Weekend in Alexandria

How to spend 2 days in Alexandria — a Friday-to-Sunday plan covering the highlights without the tourist-trap detours. Built from real attraction data.

Friday Evening

Arrive and Settle In

Friday evening is for arriving, checking in, and getting oriented. Keep it simple — a short walk to get your bearings, then dinner near the hotel.

Stanley Bridge and Corniche

Free 5.0km from centre

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

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

El-Montazah Palace Gardens

Free 14.0km from centre

Large public gardens on the eastern edge of the city. Includes the Montazah Palace (closed to public) and several beaches.

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

Friday dinner pick

Tekka Grill
Saturday — Full Day

The Main Sights

Saturday is your main sightseeing day. Start early to beat the crowds at the top attractions, then take the afternoon at a slower pace.

1

Bibliotheca Alexandrina

0 Closed on Fridays. General ent

A striking modern library and cultural complex built on the site of the ancient Library of Alexandria. Houses museums and a planetarium.

Tip: The general reading areas are cheap to enter. Focus on the free exhibits in the lobby and the temporary art shows in the halls.

2

Pompey's Pillar and Serapeum

0 Daily 09:00–17:00.

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.

Tip: Entry is a few pounds. The column is impressive but the real draw is the subterranean tunnels of the Serapeum—cool and quiet.

3

Citadel of Qaitbay

0 Daily 09:00–17:00.

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

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

Saturday dining

Lunch سوق السمك
Dinner Carlos Café
Sunday Morning

Before You Leave

Sunday morning, before checkout, is for the things you didn't fit in on Saturday — or a slower revisit of the place you liked most.

Sunday brunch

أحمد محمد فول

Getting Around Alexandria

bus
Superjet Bus

Borg El Arab Airport → Alexandria City Centre (Midan Orabi)

From £10 EGP 45 min
tram
Ramleh Tram

Raml Station (Midan Raml) → Acropole Hotel (Saad Zaghloul)

From £2 EGP 5 min
minibus
Service Microbus

Midan Orabi → Midan Saad Zaghloul

From £3 EGP 10 min
taxi
Airport Taxi

Borg El Arab Airport → Acropole Hotel (Saad Zaghloul)

From £300 EGP 60 min

Where to Stay for a Alexandria Weekend

For a short break, stay central — walking distance to the main sights saves hours across a 2-day itinerary.

Weekend in Alexandria — FAQ

Is a weekend enough to see Alexandria?

A weekend (2 full days) is enough to cover the highlights of Alexandria. You can see the main attractions, eat at a couple of good restaurants and get a real feel for the city — as long as you prioritise well. This guide is structured to help you do exactly that.

When is the best weekend to visit Alexandria?

See our full best time to visit Alexandria guide. For a weekend break, shoulder season (spring and autumn) typically offers the best balance of good weather, manageable crowds and reasonable hotel prices.

Where should I stay for a weekend in Alexandria?

For a short break, stay as central as possible — walking distance to the main sights saves significant time and lets you head out after dinner without worrying about transport. See the best hotels in Alexandria for rated options. TripSage's free briefings tell you the specific rooms to request at each property.

How do I get around Alexandria for a weekend?

The main transport options in Alexandria include Superjet Bus and Ramleh Tram. For a short stay, walking and public transport are usually the most time-efficient combination — parking in most city centres adds cost and delays.

More Alexandria Guides