Alexandria has always lived at the edge of legend. Founded by Alexander the Great, it once sheltered the ancient Library of Alexandria and the Pharos lighthouse—two beacons of knowledge and navigation. Today, its sunlit Corniche, Greco-Roman ruins, and multicultural cafés echo those storied centuries.

Expect an atmospheric blend of sea air, street vendors, and marble-columned courtyards. The modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina stands as a striking homage to the lost library; nearby, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa descend into a fusion of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art. Qaitbay Citadel, built from the very stones of the lighthouse, guards the harbor at sunset like a patient sentinel.

Practical notes: dress modestly for mosques; carry small bills for tips; and use ride-hailing apps (Careem/Uber) over street hails. Seafood is a must; so are classic Alexandrian breakfasts of ful and ta’ameya. The Mediterranean breeze can turn cool at night—even in spring—so pack a light layer.

Alexandria

Alexandria is Egypt’s open window to the Mediterranean—cosmopolitan, literary, and a touch nostalgic. Stroll the Corniche beneath cream-colored mansions, then duck into century-old patisseries where poets once lingered over coffee. The city rewards unhurried walkers and curious history buffs.

• Top sights: Bibliotheca Alexandrina; Qaitbay Citadel; Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa; Pompey’s Pillar and the Serapeum; Roman Amphitheatre (Kom El-Dikka); Royal Jewelry Museum; Montaza Palace Gardens; Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque; Stanley Bridge; Greco-Roman Museum (reopened).
• Iconic food & cafés: Fresh-caught sea bass and red mullet; Alexandrian liver sandwiches; honey-drenched feteer; and old-world coffee houses.
• Fun fact: Many stones from the fallen Pharos lighthouse were repurposed into the 15th-century Qaitbay Citadel—history quite literally rebuilt itself.

Where to stay: For heritage and harbor views, downtown along the Corniche near Saad Zaghloul Square is perfect. Montaza and San Stefano are calmer seaside bases with beach clubs and leafy gardens. Browse stays on VRBO and compare hotels on Hotels.com.

Hotel ideas (no links): Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano (resort-style, private beach); Steigenberger Cecil Hotel (a 1929 classic on the square); Paradise Inn Windsor Palace (belle-époque balconies over the sea); Helnan Palestine (within Montaza’s royal grounds).

Getting in: Fly into Borg El Arab (HBE)—often via Cairo, Istanbul, or the Gulf. Compare fares on Trip.com Flights and Kiwi.com. The airport is ~45–60 minutes from downtown by car (use Careem/Uber). From Cairo, trains and highway coaches reach Alexandria in about 2.5–3 hours; first-class trains are inexpensive and comfortable—book in person or via official channels.

Curated experiences (Viator):

• Private Alexandria Highlights Guided Day Tour

  

  Ideal if you want a scholar’s overview in one day: Catacombs, Library, Roman Theatre, and more with an Egyptologist guide.

• Alexandria Full Day Trip

  

  Great for archaeology lovers—hit the major monuments, mosques, and gardens with seamless transport.

• Alexandria Experience from Alexandria Hotels & Alexandria Port

  

  Flexible: pick four sites that match your interests—perfect for tailoring your day around the highlights you care about most.

Day 1: Arrival, Corniche Walk, and a Sunset at the Citadel

Morning: Travel day. If you arrive early, drop your bags and refresh with a lemon-mint at the hotel café. The sea air here is the city’s welcome mat.

Afternoon: Start with a gentle orientation of the Corniche. From Saad Zaghloul Square, pass the storied Cecil and Metropole hotels, people-watch on the benches, and angle toward Qaitbay Citadel. If time allows, step inside to explore the ramparts and maritime exhibits; the views over the harbor and Anfoushi fishing quarter are superb for photography.

Coffee & pastry break: Pop into Délices Pâtisserie (1912) for mille-feuille or pistachio éclairs, or to Trianon for a slice of lemon tart in belle-époque surroundings. Coffee geeks should try Brazilian Coffee Stores for an old-school roast and a whiff of history.

