About Alexendria

Alexandria, the metropolitan capital of the Mediterranean is unique and splendid with beautiful beaches, ancient buildings, rich cultural heritage and a lot of places for you to explore. Known as the 'Pearl of the Mediterranean,' this ancient city dates back to 331 BCE and was founded by ‘Alexander the Great.‘ From a small port city, Alexandria developed drastically and is one of the most prosperous metropolitan cities of Egypt today. The city has everything in-store for you, whether you want a budget holiday or a luxurious getaway with the family. It is a two hours drive from the famous city of Cairo and easy to reach by flight too. It is a four-season destination and you can visit any time of the year. The winter season is pleasant, breezy and perfect for a romantic break. Summer is warm and the streets are always busy and lively. Visit during the spring and autumn seasons to feel the perfect mix of breezy summer and cool winter. Alexandria has a deep-rooted historical background and it is clearly visible in the city's diverse culture and remains of rich ancient architecture. Enjoy the city's amazing scenery, walk along the coastline and feel the breeze in your hair. Explore the gardens, castles and amazing restaurants, meet friendly locals and shop everything you would ever want. Dance away the night at vibrant nightclubs and make new friends. Alexandria is one city you will fall in love with. The city feels more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern and is the best place to learn the Arabic language.

Public Transport System

Tram, Taxi, Bus , Microbus

Cleanliness and Efficiency

Cleanliness : Medium/ Efficiency : Low

Mode & Cost of Transports

The single tram fares cost  E£0.50.

Bus fares vary between E£0.50 and E£1.50.

Car rentals will cost around E£120 per day.

Taxi rates (Normal Tariff) starts at EG£ 6.00.

Microbus will cost EG£ 1.00.

Basic Items & Cost

Name Price
Water Bottle EGP 5.00
Cup of Coffee EGP 25.00
Milk Carton Pack EGP 14.00
Rice/Kg EGP 11.00
White Bread EGP 9.00
Eggs (12) EGP 18.00
Combo Meal EGP 65.00
Fine Dining EGP 255.00
Bottle of Coke or Pepsi EGP 606.00
Domestic Beer EGP 30.00
Imported Beer EGP 50.00
Bottle of Wine EGP 120.00
Cigarettes (20 Pack) EGP 40.00
Taxi ( 1 km ) EGP 3.00
Ticket in local transport (Single way). EGP 3.00
Rent ( One Bed Room) EGP 2300.00

Do’s:

  • Leave tips in cafés, restaurants, shops and almost all services. Usually, people will accept them as they don’t have good salaries.
  • Bargaining is alright in souvenir shops, markets, and taxis and is expected.
  • Dress modestly and not too flashy. Showing too much skin is not accepted.
  • Ask locals the fare for a taxi ride before taking the taxi, then agree on that fare with the taxi driver. You can leave a one-pound tip at the end of your ride.
  • Ask directions from at least three different people. Sometimes people try to help even if they don’t know the place.
  • Take taxis rather than public transportation, especially for women, if alone.
  • Take off your shoes and cover your head (for women) when you enter a mosque.
  • Ask permission before taking a photo (even of people). In some places, it is forbidden to take photos.
  • Spend time talking to the locals. Egyptians are interesting, kind and have a great sense of humor. It is always a rich exchange. Don’t miss out on that!

Don’ts:

  • Wear shorts and sleeveless T-shirts. It is not common among locals to dress this way. Wearing this type of clothing is acceptable in coastal areas and inside hotels.
  • Kiss your partner in the street. Even a kiss on the cheek might be unacceptable in some areas.
  • Kiss or hug persons of the opposite sex. Shaking hands is alright in general, but orthodox Muslims don’t shake hands with people of the opposite sex. This is to avoid any physical contact which is against their ethics.
  • Cross busy streets alone. Wait for someone to come and cross with you, or ask someone to help you. This happens especially if there is a lot of traffic and sometimes no traffic signal. 
  • Put your feet on a table. This behavior is not acceptable and might offend the people.
  • Talk to people who are approaching you in the street or in tourist areas to offer services. It’s safer to go through registered tour operators and agents.
  • Pet street dogs and cats unless you have taken all your vaccines and you’re not afraid to be scratched or bitten.
  • Get angry or upset when someone is late. People in Egypt are very laid back, and you will have to get used to it during your visit.
  • Expose yourself to the sun especially during summer afternoons. This is dangerous unless you are wearing proper protective clothing.
  • Drink tap water. It is unclean.
  • Smoke or drink alcohol in the street as it’s not socially acceptable, and is forbidden by law in most areas.
  • Take a taxi if you are alone late at night as it is risky, especially for women. Try to use the yellow cab instead.

