Sights & Attractions in Alexandria

Alexandria Sights

Alexandria has grown so rapidly in the last 50 years that it now runs along the coastline from the Western Harbor all the way to Montazah, a distance of more than 16 km (10 mi). It is, nonetheless, a great walking city because the historic Downtown occupies a compact area near the Eastern Harbor, while the ancient sights are a short taxi ride away.

Planning Your Time

Three days in Alexandria is ample time to see the main sights. A visit to the Alexandria National Museum will give you some historical context; the ruins of the original Pharos were incorporated into Fort Qayt Bay; the great Library of Alexandria was destroyed, but its modern replacement is one of the world's most ambitious collections of printed and electronic media. Leave time to browse in the Attarine market and to walk along the Corniche. Be sure not to miss the wild European/Middle Eastern palace of the former khedive in Montazah; the gardens are also beautiful.

If you have any extra time, take a day trip and head west along the coast to explore the memorials on the El Alamein battlefields—reminding us of sacrifices made during World War II; you can do this by taxi or with a car and driver hired through your hotel.