Alexandria Governorate · Egypt
Alexandria travel guide
Alexandria is a city in Alexandria Governorate, Egypt, home to about 5,363,000 people.
- Best months
- October to May
- Nearest airport
- HBE35 km · Alexandria International Airport
- Currency
- EGPEgyptian pound
- Time zone
- Africa/Cairo
- Language
- Arabic
About
About Alexandria
Alexandria is a major city in Egypt. Lying at the western edge of the Nile River Delta, it extends about 40 km (25 mi) along the country's northern coast.
Few cities of the world have a history as rich as that of Alexandria; few cities have witnessed so many historic events and legends. Founded by Alexander the Great (Iskander al-Akbar) in 331 BCE, Alexandria became the capital of Greco-Roman Egypt; its status as a beacon of culture is symbolized by Pharos, the legendary lighthouse. There had long been a fishing village here, called Rhakotis, but Alexander had greater plans for it.
Wikipedia and Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
Things to do
What to see and do in Alexandria
See
- Citadel of Qaitbay
- Mostafa Kamel Necropolis
- Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
- Pompey's Pillar
- Kom el-Dikka
- Montaza Palace
- Alexandria Naval Unknown Soldier Memorial
- Ras el-Tin Palace
- Taposiris Magna
- Alexandria National Museum
- Graeco-Roman Museum
- Museum of Fine Arts
Do
- Double decker bus ride along the Corniche
- Montazah Royal Gardens
- Renaissance Royal Cinema
- Cineplex
- Amir
- Alexandria Sporting Club
- Smouha Sporting Club
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
Where to stay
Which part of Alexandria to stay in
Accommodation in Alexandria has quite a different feel due to the old buildings with sometimes nice colonial style lobbies. There is a good selection of hotels in all price ranges. For stays of a month or more, consider renting.
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
When to go
The best time to visit Alexandria
The most comfortable months for a city stay in Alexandria are October to May. August is the warmest month, with average highs of 32 °C; January is the wettest, with about 48 mm of rain.
Comfortable means average daytime high between 18 °C and 29 °C and under 80 mm of rain in the month. Averages for 1991–2020 over the surrounding area, a grid square about 50 km across, so a coast or a nearby mountain can make the town itself warmer or cooler. Data: CRU TS v4.10, Climatic Research Unit, University of East Anglia (Open Database License).
Getting there
Getting to Alexandria: airports and arrival
The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Alexandria International Airport (HBE), about 35 km from the city centre in a straight line; El Alamein International Airport (DBB, 140 km) is also within reach.
Getting in
Alexandria has domestic flights daily from Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh, with Egyptair the main operator. Saudia Airlines fly from Jeddah and the Gulf States, and Turkish Airlines fly from Istanbul. And all of airlines of the country including: Air Cairo Air Arabia Nile Air FlyEgypt and Petroleum air services (PAS).
Getting around
Alexandria is a long, long city but there's good transport along the Corniche. It also extends several km inland past the lagoons, but you've no reason to go that way. Alexandria's yellow and black taxis are a good way to travel in the city, and a cheap one as well. Be careful though: taxis will uniformly refuse to use meters (the rates haven't been adjusted in years) and drivers love to take advantage of non-Alexandrians (both foreign and Egyptian), so it's best to agree on the fare before you get in. If you are on a day trip to Alexandria, hire a taxi outside the railway station for the day.
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
HBE · Alexandria International Airport
DBB · El Alamein International Airport
Local knowledge
Eating, drinking and staying safe in Alexandria
Stay safe
Although crime is rarely violent, beware of pickpockets and don't flash your valuables or wear a bum bag or fanny pack. Street kids, taxi drivers, and others may harass tourists. They will usually desist after a stern "La!" or two. Or you can say "la shukran!" (no thanks) or "emshi" (go!). Alexandria is a conservative city, so women should cover their shoulders, midriffs, cleavage and legs. Even still, women can expect to be heckled or harassed in the street, especially if walking alone. The best response is to ignore the offender and pretend you don't hear anything. Cover your head when entering places of worship.
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
Questions
Alexandria: questions travellers ask
When is the best time to visit Alexandria?
The most comfortable months for a city stay in Alexandria are October to May. August is the warmest month, with average highs of 32 °C; January is the wettest, with about 48 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Alexandria?
The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Alexandria International Airport (HBE), about 35 km from the city centre in a straight line; El Alamein International Airport (DBB, 140 km) is also within reach.
What currency is used in Alexandria?
Egyptian pound (EGP).
Nearby
Destinations near Alexandria
Sources: city facts from Wikidata and Wikipedia; airports from OurAirports; climate from CRU TS v4.10 (University of East Anglia Climatic Research Unit), 1991–2020 monthly means, 0.5° grid; places to stay, guest scores and amenities from each operator's own public pages. How this guide is made.