Alexandria

Historic port city where ancient meets modern

Alexandria stands on Egypt’s northern coast where Mediterranean waters meet ancient history. Founded by Alexander the Great over two thousand years ago, it became a hub for trade and learning. The city holds Roman ruins like the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern library inspired by its historic predecessor. Its corniche offers breezy walks past palm trees and colonial-era buildings. Local markets sell spices, textiles and fresh seafood. Alexandria balances Mediterranean charm with Egypt’s rich heritage in every street and harbor.

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City in Egypt

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

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Safety: 5.2

General Safety:	6
Health & medical:	5
Accessibility:	2
Tap water:	3

Read details

3/5

In Alexandria, most young professionals and hotel staff speak conversational English, especially in tourist areas and major hotels. However, outside the city center, English proficiency drops, so learning a few Arabic phrases helps.

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Last update: 16 Oct 2026

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Alexandria Summary

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Great at blending ancient heritage with modern vibrancy, Alexandria offers sun‑kissed Mediterranean breezes and bustling waterfront cafés. Enjoy historic libraries, lively markets and serene coastal walks.

Place score

7.7

Best at:

Large cities

Historic sites

Sea

Local cuisine

Museums

Personal score

Suited for

👶 5

Families

🧓 4

Seniors

🕌 10

Halal

❤️ 5

Couples

Egypt – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	220 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F Type C: Type F: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Egyptian Pound (EGP) £1 ≈ EGP 74.69
Cashless info:	Rating 4/5 Cashless payments are becoming more common in Egypt, especially in tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels and businesses, but cash is still preferred in many places. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is common in Egypt, with a 10-15% tip in restaurants being standard. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides also appreciate small tips.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is generally not allowed in Egypt, and alcohol consumption is limited to licensed establishments like hotels, restaurants, and bars.
Public smoking:	Smoking is permitted in outdoor public spaces and licensed indoor venues such as cafes and bars, but it is prohibited in public transport and closed areas.

Revolution Day (25 January)	National holiday celebrating the 2011 revolution
Eid al-Fitr (dates vary)	Islamic festival marking the end of Ramadan

Emergency contact:	Emergency Numbers: 122 (Police), 123 (Ambulance), 180 (Fire)
Taxi apps:	Uber
Other:	Egypt is known for its ancient history, including the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and numerous archaeological sites. It offers a rich cultural experience combined with desert landscapes and the Nile River.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Alexandria, Egypt

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Feb

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Mar

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Apr

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May

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Jun

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Jul

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Aug

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Sep

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Oct

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Nov

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Dec

High season:	April - Oct.
Shoulder season:	Jan. - March, Nov. - Dec.
Crowdedness:	4 (Moderate tourist numbers)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Summer beach season June to September, when Egyptian families fill the city and coast

Ramadan: daytime food options limited, many restaurants closed until sunset

Winter storms from December to February can flood streets and close the corniche and beaches

Don't miss

📚 Explore the historic Bibliotheca Alexandrina museum
🌅 Stroll along Corniche promenade at sunset
🏛️ Visit ancient Roman Amphitheatre ruins
⛵ Cruise the Mediterranean on a traditional felucca
🍤 Sample seafood paella in seaside restaurants
🛍️ Shop for handcrafted souvenirs at Souk El-Azhar

You've been here?

Why travel to Alexandria?

Alexandria, Egypt’s Mediterranean gem, offers a blend of history, culture and coastal charm that appeals to travelers seeking depth without the crowds of Cairo or Luxor. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE, the city still bears traces of its Hellenistic past: the ancient Library of Alexandria’s modern successor, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, stands as a beacon of knowledge with its striking architecture and extensive collections. Nearby, the Roman amphitheater at Montazah Park provides a glimpse into antiquity while offering lush gardens for leisurely strolls. The city’s waterfront is lined with cafés and restaurants that serve fresh seafood, reflecting Alexandria’s long maritime heritage. A walk along the Corniche reveals historic mansions, Ottoman-era palaces and the iconic Qaitbay Citadel, built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Pharos – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. For those interested in art, the Egyptian National Museum of Fine Arts showcases works from local artists spanning centuries. Alexandria’s climate is mild year-round, making it an ideal destination for both spring and autumn visits. The city’s blend of archaeological sites, modern cultural institutions and relaxed seaside atmosphere offers a balanced experience that satisfies history enthusiasts, food lovers and casual explorers alike.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa

🎡Places for activities

1 Alexandria National Museum
2 Abu Mena

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Knowledge before you go

Arrive early to avoid crowds at Alexandria’s historic sites.
Carry a reusable water bottle; tap water is not potable, use bottled or filtered options.
Learn basic Arabic greetings; locals appreciate effort and may offer better service or discounts.
Explore the Corniche at sunset for panoramic views of the Mediterranean, but be aware of traffic noise during peak hours.

