10 Best Things to Do in Alexandria

Looking for what to do in Alexandria? Egypt’s historic Mediterranean capital blends ancient Greek heritage, Roman monuments, Islamic architecture, seaside promenades, literary nostalgia and a famously relaxed coastal lifestyle. Founded by Alexander the Great, Alexandria became one of the most influential cities of the ancient world — home to the legendary Great Library, renowned scholars, and one of the original Seven Wonders of the World, the Lighthouse of Alexandria. Today, the city remains a fascinating mix of old and new, where archaeological ruins sit beside colonial mansions, busy cafés and sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea.

With its blend of history, culture, food, nature and waterfront charm, Alexandria offers a uniquely atmospheric experience unlike anywhere else in Egypt. From sea-facing fortresses and underground catacombs to ornate palaces, fascinating museums and scenic walking paths, here are the 10 best things to do in Alexandria to help you plan the perfect trip.

1. Visit the Citadel of Qaitbay

The Citadel of Qaitbay is one of Alexandria’s most iconic landmarks — a 15th-century fortress strategically built on the exact location of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria. Its thick stone walls, defensive towers and maritime design reflect centuries of coastal defense architecture. Positioned at the edge of the Mediterranean, the citadel offers breathtaking views of waves crashing against its foundations, fishing boats bobbing in the harbour and the city skyline stretching along the Corniche.

Inside, visitors can explore chambers, narrow passageways, lookout points and small exhibits detailing Alexandria’s naval history. The citadel’s courtyards and battlements reveal different perspectives of the sea, making it a favourite spot for photography and sunset viewing. Standing here, it’s easy to imagine the grandeur of the ancient lighthouse, once considered one of the tallest structures on earth and a guiding light for sailors navigating the Mediterranean.

2. Explore the Bibliotheca Alexandrina

The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a modern cultural complex paying homage to the ancient Great Library of Alexandria — one of the most important intellectual centres of antiquity. Its striking circular design, clad in engraved granite and angled toward the Mediterranean, symbolizes a rising sun of knowledge. Inside, the vast multi-level reading room is flooded with natural light and considered one of the most impressive modern architectural interiors in the world.

Beyond books, the complex includes numerous museums, permanent exhibitions, art galleries, rotating cultural programs, rare manuscripts and a state-of-the-art planetarium. Visitors can explore everything from ancient papyrus collections to modern digital archives. The Bibliotheca is not just a library but a cultural destination — a place where art, history, science and literature come together in one of Alexandria’s most inspiring settings.

3. Descend into the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are a remarkable underground burial site dating back to the 2nd century AD. Often called one of the “Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages,” the catacombs blend Pharaonic symbolism with Greek and Roman artistic styles, showcasing Alexandria’s multicultural heritage during the Greco-Roman era. A spiral staircase leads deep into the rock, opening into chambers filled with carved reliefs, sarcophagi, statues and ceremonial halls.

The site’s unique mixture of Egyptian deities with Roman clothing and Greek artistic elements provides insight into Alexandria’s cosmopolitan society. Visitors can explore banquet rooms once used for funerary rituals, labyrinth-like corridors and haunting stone-carved decorations. The depth and preservation of the catacombs make them one of the city’s most fascinating archaeological experiences.

4. Visit Pompey’s Pillar & the Serapeum

Pompey’s Pillar stands as a massive single-column monument towering above the ruins of the Serapeum, a once-magnificent temple dedicated to the Greco-Egyptian god Serapis. Carved from red Aswan granite, the pillar rises nearly 30 meters and remains one of the largest ancient monoliths ever erected. Despite its name, the pillar has no connection to Pompey the Great — instead, it was constructed to honour Emperor Diocletian in the 3rd century AD.

The surrounding archaeological complex includes sphinx statues, subterranean chambers and remnants of the temple that once formed part of a vast cultural district. Exploring this area provides a strong sense of Alexandria’s importance during the Roman period and highlights how much of the ancient city still lies buried beneath today’s streets.

