What are the best things to do in Alexandria?
Top picks in Alexandria include Citadel of Qaitbay, Mostafa Kamel Necropolis, Montaza Palace, Alexandria Naval Unknown Soldier Memorial. See the full list and itinerary on this Alexandria travel guide.
Photo: TheEgyptian · CC BY-SA 3.0
Why visit Alexandria
Travel guide for Alexandria, Egypt — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Alexandria is a stop in Egypt, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 2 days. If time is short, prioritise Citadel of Qaitbay, Mostafa Kamel Necropolis, Montaza Palace instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 30–90 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: The dry season for the most comfortable travel. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
The dry season for the most comfortable travel
Weather
Largely warm year-round with distinct wet and dry seasons
Experiences
Things to do in Alexandria
1
Citadel of Qaitbay
2
Mostafa Kamel Necropolis
3
Montaza Palace
4
Alexandria Naval Unknown Soldier Memorial
5
Ras el-Tin Palace
6
Montazah Royal Gardens
Budget travel
Free things to do in Alexandria
Alexandria Naval Unknown Soldier Memorial
Montazah Royal Gardens
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Alexandria itinerary (2 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Citadel of Qaitbay
- Visit Mostafa Kamel Necropolis
- Visit Montaza Palace
- Eat at Tawn Coffe Shop
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Alexandria Naval Unknown Soldier Memorial
- Visit Ras el-Tin Palace
- Visit Montazah Royal Gardens
- Eat at Kushari Bondok
Budget
Alexandria trip cost
Budget
USD 15–35
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 30–90
per person / day
Luxury
USD 105–170+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Alexandria, Egypt. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Alexandria
Estimated total (USD)
$1,760
≈ $880 per person · $251 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $55/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Alexandria mid-range ground costs (budget 15–35 · mid 30–90 · luxury 105–170+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Tawn Coffe Shop
Yes, "Coffe". Great place on the Corniche, with a decent pizza and chairs in front of the café for "enjoying" the traffic and view.
Kushari Bondok
Well known kushari joint, value for money.
Meto
Fast food: pizza and its Arabic equivalent fateer.
Asmak Shabaan
Great place for seafood.
Foul Mohamed Ahmed
Legendary joint for fuul and falafel, clean, friendly and inexpensive. According to a personal memory by an Alexandrian lady it was in Jewis
Mostafa Gad
Takeaway only branch of the Egyptian cuisine fast food chain.
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Triomphe Hotel
Normandy Hotel
Union Hotel
Nile Excelsior Hotel
Cheap downtown hotel, cleaning erratic but value for what you're paying.
Hotel Queen Transit Alexandria
Shopping
- Bibliotheca Alexandrina Bookshop
- Deeb Mall
- Green Plaza
- Maamoura Plaza Mall
- San Stefano Grand Plaza Mall
- Zahran Mall
Nightlife
- Brazilian Coffee Stores
- Clay Cafe
- Trianon 1905
- Cafe de la Paix
- Club21
- Le Boudoir
Museums & culture
- Montaza Palace
- Ras el-Tin Palace
In pictures
Alexandria gallery
Photos: TheEgyptian, Ahnaf Saber, Roland Unger — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Alexandria travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Alexandria?
The dry season for the most comfortable travel.
How many days do I need in Alexandria?
Plan at least 2 days in Alexandria for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Alexandria?
Popular stays in Alexandria include Triomphe Hotel, Normandy Hotel, Union Hotel. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Alexandria cost?
On the ground in Alexandria (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 15–35 per person per day, mid-range about 30–90, and luxury about 105–170+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Alexandria, Egypt. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
