Alexandria
THE QUICK VERDICT
Choose Alexandria if You want the Mediterranean half of Egypt - Greco-Roman ruins, Belle Epoque waterfront, and the modern Bibliotheca - paired with a working-city texture and cooler sea-breeze weather than Cairo..
- Best for
- Bibliotheca Alexandrina modernist library, Qaitbay Citadel on Pharos foundations, Kom el Shoqafa catacombs
- Best months
- Apr–May · Sep–Oct
- Budget anchor
- $85/day mid-range
- Skip if
- you need polished tourism infrastructure — Alexandria runs as a working city, not a resort
Egypt's second city and the Mediterranean's great Levantine port - founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great, capital of the Ptolemies, home of Cleopatra, the Pharos lighthouse, and the original Library that for centuries was the brain of the ancient world. Modern Alexandria is a 5-million-strong waterfront city of crumbling Belle Epoque facades, the 2002 Bibliotheca Alexandrina (a 172-million-euro modernist reincarnation of the lost Library), the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, the 15th-century Qaitbay Citadel built on the lighthouse foundations, and a humid sea breeze that feels nothing like the Sahara three hours south.
Tours & Experiences
Bookable tours, activities, and day trips in Alexandria
Where to Stay
Compare hotels and rentals in Alexandria
📍 Points of Interest
At a Glance
- Pop.
- 5.4 million (city) / 5.9 million (metro)
- Timezone
- Cairo
- Dial
- +20
- Emergency
- 122 / 123
Alexandria was founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great as the Mediterranean capital of his empire — and went on to become the capital of Ptolemaic Egypt, home to Cleopatra, the Pharos lighthouse, and the original Library of Alexandria, the brain of the ancient world for nearly 1,000 years
The city is Egypt's second largest after Cairo, with around 5.4 million residents — and feels strikingly different from Cairo: Mediterranean climate, sea breeze, lower buildings, French and Italian Belle Epoque architecture, and a Greek-Levantine cosmopolitan past that lingers in the cafe culture
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the modernist 172-million-euro reincarnation of the lost Library, opened in 2002. The slanted glass-and-granite disc holds 8 million books and four museums — and faces directly across the harbour to the original Library site, now under the modern city
The 15th-century Qaitbay Citadel guards the harbour entrance and is built on the exact stone foundations of the Pharos lighthouse — one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which collapsed in earthquakes in the 14th century. Some of its limestone blocks are reused in the citadel walls
The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, accidentally rediscovered in 1900 when a donkey fell through the ground, are the largest Roman-era burial complex in Egypt — three levels of tombs (2nd century AD) carved into bedrock with a spectacular fusion of Egyptian, Greek and Roman funerary art
Modern Alexandria stretches 32 km along the Mediterranean coast in a thin ribbon — the Corniche promenade is its spine. The city has some of the best seafood in the eastern Mediterranean and the cheapest cost of living of any major Egyptian city
Top Sights
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
🏛️The modernist reincarnation of the ancient Library, opened in 2002. The 11-storey slanted granite disc holds 8 million books, a planetarium, and four small museums (antiquities, manuscripts, the Sadat museum, and Impressions of Alexandria). Even non-readers go for the architecture; entry is around EGP 200 and you can spend half a day. Closed Fridays.
Qaitbay Citadel
📌A 15th-century Mamluk fortress built directly on the stone foundations of the Pharos lighthouse. The walls reuse blocks salvaged from the lighthouse ruins after the 14th-century earthquakes destroyed it. Spectacular harbour views, a small naval museum inside, and the iconic Alexandria photo from the breakwater. Entry around EGP 100.
Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
🗼The largest Roman-era burial complex in Egypt — three subterranean levels carved into bedrock around 2nd century AD, with a spiral staircase, banquet hall for funerary feasts, and a unique fusion of Egyptian, Greek and Roman funerary iconography. Discovered by accident in 1900. Entry around EGP 160; allow 90 minutes.
Pompey's Pillar & Serapeum
🗼A 27-metre red Aswan granite column (the largest single-piece column ever raised) erected in 297 AD to honour Diocletian — not Pompey, despite the medieval misnomer. It stands on the ruined site of the Serapeum, one of the satellite libraries of the great Library. Entry around EGP 100.
