Destination guide Alexandria
The Graeco-Roman Museum
Lose yourself in Alexandria’s Greek-Roman Museum, where history and culture intertwine. Ancient statues, coins, and everyday artifacts bring the city’s glorious past to life, each gallery offering a glimpse into another era.
Founded in 1892, the museum houses treasures that tell the story of Alexandria’s unique blend of Greek and Roman heritage. It remains a cultural landmark, preserving the spirit of a city where civilizations once met.
Activities:
- Explore galleries filled with treasures from daily life in the Greco-Roman era.
- Walk through halls that showcase mummies, pottery, and tools used thousands of years ago
- Enjoy a guided tour that brings history to life with fascinating stories and discoveries
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Step into the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern architectural wonder that revives the spirit of the ancient Library of Alexandria. With its vast collection of books, manuscripts, and digital archives, it stands as a beacon of knowledge and culture on the Mediterranean coast.
Opened in 2002, the library is not only a center for learning but also a hub for art, science, and dialogue between civilizations. Its striking design and world-class facilities make it one of the most iconic landmarks in Egypt.
Activities:
- Explore the vast reading halls and discover rare manuscripts.
- Visit the museums housed within the library, including the Antiquities Museum
- Enjoy interactive science exhibits at the Planetarium and Science Center
El Anfoushi & Bahri Neighborhood, Alexandria
Step into El Anfoushi & Bahri, one of the oldest and most atmospheric neighborhoods of Alexandria. Perched on the ancient Pharos peninsula, this area weaves together sea breeze, time-worn alleys, historic workshops, and grand mosques.
Its story goes back centuries: you’ll find the Citadel of Qaitbay keeping watch over the shore, the Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque with its elegant domes, and the Ptolemaic-era Anfoushi tombs hiding in nooks of this old quarter.
Activities:
- Discover the Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque and other mosques in the neighborhood for architectural beauty and spiritual calm. Wikipedia
- Browse local seafront workshops and boatyards: watch craftsmen restore fishing boats or build small vessels.
- Taste fresh seafood in traditional restaurants along the corniche, listening to waves and smelling salt in the air.
Citadel of Qaitbay
Step into the Citadel of Qaitbay, a majestic 15th-century fortress standing proudly on the Mediterranean coast. Built on the very site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, it has watched over the city for centuries as both a defensive stronghold and a symbol of resilience.
Today, the citadel offers breathtaking sea views, well-preserved stone walls, and a glimpse into Alexandria’s military past. It remains one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a favorite spot for history lovers and travelers alike.
Activities:
- Explore the fortress halls and ancient defensive chambers
- Climb to the towers for panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea
- Enjoy the sea breeze while walking the citadel’s outer walls
Alexandria National Museum
Discover the Alexandria National Museum, housed in an elegant Italian style mansion. The museum showcases over 1,800 artifacts tracing the city’s history from the Pharaonic era to modern times. Things you can do there:
Activities:
- Explore collections of Pharaonic statues, Greco-Roman treasures, and Islamic art.
- See rare artifacts from the underwater excavations of Alexandria’s ancient harbors
- Learn about Alexandria’s cultural evolution across different civilizations
Kom El Shoqafa Catacombs
Step into the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages. Hidden beneath the city, these underground tombs reveal a fascinating blend of Pharaonic, Greek, and Roman art and traditions.
Activities:
- Descend the spiral staircase to explore the multi-level tombs carved into the rock
- Discover chambers used for burials and ancient funerary rituals
- Admire the unique wall carvings and statues that mix Egyptian gods with Roman style