Join us on an unforgettable day tour from Cairo to the historic city of Alexandria, where ancient wonders and Mediterranean charm converge. Having explored Alexandria multiple times, I can attest to the city’s rich tapestry of history, from the legendary Great Library to the stunning catacombs and vibrant seafront. Each visit reveals new layers of its storied past and dynamic present. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for a scenic escape from Cairo, Alexandria offers a perfect blend of ancient intrigue and coastal beauty. Let’s dive into the highlights and must-see sights of this enchanting city.
Introduction
Alexandria makes for the perfect day trip from Cairo to see Egypt’s second-largest city and one of its top historical destinations. Located along the Mediterranean coast about 220 km from Cairo, Alexandria has a more Mediterranean feel compared to other Egyptian cities. This port city was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC and was the capital of Egypt for nearly 1,000 years.
On a day tour from Cairo, you’ll get a chance to see some of Alexandria’s top historical attractions like the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Pompey’s Pillar, the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, and more. Many tours start early in the morning with pickups from major hotels in Cairo and take about 2.5-3 hours one-way to reach Alexandria by private vehicle. You’ll then have a full day to explore with an Egyptologist guide before returning to Cairo in the evening.
With its Mediterranean climate, ancient ruins, and colonial architecture, Alexandria offers a nice change of scenery from the chaotic streets of Cairo. It’s a more laidback coastal town with fresh seafood, seaside promenades, and ancient sites that provide a glimpse into Egypt’s Greek and Roman past.
Getting There
Alexandria is located along the Mediterranean coast, about 220 km northwest of Cairo. There are several options for getting from Cairo to Alexandria:
Train
- Direct trains run frequently between Cairo and Alexandria, departing from Cairo’s Ramses Station.
- The train journey takes around 2.5 hours each way.
- Trains offer comfortable seating and air conditioning. First-class tickets provide extra space and amenities.
- Prices range from 50-150 EGP ($3-$8 USD) each way depending on class.
- The main downside is trains can sometimes run late.
Bus
- Buses depart for Alexandria from Cairo’s main bus terminals. The trip takes 2-3 hours depending on traffic.
- Buses are affordable options, with tickets costing 30-70 EGP ($2-$4 USD).
- Buses can get crowded with locals and may make frequent stops, so the journey may not be as comfortable.
Car
- Driving from Cairo to Alexandria takes around 2-3 hours in ideal conditions via the desert road.
- Having a private car allows flexibility in schedule. The drive goes along the scenic Mediterranean coastline.
- Downsides are dealing with Cairo traffic getting out of the city, plus paying for fuel and tolls.
- Hiring a car and driver in Cairo for a day trip costs around 1000 EGP ($55 USD).
Top Sights
Alexandria is home to some of Egypt’s top historic sights and landmarks. Here are some of the top things to see on an Alexandria day trip:
Alexandria Library
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a major library and cultural center located on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea. It was opened in 2002 near the site of the old Library of Alexandria, which was one of the largest libraries of the ancient world. The modern library has shelf space for over 8 million books and hosts manuscripts, documents, and artifacts from around the world. It’s an impressive piece of modern architecture.
Qaitbay Citadel
This 15th century defensive fortress on Pharos Island was built by Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qa’it Bay. It sits on the original site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The citadel offers panoramic views over the Mediterranean.
Catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa
These impressive Roman-era catacombs from the 2nd century AD feature elaborate decorations and architecture. This archaeological site allows you to explore three tiers of tombs, statues, and carvings deep underground.
Pompey’s Pillar
This 25 meter tall granite column looms over the ruins of the ancient and legendary city of Alexandria. It was constructed in honor of the Emperor Diocletian in 297 AD. There’s an adjacent small museum as well.
Alexandria National Museum
This excellent museum houses ancient Egyptian, Graeco-Roman, and Coptic era artifacts. Highlights include two royal statues of Ptolemy II and his sister Arsinoe II recovered from under the sea. You’ll see Ancient Egyptian monuments, Greek and Roman artifacts, and more here.
Food
Alexandria is known for its delicious Egyptian cuisine, especially seafood from the Mediterranean. Traditional dishes like koshari, ful medames, and shawarma are staples, but be sure to try the fresh catch of the day grilled or fried straight from the sea.
Seafood lovers will delight in the crab, shrimp, squid, and local fish like bouri and sea bream. Try them grilled, fried, or in stews and curries. The traditional shrimp and tomato stew is a must-try. Stop by any of the seaside restaurants to feast on the day’s catch.
For dessert, sample classics like basbousa semolina cake, konafa crispy pastry, and creamy rice pudding. Bakeries around the city will have trays of these sweets ready to enjoy.
Some recommended restaurants to try authentic Alexandria cuisine include El Qobesi, Farag, and Abu Ashraf. These popular spots serve excellent local dishes in traditional settings. For fresh seafood right on the water, try the restaurants along the Corniche.
Shopping
Alexandria is a shopper’s paradise, with everything from bustling souqs to modern malls. The best areas to browse are in the downtown districts, where you’ll find colorful souqs selling spices, souvenirs, clothing, and more.
Must-see souqs include Attareen, Anfushi, and Mansheya, where you can haggle for treasures like brassware, backgammon sets, shisha pipes, and Egyptian cotton. Wander the stalls and sniff barrels of cumin, cinnamon, and fragrant oils. For gold and silver jewelry, head to the Gold Market on Talaat Harb Street.
When you need a break, duck into air-conditioned malls like City Center, San Stefano, or Carrefour. International brands mingle with local shops, and you can find modern fashions and accessories.
