Alexandria, Egypt’s second city, runs for more than 20 kilometres along the Mediterranean. Founded by Alexander the Great, it has a different feel from the rest of Egypt: a seafront Corniche, old cafés and Greek, Roman and Islamic monuments. Most visitors come for one or two nights, or on a day trip from Cairo.
The areas, and how they differ
- Downtown and the Eastern Harbour: the historic centre, with the old hotels, Raml Station, the cafés and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and Qaitbay Citadel nearby. The best base for sightseeing on foot.
- The Corniche east of the centre: hotels with sea views along the seafront road; the views are wonderful but the traffic is heavy.
- Stanley and San Stefano: modern hotels near the Stanley Bridge, shopping and restaurants.
- Montaza: the eastern end of the city, around the gardens of Montaza Palace, quieter and greener, with small beaches.
- The North Coast: summer beach resorts west of the city, an hour or more away, busiest in July and August.
What to ask before booking
- Is the room sea-facing? A Corniche view is the reason to stay on the seafront.
- How noisy is the Corniche at night, and are the windows double-glazed?
- How far is it to the sights you want to see, and is there parking if you are driving?
When to go
Spring and autumn are the most pleasant. Summer is warm and humid, and the city fills with Egyptian holidaymakers. Winter is cool and can be rainy and stormy, unlike the rest of Egypt.
Getting there, and what to see
Alexandria is about three hours from Cairo by road or by train, so it works as a long day trip or an overnight stay. Do not miss the Alexandria National Museum, the Graeco-Roman Museum, the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa and the Roman theatre. Several of our 12-day tours include Alexandria.
Help choosing
We book across Alexandria and know which properties have a sandy beach and which a reef, which are quiet and which lively, and which suit families, couples or divers. Tell us how you want to spend your stay and we will shortlist against it: talk to us, or browse the hotels we work with.