How to travel to Alexandria

Alexandria, Egypt, is accessible via several transportation routes. The city’s main international gateway is **Alexandria International Airport (ALY)**, located approximately 6 km southeast of the city center, offering domestic and limited international flights. For sea access, the **Port of Alexandria** serves as a key hub for Mediterranean shipping and cruise ships docking at its four ports: Dekhela, Abu Qir, Mandragora and Ras El-Tin. By rail, Alexandria is connected to Cairo via the Egyptian National Railways’ main line, with frequent services stopping at stations like Misr Station in downtown. Road access includes highways linking it to Cairo (about 220 km) and other major cities, with private or shared taxis available for shorter distances within Egypt.

Access summary

From Borg El Arab Airport (HBE): Taxi to city center, 30–45 min.
From Cairo (CAI): Train via Al-Gezira station, 3–4 hours; bus, 4–5 hours.
By ferry from Alexandria Port to nearby islands: 1–2 hours.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Alexandria

Alexandria offers a wide spectrum of accommodations ranging from modest guesthouses to upscale boutique hotels overlooking the Mediterranean. Many budget-friendly hostels and family-run inns provide clean rooms with basic amenities, while mid-range hotels often feature sea‑view balconies, modern décor and on‑site restaurants serving local cuisine. Luxury options are plentiful along the Corniche, offering spa services, private pools and concierge assistance. The city is renowned for its historic seaside villas, many converted into heritage boutique stays that blend traditional Ottoman architecture with contemporary comforts. Whether you seek a quiet retreat in a restored 19th‑century townhouse or a vibrant urban experience near the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Alexandria’s lodging options cater to every preference and budget.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Sunrise Alex Avenue Hotel

9.1

TOLIP Hotel Alexandria

8.1

Cherry Maryski Hotel

7.5

Hilton Alexandria Green Plaza

8.4

Hilton Alexandria Corniche

8.2

Romance Alexandria Hotel

8.2

Windsor Palace Luxury Heritage Hotel since 1902 by Paradise Inn Group

8.4

Le Metropole Luxury Heritage Hotel Since 1902 by Paradise Inn Group

8.7

The Grand Plaza Hotel Smouha

7.8

Plaza Hotel Alexandria

7.4

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Alexandria

Alexandria, Egypt’s second-largest city, offers efficient transportation options for getting around. The most practical method is using the metro system, which connects key areas like Misr Station to Sidi Bishr and beyond. For shorter distances, microbuses and shared taxis (known locally as “service”) are widely available but can be crowded. Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Careem operate here, providing a convenient and affordable alternative. The city’s compact layout makes walking feasible in central districts like Corniche or downtown, though safety and cleanliness may vary. For coastal areas, ferries and water taxis offer scenic routes along the Mediterranean. Public buses also serve suburban zones, but traffic can be heavy during peak hours. Always opt for licensed taxis to avoid overcharging.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-76 %

Daily expenses in Alexandria are around 76% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-55 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to EGP) is 55% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is a lot cheaper compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£20	£46	£139
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£9	£26	£83
🍝 Food per day	£10	£18	£50
🚕 Transportation per day	£1	£1	£6

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£6.50
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£3.20
🍟 Fast food combo	£4
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£3.10
☕ Cappuccino	£1.10
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£1.10

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£0.16
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£4
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£0.27

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£2.50
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£7
🤧 Cold medication	£1.10
💇 Basic haircut	£1.30

Safety information overview

General safety

Alexandria remains relatively safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a strong police presence in tourist areas. Visitors should stay alert to petty theft, avoid isolated neighborhoods after dark and follow local advice on transportation and health precautions. Overall, it offers a secure experience.

Health & Medical

Alexandria offers solid medical care with modern hospitals and specialist clinics, though private facilities are pricier. Travelers should watch for seasonal malaria, vector-borne diseases and air pollution from traffic and port activity; vaccinations for hepatitis A/B and typhoid are recommended.

Accessibility

Alexandria offers mixed accessibility: many historic sites and public transport have ramps, but older buildings and narrow streets can be challenging. Taxis are generally wheelchair-friendly, yet signage is limited. Travelers should plan ahead, use accessible hotels and request assistance when needed.

Tap water

Tap water in Alexandria is generally safe for locals but often avoided by tourists due to taste and occasional hardness. Public fountains are common, yet many residents still rely on filtered or bottled water. Staying hydrated with local tap requires a reliable filtration system.