Known to the world as “The mermaid of the Mediterranean”, Alexandria is the second biggest city and the country’s largest seaport. Through the city, Alexander the great, the Greek emperor, sought to immortalize his name. Some of the places to visit in Alexandria are known for their weather, white beaches, blue water and warm people. It is one of the most popular holiday destinations for those looking to get away from the heat.
10 Places To Visit in Alexandria For Their Beauty And History
The stunning and majestic city of Alexandria, was Cleopatra’s ruling ground and was named after Alexander the great. Tourists have always known Alexandria for its architecture and stunning views. As the second largest city in the world, people should explore the great library of Alexandria and Pharos lighthouse, one of the 7 wonders of the world. Some of the places to visit in Alexandria are an absolute heaven for several history lovers.
1. Alexandria National Museum
This museum, which was a palace in the early years, owned by Asaad Bassili, Alexandria’s wealthy timber merchant, was created in Italian style and remained so till 1954. Until 1996, when the supreme council of antiquities of the ministry of culture, the palace remained the seat of the US consulate. It was later transformed into a museum, which was open to the public in 2003. The 1,800 artifacts from the ancient times to the modern era portray culture, arts and industries of Egypt. Several museums like the Egyptian Museum, the Islamic Museum, the Coptic Museum in Cairo, the Greco-Roman Museum and Antiquities have their artifacts displayed here.
Alexandria National Museum should be on the bucket list of all history lovers. Tourists will be awe- struck by all the Islamic, Greek, Romanian, and Byzantine monuments. It is one of the richest tourist attractions in Alexandria Egypt.
Location: 131 El-Shaheed Galal El-Desouky, Bab Sharqi WA Wabour Al Meyah, Bab Sharqi, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt
Timings: 9 am – 4:30 pm
2. Bibliotheque of Alexandria
Built alongside the ancient harbor in the historic center of the city, the Bibliotheque of Alexandria has 8 million volumes of books. Plantarium, museums, school for information science and conservation facilities are some things the library includes. An open plaza and reflecting pool along with a footbridge that links the city to the university of Alexandria.
Founded by Alexander the great, years ago, the library is one of the most interesting places to visit in Egypt. One of the most unique things about the library is its architecture that have often left people awe- struck. One of the most interesting facts about the library is that it houses millions of books; the book lovers will never want to leave.
Location: Al Azaritah WA Ash Shatebi, Bab Sharqi, Alexandria Governorate 21526, Egypt
Timings: 10 am – 7 pm
3. The Corniche
The corniche is one of the best places to visit in Alexandria for its charm and the view of the Mediterranean Sea. When looking for a bite to eat, one can visit the cafes and restaurants by the view of the sea. One of the most ideal things to do is go for a walk along the corniche and enjoy the cool air and sounds of the waves. One can tuck into popcorn, grilled corn, ice- cream or any snack.
Doesn’t it sound the perfect way to explore a place when on holiday? The corniche is the one stop destination people should put on their list of places to explore.
Location: Alexandria
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4. Montazah Gardens Complex
Nestled on the eastern edge of Alexandria, the Montazah gardens complex is home to trees and shrubs that are over 100 years old. Surrounded by palaces and hotels, the grounds have sandy city beaches stretched along the Mediterranean Sea. Speaking of shrubs and trees, people will find a range of palm trees, tamarisks, acacia trees and branchy hibiscus bushes. The garden complex is one of the best places to go to in Alexandria for the two historic palaces Salamlek and Haramlek. Salamlek Palace was constructed by Khedive Abbas 11 in 1892 and Haramlek Palace was built in 1925 by King Ahmed Foaud and his family.
Gothic, classicism style and Byzantine through to Islamic art are the styles of architecture seen in the complex. Floral and geometric ornaments and the French antique furnishes dominate the interior decoration. The only witness to the historic Arab and world events is the palace.
Location: Al Mandarah Bahri, Montaza 2, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt
Timings: 8 am- 12 am
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5. Roman Amphitheatre
Nestled in the central region of Alexandria city, the Roman Amphitheatre is a majestic and impressive structure built in a semi- circular shape. The open-air theatre is one of the symbols of the city of Alexandria. Part of the structure is in ruins and till date is said to be one of the finest structures of the Roman period of Egypt. It is one of the best places to visit in March in the world. During excavations of Paneion or Park of Pan in Kom el- Dikkah, known as hill of Rubble, the Amphitheatre was discovered.
People will probably discover a Muslim cemetery and slums while visiting the Amphitheatre. Once upon a time the theatre had a majestic auditorium going back to the 2nd century A.D. It is safe to it is one of the most ideal tourist attractions in Alexandria Egypt.
Location: Ismail Mahana Road Kom Ad Dakah Gharb, Al Attarin, Alexandria Governorate 21517, Egypt
Timings: 8 am – 5 pm
6. Citadel of Qaitbay
Have you done any sightseeing in Alexandria yet? The 15th century defensive fortress, the citadel of Qaitbay was given birth to from the ruins of the lighthouse of Alexandria. Known to be one of the most significant defensive strongholds in Egypt and stands tall in the same place as the lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. On 11th July 1882, Alexandria was bombarded by the British fleet, which left large parts of the city in ruins.
Fortress was in shambles due to the attack. Till 1904, the citadel was neglected till the ministry of defense resorted some of the floors. The Egyptian naval troops back in 1952 turned into a marine time museum.
