Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Alexandria, Loved by Cleopatra!

Alexandria, Egypt's second-largest city with a population of approximately 4.3 million, is a beautiful and vibrant town facing the Mediterranean Sea. It is known for being the capital of the Ptolemaic dynasty and the town loved by Cleopatra.

Alexandria is a cosmopolitan city where the remnants of the Greek and Roman eras can be felt, and Islamic culture is deeply rooted. Will you stay at a luxury hotel along the Corniche and enjoy the Mediterranean resort? Or take a tram ride and explore the down-to-earth areas of town? With so many ways to enjoy it, you might find it hard to decide! Here, we present 15 recommended sightseeing spots in Alexandria.

1. New Library of Alexandria

The New Library of Alexandria, which opened in 2001 more than 1,500 years after the loss of the ancient Library of Alexandria, once the largest and greatest academic institution, is a new pride and sightseeing spot in Alexandria.

Its unique design, resembling a giant cylinder half-buried in the ground, is particularly striking. The massive building includes features such as a planetarium and an archaeological museum, making it full of attractions. It is a popular spot for both Alexandria's citizens and tourists, so even just seeing the exterior is worth the visit.

2. Archaeological Museum (inside the New Library of Alexandria)

This Archaeological Museum surprised Alexandria's citizens as the world’s first "museum inside a library"! The decision to establish the museum came from the idea that rather than moving artifacts excavated from the New Library's construction site to other museums, it would be more meaningful to display them at the excavation site itself. The first excavation took place from 1993 to 1995, leading to the discovery of ancient palace remains, including mosaics.

Of course, there are many other collections as well, covering from the era of the ancient Pharaohs to the Islamic period, with the number of exhibits reaching 1,079 items. This modern archaeological museum, employing the latest technology in display and lighting, is a must-see attraction that you should take time to explore.

3. Alexandria National Museum

The National Museum, where you can learn about Alexandria's history, is a renowned sightseeing spot located in the city center. The three-story building, once the Al-Saad Bassili Pasha Palace, offers an elegant atmosphere for visitors.

The interior is organized by historical periods, showcasing fascinating exhibits from Ancient Egypt, the Greek and Roman empires, and the Islamic era. The artifacts recovered from the seabed of Alexandria are especially noteworthy. The museum is relatively uncrowded, allowing for leisurely visits, and it’s nice that photography is permitted upon request at the entrance.

4. Catacombs

The Catacombs of Alexandria were created during the 1st to 2nd centuries in the Roman era and are a three-story communal burial site dug into the rock, reaching a depth of 30 meters. After Jesus Christ was crucified, Christianity had not yet been officially recognized and faced severe persecution. It is said that during that time, Christians who fled from persecution worshiped secretly, evangelized, and buried their deceased in this catacomb.

As you proceed in the dimly lit area, you encounter a spiral staircase, small chambers along the way, and places where stone coffins are placed. The highlight is the chapel with a relief of Medusa, the serpent woman from Greek mythology, and a vividly colored mural depicting the mummification ritual centered around Anubis, the Egyptian god. This unique blend of Roman and Egyptian cultures can only be seen in Alexandria. It is a place worth visiting to learn a chapter of history.

5. Roman Amphitheater

After Cleopatra's death, Alexandria became a province of the Roman Empire in the 2nd century. Though there are not many remaining Roman-era ruins, this Roman Amphitheater has marble spectator seats, murals depicting people cheering for chariot races, and a square with mosaic-patterned floors. The amphitheater is a common sight at Roman sites worldwide. Close to the theater, you will also find the ruins of a communal bathhouse still undergoing excavation, making it a popular tourist attraction in Alexandria.

Not widely known, but to the east of the amphitheater lies a 2nd-century residence called the "House of Birds," which features a mosaic floor adorned with motifs of peacocks, doves, and quails. A must-see for those interested in mosaic art.

6. Greco-Roman Museum

Located in the center of Alexandria, the Greco-Roman Museum is a historic museum that remains a popular tourist destination. The neoclassical white exterior bears the Greek word "MOYXEION," signifying "museum," hinting that it is a treasure trove of Greek-Roman era relics.

The exhibits span 27 rooms and mainly consist of relics from the late dynastic period to the Roman era, including ancient Greek sculptures, busts of Roman emperors, stone coffins, mummies, and early Christian artifacts. These valuable items unfold the history of over 2,000 years of Greek and Roman presence in Egypt. Seeing items that Cleopatra VII, Julius Caesar, and Alexander the Great might have seen, right at the place they were discovered, is a rare luxury.

7. Pompey's Pillar

A towering, massive column stands on a small hill. This is Pompey's Pillar, a must-visit for tourists in Alexandria. There are theories about why this column was constructed, including that it was built to honor the Roman Emperor Diocletian, whose name is inscribed on it, and that it was one of the 400 columns that supported a library attached to the Serapeum.

Being located in a residential area makes the sight an interesting mismatch with its surroundings, creating a picturesque scene without a doubt.

8. Serapeum Ruins

Along with Pompey's Pillar, the Serapeum Ruins are a must-see. The hill where Pompey's Pillar stands once held the Serapeum, a temple dedicated to the god Serapis built around the 3rd century BC. However, it was destroyed by Christians in 391 AD, leaving only Pompey's Pillar as the last remaining structure.