Greco-Roman Museum
🏛️Founded in 1892 and reopened in 2023 after a major decade-long restoration, the Greco-Roman Museum holds Egypt's best collection of Hellenistic and Roman period artefacts, including statues, mosaics, coins, and a serene Roman-era marble Apis bull. Around EGP 200.
Roman Amphitheatre & Kom el Dikka
🗼A 2nd-century AD Roman theatre — the only one ever found in Egypt — with marble terraced seating, plus an adjoining excavated quarter of Roman houses, baths and a lecture hall complex. Continuing excavations have revealed mosaics, Roman streets, and a small museum. Around EGP 100.
Corniche Promenade & Stanley Bridge
🏘️The 32-km waterfront Corniche is Alexandria's spine — a curving sea-front road and walkway with the early-20th-century Cecil Hotel (Lawrence Durrell's hotel from the Alexandria Quartet), the Stanley Bridge, and the city's evening promenade culture in full force after sunset.
Montaza Palace Gardens
🌳The former summer palace of King Farouk, set in 350 acres of landscaped gardens at the eastern end of the city. The Salamlek Palace is now a hotel; the gardens, beach and small bridges remain a popular weekend escape for Alexandrians. Entry to the gardens around EGP 25.
Off the Beaten Path
Cafe Delices
A 1922 Belle Epoque cafe-patisserie on Saad Zaghloul Square with original wood panelling, marble tables, French pastries, and Greek-Egyptian baristas pouring strong coffee. The atmosphere has barely changed in a century.
One of a handful of surviving institutions from Alexandria's cosmopolitan Greco-Italian-Levantine era. Order a millefeuille and a Turkish coffee and sit by the window.
Cecil Hotel
The 1929 Belle Epoque hotel on Saad Zaghloul Square that featured in Lawrence Durrell's Alexandria Quartet and hosted Winston Churchill, Somerset Maugham, and Field Marshal Montgomery during WWII. The lobby and Monty's Bar are open to non-guests.
The literary heart of mid-century Alexandria. Take a drink at Monty's Bar (named after Montgomery, who used the hotel as his Alexandria headquarters) and look out at the Mediterranean.
Mohamed Ahmed (Foul & Falafel)
A legendary downtown joint serving foul medames (slow-stewed fava beans), falafel (called ta'meya here, made with fava rather than chickpeas), and an array of Egyptian breakfast plates since 1957. Always packed with locals.
Widely considered the best foul and falafel in Alexandria — and a working-class downtown classic that hasn't changed in seven decades. Cash only, expect to share a table.
Anfoushi Fish Market
A working morning fish market in the old Anfoushi neighbourhood where the day's catch comes off the boats from the Western Harbour. Pick a fish, weigh it, and have it grilled at one of the simple restaurants surrounding the market.
The freshest grilled seafood meal in Alexandria, in a working-fishermen quarter most tourists never visit. Go around 11am-1pm for the best selection.
Stanley Beach & Bridge
The most iconic Corniche segment — the Stanley Bridge's pseudo-medieval towers reach across a sandy cove with cabanas in the bay below. The bridge itself was built in 2001 to replace a bottleneck on the Corniche.
The most photographed Alexandria sunset spot, and the cabanas in the bay are a quirky local custom — Alexandrians rent them by the season for summer Friday picnics.
Climate & Best Time to Go
Alexandria has a Mediterranean climate — markedly different from Cairo and the rest of Egypt. Summers are hot but moderated by a constant sea breeze; winters are mild and unusually wet for Egypt, with the city receiving around 200 mm of rain a year (versus Cairo's 25 mm). The April-May and September-October shoulders are by far the most pleasant for visiting.
Spring
March - May57-81°F
14-27°C
Warming through ideal April highs (24°C). Sea climbs from 18°C in March to 22°C by May. Less rainfall than winter, mostly dry by April. Khamsin sandstorm winds occasionally roll in from the desert and reduce visibility.
Summer
June - August73-88°F
23-31°C
Hot but moderated by the Mediterranean sea breeze — much cooler than Cairo. Beaches packed with Egyptian domestic tourists escaping the inland heat; hotel rates surge through July-August. Sea climbs to 26-27°C.
