Alexandria has one of the most fascinating and layered histories of any city I’ve visited.
Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC (hence the name), it quickly became one of the greatest cities of the ancient world – second only to Rome.
During the Hellenistic period, Alexandria was home to some of the world’s most legendary wonders, including the Library of Alexandria and the Lighthouse of Alexandria—one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Sadly, both have been lost over time due to earthquakes, fires, and war. In fact, much of ancient Alexandria has disappeared – but its legacy is still very much alive.
The city was also the backdrop for one of history’s most dramatic love stories, involving Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, and Mark Antony.
- Getting to Alexandria from Cairo
- First Impressions & What I Loved Most
- Walk Along The Corniche
- Visit the Citadel of Qaitbay
- Eat the Local Seafood
- Explore Montaza Palace
- See Pompey’s Pillar
- Practical Tips for Visiting Alexandria (2026)
- Final Thoughts
Getting to Alexandria from Cairo
Many people visit Alexandria as a day trip from Cairo—which is exactly what we did.
We were staying in Cairo and had family friends in Alexandria, so we went to visit them—and they kindly showed us around the city.
🚆 Train (recommended):
- Duration: ~2.5–3 hours
- Comfortable, cheap, and reliable
- Multiple departures daily from Ramses Station
🚗 By car:
- Around 2.5–3 hours depending on traffic
💡 Tip: Book a first-class train ticket for a more comfortable journey (it’s still very affordable).
First Impressions & What I Loved Most
While Alexandria may not have the same grandeur it once did, with a bit of exploring you can still uncover pieces of its incredible past.
That said, what I personally loved most wasn’t just the historical sites—it was the atmosphere.
It felt relaxed, local, and authentic.
Some of my favourite moments were simply:
- Walking through the streets
- Strolling along the seafront
- Sitting and people-watching
If you visit, I’d definitely recommend balancing sightseeing with just soaking up the city.
Walk Along The Corniche
The first place our family friends took us was the Alexandria Corniche.
Stretching for around 10 miles along the Mediterranean, it runs between Montaza and the Citadel of Qaitbay.
After the train journey, it was the perfect place to stretch our legs, breathe in the sea air, and unwind.
We did exactly what the locals do—found a spot to sit, relaxed, and watched the world go by.
Visit the Citadel of Qaitbay
This fortress has an incredible history—it was built in 1480 by Sultan Qaitbay on the exact site where the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria once stood.
Over the centuries, it played a key defensive role along the Mediterranean coast and was later damaged during the Urabi Revolt.
It was eventually restored and even used as a royal residence by Farouk of Egypt before becoming a museum.
Today, you can explore the fortress and enjoy views over the sea—definitely one of Alexandria’s highlights.
Eat the Local Seafood
Alexandria is famous for its seafood—and this ended up being one of the highlights of the trip.
We went to Balbaa Village in the Sidi Bishr area, and I honestly can’t recommend it enough.
It was packed with locals (always a good sign), and the food was incredible.
We tried:
- Fresh grilled fish
- Pigeon
- Liver
Everything was delicious.
💡 Tip: Go hungry—portions are big and meant for sharing.
Explore Montaza Palace
Also known as Al-Haramlik Palace, this was built in 1932 by Fuad I of Egypt as a royal summer residence.
While you can’t go inside the palace itself, the gardens are open to visitors—and they’re beautiful.
It’s a great place for a relaxed walk, especially if you want a break from the city.
See Pompey’s Pillar
Located among the ruins of the ancient Serapeum, Pompey’s Pillar is one of the most famous landmarks in Alexandria.
Standing at over 26 metres tall, it’s the largest Roman column built outside of Rome or Constantinople.
It’s a quick stop – but definitely worth seeing while you’re exploring the city.
Practical Tips for Visiting Alexandria (2026)
- Best time to visit: October–April (cooler weather)
- Summer: Can be hot, but cooler than Cairo thanks to the sea breeze
- Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP)
- Dress code: Modest clothing recommended, especially outside tourist areas
- Safety: Generally safe, but like any city—stay aware of your surroundings
- Language: Arabic (basic English spoken in tourist areas)
Final Thoughts
Alexandria may not be as visually dramatic as some other destinations in Egypt—but it has something different.
A slower pace. A local feel. A sense of history layered beneath everyday life.
For me, it was the combination of ancient history and laid-back coastal atmosphere that made it memorable.
Got questions about visiting Alexandria? Drop them below—I’d love to help 🙂
Where May Wanders Travel Blog 
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