Alexandria City Guide — Attractions, Food & Tips

Alexandria City GuideFounded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, this legendary Mediterranean port was once home to the ancient world's greatest library and lighthouse. Today Alexandria blends crumbling Belle Epoque grandeur, a sweeping corniche, and a modern library worthy of its ancient predecessor.Key Facts

Country: Egypt

Currency: EGP (Egyptian Pound)

Language: Arabic

Time Zone: UTC+2

Best Time to Visit: March–May

Top Places to Visit

Bibliotheca Alexandrina — A stunning modern library inaugurated in 2002 near the site of the ancient Library of Alexandria. The tilted disc-shaped building houses millions of books, museums, galleries, and a planetarium.

Citadel of Qaitbay — A medieval fortress built in 1477 on the exact site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders. Offers panoramic views of the harbor and Mediterranean.

Corniche — A 20-kilometer waterfront promenade curving along the Mediterranean from the Eastern Harbor to Montazah. Lined with cafes, Belle Epoque buildings, and views of the sea.

Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa — A remarkable 2nd-century underground burial complex blending Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artistic styles. Descend a spiral staircase to three levels of tombs carved into bedrock.

Montazah Palace Gardens — Vast royal gardens stretching along the coast with manicured lawns, palm trees, and sandy beaches. The palace was a summer residence of Egypt's royal family.

Local Food

Sayadeya — Alexandria's signature dish — fish fillet cooked in a rich onion-based sauce seasoned with cumin and turmeric, served over spiced rice. A Mediterranean-Egyptian masterpiece.

Foul & Taamiya — Egyptian fava bean stew (foul) and crispy falafel (taamiya) made with fava beans instead of chickpeas. Served in aish baladi bread — the quintessential Egyptian breakfast.

Grilled Calamari & Shrimp — Fresh from the Mediterranean, grilled or fried and served with tahini, salad, and rice. Alexandria's fish restaurants along the Corniche specialize in mixed seafood platters.

Konafa — Shredded filo pastry baked with sweet cheese or cream filling, drenched in sugar syrup. Alexandria's version is particularly renowned — try it warm from a bakery.

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