Autumn
September - November63-86°F
17-30°C
September retains summer warmth but the domestic crowds thin once Egyptian schools resume mid-month. October is widely considered the perfect month — warm, dry, and sea still 24°C. November cools sharply and the rains begin.
Winter
December - February50-66°F
10-19°C
Cool, wet, and surprisingly stormy by Egyptian standards. Heavy Mediterranean storms can flood the Corniche. Most rain falls December-January (50-60 mm/month). Sights still very accessible and prices at their annual lowest.
Best Time to Visit
April-May and September-October are the sweet spots — warm, dry, sea around 22-25°C, and significantly fewer crowds than the summer Egyptian-domestic peak. June-August is hot and packed with Egyptian holidaymakers; December-February is mild but stormy.
Spring (March - May)
Crowds: Low to moderateWarming through ideal April highs (24°C). Sea climbs from 18°C to 22°C. The most pleasant time to combine sightseeing and Corniche walks. Khamsin sandstorms occasionally roll in from the desert in March-April.
Pros
- + Ideal April-May temperatures
- + Sea warming for swimming by May
- + Few foreign tourists
- + Best photographic light
Cons
- − Khamsin sandstorm risk in March-April
- − Some sea-front cafes still in winter mode
- − Egyptian schools still in session — fewer beach atmosphere
Summer (June - August)
Crowds: Very high (Egyptian domestic peak)Hot but Mediterranean-moderated (26-30°C). Beaches packed with Egyptian domestic tourists escaping inland heat; hotel rates surge through July-August. Sea warms to 26-27°C. The city has its full summer beach atmosphere.
Pros
- + Full beach culture and Corniche atmosphere
- + Sea warm for swimming
- + Long evenings on the seafront
- + All hotels and restaurants in full operation
Cons
- − Highest hotel rates of the year
- − Beaches packed with Egyptian families
- − Restaurants and museums crowded
- − Heat at midday still significant
Autumn (September - November)
Crowds: Decreasing through the seasonSeptember retains summer warmth but the domestic crowds thin once Egyptian schools resume mid-month. October is widely considered the perfect month — warm, dry, sea still 24°C. November cools sharply and rains begin.
Pros
- + October is the single best month
- + Sea still warm enough for swimming
- + Egyptian crowds gone after mid-September
- + Hotel rates drop sharply
Cons
- − Early September still very busy
- − November becomes wet and cool
- − Beach season ends
- − Some seasonal beach kiosks close in November
Winter (December - February)
Crowds: Lowest of the yearCool, wet, surprisingly stormy. Heavy Mediterranean storms can flood the Corniche; January storms have caused serious damage in recent years. Sights still fully accessible and prices at annual lowest, but expect rain and blustery weather.
Pros
- + Cheapest rates of the year
- + No queues at any monument
- + Atmospheric stormy Corniche light
- + A different, melancholic Alexandria
Cons
- − Rain (50-60 mm/month) and Mediterranean storms
- − Sea too cold to swim
- − Some seafront restaurants closed
- − Evenings genuinely cold (10-12°C)
🎉 Festivals & Events
Alexandria International Film Festival
September-OctoberA long-running annual film festival focused on Mediterranean and African cinema, founded 1979. Screenings at venues across the city including the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina cultural programme
Year-roundThe Library hosts a constant rotation of exhibitions, lectures, concerts and academic conferences — well worth checking the calendar before your visit.
Coptic Christmas
January 7Egypt's significant Coptic Christian community celebrates Christmas in early January. Alexandria has multiple historic Coptic churches and small services and processions.
Sham El Nessim
April (day after Coptic Easter)An ancient Egyptian spring festival pre-dating Christianity. Alexandrians flood the Corniche and beaches for picnics with traditional dishes (feseekh fermented fish, coloured eggs).
Safety Breakdown
Moderate
out of 100
Alexandria is generally safe for tourists with low rates of violent crime against visitors. The main risks are aggressive driving, chaotic Corniche traffic, opportunistic petty theft in crowded markets, and occasional verbal harassment of women. The city has a heavy police presence around major monuments.
