✈️ First 24 Hours
From Cairo by train or bus (2–3h); check into a hotel in Montaza/the waterfront. You won't need taxis much — most sites are walkable or reachable by bus.
🗓️Best time to visit
October–May (mild, dry); summer is hot and humid (July–September).
📸Top activities & landmarks
- The famous Qaitbay Citadel on the waterfront
- The modern Library of Alexandria and exhibitions
- St. Mark's Cathedral and Coptic antiquities
- The waterfront promenade and royal Montaza gardens
- Fresh Mediterranean fish and seafood
🏨Where to stay
Montaza and the waterfront for beaches and gardens; downtown closer to museums and the citadel. Reliable mid-range hotels in each district.
⚠️Tips & warnings
Book a reliable Qaitbay tour — the historical narration is worthwhile. Avoid the sea after storms (pollution can occur). The old merchants' souk is the real place for local food and souvenirs.
📍 On the ground
Getting around: Alexandria has no metro — get around by taxi and microbuses. Taxis have no meters; negotiate (short hop EGP 30–50), or use apps like inDrive. Shared microbuses are cheaper (EGP 5–10) but lack clear route signs. Distance from Cairo ~140 miles (train 2h, bus 3h), or an easy day trip by road.
Halal & prayer places: Halal is default as everywhere in Egypt — any local restaurant is assumed halal without asking. The seafood scene is strong (Fish Market, Abou Ashraf specialize in grilled halal fish). Several mosques scattered in residential neighborhoods, including Al-Atiq Mosque.
Local safety: Generally safe city — tourist zones (Montaza, Qaitbay, the waterfront) are safe at night. Avoid crowded local neighborhoods at night without a local. Pickpocketing can occur in crowds, especially near the bus station.
Cost figures: 2026 prices: casual meal EGP 60–120 (especially grilled fish), mid-range restaurant EGP 200–400 per person, short taxi EGP 30–50, Qaitbay Citadel entry ~EGP 40 (EGP 50 for foreigners), Library of Alexandria lectures and exhibitions variable.
⏱️How many days?
2-3 days
Suggested plan:
- Qaitbay Citadel and royal Montaza gardens
- Library of Alexandria and Coptic antiquities
- The waterfront and grilled fish
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