Planning notes for Alexandria

Alexandria is located on the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, approximately 220 kilometers northwest of Cairo. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE, the city served as the capital of Egypt for nearly a thousand years through the Ptolemaic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Historical Heritage and Architecture The city’s architectural landscape contains layers of different historical eras. * Greco-Roman Period: The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, dating to the 2nd century CE.

Must-try foods nearby

• Kebda Eskandarani
  The quintessential taste of Alexandria, this dish features thinly sliced beef liver stir-fried with a heavy hand of garlic, green chili peppers, and cumin.
• Hawawshi Eskandarani
  Alexandria’s take on the classic meat pie is unique because the spiced minced meat is placed inside raw dough before being baked, rather than using pre-baked bread.
• Sogo' Eskandarani (Alexandrian Sausage)
  Small, spicy beef sausages sautéed with tomatoes, bell peppers, and a pungent mix of garlic and vinegar.
• Samak Mashwi (Grilled Sea Bass or Bream)
  Fresh Mediterranean fish, usually Sea Bass (Aros) or Sea Bream (Denise).
• Roz bel Laban (Alexandrian Rice Pudding)
  A creamy rice pudding that is a local obsession. In Alexandria, it is often served with a 'bomb' of toppings—layers of vanilla ice cream, heavy cream (qeshta), nuts.

When to go: The best time to visit Alexandria is during the shoulder seasons of March to June and September to November.

Local tips

• Use reputable ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem to ensure transparent pricing and avoid the common practice of overcharging by unmetered street taxis.
• Dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees to respect local norms and reduce unwanted attention in this conservative coastal city.
• Always use your right hand for eating, passing food, or shaking hands, as the left hand is traditionally reserved for personal hygiene.
• Expect to pay a small tip, known as 'baksheesh,' for minor services like using public restrooms, luggage handling, or helpful directions.

What travelers are noticing

• The 27th Alexandria Biennale: Relaunching in September 2026 after a 12-year hiatus, this historic art event features artists from across the Mediterranean under the theme 'This Too Shall Pass'.
• Qaitbay Citadel New Visitor Center: A recently opened hub featuring immersive documentaries on sunken Greco-Roman artifacts and upgraded daily sound-and-light shows.
• Alexandria Metro Construction: The city's first electrified metro system connecting downtown to Abu Qir is a major current infrastructure project transforming urban mobility.