Egypt · 2026 itinerary
Alexandria 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Alexandria: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
A long, lively waterfront promenade with the distinctive Stanley Bridge. Perfect for walking or sitting and watching the sea.
🕐 24/7.
Free entry💡 Go at early evening when locals walk, fish, and sit on the railings. Bring snacks from street vendors for a cheap meal.
Hotels near Stanley Bridge and Corniche →Large public gardens on the eastern edge of the city. Includes the Montazah Palace (closed to public) and several beaches.
🕐 Daily 08:00–22:00.
Free entry💡 Entry is free for the gardens. Bring a picnic. The beach inside costs a small fee but is far cleaner than the city beach.
Hotels near El-Montazah Palace Gardens →Tekka Grill · ££
سوق السمك · ££
Deeper Into Alexandria
A striking modern library and cultural complex built on the site of the ancient Library of Alexandria. Houses museums and a planetarium.
🕐 Closed on Fridays. General entry: 10:00–16:00.
💡 The general reading areas are cheap to enter. Focus on the free exhibits in the lobby and the temporary art shows in the halls.
A 25-metre Roman victory column and the ruins of the ancient Temple of Serapis. One of the few ancient Roman sites left in the city.
🕐 Daily 09:00–17:00.
💡 Entry is a few pounds. The column is impressive but the real draw is the subterranean tunnels of the Serapeum—cool and quiet.
Carlos Café
أحمد محمد فول
Final Favourites & Departure
A 15th-century fortress built on the site of the Pharos Lighthouse. Offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the harbour.
💡 Entry is cheap. Go at sunset because the light is best and the crowds are gone. Walk the outer walls for free.
Cafe FAROS
El Kobissi King of Mango & Strawberry
Getting Around Alexandria
Bus stops at El-Moassat Hospital, a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Buy ticket at the airport booth, not from the driver.
Trams are packed during rush hour (8–9am, 5–7pm). The yellow line runs along the Corniche. Get off at Saad Zaghloul stop—hotel is 100m away.
Shout 'Saad Zaghloul!' to flag one down. Sit near the door and hand your fare to the driver—if you don't have small change, they won't break large notes.
Agree on the fare before you get in; 300 EGP is standard. Use the taxi queue outside arrivals, not drivers who approach you inside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Alexandria?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Stanley Bridge and Corniche and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Alexandria?
See our full best time to visit Alexandria guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Paradise Inn, Egypt Hotel, Karnak Hotel. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.