Alexandria, Egypt: where to stay, what to see and when to go

Alexandria is Egypt's great Mediterranean city. Often added to a stay in Cairo, Alexandria feels very different: it faces the sea, stretches along its Corniche and keeps Greek and Roman remains in the middle of a lively modern city. This guide helps you pick a district, plan your visits and choose the right season.

Alexandria at a glance

The city runs along the Mediterranean. Its long seafront promenade, the Corniche, links Qaitbay Citadel in the west to the Montaza gardens in the east. The historic centre lies near the Eastern Harbour; the further east you go, the more residential and beach-oriented the districts become. Your choice of district therefore depends on your plans: sightseeing or the beach.

Where to stay in Alexandria

Downtown (Raml Station, Saad Zaghloul Square, Mansheya). The historic heart, around the Raml tram station. You can walk to the Corniche, the Roman amphitheatre of Kom el-Dikka and plenty of cafés and restaurants, and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is easy to reach. The historic Corniche hotels are here. The downside: traffic and noise on the Corniche, and no swimming beach. The logical choice for a short sightseeing stay.

The East Corniche (Stanley, Roushdy, Sidi Gaber, San Stefano). Quieter, more residential districts with sea views, cafés and restaurants. Stanley Bridge, with its arches over a small bay, is one of the city's best-known sights. Sidi Gaber station nearby receives trains from Cairo, which is handy if you arrive by rail. In San Stefano, large hotels face the sea directly. Expect a taxi ride to the central sights.

Smouha. A modern inland district with shopping centres and large hotels. No sea view, but easy road access to the centre and out of the city.

Montaza and Mamoura (far east). Around the former royal gardens of Montaza, this is the greenest and most beach-oriented area, with organised beaches. It suits families who want the sea. The centre is more than half an hour away by taxi, depending on traffic.

Agami (west). An area of villas and holiday flats, busy mostly in summer, far from the centre and poorly served by public transport. Best kept for a summer beach holiday rather than for exploring the city.

Our tip: for two or three nights of sightseeing, choose downtown or the East Corniche; for a summer stay with children, Montaza.

What to see in Alexandria

• Qaitbay Citadel: a late 15th-century Mamluk fortress built on the site of the ancient Pharos lighthouse, reusing some of its stones.
• Bibliotheca Alexandrina: a modern seafront library designed to hold up to 8 million books, with a planetarium and several museums.
• Kom el-Dikka Roman amphitheatre: described as the only Roman amphitheatre found in Egypt to date.
• Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa: a Roman-era necropolis cut on three levels.
• "Pompey's Pillar": a red granite column of almost 27 metres, actually raised in honour of Emperor Diocletian.
• Montaza gardens: former royal gardens by the sea; the Haramlik palace is closed to visitors, but the gardens are open.
• The Corniche at sunset: a walk between downtown and the citadel, with a seafood stop near the harbour.

Opening hours and ticket prices change often: check them locally or with official sources before you go.

Getting from Cairo to Alexandria

The two cities are about 225 km apart. Trains leave Cairo's Ramses station and arrive at Misr station, downtown, or at Sidi Gaber; allow about 2.5 to 3 hours on an express train. By road, by coach or with a private driver, the journey also takes 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic. Many travellers combine both cities: see our guide where to stay in Cairo. Stay at least one night: a day trip leaves little time on the spot.

When to go

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) bring mild weather and fewer crowds: the best seasons for sightseeing. Summer is hot and humid; beaches fill with Egyptian holidaymakers and seafront hotels are in high demand, so book early. Winter is cool and rainy and the city is quieter: pack a rain jacket.

Visa and entry requirements

As a rule, Algerian citizens need a visa before travelling to Egypt; check the latest conditions with an Egyptian embassy or consulate, or on the official website, before you leave. For health and safety, read the official recommendations before departure. Nreservi does not handle visa applications.

Reserving your hotel in Alexandria

Start your hotel search for Alexandria on our website, or contact our agency and we will tell you what is available on your dates. From Algeria, you pay in dinars without a bank card: BaridiMob, bank transfer or cash at our Telemly agency. Living abroad? You can also pay online by bank card, and your voucher is sent to you once the payment is made. Before confirming, check the board basis (room only, breakfast or half board) and the cancellation terms.

Prefer the Red Sea? See our hotels in Sharm el-Sheikh and our guide where to stay in Hurghada.

Search for a hotel in Alexandria

Nreservi, online travel agency — 1st floor, 116 boulevard Colonel Krim Belkacem (Telemly), Algiers Centre — +213 540 28 40 40.