Things to Know
- •Use Uber rather than street taxis for fixed pricing — Alexandria has full Uber and Careem coverage
- •Crossing Alexandria streets is dangerous — there are very few pedestrian crossings and traffic does not stop. Cross with locals where possible
- •Women should dress modestly outside the Corniche/downtown area (covered shoulders and knees) to minimise unwanted attention
- •Carry small bills for baksheesh tips at monuments — guards expect EGP 10-20 for opening special areas
- •Drink only bottled water; ice in budget restaurants is risky
- •Watch for pickpockets in the crowded souks (Manshiya, Attarine antiques) and on the trams
- •Avoid empty alleys after dark in El Manshiya and Karmouz; the Corniche, downtown and seaward neighbourhoods are well-lit and safe
Natural Hazards
Emergency Numbers
Police
122
Ambulance
123
Fire
180
Tourist Police
126
General Emergency
112
Costs & Currency
Where the money goes
USD per dayBackpacker = hostel dorm + street food + public transit. Mid-range = 3-star hotel + neighbourhood restaurants + transit cards. Luxury = 4/5-star + fine dining + taxis. How we calibrate these numbers →
Quick cost estimate
Customize per category →Estimates based on regional averages. Flight prices vary by season and airline.
budget
$20-40
Hostel or budget hotel in downtown, foul and falafel meals, trams and Uber, free Corniche walks
mid-range
$50-110
Mid-range Corniche hotel with sea view, Uber rides, mix of seafood restaurants and local cafes, Bibliotheca and museum visits
luxury
$200+
Four Seasons San Stefano or Sofitel Cecil, fine seafood dining, private guide, day trips by private car
Typical Costs
| Item | Local | USD |
|---|---|---|
| AccommodationBudget hotel (double) | EGP 500-1,200 | $16-39 |
| AccommodationMid-range Corniche hotel (double) | EGP 1,500-3,500 | $48-115 |
| Accommodation5-star (Four Seasons, Sofitel) | EGP 5,000-15,000 | $160-485 |
| FoodMohamed Ahmed foul & falafel | EGP 30-80 | $1-2.60 |
| FoodAnfoushi grilled fish for two | EGP 250-500 | $8-16 |
| FoodMid-range restaurant dinner | EGP 200-450 | $6.50-15 |
| FoodCafe Delices coffee + pastry | EGP 80-150 | $2.60-5 |
| FoodFresh juice from a stand | EGP 15-30 | $0.50-1 |
| TransportTram ride | EGP 5-10 | $0.15-0.30 |
| TransportUber across town | EGP 40-100 | $1.30-3.20 |
| TransportTrain to Cairo (express) | EGP 75-200 | $2.50-6.50 |
| AttractionsBibliotheca Alexandrina | EGP 200 | $6.50 |
| AttractionsCatacombs of Kom el Shoqafa | EGP 160 | $5.20 |
| AttractionsQaitbay Citadel | EGP 100 | $3.20 |
| AttractionsGreco-Roman Museum | EGP 200 | $6.50 |
💡 Money-Saving Tips
- •Use the tram for cheap, scenic transport along the eastern Corniche — EGP 5-10 instead of EGP 50+ Uber
- •Eat foul and falafel at Mohamed Ahmed and similar downtown classics — full meals under EGP 100
- •Stay in downtown rather than the Corniche for cheaper hotels within walking distance of the Bibliotheca and Greco-Roman Museum
- •Many of Alexandria's greatest moments are free — the Corniche walk, the souks, the downtown architecture, the Cecil lobby
- •Take the Cairo train rather than flying or hiring a car — 2.5 hours, EGP 75-200
- •Visit the Anfoushi fish market for the cheapest fresh-grilled-fish meals in the city
- •Skip airport arrival at HBE — fly into Cairo and take the train (saves $50-100 on the airport transfer)
- •Book the Bibliotheca and Catacombs as combined-ticket via the Ministry of Antiquities Egyptian Museum Pass if visiting multiple sites
Egyptian Pound
Code: EGP
1 USD is approximately 31 EGP (early 2026, rate fluctuates). ATMs are plentiful in downtown and along the Corniche. Banks offer better exchange rates than hotels or the airport. The black market exchange is illegal — avoid. Alexandria sees fewer foreign tourists than Cairo so foreign currencies are less widely accepted in restaurants.
