Alexandria – Egypt’s coastal city of culture and memory

Stretching along the Mediterranean coast, Alexandria is a city where history meets sea breeze. Founded by Alexander the Great and once home to the ancient world’s most famous library, today it offers a more relaxed, intellectual atmosphere compared to Egypt’s bustling inland cities. With a mix of Greco-Roman ruins, sea-facing promenades, and literary charm, Alexandria is a place for both reflection and discovery.

A Mediterranean city with timeless appeal

Unlike other Egyptian cities focused on pharaonic history, Alexandria tells a different story – one of scholars, poets, philosophers, and emperors. The city feels more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern in many ways, with faded colonial buildings, wide boulevards, and a cosmopolitan past that still lingers in its architecture and cafés.

At the same time, Alexandria is a real, working city – not just a tourist destination. Its energy is more subdued than Cairo’s but still full of life, especially along the Corniche, where locals stroll, fish, and socialize every day.

Sights that blend history and sea

Alexandria may not have the grandeur of the pyramids, but it offers a quieter kind of richness through history, culture, and the sea.

Bibliotheca Alexandrina: A striking modern revival of the ancient library, now a major cultural center with museums, exhibitions, and reading rooms.
Qaitbay Citadel: Built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, this 15th-century fortress offers panoramic views of the harbor.
Roman Amphitheatre: One of the few remaining Roman theatres in Egypt, with marble seating and open-air acoustics.
Montaza Palace and Gardens: A former royal residence with lush, landscaped grounds and a quiet Mediterranean beach nearby.
Kom El Shoqafa Catacombs: A unique blend of Egyptian and Greco-Roman funerary architecture carved into rock beneath the city.

Local rhythm and sea air

Life in Alexandria moves at a gentler pace. The Corniche – the long seaside road – is perfect for walking, especially in the evening as the sun sets over the harbor. Local cafés, often with a century of history, still serve strong coffee and fresh pastries in the atmosphere of a bygone era.

While the beaches may not rival those in the Red Sea resorts, they offer a local, lived-in experience. Public beaches fill with families and vendors in summer, while hotel beaches and clubs offer more peace.

Experiences worth trying:

Hunt for rare finds in old bookstores near Nabi Daniel Street;
Taste fresh seafood straight from the harbor;
Visit hidden antique shops or indie art spaces;
Take a boat ride in the Eastern Harbor for sea-level views of the city.

Travel notes for your visit

Currency: Egyptian pound (EGP); use cash for markets and taxis;
Best season: Spring and fall – milder temperatures and less humidity;
Getting around: Walkable city center; taxis and trams are also available;
Language: Arabic is primary, but English is widely used in hospitality;
Food tip: Try liver sandwiches, Alexandrian-style seafood, and local sweets.

Final thoughts

Alexandria offers a slower, more soulful side of Egypt – shaped by books, coastlines, and quiet monuments rather than desert grandeur. It’s a city that rewards wandering, observing, and letting the past mix with the present.