Night Life

If you are looking for a vibrant and rocking nightlife, you need not expect it in Alexandria. The city is much quieter than the capital of Cairo, when it comes to nightlife, but there are many good spots you can try out. The Cap d’Or is one of the only typical Alexandrian bars surviving today, located just off Sharia Saad Zaghloul. It feels like a throwback to the city's cosmopolitan past. You will see huge stained-glass windows, long marble-topped bar, plenty of beer, and ancient memorabilia decorating the walls. There is always loud crackling tapes of old French chanson, traditional folk music or all-time Egyptian hits playing in the background. Selsela Cafe is another top spot for night owls. It is an ideal place to relax, sip tea and smoke shisha to the sound of waves rolling in. This waterfront cafe with its rustic charm is set on a small curving beach where you can hardly hear the noisy traffic. Spitfire is one of the best bars in town, a dimly lit, rough-and-ready place, just north of Sharia Saad Zaghloul. It is a friendly place, with rock-and-roll memorabilia, walls plastered with shipping-line stickers, and photos of drunk regulars. It’s a great place for a fun evening out with a mixed crowd. There are also a few restaurants where you can enjoy local performances and other cultural events. Enjoy the nightlife, but be cautious too. Do not venture out alone to deserted places. Do not get too drunk and walk on the streets.

Must See

  • Marvel at the remains of the Lighthouse of Alexandria. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the most famous lighthouse in antiquity.
  • Explore the site of Pompey’s Pillar and travel back in time.
  • Dive into the ocean and explore the underwater remains of Cleopatra's palace.
  • Visit the Citadel of Qaitbay. The 15th-Century Citadel is one of Alexandria’s signature sights and one of the longest surviving Seven Wonders of the
    Ancient World.
  • Wander inside Alexandria’s most beautiful green space, the Montazah Palace Gardens that extend along the seafront and around 19th-Century Montazah Palace.
  • Explore unique jewelry at the Royal Jewelry Museum.
  • Visit Alexandria National Museum and travel through the history of Egypt. The underwater archaeological finds are fascinating. It also houses Greco-Roman discoveries and treasures from around the country.
  • Enjoy some time at the Roman Amphitheatre. Built in the 2nd Century AD with space for 800 people, it is the only known Roman theater in Egypt and hosts political demonstrations and entertainment.

Experiences

  • Take a stroll along the Corniche waterfront and enjoy the wonderful scenery.
  • Drive along the long desert road and experience the wonder of a never-ending stretch of sand.
  • Shop from the many choices of antiques and souvenir shops and take home wonderful memories.
  • Watch a show at the beautiful Opera house in Alexandria.
  • Eat at the local restaurants and try some amazing authentic dishes.
  • Drink a tall glass of chilled mango juice from the famous El Qobesi. It will be the best juice you have ever had.
  • Walk around the many parks and gardens and enjoy a relaxing break with family/friends.
  • Go for a cruise along the sea and explore the city from the waters.
  • If you have time, sign up for a day tour to the nearby cities. There are lots to see and do.
  • Explore the underwater ruins of the Lost City of Heracleion, exhumed from the depths of the ocean. 
  • Enjoy a night at the clubs and bars and make some local friends.
  • Visit Nasser ElSherbini’s Shoe Store, recently converted into the Tamr Hena Museum, a fascinating little world for creative criticism.
  • Sofianopoulo Coffee Store is a must-visit coffee shop. You can smell the coffee from half a block away.