Payment Methods
Cash is dominant in Alexandria — even more than in Cairo. Hotels and upscale restaurants on the Corniche accept Visa and Mastercard, but smaller restaurants, taxis, the souk, and most local cafes are cash-only. Always carry small EGP notes (5, 10, 20) for tips and incidentals.
Tipping Guide
A 12% service charge is usually added on top of a 14% sales tax. An additional 5-10% in cash directly to the waiter is customary.
Tipping (baksheesh) is built into Egyptian life — small tips of EGP 10-20 are expected for almost any service: opening doors, giving directions, helping with bags.
EGP 10-30 expected at monuments where guards open special areas, point out details, or take photos. Have small notes ready.
Porters EGP 20-30 per bag. Housekeeping EGP 30-50 per day. Concierge EGP 50-100 for special help.
Round up Uber fares by EGP 10-20. For street taxis, round up by EGP 5-10 on top of the agreed fare.
EGP 200-400 (~$6-13) per person for a half-day private guide; EGP 50-100 for group tours.
How to Get There
✈️ Airports
Borg El Arab International Airport(HBE)
50 km southwest of central AlexandriaUber or pre-booked taxi to downtown EGP 400-600 (~$13-20, 45-60 min). Airport bus shuttles to Sidi Gaber and downtown EGP 30-50. Most international visitors arrive at Cairo (CAI) and take the train onward — Borg El Arab has limited international service.
✈️ Search flights to HBECairo International Airport (with onward train)(CAI)
220 km southeast — main international gatewayCAI is Egypt's primary international gateway. Take the metro from CAI to Ramses Station (EGP 12, 45 min), then the express train to Alexandria (2.5 hr, EGP 75-200). Total transit time around 4.5 hours from arrivals.
✈️ Search flights to CAI🚆 Rail Stations
Misr Station (Cairo Station)
2 km south of Saad Zaghloul SquareAlexandria's main intercity station, on the south side of downtown. Express trains to Cairo Ramses Station every 30-60 minutes (2.5 hr, EGP 75-200), plus services to Mansoura and the Nile Delta. Tickets best bought at the station counter or via the ENR app.
Sidi Gaber Station
5 km east of downtownA secondary station east of downtown that handles the same Cairo express trains. More convenient if your hotel is in the eastern Corniche area (Stanley, Glym, Sidi Bishr).
🚌 Bus Terminals
Sidi Gaber Bus Terminal
Go Bus, SuperJet, and West Delta Travel run air-conditioned coaches to Cairo (3 hr, EGP 100-180), Marsa Matrouh (3.5-4 hr, EGP 200-350), and Siwa Oasis (8-9 hr, EGP 250-400). Tickets best booked online or a day ahead.
El Mawqef (Moharram Bey)
The main microbus terminal for shorter trips into the Nile Delta — Rosetta, Damanhur, Tanta and the surrounding agricultural towns. Chaotic but cheap.
Getting Around
Alexandria stretches 32 km along the coast in a thin ribbon, and the Corniche is the spine of all transport. The city has a long-running tram network (one of the oldest in Africa, opened 1860), microbuses, public buses, and full Uber/Careem coverage. There is no metro, but the trams reach much of the city centre and the eastern beaches.
Uber / Careem
EGP 30-150 (~$1-5) for most trips within the cityBoth apps have full coverage in Alexandria and are by far the easiest way to move around for tourists. Fixed pricing, air-conditioned cars, and drivers familiar with the major sights. A typical downtown-to-Bibliotheca trip is EGP 40-80.
Best for: Door-to-door trips and avoiding street-taxi fare disputes
Alexandria Tram (Ramleh and El Madina lines)
EGP 5-10 (~$0.15-0.30) per rideSlow, atmospheric, and dirt-cheap. The Ramleh tram runs from Raml Station downtown east along Sharia Bahari and the Corniche to Victoria. The El Madina (yellow) tram covers a wider downtown loop. A century-old urban experience, though crowded.
