curious travelers looking for an inspiring visit.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
