Alexandria – Travel Guide
Alexandria, Egypt`s historic Mediterranean city, is known for its ancient heritage and coastal charm. Visitors can explore landmarks like the Citadel of Qaitbay, the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and the ancient Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa. The city`s seaside Corniche offers beautiful views, seafood restaurants, and a relaxing atmosphere. With its blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty, Alexandria is a must-visit destination.
All about Alexandria
Getting around Alexandria
By Taxi or Uber
Alexandria’s yellow and black taxis are a good way to get around. Most of these taxis want to slow down and offer their services with a beep of the horn when a tourist comes into view. Be careful though, taxis will often refuse to use meters (the rates haven’t been adjusted in years) and drivers often do take advantage of non-Alexandrians, so it’s best to agree on the fare before you get in.
You can hail a taxi from the street and let them know your destination. If the driver agrees they will park at the side of the road as soon as possible. Some taxis will stop to pick you up even if they already have a passenger, but such offers are best refused.
Uber runs in Alexandria just like it does in Cairo, although the GPS directions are spottier and the drivers seem to be less experienced. Still, Uber is the best way to get a ride right now without needing to worry about bargaining, and with the minimum chance for harassment (especially for solo female travelers). You can even pay by credit card, eliminating the need for cash (and change).
By Tram
Set one block inland from the sea are the tram lines that run parallel to the coast, through much of the city. The trams are slow but very cheap to ride. The route map is very confusing and changes on a regular basis, but one factor stays constant, the network is split into the interuban Ramleh Lines, which use blue-and-cream trams and run across the city a few blocks back from the sea toward the eastern suburbs, and the City Lines, which use bright yellow trams and run west and south of central Alex. The two meet at Raml Station, right at the heart of Alex. The price is a flat rate for both lines, and it is very inexpensive. Note that the first car is (the blue trams) are reserved for women only.
The most useful tram for tourists is generally the yellow tram #25, which runs from Raml Station to Ras el-Tin and Fort Qait Bey. You can also hop on any blue tram west from Sidr Gabr bus/railway station to get to Raml, but not all eastbound trams stop there.
By Bus
Buses have significantly improved in the past few years, but they are rather confusing for those who don’t live in the city. Apart from city buses, you will also find “mini-buses”, which work on hop-and-go basis. They are recognizable 14-person buses, which will stop when you wave and stop where you need to get off. The drivers rarely speak English, so be sure to know the Arabic name of your destination or that you already know where your stop will be. The routes are usually along the main streets.
By Car
If you want total freedom and the ability to explore the coast of the Nile Delta, renting a car is always a possibility. Just be aware that Egyptian drivers aren’t shy about using their horns, and you’ll be expected to do the same.
By Train
Alexandria has a localized train line starting from Alexandria to Abu Quir. It act like a metro of some sort. Some of the trains are so ancient they have door knobs to open/close the doors (usually just left opens so try to stay away from doors when the train is moving!!). despite the ancient trains and safety issues, it remains the fastest means of transpiration in Alexandria.
By Streetcar
This is the last option we listed, because it is the slowest and does not make sense to take in order to get from point A to point B, but can be a nostalgic way to take in the city. Simply wait at a streetcar station, hop on the car, pay your fare to the employee on board, and get ready to slowly arrive to your destination, albeit in historic style.
Alexandria FAQ
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
If you have not booked a private transfer with us, you have a few options. There are various buses to reach Alexandria city center from Borg El Arab Airport. Buses are operated by a private bus company called Eman Transport which has different bus options at different times. The city buses might be a convenient option with affordable prices, but it is important to check the routes and traffic. Airport shuttles that run between the airport and the city center are also a good alternative.
Taxis are a great option if you have a lot of luggage. Taxi service is available just outside the airport terminal. It takes approximately 45 minutes to travel to the city center by taxi depending on traffic. Another option is to rent a car from the international and local car rental companies at the airport. However, keep in mind that traffic in Egypt can be heavy and it is important to follow local traffic rules.