Best for: Cheap, scenic transport along the eastern coast and a glimpse of working Alexandria
Black-and-Yellow Taxis
EGP 20-100 (~$0.65-3.20) per tripOlder taxis with meters that are usually not used for foreigners. Negotiate a price before getting in, or insist on the meter. Generally cheaper than Cairo. A typical short hop is EGP 30-60.
Best for: Short trips when no Uber driver is nearby
Microbuses
EGP 5-10 (~$0.15-0.30) per rideCrammed white minibuses ply set routes (often along the Corniche) for next to nothing. Routes are not signed in English but locals will help. Hop on, pay the driver as you exit.
Best for: Adventurous budget travellers comfortable with chaos
Public Buses
EGP 5-15 (~$0.15-0.50) per rideGovernment-run public buses cover the city but routes are confusing for non-Arabic speakers. Generally cheaper but less comfortable than Uber for the same trip distance.
Best for: Budget travel for those willing to figure out routes
Walkability
The downtown core (Raml Station, Saad Zaghloul Square, Mansheya, the Manshiya souk) is dense and very walkable, with grand Belle Epoque facades, bookshops and cafes. The Corniche walk from Raml Station west to Qaitbay (3 km) is one of the great Mediterranean seafront promenades. Sidewalks deteriorate quickly outside the centre and traffic is chaotic — Uber for any longer trip.
Travel Connections
Cairo
Egypt's 20-million-strong capital with the Pyramids of Giza, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Khan el-Khalili and Islamic Cairo. Most travellers do Alexandria as a 1-2 night extension to a Cairo trip; the Cairo-Alexandria train is one of the most pleasant rail journeys in the country.
El Alamein
Site of the decisive 1942 World War II battle. The Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery, German Memorial and Italian Memorial sit along the coast, with the El Alamein Military Museum providing context. Often combined with a swim at the new El Alamein city beach.
Marsa Matrouh
A turquoise-water Mediterranean beach town near the Libyan border, famous for Cleopatra's Bath (a sea-pool where the queen reputedly bathed) and Agiba Beach. Mostly an Egyptian domestic summer destination.
Wadi Natrun Monasteries
A cluster of four working Coptic monasteries in the desert depression between Alexandria and Cairo, founded in the 4th century AD. The monasteries (Deir Anba Bishoy, Deir el-Suriani, Deir el-Baramus, Deir Anba Maqar) are among the oldest continuously inhabited Christian sites in the world.
Rosetta (Rashid)
The historic Nile Delta town where the Rosetta Stone was found in 1799. Beautifully preserved 17th-18th century Ottoman merchant houses (around a dozen survive) line the old quarter, plus the Fort of Qaitbay where the stone was found.
Siwa Oasis
A Berber oasis 50 km from the Libyan border with the Oracle of Amun (consulted by Alexander the Great in 331 BC), Shali Fortress ruins, salt-lake bathing and a culture wholly distinct from Arab Egypt. The Alexandria-Marsa Matrouh-Siwa route is the most scenic approach.
Entry Requirements
Egypt offers visa-on-arrival and e-visa options for most major nationalities. Most foreign visitors arrive at Cairo International (CAI) and onward train to Alexandria, since Alexandria's Borg El Arab (HBE) has limited international service. The standard $25 USD single-entry tourist visa is required for most Western travellers.