5. Walk along the Alexandria Corniche

The Alexandria Corniche stretches for kilometres along the Mediterranean coastline, offering some of the most scenic urban seaside views in Egypt. This sweeping promenade is lined with cafés, restaurants, historic hotels, palm trees and viewpoints where locals gather to enjoy the sea breeze. The Corniche is perfect for morning walks, afternoon relaxation or evening strolls when the city lights shimmer across the water.

Sunset is especially beautiful, with golden light illuminating fishing boats, waterfront mansions and the gentle curve of the shoreline. Whether you’re sipping tea at a seaside café or simply watching waves crash against the rocks, the Corniche captures the essence of Alexandria’s coastal charm and everyday life.

6. Tour the Royal Jewelry Museum

The Royal Jewelry Museum is housed inside a magnificent palace that once belonged to members of Egypt’s royal family. Its halls are filled with elaborate jewellery pieces, crowns, medals, gold-encrusted accessories, rare gems and personal belongings of King Farouk and his predecessors. Each room showcases a different era of monarchy, offering insight into the opulence, tastes and ceremonial traditions of Egypt’s royal household.

The building itself is an architectural masterpiece, featuring stained-glass windows, carved ceilings, marble floors and ornate decorative motifs. Even for visitors not typically drawn to jewellery, the museum provides a captivating look at royal history and the luxury lifestyle of Egypt’s elites during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

7. Explore Montaza Palace & Gardens

Montaza Palace is a grand royal estate surrounded by expansive gardens, forested walking paths, seaside cliffs and scenic bridges. Built during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the palace complex served as a summer retreat for the Egyptian monarchy. While the palace interior is not open to the public, the grounds remain one of Alexandria’s most beautiful outdoor spaces.

Visitors can stroll along coastal pathways, relax on grassy lawns, enjoy panoramic viewpoints overlooking the sea and explore smaller structures scattered throughout the gardens. The beaches around Montaza offer tranquil swimming spots with calm waters, making this area ideal for families, couples and anyone seeking a peaceful escape from the busy city centre.

8. Discover the Roman Amphitheatre

Discovered by accident in the 1960s, Alexandria’s Roman Amphitheatre is one of the most important Roman ruins in Egypt. The well-preserved marble seating, mosaic flooring and central stage reveal how public performances and gatherings once took place in the city. Only a portion of the original structure survives, but what remains gives a vivid sense of Roman urban life.

Surrounding excavations have revealed a complex of ancient baths, villas and workshops, offering a wider picture of the neighbourhood that once thrived here. It’s a compact yet fascinating archaeological area that provides valuable insight into Alexandria’s Roman legacy.

9. Visit the Alexandria National Museum

The Alexandria National Museum presents a chronological journey through the city’s long and complex history. Its exhibits cover the Pharaonic, Greek, Roman, Coptic and Islamic eras, featuring artifacts such as statues, jewellery, coins, pottery, manuscripts and beautifully preserved sarcophagi. Highlights include items recovered from underwater excavations near the harbour, providing a glimpse into the ancient royal quarter now submerged.

The museum’s layout is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it an ideal introduction to Alexandria’s cultural evolution. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a first-time visitor, the exhibitions help bring the story of Alexandria to life.

10. Enjoy Alexandria’s cafés, seafood & Mediterranean culture

Alexandria’s coastal setting has shaped its culinary traditions, particularly its reputation for outstanding seafood. Restaurants along the Corniche, Stanley, Gleem and Bahary districts serve fresh fish, calamari, shrimp and mezze dishes prepared in authentic Alexandrian styles. The city’s café culture is equally vibrant, with historic coffeehouses and modern seaside cafés offering perfect spots to enjoy tea, pastries and Mediterranean breezes.

Alexandria’s relaxed atmosphere sets it apart from Cairo — life moves slower here, with locals gathering in waterfront cafés, strolling along the Corniche or enjoying gelato at sunset. Whether you’re sampling traditional Egyptian desserts, exploring neighbourhood bakeries or dining by the sea, Alexandria’s food and lifestyle reflect its rich blend of cultures and long-standing connection to the Mediterranean.