Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Alexandria was the intellectual capital of the ancient Mediterranean, home to the legendary Library and the towering Pharos lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Today Egypt's second city trades that classical grandeur for a salt-washed, faded-elegant charm: Greco-Roman ruins sit blocks from Belle Epoque cafes, and a sweeping seafront Corniche curves for miles along the blue.
This is a city best measured in small pleasures: a foul and falafel breakfast, an afternoon among Roman columns, an espresso in a century-old cafe, and a whole grilled fish eaten with your feet nearly in the sea. Three days is enough to hit the headline sights without rushing, since almost everything clusters between the Eastern Harbour and the coastal road east toward Montazah.
Practical notes: getting around is easy by Uber and the local Careem app (far simpler than hailing taxis and metered honestly), and the vintage tram is a cheap novelty. Summers are hot but tempered by sea breeze; spring and autumn are ideal. Dress modestly for mosques (women should carry a scarf), carry small cash in Egyptian pounds since many sites are cash-only, and note that most museums and monuments open around 9am.
Alexandria feels unlike anywhere else in Egypt: less pharaonic, more Mediterranean, a place of sea spray, Greek and Roman ghosts, and grand old coffee houses. The compact historic core makes it perfect for a three-day escape, with the Eastern Harbour and Qaitbay Citadel as its postcard heart, the Roman-era sites just inland, and the palm-lined Montazah gardens marking the elegant eastern edge.
Where to Stay
Base yourself along the Corniche in the central Raml Station / Saad Zaghloul area for walkable access to cafes, the harbour, and the tram, or a little east toward San Stefano for newer hotels with sea views and the mall. The stretch near the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (Shatby/Azarita) is also central and quieter.
Steigenberger Cecil Hotel Alexandria
midrange GoogleA 1929 landmark on Saad Zaghloul Square overlooking the Eastern Harbour, name-dropped in Durrell's 'Alexandria Quartet.' Old-world atmosphere in the most central possible location, walkable to the Corniche, cafes, and the tram.
Tolip Hotel Alexandria
midrange GoogleA polished modern hotel on the Corniche with a rooftop and sea-view rooms, an easy walk to Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the seafront. Reliable comfort and good service at a mid-range rate.
Paradise Inn Le Metropole Hotel
budget GoogleA well-priced heritage property in a restored 1900s building right at Raml Station, with high ceilings and vintage character. Excellent value for a central base steps from the harbour and downtown cafes.
Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano
luxury GoogleThe city's top splurge, with a private beach, spa, sea-view rooms, and the San Stefano mall attached. Set east of downtown, ideal for families wanting resort comforts with the Corniche a short drive away.
Seaview apartment rental near San Stefano
family friendly GoogleFor families or longer stays, a Corniche-facing apartment near San Stefano offers space, a kitchen, and sweeping Mediterranean views at good value. Handy for the tram and mall while keeping you close to the sea.
Three days is enough to fall for Alexandria: to climb Qaitbay's ramparts where a Wonder once stood, descend into Roman tombs, marvel at the reborn Library, and eat your fill of Mediterranean seafood along the endless Corniche. It's a softer, saltier, more layered Egypt than the pyramids alone reveal. Come with an appetite and an eye for faded grandeur, and the old city will win you over.