Top 10 Diverse Things to Do in Alexandria

Alexandria, Egypt, has a diverse and long history due to the mixed cultures that lived harmoniously on the Mediterranean coast. 

This history has left its mark on the beautiful city, ‘ The Pearl of the Mediterranean’. Walking through its streets, you’ll find an exciting mix of history and modernity. You can go from visiting an ancient Roman monument to an ancient Egyptian site there, then head for a modern mall complex to hit the shops and explore their different stores.

Alexandria managed to create a harmonious mixture of its past and present, making the modern city a must-visit for all tourists who want to explore Egypt.

Here are some of the diverse things you can do while visiting the city of Alexandria.

Explore the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

This area is unique and considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages. It contains several tombs and antiquities dating back to the Pharaonic era, with infusions and influences from the Hellenistic and Roman eras.

A circular staircase leads down to the tombs, where you’ll find a burial chamber dating back to the 2nd century to the 4th century, before being rediscovered in 1900 when a donkey accidentally fell into the access shaft. 

In 2019, the area reopened after the rising water levels were prevented from destroying the endangered tombs. Now, you can enjoy the marvellous location and the vivid inscriptions decorating its walls.

The area opens from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm every day.

Pompey’s Pillar and Serapeum

Next to the Catacombs, you’ll find another must-see location. Pompey’s Pillar was built in c. 300 AD in honour of the Roman emperor Diocletian, who provided food for the besieged city of Alexandria at the time. 

The Serapeum was dedicated to Serapis, Alexandria’s patron god. It is said that it was destroyed around 400 AD when Christianity spread in Alexandria, and many symbols of paganism were demolished. However, underground storerooms remain where texts and manuscripts from the Great Library of Alexandria were kept. 

It’s one of the most famous destinations in Egypt.

Explore Fouad Street

One of Alexandria’s famous streets is Fouad Street. Although it is one of the city’s oldest streets, it has maintained its lustre and attracts many people daily to its numerous restaurants, cineplexes, and shops.

Back in the day, during the reign of Kings and Queens of Egypt, one of which the street was named after, Egyptian, Italian, Greek, French, and Armenian communities lived side by side in the area. You’ll find that reflected in the signs of some of the older shops on the street that have kept them for decades. The architecture, art, shops, and delicious food were a unique melting pot of all the diverse communities; all considered themselves Alexandrian first and foremost.

Try out Famous Alexandrian Food

While we’re on the subject of food, when one visits Alexandria, one must sample the many delicious types of food this city offers. From traditional plates of beans and pickles at Mohamed Ahmed in Raml Station to posh desserts at Délices, you’ll find everything your heart desires. 

Alexandria is known for its cafés and patisseries, some of which date back over 100 years, like Trianon or Délices, which have been owned by the same Greek family since 1922. 

Ride the Tram

A perfect way to see Alexandria is by riding the tram. Tram stations throughout the city can easily take you from the east to the west. 

The Alexandrian tram has been in operation since 1860 and is considered one of the oldest tram systems in the world. It’s also the perfect way to start your urban adventure in Egypt.

While the tram cars have been refurbished and new cars have been imported that are more convenient for riders and offer modern conveniences like Wi-Fi, the old tram cars are still available and in operation. Overall, it’s a cheap and affordable way to explore the city. 

Have a Drink at the Windsor Palace Rooftop Restaurant

The Windsor Palace Hotel, established in 1906, is near Raml Station and the shopping district. 

The view from their rooftop restaurant and terrace is stunning, especially at sunset. The restaurant is on the 6th floor, and the Sky Roof on the 7th doubles as a club at night. The restaurant offers a diverse menu with everything from traditional food to Italian and much more, so you’ll have plenty to choose from.

Dive among the Underwater Artefacts

One of the well-known activities in Alexandria is going on underwater excursions to explore the submerged museums at the bottom of the Mediterranean. A noteworthy site is the Cleopatra Palace, which was once part of the ancient city of Alexandria. Northeast of the city, in the bay of Aboukir, you’ll find the port city of Heracleion-Thonis. A professional diver will accompany you on your trip underwater. 

Aboukir itself has a long and rich history. In 1798, the Battle of the Nile was fought in Abukir, where the British fleet led by Nelson defeated the French fleet. In 1799, Napoleon defeated the Turkish army there as well, and in 1801, Sir Ralph Abercromby defeated the French army, forcing them out of Egypt.

Not only is the area known for the significant events it witnessed, but it also offers some of Egypt’s finest seafood, with many seafood restaurants that locals and tourists flock to.

Attend a Concert at the Alexandria Opera House

Alexandria Opera House, or the Sayed Darwish Theatre, is located on Fouad Street and was built in 1921 by the French architect Georges Park. Operas inspired its beautiful architectural design in Vienna and Paris. Numerous concerts and opera performances are held yearly, making it perfect for a night out to enjoy beautiful music and cultural performances.

Ride the Red Tourist Bus

A great way to explore the city of Alexandria is to ride the double-decked Red Tourist Bus, which takes you all over the city from east to west by the corniche, giving you a great view of the Mediterranean. The buses usually go from Maamoura Beach to the east of the city to the Qaitbay Citadel in the west, and you can get off the bus whenever you wish to explore more landmarks, such as Stanley Bridge, Gleem Bay, and Montazah Park, among many others.

Alexandria contains some of Egypt’s best-preserved historical sites.

Relax by the Beach

Alexandria is known for its fantastic beaches. After the North Coast of Egypt, Alexandria is the number one city that locals and tourists head for in the summer to take a break from the heat and enjoy the warm sunshine, golden sand, and beautiful beachfront. 

There are plenty of beaches all over Alexandria, ranging in price, but they are all affordable and budget-friendly. Now, you can book your beach entry, umbrella, and chairs online through the city’s online portal.

Relaxing by the beach in Alexandria is a must for anyone visiting the city. It allows you to experience Alexandria at its best and take a breath after all your activities throughout the city.

We recommend Stanly Beach for its clear and sparkling water and the many restaurants nearby that provide beachgoers with delicious meals. After that, you can walk up to Stanly Bridge and enjoy the fantastic view of the sea and the city of Alexandria from above. The Bridge was modelled after the Montaza Palace, a grand feat of architecture in and of itself. 

How to Get to Alexandria

If you arrive in Egypt through Cairo International Airport, the best way to reach Alexandria is by train from the Ramses Train Station in downtown Cairo. Trains depart for Alexandria every hour or so, and you can book your ticket online ahead of time to be sure.

There are several public transit options within Alexandria, including the tram, as we’ve mentioned before, and public buses. However, pick the tourist bus on the more scenic route. However, since it might not take you everywhere you need since it sticks to the corniche road, we recommend you hop in a taxi or take an Uber, which offers different car choices depending on price. A similar company to Uber is Careem, which operates in Egypt and has a motorcycle option where a driver can pick you up on a bike.

Where to Stay in Alexandria

Alexandria has plenty of hotels to suit all needs, whether budget or luxury, all overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. You’ll find many great budget hotels on the Corniche road that wrap around the city’s coast, such as El Haram and Makka Hotels near the Ibrahimya Area.

For a more luxurious and pricier option, you can choose the Four Seasons in San Stefano, the Helnan Palestine Hotel, or the Sheraton in Montaza. 

Find out more about planning a trip to Egypt.