Entry Requirements by Nationality
| Nationality | Visa Required | Max Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Citizens | Yes | 30 days | Visa-on-arrival ($25 USD single entry) at CAI or HBE bank windows, or e-visa online before travel. Multiple-entry visa $60. Pay in exact USD cash. |
| UK Citizens | Yes | 30 days | Visa-on-arrival ($25) or e-visa. Same process as US citizens. Can be extended at the Mogamma in Cairo if needed. |
| Canadian Citizens | Yes | 30 days | Visa-on-arrival ($25) or e-visa. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date. |
| EU Citizens | Yes | 30 days | Visa-on-arrival available for all EU nationalities ($25 single entry). E-visa also accepted. |
| Indian Citizens | Yes | 30 days | Must apply for visa at Egyptian embassy before travel — visa-on-arrival is NOT available for Indian passport holders. |
| Australian Citizens | Yes | 30 days | Visa-on-arrival ($25) or e-visa. Same straightforward process as US and UK citizens. |
Visa-Free Entry
Visa on Arrival
Tips
- •Most foreign visitors arrive at Cairo (CAI) — Borg El Arab (HBE) is mostly domestic and short-haul regional
- •Buy the visa sticker at bank windows BEFORE approaching passport control at CAI or HBE
- •Bring crisp, undamaged US dollar bills — torn or marked notes may be refused
- •The e-visa (visa2egypt.gov.eg) costs the same $25 but cuts time at passport control — apply 7+ days ahead
- •Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in Egypt
- •Visa extensions are possible at the Mogamma government building on Tahrir Square in Cairo or at the Alexandria passport office
Shopping
Alexandria's shopping is dramatically less tourist-oriented than Cairo or the Red Sea coast — most goods are aimed at Alexandrians themselves, which means lower prices, less haggling pressure, and a more authentic experience. The standouts are the Attarine antiques quarter, the Manshiya souk, and the city's vintage and second-hand bookshops.
Attarine Antiques Market
antiques quarterA district of antique shops selling furniture, glassware, china and decorative objects salvaged from the city's decaying Belle Epoque villas. Much of it dates from the cosmopolitan Greek-Italian-Levantine era of 1880-1956. Prices have risen but bargains still possible.
Known for: Belle Epoque furniture, Murano glass, Limoges china, vintage signs
Manshiya Souk
traditional marketA large general market on the western side of downtown with spice stalls, fabrics, household goods and the Souk El Goma'a (Friday Market) for second-hand clothing and bric-a-brac. Less polished than Khan el-Khalili in Cairo, more locally focused.
Known for: Spices, fabrics, general groceries, Friday flea market
San Stefano Grand Plaza
shopping mallAn upscale modern mall on the Corniche with international fashion brands (Zara, Mango, Massimo Dutti), a supermarket, food court, and the Four Seasons Hotel attached. Useful for predictable retail at fixed prices.
Known for: International brands, fixed prices, supermarket
Downtown Bookshops (Sharia Salah Salem)
bookshopsA cluster of new and second-hand bookshops in the downtown around Sharia Salah Salem and Sharia Saad Zaghloul. The 19th-century Greek-French literary culture lingers in the surviving stock — old French paperbacks, Cavafy in multiple languages, and rare Egyptian editions.
Known for: Vintage paperbacks, French and English second-hand, Cavafy and Durrell
🎁 Unique Souvenirs to Look For
- •Belle Epoque furniture and small decorative pieces from Attarine antiques
- •Vintage hand-blown perfume bottles (a classic Alexandria souvenir)
- •Egyptian cotton scarves, towels and shirts at lower prices than Cairo
- •Old French and English paperbacks from the downtown bookshops
- •Cavafy poetry editions in multiple languages from the Cavafy Museum shop
- •Custom-blended perfume oils from traditional perfumers in the souk
- •Egyptian saffron, hibiscus karkadeh, and dukkah spice blends
Language & Phrases
Egyptian Arabic (Masri) is the everyday language. Alexandrians have a slightly distinct coastal accent and a small lingering Greek-Italian-French vocabulary in older speakers. English is reasonably common in tourism, museums and the upscale Corniche restaurants but drops off quickly elsewhere. Older Alexandrians may speak some French.
| English | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (informal) | Ahlan | AH-lan |
| Hello (peace upon you) | As-salamu alaykum | as-sah-LAH-moo ah-LAY-koom |
| Thank you | Shukran | SHOO-kran |
| No, thank you | La, shukran | la, SHOO-kran |
| Please | Min fadlak / Min fadlik (m/f) | min FAD-lak / min FAD-lik |
| Yes / No | Aywa / La | EYE-wah / la |
| How much? | Bi kam? | bee KAM? |
| Too expensive | Ghali awi | GAH-lee AH-wee |
| Where is...? | Fein...? | fayn...? |
| The check, please | El hesab, min fadlak | el heh-SAHB, min FAD-lak |
| Sea | Bahr | bahr |
| God willing | Insha'Allah | in-SHAH-ah-lah |
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