Alexandria

The famous lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, may be long gone, its ruins scattered on the seafloor in Alexandria Bay. The massive ancient library may have burned. But the seaside metropolis of Alexandria still has plenty to offer visitors today.

Enjoy the Mediterranean breeze as you stroll along the Corniche, a 10-mile-long seaside promenade, or relax on one of the city’s many beaches, such as Maamoura Beach. A variety of museums offer a window into Egypt’s long and fascinating history, as well as Alexandria’s seat as a center of the Hellenistic world. For nature lovers, the district of al-Montaza is a neighborhood-size park that features gardens and the spectacular Montaza Palace.

Most distinctive, however, are the ruins and antiquities—monoliths, sphinxes, amphitheaters and more—that dot the city. The Citadel of Qaitbay (constructed in the 15th century using stones from the ruins of the ancient lighthouse), the Temple of Taposiris Magna and the many palaces still standing throughout Alexandria will make you feel as though you’ve stepped off your private jet and entered the past, even as you enjoy the amenities of a modern city.

Must see: The Bibliotheca Alexandrina, built near the site of the ancient library, is actually a larger complex that contains museums, art galleries, a planetarium and more in addition to library facilities. It houses books in English, Arabic and French.

Lodging: Hotel Sofitel Cecil–Built in 1929, this hotel features the old-world grandeur of marble floors and columns, chandeliers and art deco design. Famous guests have included Winston Churchill, Agatha Christie, and Josephine Baker.

Cuisine: Egyptian cuisine is notably friendly to vegetarians, with bread, vegetables and legumes such as lentils or fava beans the mainstay of most meals. Alexandria has a reputation for the best seafood restaurants in the country.

Ground Transportation: In addition to tram (the oldest in Africa) and double-decker bus service, livery cabs are ubiquitous throughout the city. While Egyptian law requires that all cabs be metered, in practice, most meters are broken, so it’s wise to negotiate a fare in advance.

Packing Tips: Many of the city’s roads and sidewalks are uneven, so pack comfortable shoes if you intend to do much walking around. Also, conservative dress is advised, especially for women.

Recommended Books: Nobel Prizewinner Naguib Mahfouz’s 1967 novel Miramar is set in an Alexandria pension and helps illuminate life in post-revolution Egypt. The novel employs storytelling similar to Akira Kurosawa’s seminal film, Rashomon, where the same events are seen through the eyes of several different narrators.

Currency: The Egyptian pound is the local currency.

Calling Code Egypt: 20

Best Travel Dates: Alexandria is a popular tourist destination for Egyptians seeking to escape the oppressive summer heat in other parts of the country. Thus, it’s best to travel during the spring or autumn to avoid the crush of visitors.

Airports in Alexandria