Evening: Dine by the water. For a refined seafood spread (think grilled sea bass, sayadeya rice, calamari), book a table at White and Blue – The Greek Club near the citadel. If you want a lively local scene, Balbaa Village (Smoha) serves massive mixed grills, clay-pot shrimp, and hot-from-the-oven bread. Cap the night with a slow stroll along Stanley Bridge, lit gold over the waves—perfect for night photos and a paper cup of mint tea.

Day 2: Library, Catacombs, and Greco-Roman Treasures

Morning: Join a guided tour of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the city’s futuristic cultural heart. The slanted sun-disc façade is carved with world scripts; inside, the terraced reading hall glows like a ship’s hull of light. Check the museums downstairs (manuscripts, antiquities, and a small but fascinating exhibition on the old library). Coffee afterwards at the on-site café or at Athineos, a century-old salon beloved by writers.

Lunch: Go casual at Mohamed Ahmed, an Alexandrian institution for ful (fava bean stew), ta’ameya (herb-packed falafel), omelets with bessara, and pickled veggies. Order a spread; it’s wallet-friendly and flavorful.

Afternoon: Dive beneath the city into the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, a 2nd-century necropolis where Egyptian gods wear Greek tunics—an unforgettable example of cultural fusion. Continue to Pompey’s Pillar and the remains of the Serapeum, then swing by the Roman Amphitheatre (Kom El-Dikka) with its marble seating and mosaic floors. History lovers can also add the Greco-Roman Museum (recently reopened) for newly displayed statues and funerary art.

Guided option: To fit this efficiently (with expert context), book the Private Alexandria Highlights Guided Day Tour or the Alexandria Full Day Trip listed above.

Evening: For seafood with a local bustle, try Fish Market (pick your fish from the ice and let them grill it with lemon and olive oil) or Samakmak for classic Alexandrian shrimp and fried sardines. Dessert? Walk to Gelaty Azza for mango or guava ice cream, then pause at the ornate Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque—its cream domes glow elegantly at night (dress modestly if entering).

Day 3: Montaza Gardens, Royal Jewelry, and Seaside Bites

Morning: Begin in the Montaza Palace Gardens. Meander past pine trees and ornate bridges to viewpoints of the 1930s royal residence and the open sea. It’s a tranquil counterpoint to downtown; bring a picnic or grab a coffee at the garden kiosks.

Late morning: Head to the Royal Jewelry Museum (Zizinia), a mansion-museum that houses dazzling pieces from Egypt’s last royal family—emerald-studded tiaras, jeweled cigarette cases, and whimsical brooches displayed in gilded salons. If you’re literary-minded, consider a quick stop at the Cavafy Museum (check current hours) to see the apartment of the famed Alexandrian poet.

Lunch: Try something distinctly Alexandrian: Abo Ashraf in Bahary is beloved for liver and sausage sandwiches with a squeeze of lime and a dash of chili. Prefer grilled fish? Head back toward Sidi Bishr for casual spots serving mullet, sea bream, and tahina with warm pitas.

Afternoon departure: Savor a last espresso at Brazilian Coffee Stores or a balcony tea at the Windsor Palace rooftop (guests have easiest access). If you have an extra hour, take a final Corniche stroll over Stanley Bridge for sea breezes and city views before heading to the airport.

Alternate guided morning: Want a compact, pick-your-highlights tour before you go? See the Alexandria Experience from Alexandria Hotels & Alexandria Port above.

Logistics & tips:

• Local transport: Careem/Uber work well. Taxis rarely use meters; agree on price beforehand if you hail one.
• Timing: Many museums close in the late afternoon; start early. Fridays see heavier midday mosque traffic; plan around prayer times.
• Dress & etiquette: Shoulders and knees covered for mosques; remove shoes before entering prayer halls. Ask before photographing people.
• Money: Cards accepted at major venues, but small change is essential for tips, cafés, and kiosks.
• Season: Best weather October–April; summers are hot and humid—carry water and a hat.

Book your stay and flights: Compare stays on VRBO and Hotels.com, then snag flight deals on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Three days in Alexandria gives you a sweeping arc—from lighthouse lore to library light, from seaside citadels to fragrant grills. You’ll leave with sea salt in your hair, a camera full of colonnades and courtyards, and a promise to return for a longer wander up the Corniche.