Best things to do in Alexandria
Find out more about those top places in Alexandria
Alexandria: Where Alexander the Great Partied (and Then Earthquakes Happened) - Your Hilariously Honest Travel Guide to a City of Lost Wonders (and Great Pastries!)
Ah, Alexandria! Just the name conjures up images of ancient grandeur, doesn't it? Founded by that ambitious chap Alexander the Great way back in the 3rd century BC, this Egyptian city was once the Beyoncé of the classical age. We're talking legendary status thanks to the towering Pharos Lighthouse (think ancient skyscraper with a beacon!) and the Great Library (basically the Google of its time, but with papyrus!). These were top attractions that made the ancient world swoon.
Sadly, folks, time (and a few grumpy tectonic plates) haven't been kind. Earthquakes, fires, the sea deciding it wanted more coastline, and some rather enthusiastic 19th and 20th-century urban development mean that much of Alexandria's ancient bling is now either rubble, underwater, or has a Starbucks on top of it. So, if you're picturing yourself strolling through the intact Great Library, well, let's just say pack your imagination.
But hold your horses, history buffs! What Alexandria lacks in surviving ancient marvels, it more than makes up for with a hefty dose of charming colonial heritage. Forget the typical Egyptian cityscape for a moment. Here, the streets are alive with the delicious aroma of French patisseries (ooh la la!), and you'll stumble upon the faded elegance of fin-de-siècle hotels that whisper tales of a bygone era. It's like stepping into a slightly sepia-toned movie!
Our hilarious (and helpful!) travel guide is here to navigate you through the places to visit and things to do in this intriguing city, where the past peeks out from behind layers of more recent history. Get ready for some unique sightseeing that blends ancient whispers with European flair.
Top Attractions: A Mix of "Used To Be Amazing" and "Still Pretty Darn Cool!"
While the original wonders might be gone, Alexandria still boasts some compelling top attractions:
The Citadel of Qaitbay: Standing Guard Where the Lighthouse Once Stood (Talk About an Upgrade!)
Perched right where the legendary Pharos Lighthouse once illuminated the ancient seas, the Citadel of Qaitbay is a 15th-century defensive fortress. While it's not the lighthouse, it offers stunning panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the city. It's a poignant reminder of Alexandria's maritime importance and a great spot for some historical sightseeing. Plus, you can imagine Alexander giving it a thumbs-up from his long-lost chariot.
The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa: Underground Fun with a Roman-Egyptian Twist!
Descend into the fascinating Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, a unique burial site that blends ancient Egyptian and Greco-Roman architectural styles. These multi-level tombs are adorned with intricate carvings and offer a glimpse into the funerary practices of a fascinating period. It's definitely one of the more unusual places to visit and a cool (literally!) escape from the Egyptian sun.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina: The Modern Reimagining of a Legend (Finally, Some Books!)
While not the original Great Library, the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina is an impressive architectural marvel and a fitting tribute to its illustrious predecessor. This sprawling cultural center houses millions of books, art galleries, museums, and a planetarium. It's a fantastic place to soak up some knowledge and imagine what the ancient library might have been like (minus the Dewey Decimal System, probably). Definitely a top attraction for the intellectually curious!
Montaza Palace Gardens: Royal Relaxation with Sea Views (Perfect for a Stroll and Some Daydreaming)
Escape the city bustle in the sprawling Montaza Palace Gardens, the former summer residence of the Egyptian royal family. These beautifully landscaped gardens offer stunning views of the Mediterranean, charming pathways, and even a few beaches where you can dip your toes in the sea. It's a great spot for some leisurely sightseeing and imagining yourself as royalty (even if just for an afternoon).
Things to Do Beyond the Big Names: Unearthing Alexandria's Unique Charm
Our travel guide wouldn't be complete without highlighting some of the less "ancient wonder"-y but equally delightful things to do in Alexandria:
- Indulge in French Pastries: Seriously, you haven't experienced Alexandria until you've devoured a flaky croissant or a delicate eclair at one of the city's many French-style patisseries. It's a delicious reminder of the city's European heritage.
- Wander Through the Flea Markets: Get ready to haggle for vintage treasures, sepia photographs, and quirky bric-a-brac that whisper tales of Alexandria's 19th-century heyday. It's like stepping into a time capsule (and maybe scoring a unique souvenir!).
- Stroll Along the Corniche: Take a leisurely walk along Alexandria's scenic waterfront promenade, the Corniche. Enjoy the sea breeze, watch the fishing boats, and soak in the city's coastal vibe. It's a great spot for people-watching and enjoying the sunset.
- Explore the Old City (What's Left!): While much has been built over, you can still find pockets of Alexandria's older architecture, offering glimpses into its diverse past. Keep your eyes peeled for hidden gems and charming alleyways.
- Visit the National Museum of Alexandria: For a deeper dive into the city's history, from its ancient origins to its more recent past, this museum houses a fascinating collection of artifacts.
So, while Alexandria might not have all its ancient wonders intact, it offers a unique blend of historical intrigue and European charm. It's a city where you can ponder the lost greatness of the past while indulging in a delicious pain au chocolat. Come for the sightseeing, stay for the pastries, and leave with a newfound appreciation for a city that has weathered the ages with a certain je ne sais quoi. Just remember, when you're looking for those ancient wonders, a good imagination (and maybe a map of what used to be there) will be your best friend!
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Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Built to replace Alexandria’s famed ancient library, the jaw-dropping Bibliotheca Alexandrina, which opened in 2002, has swiftly become Egypt’s premier cultural hub. With a host of fascinating museums – including one dedicated to the city’s ancient heritage – and a vast reading room that can accommodate more than 2000 people, the Bibliotheca has something to please all visitors. Guided tours of this modern marvel run throughout the day.
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Citadel of Qaitbay
Built over the remains of the Pharos Lighthouse in the 15th century, the Citadel of Qaitbay is one of Alexandria’s most iconic attractions. With ornately decorated castellation and stone hewn from the great lighthouse itself, a tour of the citadel is a must when visiting Egypt’s second city.
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Lighthouse of Alexandria
With most of Alexandria’s ancient heritage long gone, the city can feel sorely lacking in comparison to the wonders of Giza or Luxor. However, fascinating archaeological tours look beyond the modern metropolis and show you the sites and remnants of the ancient wonders of the world, including the iconic Lighthouse of Alexandria.
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Montaza Palace
One of Egypt’s most spectacular 19th century buildings, the Montaza Palace is a glorious blend of exotic oriental detailing, Victorian confidence and the chic of the French Riviera. Today the palace is a museum dedicated to its former occupants, the Muhammad Ali dynasty, and its gardens are one of the country’s most picturesque.
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Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
Discovered in 1900 when a donkey disappeared through a sinkhole in a city street, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are an immense Roman burial ground beneath the metropolis. Built in the typical Greco-Roman style, the catacombs are spread over three levels and were the last major monument built to the ancient Egyptian gods.
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Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque
Built on the gravesite of a 13th century Sufi saint from Murcia in present day Spain, the ornate Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque is testament to the interconnection of the Mediterranean world. Tours of the mosque are recommended as expert guides can reveal the location’s complex religious history.
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Rosetta
Founded in the 9th century, the Nile-side city of Rosetta developed into one of Egypt’s most important cities during the era of Ottoman rule. Just a short tour from Alexandria, the city’s old world charms are bound to enthrall any visitor with medieval-looking shops selling traditional wares in the labyrinthine souq, Ottoman mansion houses shaded by citrus tree lined streets and a cooling Mediterranean breeze offering respite from the Egyptian heat.
