Destination guideEgypt
33 Things to Do in Alexandria (2026)
Alexandria Governorate, located on the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, was established in 331 BCE by Alexander the Great and served as the national capital for nearly one thousand years.
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The city’s historical heritage is defined by its role as a center of Hellenistic scholarship, formerly housing the Lighthouse of Pharos and the Great Library of Alexandria. The architectural landscape includes the 15th-century Citadel of Qaitbay, constructed on the site of the ancient lighthouse using its original masonry.
- 33 spots
- 8 must-try dishes
- Researched October 2026
- 24 sources
Must-try in Alexandria8 dishes
Kebda Eskandarani (Alexandrian Liver) Where to order it in Alexandria
Alexandrian-Style Grilled Sea Bass (Singari) Where to order it in Alexandria
Alexandrian Foul (Fava Beans) Where to order it in Alexandria
Sogo' Eskandarani (Alexandrian Sausage) Where to order it in Alexandria
Feteer Meshaltet (Alexandrian Savory/Sweet) Where to order it in Alexandria
Grilled Quail (Semman) Where to order it in Alexandria
Calamari and Squid Gratin Where to order it in Alexandria
Egyptian Fondue Where to order it in Alexandria
The short answer
- The top things to do in Alexandria, from 24 sources researched October 2026, start with:
- Montaza Palace (Al Mandarah Bahri)
- St. Mark's Cathedral in Alexandria (محطة الرمل)
- Royal Jewelry Museum Alexandria (San Stefano)
- Greco-Roman Museum (Al Mesallah Sharq)
- Antoniades Gardens (Sidi Gabir)
- 8 must-try dishes are on the map, each with the places to order them.
33 places worth your time in Alexandria
Things to see and do
Montaza Palace
Why it’s on the map
This expansive 150-acre royal estate features lush, meticulously landscaped grounds with palm-lined walkways, flowering terraces, and open lawns overlooking the Mediterranean.
Montaza Palace, El-Gaish Rd, Al Mandarah Bahri, Montaza 2, Alexandria Governorate 5527001, Egypt
St. Mark's Cathedral in Alexandria
Why it’s on the map
This cathedral serves as the historic seat of the Coptic Pope and is built upon a site linked to the 1st-century foundation of Christianity in Egypt.
19 Al Akbat Church, محطة الرمل، Al Attarin, Alexandria Governorate 5372014, Egypt
Royal Jewelry Museum Alexandria
Why it’s on the map
Housed in the opulent 1919 palace of Princess Fatma Al-Zahra, this venue showcases the dazzling wealth of the Muhammad Ali Dynasty.
27 Ahmed Yehia, San Stefano, El Raml 2, Alexandria Governorate 5451010, Egypt
Greco-Roman Museum
Why it’s on the map
Having undergone a extensive 18-year restoration, this neoclassical landmark is the only museum in the world dedicated entirely to the Greek and Roman periods of Egyptian history.
Al Mesallah Sharq, Al Attarin, Alexandria Governorate 5372053, Egypt
Antoniades Gardens
Why it’s on the map
One of the oldest botanical spaces in the world, this historic park is home to a vast collection of rare trees, marble statues of European explorers, and Greek-inspired sculptures.
ش البرت الأول، Smoha Sq., Sidi Gabir, Sidi Gaber, Alexandria Governorate 5432034, Egypt
Place to see · Fleming
Place to see · Al Mandarah Bahri
Tourist Attraction · As Sayalah Sharq
Library
Tourist Attraction
Museum · Al Azaritah WA Ash Shatebi
Museum · Emberouz WA Moharram Beik
Planetarium · Al Azaritah WA Ash Shatebi
Performing Arts Theater · Al Mesallah Sharq
Where to eat
See the full Alexandria food guide: where to eat and what to order.
Falafel Restaurant · Al Mesallah Sharq
Coffee Shop · Mustafa Kamel WA Bolkli
Restaurant
Seafood Restaurant · Souq at Tork
Restaurant · Al Attarin Gharb
Meal Takeaway · Al Ibrahimeyah Bahri WA Sidi Gaber
Restaurant · Al Ibrahimeyah Bahri WA Sidi Gaber
Butcher Shop · Bab Shar'
Ice Cream Shop · El Anfoushi
Market · Al Mesallah Sharq
Seafood Restaurant · As Sayalah Sharq
Coffee Shop · Sidi Gaber
Dessert Restaurant · Al Mesallah Sharq
Restaurant · Mustafa Kamel WA Bolkli
Restaurant
Market · Dekhela
Sandwich Shop · Al Mesallah Sharq
Shops and markets
Shopping Mall · Qetaa at Tarik as Sahrawi
Clothing Store · Souq at Tork
28 more places on the map
17 to eat · 9 to see and do · 2 to shop · 8 must-try dishes with where to order each
Start
When is the best time to visit Alexandria?
- The best time to visit Alexandria is during the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when temperatures are mild and ideal for sightseeing. While summer (June to August) is the peak season for domestic tourists seeking the Mediterranean breeze, it can be very humid and crowded; conversely, winter (December to February) is the off-peak period, offering cooler weather but a higher chance of rain. For the best balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds, aim for April, May, or October.
How do I get around Alexandria?
- Egyptian National Railways (Train) High-speed Talgo and VIP trains depart frequently from Cairo's Ramses Station, reaching Alexandria in approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Foreigners must pay in USD or EUR at designated ticket windows.
- Alexandria Tramway One of the world's oldest tram systems, featuring iconic blue and yellow cars that connect major districts like Raml and Victoria. It is a scenic, budget-friendly way to navigate the city's coastal and central areas.
- Ride-Hailing Apps (Uber & Careem) Widely available throughout the governorate, these apps provide transparent, upfront pricing in local currency, making them a safer and more convenient alternative to negotiating fares with traditional street taxis.
What should I know before visiting Alexandria?
- Use ride-sharing apps like Uber or Careem to avoid negotiating taxi fares and ensure GPS-tracked routes through the city's busy traffic.
- Dress modestly by covering shoulders and knees to show respect for local customs, even though Alexandria has a slightly more relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.
- Eat exclusively with your right hand when sharing communal seafood dishes or using bread to scoop food, as the left hand is traditionally considered unclean.
- Expect a 10-15% service charge on restaurant bills, but it is customary to leave an additional small cash tip (baksheesh) directly for the server.
- Cross the busy Corniche road by walking at a steady pace and following local pedestrians, as drivers typically flow around you rather than stopping.
What’s new in Alexandria in October 2026?
- Techne Summit 2026: The Mediterranean's largest investment and entrepreneurship event is currently running at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (October 7–10, 2026).
- Underwater Discovery: Archaeologists just announced (October 7, 2026) the discovery of a bronze signet ring depicting the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria at the submerged Antirhodos palace.
- Mediterranean Offshore Conference (MOC 2026): A major regional energy exhibition and conference is upcoming at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina from October 20–22, 2026.
Research receipt
How this Alexandria guide was researched
- Live web search, 14 of 14 research areas completed.
- Places verified against real place data — address, hours and coordinates come from the place record, not the article.
- Researched October 2026. A newer build for Alexandria replaces this page automatically.
Sources checked
Planning questions
What are the top things to do in Alexandria?
Start with Montaza Palace, St. Mark's Cathedral in Alexandria, Royal Jewelry Museum Alexandria, Greco-Roman Museum, and Antoniades Gardens: the places Varedelo's research (from 24 sources researched October 2026) puts first, each with its reason in the list on this page. All 33 places are pinned on the Alexandria map.