Location: As Sayalah Sharq, Qesm Al Gomrok, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt
Timings: 8 am – 5 pm
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7. The Royal Jewelry Museum
Given birth to by Muhammad Ali Pasha in 1805, the royal jewelry museum showcases several collectibles of the Egyptian royal family. Built in 1919 by Zaynab Fahmi, the palace served as a home to Fatma al- Zahra, a descendent of Muhammad Ali Pasha. It is one of the must-see places in Alexandria for its amazing possessions owned by the family. A blend of European and Islamic styles, the jewelry museum showcases paintings, gilded ceilings and mosaics of the royal family.
Linked by a corridor, the eastern and western wings have their own basement and two floors. In a series of collections, there is a diamond and emerald inlaid collar that belongs to Muhammad Ali Pasha, the founder of the dynasty.
Location: 27 San Stefano, El Raml 1, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt
Timings: 9 am – 5 pm
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8. Al Mursi Abul Al Abbas Mosque
Mosques have always been fascinating places to visit anywhere in the world. Tourists have always put mosques on their list of places to visit.
One of the most historic and stunning mosques in Alexandria, Al Mursi Abu Al Abbas Mosque was built in 1775. Overlooking the eastern harbor, the mosque stands on the tomb of a Spanish scholar and saint. Over the years, the mosque has been restored by rulers who built it close to the saint. Much later, a larger mosque was built by Sheikh Abu El Hassan El Maghraby. One of the main features of the mosque are the doors, minbar and windows made of carved teak, citronia and walnut.
Location: Qesm Al Gomrok, Alexandria Governorate 21500, Egypt
Timings: 10:30 am – 9 pm
9. Pompey's Pillar Alexandria
The biggest Roman triumphal column in Alexandria, is said to be the only free-standing column. It is one of the biggest ancient monolithic columns that was created to commemorate Diocletian’s victory of the Alexandrian revolt. There are steps below the column that lead to the ruins of Serapis, (the great temple) the hybrid Greek and Egyptian god of Alexandria. Along with the temple, there is a “daughter library” of the great library of Alexandria, home to several copies and texts. The pillar is definitely worth sightseeing in Alexandria, Egypt for its history and much more.
In AD 115- 117, the temple was under attack during the Jewish revolt. Finally, in AD 391, the Christians launched a final assault on pagan intellectuals and destroyed the Serapeum and its library, leaving the pillar standing.
Location: Pompey's Pillar, Al Karah WA at Toubageyah WA Kafr Al Ghates, Karmouz, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt
Timings: 9 am- 4:30 pm
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10. Catacombs of Kom el-Shuqqafa
With several monarchs and royal dynasties, the history of Egypt is quite complicated. The Ptolemaic dynasty, the original Roman emperors ruled the ancient Egyptian kingdom. The catacombs of Kom El- Shuqqafa is one of the most stunning attractions in Alexandria.
Said to be the hill of treasure, the catacombs of kom el- shuqqafa is a large necropolis and royal cemetery that goes back to the 2nd century AD. A blend of Roman, Hellenistic and pharaonic art elements are reflected in the paintings, statues, funeral objects and tombs. It is one of the places to go to in Alexandria.
Location: Ras at Tin, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt
Timings: 9 am – 4 pm
The history of Alexandria is reflected in some of its historical monuments tucked away in several corners of the city. There are several places to visit in Alexandria, Egypt for its history and culture. With so much to explore, what more can anyone ask for? Go ahead, pack those bags and book your flights to Alexandria. Have the best vacation of a lifetime.
FAQs
People can spend at least 2 days in Alexandria. The stunning and majestic city of Alexandria, was Cleopatra’s ruling ground and was named after Alexander the great. Tourists have always known Alexandria for its architecture and stunning views. As the second largest city in the world, people should explore the great library of Alexandria and Pharos lighthouse, one of the 7 wonders of the world.
Known to the world as “The mermaid of the Mediterranean”, Alexandria is the second biggest city and the country’s largest seaport. Through the city, Alexander the great, the Greek emperor, sought to immortalize his name. Some of the things people can do at night in Alexandria include:
- Parade of Lights
- The Magic Duel
- Shadowland Laser Adventures
- The View of DC
- Escape Room Live Alexandria
- International Spy Museum
- Bayou Room
- Doyle's Outpost
Nestled in the central region of Alexandria city, the Roman Amphitheatre is a majestic and impressive structure built in a semi- circular shape. The open-air theatre is one of the symbols of the city of Alexandria. Part of the structure is in ruins and till date is said to be one of the finest structures of the Roman period of Egypt.
Built alongside the ancient harbor in the historic center of the city, the Bibliotheque of Alexandria has 8 million volumes of books. Plantarium, museums, school for information science and conservation facilities are some things the library includes. An open plaza and reflecting pool along with a footbright that links the city to the university of Alexandria.
The best time to visit Alexandria is between October and April as the weather is quite pleasant and there is a lot to explore.
The biggest Roman triumphal column in Alexandria, is said to be the only free-standing column. It is one of the biggest ancient monolithic columns that was created to commemorate Diocletian’s victory of the Alexandrian revolt. There are steps below the column that lead to the ruins of Serapis, (the great temple) the hybrid Greek and Egyptian god of Alexandria. Along with the temple, there is a “daughter library” of the great library of Alexandria, home to several copies and texts.
For all the food lovers, Alexandria offers a variety of cuisines, they should tuck into like:
- Ful Medames
- Molokhiya
- Fatta
- Ta'mey
- Alexandrian Liver Sandwich
- Besarah
- Sayadeya
Nestled on the eastern edge of Alexandria, the Montazah gardens complex is home to trees and shrubs that are over 100 years old. Surrounded by palaces and hotels, the grounds have sandy city beaches stretched along the Mediterranean Sea. Speaking of shrubs and trees, people will find a range of palm trees, tamarisks, acacia trees and branchy hibiscus bushes.
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