Don’t leave Alexandria without some souvenirs. Pick up spices to bring the flavors of Egypt home to your kitchen, as well as scarves, T-shirts, papyrus paintings, perfume oils, and more. It’s also a great place to pick up pharaonic-style souvenirs like mini obelisks, pyramids, and statues of ancient Egyptian gods. Just leave room in your suitcase!
Nightlife
Alexandria has a lively nightlife scene, with a diverse range of options for evening entertainment.
Bars and Lounges
For a sophisticated cocktail or glass of wine in an upscale setting, head to Spitfire Bar or The Tavern. Both establishments have excellent drink menus and top-notch service in elegant, dimly-lit interiors. Looking for a more casual pub atmosphere? Try Cap d’Or with its large selection of beers, wines, and spirits. It has a lively ambiance and outdoor seating overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Authentic Oriental Coffee Houses
To sample Turkish coffee or smoke shisha (flavored tobacco from a water pipe), visit the historic Café de la Poste or El Salhia. These traditional coffee houses have been operating for decades and offer window seats with views of the bustling street scenes below. Sip your drink while listening to live Arabic music. For a modern take on the classic Egyptian ahwa (coffee house), try Sobhy’s Café with its young vibe and hookah menu.
Cultural Performances
Several venues in Alexandria host concerts, dance shows, and other cultural performances. The stunning Royal Alexandria Library sometimes has events in its conference center featuring classical Egyptian and folkloric shows. The Alexandria Opera House is the place to see ballet and orchestra performances in an ornate 1920s setting. For contemporary shows, check the schedule at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina’s arts center located directly on the shoreline.
Accommodation
Alexandria has a wide variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences.
Recommended Hotels
Some of the top hotels in Alexandria include the Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano, the Hilton Alexandria Corniche, and the Sheraton Montazah Hotel. These luxurious hotels offer stunning sea views, excellent amenities like pools and spas, and easy access to the beach and major attractions.
For mid-range accommodations, the Paradise Inn Windsor Hotel, Tolip Inn, and Metropole Hotel are excellent choices with central locations. They provide comfortable rooms and good value. Budget hotels like Richmond Hotel, Paris Hotel, and Hotel Crillon are simple but conveniently located near the train station and city center.
B&Bs and Guesthouses
For a cozy, personal touch, Alexandria has charming bed and breakfasts and guesthouses. The Balmoral Guesthouse is a peaceful oasis with a leafy garden courtyard. Villa Metropole Guesthouse is a historic former palace with lots of character. And Lorca Lodge offers apartment-style suites with kitchens overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Staying in a local neighborhood like Agami or Stanley Bay is also an option. Ask fellow travelers for recommendations of smaller guesthouses in those areas. With lower prices than big hotels, B&Bs allow you to connect with locals and get a feel for daily Egyptian life.
Weather
Alexandria has a Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers.
The best time to visit is in the spring (March to May) when daytime temperatures are pleasantly warm in the 70s F/low 20s C. During the summer months of June to August, temperatures can reach into the 90s F/mid 30s C making sightseeing uncomfortable. The humidity also rises during this time.
Winters are mild with temperatures in the 60s F/mid teens C, but there can be rain showers. If you don’t mind wearing a jacket, winter is a good time to take advantage of lower hotel prices and fewer crowds.
The fall months of September to November are warm during the day but cool at night. The ocean breezes provide relief from the heat. Overall, the fall is a good time to visit before the crowds and prices increase in the winter.
To experience the best weather for exploring Alexandria, plan your trip for March through May or September through November. But any time is a good time to discover this historic Egyptian port city. The Mediterranean climate means the weather is pleasant year-round.
Side Trips
Alexandria makes a great base to take day trips to nearby sites of historical significance. Two top day trip destinations are Rosetta and El Alamein.
Rosetta
The town of Rosetta, located about 65km northeast of Alexandria, was an important ancient port town and home to the famous Rosetta Stone. Discovered by French soldiers in 1799, the Rosetta Stone provided the key to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs. Today, visitors can see a replica of the stone at the Rosetta branch of the Egyptian Museum.
In addition to the museum, top sights in Rosetta include Fort Julien built by the Ottomans, Abu Mandur Mosque, and the old covered market. The Corniche promenade along the Nile is a nice spot for a stroll.
El Alamein
Located about 106km west of Alexandria, El Alamein is famous for the World War II battle that took place here in 1942. The Commonwealth War Cemetery and Memorial honors the fallen soldiers, while the El Alamein War Museum has artifacts and information about the battle.
The area’s beaches also make it a popular seaside destination. Visitors can relax on the shores of the Mediterranean, visit the German Military Cemetery, and see remnants of war equipment scattered throughout the desert landscape.
Conclusion
An Alexandria day tour from Cairo is a perfect way to experience the highlights of this historic coastal city while still having the convenience of staying in bustling Cairo. Alexandria has so much to offer visitors, from ancient ruins and museums to delicious seafood and scenic harbors.
Some of the top highlights of Alexandria include Pompey’s Pillar, the Royal Library of Alexandria, the Citadel of Qaitbay, and the catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa. Be sure to sample fresh seafood along the Mediterranean coast and shop for souvenirs in the bazaars. The city also has a lively arts and music scene.
To experience everything Alexandria has to offer in just one day, booking a guided tour from Cairo is highly recommended. Knowledgeable guides will take you directly to the top sites and share fascinating history and facts. Tours can be customized based on your interests.
Plan your trip with ease by visiting our Accommodation and Transportation pages. Discover unbeatable deals for a seamless and unforgettable Alexandria adventure!