Things to Do in Alexandria

A long, lively waterfront promenade with the distinctive Stanley Bridge. Perfect for walking or sitting and watching the sea.

🕐 24/7.

💡 Go at early evening when locals walk, fish, and sit on the railings. Bring snacks from street vendors for a cheap meal.

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.

💡 Entry is free for the gardens. Bring a picnic. The beach inside costs a small fee but is far cleaner than the city beach.

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.

A 15th-century fortress built on the site of the Pharos Lighthouse. Offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the harbour.

🕐 Daily 09:00–17:00.

💡 Entry is cheap. Go at sunset because the light is best and the crowds are gone. Walk the outer walls for free.