When you think of Egypt, pyramids and deserts might immediately come to mind, but ‘Alexandria’, located on the Mediterranean coast in the north, is a captivating port city with an entirely different character. Founded in the 4th century BC by Alexander the Great, it is known as the place where Cleopatra lived during the Ptolemaic dynasty, and its beauty has earned it the epithet ‘Pearl of the Mediterranean’.
This city, where three great cultures – ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman – converge, boasts a unique atmosphere and romance that cannot be experienced anywhere else. This time, we’ve carefully selected four absolute ‘must-see’ attractions from among the many sights. Beyond mere historical explanations, we’ll provide real-world information that travelers genuinely want to know, such as local navigation tips and deep insights into the attractions.
Qaitbay Citadel
📍 Address: السيالة شرق، قسم الجمرك،، As Sayalah Sharq, Al Gomrok, Alexandria Governorate 5321431 Egypt
Standing majestically at the tip of a peninsula jutting into the Mediterranean, Qaitbay Citadel is a beautiful structure that serves as a symbol of Alexandria. This very spot was once home to the colossal ‘Lighthouse of Alexandria’, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. After the lighthouse collapsed in a major earthquake in the 14th century, Mamluk Sultan Qaitbay built this robust fortress in the late 15th century, reusing materials from the original lighthouse.
Its pristine white exterior contrasts beautifully with the blue Mediterranean sea and sky, making it a picturesque sight even from the outside. But inside, more wonders await. The interior is three stories high, featuring intricate passages designed to repel invaders, holes for dropping hot oil, and the remains of a mosque where soldiers once prayed, offering an immersive experience akin to exploring an RPG dungeon.
The absolute highlight is undoubtedly the spectacular view of the Mediterranean and Alexandria’s cityscape from the windows and battlements. Strolling along, feeling the sea breeze, is incredibly refreshing, and a visit in the late afternoon or at sunset is especially recommended. Travelers will also appreciate the convenience of being able to purchase tickets smoothly using a credit card at the entrance. Be aware that some stairs are slippery and some areas are dimly lit, so comfortable walking shoes are advised.
Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
📍 Address: 12 متفرع من ش، Ras at Tin, Port al-Basal, Alexandria Governorate 5341042 Egypt
The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa boast a unique discovery story: they were found by chance in 1900 when a donkey fell into a deep hole, making them Egypt’s largest underground communal tomb. Originally built as a tomb for a wealthy family around the 2nd century, it was later expanded to become a communal burial site for over 300 mummies.
Descending the deep spiral staircase, the air instantly cools, revealing an astonishing underground space imbued with ancient breath. While the structure extends to three underground levels, the lowest level is submerged by groundwater, so only the first and second underground levels are open for viewing. Although it appears intricately designed, the route is clearly marked, so there’s no need to worry about getting lost.
Its greatest feature and an absolute must-see is the unique artistic style that beautifully merges three cultures: Egyptian, Greek, and Roman. For instance, you’ll find Anubis, the ancient Egyptian god of the dead, depicted in Roman soldier’s armor, and reliefs of Medusa from Greek mythology carved at the entrance. This creates a mysterious world view found only in Alexandria. The surrounding area has a strong local flavor, which might make some unfamiliar travelers uneasy, so using a ride-sharing app like ‘Uber (Comfort class)’ for door-to-door access is a safe and smart option.
Greco-Roman Museum
📍 Address: Al Mesallah Sharq, Al Attarin, Alexandria Governorate 5372053 Egypt
To deeply understand the history of ancient Alexandria, the Greco-Roman Museum is an absolute must-visit. This museum had been closed for an extensive renovation and expansion since 2005, but it gloriously reopened in the autumn of 2023 after 18 years, making it a brand-new highlight!
Passing through the grand entrance, reminiscent of a Greek temple, you’ll find a spacious and clean interior where approximately 10,000 precious artifacts are displayed by theme. The statue of Alexander the Great, the bust of the legendary beauty Cleopatra VII, and the colossal black statue of Apis, the sacred bull worshipped in ancient Egypt, all possess an overwhelming presence. Furthermore, artifacts from submerged ancient cities like ‘Heracleion’, retrieved due to geological shifts, are also on display, stirring a sense of romance.
The renovated interior is very comfortable, and you can freely take photos with your smartphone (note that large cameras like DSLRs might have restrictions). However, true to Egyptian tourist sites, numerous staff members are present in the museum, sometimes enthusiastically directing you with phrases like ‘Look from this way.’ If you prefer to explore at your own pace, politely declining with a smile is a good way to enjoy the local atmosphere. Allocate at least 1.5 to 2 hours for your visit.
Alexandria Ancient Roman Theater
📍 Address: Ismail Mahana Road أمام محطة مصرالسكة الحديدية، Kom Ad Dakah Gharb, Al Attarin, Alexandria Governorate 21517 Egypt
Just a 5-minute walk from Alexandria Central Station (Masr Station), in the heart of the city, suddenly appears the ruins of the ‘Roman Amphitheater’. This is the only Roman-style amphitheater discovered in Egypt, unearthed by chance in 1960 while clearing a rubble hill (Kom el-Dikka) for a government building project.
Built of white marble, this theater is believed to have been used from the 2nd to 4th centuries and could accommodate approximately 800 people. It was thought to have been used for musical concerts, conferences, or even as a lecture hall for schools. Standing on the central stage, your voice still resonates beautifully, a testament to its remarkable acoustics. While it may look compact from a distance, standing near the seats, you’ll be struck by its profound presence and scale.
Within the site, in addition to the amphitheater, there are well-preserved remains of a ‘Roman public bath’ that featured a fitness room and sauna, as well as the intricate ‘Bird Villa Mosaic’ depicting colorful birds. Surrounded by modern apartment buildings and the bustling city, this plant-adorned archaeological area remains an oasis of calm, offering a strange sensation of time travel. It’s a highly recommended spot.
A Real Guide to Enjoying Alexandria Safely and Comfortably
When traveling in Egypt, Alexandria is an area where the sea breeze is pleasant and walking around is enjoyable compared to Cairo, but there are a few pitfalls and precautions travelers should be aware of.
First, regarding ‘ticket purchases’ at each tourist site. In Egyptian tourist facilities, you might encounter individuals posing as official staff a short distance from the official ticket booth, trying to charge exorbitant prices (e.g., demanding payment in dollars instead of Egyptian Pounds). In Alexandria, as elsewhere, always ensure you are at an ‘official ticket office window’ and protect yourself by not following suspicious guides. While major facilities like Qaitbay Citadel accept credit card payments, some smaller establishments only accept cash (Egyptian Pounds), and there’s a tipping culture, so always carry small denominations of cash.
Furthermore, we highly recommend using ‘Uber’ for city transportation. It not only eliminates the stress of price negotiation with street taxis but also provides safe and direct access to areas that might feel a bit less secure, such as the local neighborhoods around the Catacombs. If you splurge a little for ‘Uber Comfort’, long distances become comfortable in an air-conditioned car.
History, stunning views, and delicious seafood await you in Alexandria, the Pearl of the Mediterranean. Make sure you’re well-prepared to fully immerse yourself in the deep charm of this city.
