Visiting Alexandria for the First Time

Alexandria for First-Time Visitors

Alexandria offers a completely different experience from Egypt’s southern cities. Founded by Alexander the Great, shaped by Greek and Roman influence, and polished by a cool Mediterranean breeze, Alexandria blends ancient history with European architecture and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. It feels lighter, quieter, and refreshingly different from the rest of Egypt.

At Egypt Tours Plus, we’ve been helping travelers discover and visit Alexandria since 1955. This beginners guide gives first-time visitors a clear, easy-to-read introduction to the city, including top attractions, cultural insights, and practical travel tips to make your visit smooth and enjoyable.

What Makes Alexandria Special

Alexandria has a unique identity—part Mediterranean port, part Egyptian heritage site, and part modern waterfront city. Travelers love it because:

• It was once home to the Great Library of Alexandria and the Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
• It offers impressive Greco-Roman sites, catacombs, and historic fortresses.
• Its beaches, harbors, and sea views create a refreshing break from Egypt’s desert landscapes.
• It has a strong Mediterranean café culture with coastal promenades and seafood restaurants.

Alexandria provides history, culture, and comfort all in one place.

Alexandria at a Glance

• Location: Northern Egypt, on the Mediterranean Sea
• Best for: History lovers, coastal travelers, culture seekers, first-time visitors
• Language: Arabic (English widely spoken)
• Weather: Mild winters; warm, breezy summers
• Best way to explore: Private guide + driver, due to spread-out attractions

Top Alexandria Attractions for First-Time Visitors

These are the essential sites that give travelers the best introduction to Alexandria’s unique character.

Bibliotheca Alexandrina

The New Library of Alexandria is a modern reimagining of the ancient Great Library, this striking architectural landmark is one of the city’s top cultural centers.

Why visit:

• Vast reading halls and research centers
• Rotating museums and exhibitions
• Iconic circular building etched with global scripts

Tip: Allow at least two hours to explore its museums and galleries.

Citadel of Qaitbay

The 15th-century Citadel of Qaitbay was built on the exact site where the ancient Pharos Lighthouse once stood.

Why it’s special:

• Panoramic sea views
• Impressive medieval architecture
• Ideal for photos and coastal walks

Tip: Visit in the late afternoon for cooler temperatures and beautiful coastal light.

Kom el Shoqafa Catacombs

The Kom el Shoqafa Catacombs is of the most fascinating Greco-Roman burial sites in Egypt, combining Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art styles.

Why visit:

• Multi-level underground tombs
• Remarkably preserved carvings and statues
• Unique blend of cultures and symbols

Roman Amphitheatre

This well-preserved amphitheatre features marble seating, mosaic floors, and remains of a Roman villa.

Why it’s worth seeing:

• Excellent example of Alexandria’s Roman heritage
• Peaceful, open-air setting
• Often combined with nearby archaeological sites

Pompey’s Pillar & Serapeum

The Pillar of Pompey is a massive granite column rising above the ruins of the ancient Temple of Serapis.

Why it’s notable:

• One of the largest ancient monolithic columns in the world
• Important piece of Alexandria’s Hellenistic heritage

Montaza Palace & Gardens

Montaza Palace & Gardens is a sprawling royal estate known for its lush gardens, coastal walkways, and historic palace built by Egypt’s final monarchs.

Highlights:

• Beautiful Mediterranean views
• Ideal for relaxed walking
• Popular photo locations

Corniche Waterfront

Alexandria’s Corniche stretches along the Mediterranean, offering refreshing sea air, cafés, and scenic views.

Why visitors love it:

• Perfect for strolling
• Ideal for sunset
• Great seafood restaurants nearby

Essential Alexandria Travel Tips

Here are the most important Cairo travel tips for first-time visitors:

• Weather: Cooler than the rest of Egypt—perfect in spring and autumn.
• Clothing: Comfortable coastal wear with layers for breezier days.
• Transport: Sites are spread out, so a private driver simplifies the experience.
• Timing: Morning visits are best for catacombs and archaeological sites.
• Dining: Excellent seafood along the Corniche and in the Montaza area.
• Photography: The citadel and Corniche offer the best coastal shots.
• Safety: Alexandria is relaxed and safe, especially with a guide.

What to Eat in Alexandria

Alexandria’s cuisine has a strong Mediterranean influence, making it particularly appealing for first-time visitors.

Local favorites include:

• Fresh grilled fish and seafood
• Sayadeya (Alexandrian fish and rice dish)
• Feteer (Egyptian layered pastry)
• Lentil soup
• Ice cream from local seaside shops
• Hibiscus, lemon-mint, and tamarind drinks

Seafood restaurants on the Corniche and near Montaza are especially popular.

Suggested Alexandria Itineraries

Below are sample itineraries commonly used in our private Cairo tours. They work for first-time visitors who want a smooth introduction without feeling rushed.

1-Day Alexandria Highlights

• Bibliotheca Alexandrina
• Kom el Shoqafa Catacombs
• Pompey’s Pillar
• Roman Amphitheatre
• Citadel of Qaitbay
• Sunset on the Corniche

2-Day Alexandria Explorer

• Day 1: Catacombs, Pompey’s Pillar, Amphitheatre, Library
• Day 2: Montaza Palace & Gardens, Citadel of Qaitbay, Corniche, optional museums

3-Day Alexandria Discovery

• Day 1: Main archaeological sites
• Day 2: Montaza + coastal exploration
• Day 3: Cultural stops, museums, optional day trip to Rosetta (Rashid)

Why Explore Alexandria With Egypt Tours Plus?

Since 1955, Egypt Tours Plus has offered private, tailor-made tours that make exploring and visiting Alexandria enjoyable, insightful, and stress-free. With your own Egyptologist guide and private driver, you can discover Alexandria’s highlights at your own pace.

What we provide:

• Private guided tours with expert Egyptologists
• Personalized itineraries
• Comfortable, air-conditioned transportation
• 24/7 assistance during your trip
• Guides fluent in English, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, and more
• Decades of experience helping travelers explore Alexandria with ease

Alexandria combines Mediterranean charm with ancient civilization in a way no other Egyptian city does. With the right guidance, it becomes a refreshing, enriching highlight of your journey through Egypt.