Recent excavations have made the Serapeum Ruins accessible to the public, and visitors can also explore the underground portion of the pillar. The corridors contain numerous mysterious depressions that are still not fully understood; some speculate they were used for storing papyrus documents, offerings of sacred birds and animals, or even as a place for bones. Explore the ruins and feel like a mystery hunter!

9. Citadel of Qaitbay

Have you ever heard of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World? One of them was the "Lighthouse of Alexandria." During the Ptolemaic dynasty, Alexandria flourished as a port city, and the massive Lighthouse of Alexandria, standing at 130 meters, was constructed as a symbol at the harbor's entrance. The lighthouse illuminated the sea for nearly 1,000 years until it was destroyed by a major earthquake in the 14th century, becoming a legendary tale thereafter.

The Citadel of Qaitbay was built using the remnants of the ruined lighthouse on the very site it once stood. It is the most famous tourist spot in Alexandria, drawing many visitors who come to capture the beautiful contrast between the blue Mediterranean and the sandy-colored citadel. Don’t miss the maritime museum inside!

10. Abu Mena Archaeological Site

Located 50 km southwest of Alexandria, the famous tourist site of Abu Mena is introduced here. It is a place associated with Saint Menas, who was martyred during the persecution of Christians under the Roman Empire. It was said that the water springing from the area around the burial site of Saint Menas could heal illnesses, and during the 5th and 6th centuries, it became a pilgrimage destination for Christians. Pilgrims would bring back the miraculous water in terracotta jars marked with the image of Saint Menas and two camels. Many such jars have been excavated and are displayed at the Coptic Museum in Cairo and the Greco-Roman Museum in Alexandria.

This site was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1979! Although it may look like ruins, there are many remains, such as accommodations for pilgrims, basilicas, and public bath foundations. It is a highly recommended tourist spot.

11. Abu al-Abbas Mosque

The Abu al-Abbas Mosque is located near the Citadel of Qaitbay and is the largest mosque in Alexandria. It features four large domes and a tall minaret, with beautiful arabesque patterns on the domes. It was built in 1775 to commemorate an Andalusian elder buried on the premises. The exterior walls have intricate carvings that resemble filigree, making them fascinating to look at. The central dome has windows that let in natural light, casting beautiful patterns on the ceiling.

The spacious prayer hall is carpeted and serves as a serene place for Alexandria's residents to come for prayer, read the Quran, or contemplate quietly.

Non-Muslims can also visit the interior, but entrances for men and women are separate. Additionally, visitors should avoid wearing revealing clothing, such as short sleeves or shorts. Be aware that tourists are not allowed during the five daily prayer times.

12. Montaza Palace

Following the coastline from the center of Alexandria, Montaza Palace can be seen on a hill overlooking the sea. It was built in 1892 by Abbas II as a summer palace for the royal family. Although the interior is now an art museum, it is not open to the public. The design is intricate, inspired by the Vecchio Palace in Florence, Italy, with a blend of Ottoman Turkish styles.

While you cannot enter the palace itself, the gardens are open to the public for a fee and are popular with both locals and tourists. The vast grounds include hotels and restaurants and are always kept immaculate with a variety of plants, making it a lively spot for family picnics on weekends. Being on the Mediterranean coast, it also has a beach and offers tourist boat rides, making it a perfect place to enjoy all day.

13. Royal Jewelry Museum

If you feel a bit tired from exploring the historical ruins of Alexandria, the Royal Jewelry Museum is a recommended spot. The villa, built in 1920 for Princess Fatma of the Mohamed Ali Dynasty, is worth seeing for its decoration alone. It's impressive to see the beautiful and elegant stained glass decorations spread throughout, suggesting a fondness for stained glass.

The items on display are luxurious pieces left behind by the royal family after the revolution, and their opulent collection is astonishing. Diamond-studded teacups, teapots, clocks, music boxes, and even gardening tools adorned with diamonds show an unparalleled level of luxury. Photography is prohibited inside, so take it all in and remember it with your eyes.

14. Corniche

One must-visit spot in Alexandria is the Corniche, a coastal road stretching over 15 kilometers from Agami Beach in the west to Maamoura Beach in the east. It's a lively area filled with tourists and locals alike. Most of Alexandria’s popular hotels and stylish restaurants are located along the Corniche. Joggers, walkers, young people chatting while sitting on the tetrapods, and older adults enjoying conversations in old cafés can all be seen. Don't just admire the view from hotel balconies – take a walk and enjoy the experience.

The 400-meter-long Stanley Bridge, which spans Stanley Bay, is the most popular spot on the Corniche. Watching the sunset from this bridge will become a cherished memory of your visit to Alexandria.

15. Mansheya Souk

Finally, let’s introduce Mansheya Souk, a market beloved by the citizens of Alexandria. Many travelers enjoy visiting markets frequented by locals, rather than those aimed at tourists. Mansheya Souk is the perfect place for such visitors.

If you're looking for something easy to buy as a tourist, try the fruit! In summer, mangoes are highly recommended. Prices are marked per kilogram, but you can purchase individual pieces.

◎ Summary

Did any of these attractions catch your interest? Alexandria is about a 3-hour drive from Cairo or a 2 to 3-hour train ride. With an international airport, it’s also possible to reach Alexandria via a connecting flight. Due to its proximity to Cairo, the city’s beaches become a favorite destination for Egyptian families during the summer school holidays.

For a more peaceful experience, consider avoiding visits during June, July, and August. Discover Alexandria, a city filled with European charm that’s distinctly unique compared to other parts of Egypt!

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Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Alexandria, Loved by Cleopatra!