Alexandria in 5 days

The Pearl of the Mediterranean. Ancient libraries, seafront citadels, and Greek-Egyptian soul by the water. Best time to visit: March-May & September-November. Average daily budget: $40 to $100 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Corniche & El Raml, The grand seafront promenade, tram lines, historic hotels and the heart of downtown.

Morning: Bibliotheca Alexandrina. The stunning modern library and cultural centre, a tribute to the city's ancient legacy.

Afternoon: Explore Corniche & El Raml, The grand seafront promenade, tram lines, historic hotels and the heart of downtown.

Evening: Fort Qaitbay at sunset. The 15th-century citadel on the harbour, built from the ruins of the ancient lighthouse.

Eat: Fresh grilled fish and seafood at Anfushi harbour restaurants

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: Anfushi & Fort Qaitbay, The old harbour quarter around the citadel, with seafood restaurants and fishing boats.

Morning: Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa. A remarkable blend of Egyptian, Greek and Roman burial art underground.

Afternoon: Explore Anfushi & Fort Qaitbay, The old harbour quarter around the citadel, with seafood restaurants and fishing boats.

Evening: Seafood lunch by the harbour. Grilled fish, calamari and sayadiya at a waterfront restaurant in Anfushi.

Eat: Koshary, Egypt's iconic street food, at a local Alexandria branch

Day 3, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Mansheya & Attarine, Bustling market streets, the Attarine souq and faded European architecture.

Morning: Montaza Palace gardens. Stroll the royal gardens and pine forest on the eastern shore.

Afternoon: Explore Mansheya & Attarine, Bustling market streets, the Attarine souq and faded European architecture.

Evening: Walk the Corniche from El Raml to the fort. The classic Alexandria promenade, with trams, cafés and the sea on one side.

Eat: Konafa and basbousa from a downtown sweet shop

Day 4, Day trip or nature

Base: Sidi Gaber & Gleem, Leafy, relaxed neighbourhoods with cafés, beaches and a younger crowd.

Morning: The little-known Roman theatre and Pompey's Pillar ruins downtown.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Sidi Gaber & Gleem, Leafy, relaxed neighbourhoods with cafés, beaches and a younger crowd.

Evening: Café Delices and other old European-style cafés for a morning coffee and konafa.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Strong Arabic coffee and shisha at a seafront ahwa

Day 5, Slow finish

Base: Montaza, The royal gardens and palace to the east, with pine forests and a quieter shoreline.

Morning: The backstreets of Attarine for antique shops and the city's faded Art Deco balconies.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Montaza, The royal gardens and palace to the east, with pine forests and a quieter shoreline.

Evening: A tram ride on the vintage blue trams along the Corniche.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Fresh grilled fish and seafood at Anfushi harbour restaurants

Hidden gems

The little-known Roman theatre and Pompey's Pillar ruins downtown.
Café Delices and other old European-style cafés for a morning coffee and konafa.
The backstreets of Attarine for antique shops and the city's faded Art Deco balconies.
A tram ride on the vintage blue trams along the Corniche.

Getting around

Alexandria is very walkable along the Corniche and through downtown, though the tram network is charming and useful for longer stretches along the coast. Taxis and Uber are cheap and easy. The train from Cairo takes about 2.5 hours and is a popular way to arrive. For Montaza and further east, a taxi or the tram extension works well.

Safety

Alexandria is one of Egypt's safest cities, with a relaxed, open atmosphere. The main caution is traffic and crowded trams, so watch your belongings in busy markets. Dress modestly at religious sites. The sea can be rough in winter; swim at patrolled beaches. Solo women travellers report a generally welcoming vibe, though evening walks along quieter parts of the Corniche are best in pairs.

Alexandria in 3 days | Alexandria in 7 days | Full Alexandria guide