Activities

Shopping

Azhary Antique Furniture Reproductions
Antique Markets
3 omar ibn abdel aziz st.، EL ATTARIN، Qesm Al Attarin, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt
Distance From City Center
8.1 Kms
Abdou Furniture
Antique Markets
9 El-Laythy Ln, Al Amoud, Qism Mina El-Basal, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt
Distance From City Center
7.9 Kms
Antique Taste
Antique Markets
69 Al Naby Danyal, Al Mesallah Gharb WA Sharif Basha, Qesm Al Attarin, Alexandria Governorate 21563, Egypt
Distance From City Center
8.4 Kms
Ezzat Furniture
Antique Markets
San Saba, Al Mesallah Sharq, Qesm Al Attarin, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt
Distance From City Center
7.7 Kms
Abdel Razzak Fera Galleria Furniture
Antique Markets
9 Salah El Din, Al Attarin Gharb, Qesm Al Attarin, Alexandria Governorate 21517, Egypt
Distance From City Center
8.4 Kms
France Market
Flea Markets and Bazaars
Al Mansheyah Al Kubra, Qesm Al Mansheyah, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt
Distance From City Center
11 Kms
Frosting Crafts
Handicrafts and Souviners
14 Hany Mostafa Kamel, Abu an Nawatir, Qism Sidi Gabir, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt
Distance From City Center
11.6 Kms
Handmade Giftshop
Handicrafts and Souviners
Ahmed Mohammed Al Adham, Al Aqesa WA Baqos, Qism El-Raml, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt
Distance From City Center
12.6 Kms
Tahado
Handicrafts and Souviners
15 El-Horeya Rd, Al Mesallah Sharq, Qesm Al Attarin, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt
Distance From City Center
8.1 Kms
Option gift shop
Handicrafts and Souviners
Sidi Beshr Mosque, Sidi Beshr Qebli, Qism El-Montaza, Egypt
Distance From City Center
16 Kms
City Centre Alexandria
Shopping Malls
Cairo Alex Desert Rd, Qetaa at Tarik as Sahrawi, Qesm Al Amereyah, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt
Distance From City Center
0.1 Kms
Green Plaza Mall
Shopping Malls
Qism Sidi Gabir, Egypt
Distance From City Center
8.5 Kms
Mirage Mini-Mall
Shopping Malls
Alexandria Desert Rd, Abis, Qism Moharram Bek, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt
Distance From City Center
0.9 Kms
Deeb Mall
Shopping Malls
1 Syria Street, 21311, Egypt
Distance From City Center
11.5 Kms
Asfour Crystal
Handicrafts and Souviners
256 Port Said Street, Sidi Gabir, Qism Sidi Gabir, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt
Distance From City Center
9.5 Kms
Zahran Mall
Shopping Malls
17 El-Farouk Omar, Ezbet Saad, Qism Sidi Gabir, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt
Distance From City Center
9.1 Kms
  • Mini pyramids
  • Papyrus scroll
  • Scarab
  • Cartouche
  • Egyptian jalabeya
  • Belly dancing outfit
  • Geometric pattern boxes
  • Leather slippers
  • Glass sand bottles
  • Traditional Hats
  • Silver jewelry
  • Handmade purses
  • Leather bags
  • Sheesha Pipes
  • Carpets and Rugs
  • Spices
  • Perfume
  • Egyptian cotton

Official Language

Egyptian Arabic

Other Language

English, Saudi Arabic, Bedouin... Read more

Spoken Language

Of the many varieties of Arabi... Read more

Currency

Egyptian Pound (EGP)

Population

5.2 (Millions)

Weather Icon

Weather

Overcast Clouds 20.39°C

Clock Icon

TimeZone

12:50 PM (GMT +02:00)

 

Ambulance Icon

Ambulance

123

 

Police Icon

Police

 

Electric socket

Type C
Type C ( 220 V 50 Hz)
Type F
Type F ( 220 V 50 Hz)
Airplane Icon

Airport Name / IATA Code

Borg El Arab International Airport - HBE

Best time to visit

March, April, and May: This is the busiest time of the year with tourists pouring in. Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel warm, with no rains. It is the Spring season, which makes it a good time for those looking to experience the city.

Moderate time to visit

September, October, November, December, January, and February: The weather is very nice given the humidity and wind. It is cooler during this time of the year in Alexandria with a few spots of rain in between. The price of accommodation is fairly low and the city experiences fewer tourists this season.

Worst time to visit

June, July, and August: These months have very comfortable weather with high temperature that is quite warm. There is almost no rain. This is the slowest season for tourism in Alexandria, so lodging and other accommodations may cost lesser than usual.

Taxi

Start Tariff: EGP 6.00

1 Km. Tariff: EGP 3.00

1 Hour Waiting Tariff: EGP 40.00

Available service

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Monthly Average Temperature & Rainfall

Local Services in Alexendria (Contact directly)

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