How do I get from the train station to my hotel?
From Cairo, frequent trains from Ramses Station are generally the best way to get to Alexandria. Trains run at least once every hour from 6 am to 10 pm, but try to choose either an express or the pride of Egyptian Railways, the French-built Turbo, which takes only 2 hours 10 minutes from for the journey. Reservations are required in express trains. It’s best to buy a ticket the day before at the train station or online from the Egyptian Railways website.
There are a couple of main train stations in Alexandria that the train from Cairo stops at, the last one being the main Misr train station. Both train stations are relatively near the Corniche, which is where you are likely to be headed, and it is easy to get a taxi or an Uber from either station depending on where you need to be.
What are my transportation options in Alexandria?
One of the beautiful things about Alex is that the city is super navigable—everything is either up or down the corniche that winds along the coast of the Mediterranean. A lot of sites can be reached on foot, but for further destinations, you can either take a microbus, Uber, taxi, or streetcar.
Several bus companies offer a bus service into Alexandria at a very affordable price range. Buses are air-conditioned and come complete with a hostess trolley service. Companies include Golden Arrow, West Delta, Super Jet, Pullman and El Gouna. Operating times vary from one company to another, but there are trips between Cairo and Alexandria virtually every hour from early morning until midnight.
There are several bus drop-off points inside Alexandria. These are usually either at Maw’if Gadid Station which is a bit far from the city of Alexandria so you will need to get a taxi or Uber from here. Walking outside the bus station area is best to get a taxi. There is also a bus from Maw’if Gadid to Sidi Gabr, and from Sidi Gabr most parts of the city are accessible by minibus or tram if you are looking to save money.
How do I call/hail a taxi?
Yes. Alexandria’s yellow and black taxis are all around the city. You can hail a taxi and yell the name of your destination. If the driver agrees they will park at the side of the road as soon as possible. Some taxis will stop to pick you up even if they already have a passenger, but it is best to refuse and wait for an empty taxi. Taxis are not metered and it is best to negotiate your price before getting in.
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Is Alexandria a walking city?
The main corridor for traffic in Alexandria is called Corniche. It is more than 12 miles long and runs along the riverfront. There is a long pedestrian promenade alongside an 8-lane fast road. Walking along the promenade is a great way to take in the Mediterranean breeze and spot the Citadel of Qaitbay, a fortress built in the 1400s. This section in downtown Alexandria is a place to find great restaurants, along with the city’s excellent beaches.
Walk a short distance inland from the Corniche and you’ll get to downtown Alexandria. Packed with stores, markets, cinemas, museums, and galleries, this is really the heart of Alexandria as far as most visitors are concerned.
Just east of the city center is San Stefano, a more upmarket area, home to some of the city’s most luxurious hotels and shopping malls like the San Stefano Plaza. This is a great place to enjoy wandering around and many vacationers use this area as a base as they explore the city.
Is Alexandria a dangerous city?
Crime is rarely violent but beware of pickpockets. Don’t flash your valuables or wear a fanny pack. Street kids, taxi drivers, and others may harass tourists. They will refrain after a stern “La!” or two. Or you can say “la shukran” (no thanks) or “emshi” (go). Alexandria is a conservative city, so women should cover their shoulders, midriffs, cleavage and legs. Cover your head when entering places of worship.
Can I pay/tip in US dollars?
The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the official currency of the Arab Republic of Egypt. The Egyptian pound’s symbol is E£. The currency can also be noted by the symbol LE, which stands for livre égyptienne; French for Egyptian pound.
Many shops, hotels and restaurants in tourist areas will accept credit or debit card payments. Remember that there can be hidden fees when you use your card abroad. Check with your bank what it will cost to use your card for payments in Egypt.
Most big hotels and established stores and restaurants will accept Mastercard and Visa, and contactless payments are common. Smaller hotels, cafés, shops and markets are more likely to expect cash.
It is generally a good idea to have at least some local currency to pay for tips, transport, snacks, and drinks.
When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit Alexandria is spring and autumn. The periods from March to May and September to November have ideal weather conditions with mild temperatures. The summer months which include June, July and August is when the temperature and humidity starts to increase. On the other hand, the winter months which include December, January and February are also mild but not suitable for swimming. Therefore, the most comfortable times to visit Alexandria are spring and autumn.
I don`t speak Arabic. Will many people speak English?
The official language is Arabi, and most Egyptians speak one of several dialects of this language. Most educated Egyptians in Alexandria are fluent in English or French or both, in addition to Arabic. We suggest you get a good English-Arabic guidebook or app on your phone and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.
What is the food like?
Alexandria will offer you different tastes where seafood is very popular and you can try seafood dishes prepared with fresh fish. “Sayadieh” and “Feseekh” are among the top fish dishes in the region while “Koshari” is one of the favorite dishes here consisting of a traditional mixture of pasta, rice, lentils and spices. You can check the local restaurants to find the best examples of Alexandrian cuisine.
What is the shopping like in Alexandria?
When it comes to shopping, Alexandria will give you a unique experience where you can buy souvenirs such as handmade jewelry, products decorated with traditional Egyptian patterns, and textiles made of Egyptian cotton. If you want to buy international brands and love this type of shopping, shopping malls will be your destination. Alexandria is one of the greatest shopping cities that offer both traditional and modern shopping experiences to shoppers.
What are the events/festivals that take place in Alexandria?
Library Festival of Alexandria: This cultural event is dedicated to the legacy of ancient Egypt’s famous library and takes place every year in April.
Alexandria Film Festival: November marks the beginning of this international film festival where directors and stars from around the world meet in this amazing city.
Alexander the Great Carnival: This is an event organized to commemorate Alexander the Great which takes place every June.
Ramadan Festivals: During the month of Ramadan, the streets, markets and cafes in Alexandria become lively after iftar.
Ancient Egyptian Festival: In October, this festival celebrates the rich ancient history of Alexandria where Egyptians wear historical costumes, perform traditional dances and portray the atmosphere of ancient times.
What is the nightlife like in Alexandria?
The nightlife in Alexandria is vibrant with many cafes, bars and nightclubs along the beach. Local music and international DJs can be found in different venues where you can enjoy dancing and the sea view at the same time. Venues in Alexandria are often open until late at night in different parts of the city.
What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?
Emergency number: 123
Alexandria has several hospitals and clinics. Some of the well-known hospitals include:
-Alexandria University Hospital
-El Salam Hospital
–German Hospital
-Andalusia Hospitals
Pharmacies are widely available and many are open 24/7. Pharmacists in Egypt can often provide advice and over-the-counter medications.
Many medical professionals speak English, especially in private hospitals and clinics.
Top Attractions
Montaza Palace
A grand 1930s royal palace in Turkish & Florentine styles, with large gardens, now a public park.
Alexandria Bibliotheca
8 million books in this vast modernist library with curving facade, plus 4 museums & a planetarium.
Serapeum of Alexandria
This famous Roman-era red-granite column with sphinxes was once part of the Serapeum temple.
Royal Jewelry Museum
Historic palace museum housing jewelry pieces, paintings & sculptures from the Muhammad Ali dynasty.
Unique Experiences
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Day Tour To Cairo From Alexandria: Follow in the footsteps of pharaohs and explorers at the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx, tour the massive collection of treasures at the Egyptian Antiquities Museum, then shop for souvenirs in a historic market.
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Alexandria Full Day City Tour: See the sights of Alexandria and learn about its long and fascinating history on this private tour of the Egyptian city. You`ll view a wide range of landmarks, from the ancient Roman catacombs to the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina library.
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What to expect while traveling
