Alexandria Egypt 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Itinerary: Alexandria, Egypt

This itinerary offers a balanced mix of history, culture, and relaxation for a first-time visitor to Alexandria.

Day 1: Ancient Wonders & Mediterranean Flavors

  • Morning:

    • Start your day with a visit to the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa. Explore these ancient Roman burial chambers, a fascinating glimpse into the past (2-3 hours).
    • Things to know:
      • The Catacombs are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
      • They’re best visited early in the morning to avoid crowds.
      • Wear comfortable shoes and clothing as you’ll be doing some walking down narrow stairs.

  • Afternoon:

    • Lunch at Abou El Sid: Enjoy authentic Egyptian cuisine with a focus on Alexandrian seafood specialties in a beautifully restored historical building. (1-2 hours)
    • Explore the Bibliotheca Alexandrina: This modern library is a tribute to its ancient predecessor and offers exhibitions, cultural events, and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. (2-3 hours)

  • Evening:

    • Dinner at Fish Market: Experience the bustling atmosphere and fresh seafood at Alexandria’s famous fish market.
    • Sunset Stroll on the Corniche: Take a walk along the picturesque Alexandria Corniche, enjoy the sea breeze, and soak in the beautiful sunset over the Mediterranean Sea.

Day 2: History & Culture Day

  • Morning:

    • Visit the Citadel of Qaitbay: This historic fortress offers a fascinating glimpse into Mamluk architecture and the city’s rich history. Explore the fortress and its surrounding museum (2-3 hours).
    • Explore Alexandria’s Old Quarter: Wander through the narrow streets and alleyways, discovering the charm of historical buildings, bustling markets, and local cafes.

  • Afternoon:

    • Lunch atKfaya Restaurant: Savor delicious Alexandrian street food like koshari (a local dish) or fresh seafood by the sea.
    • Explore the Library of Alexandria (Alexandria National Museum): Located inside the same building as the modern library, this museum showcases artifacts from the ancient city and its history.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner at Kebabji Grill: Enjoy a casual dinner with a focus on traditional Egyptian cuisine.
    • Explore the Alexandria Bibliotheca Alexandrina’s rooftop: Marvel at the panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea while it sparkles under the night sky.

Day 3: Modern Marvels & Coastal Delights

  • Morning:
    • Explore the Montazah Palace Gardens: Take a leisurely stroll through these beautiful gardens, admiring the architecture and the views of the palace and the sea.
    • Enjoy a traditional breakfast at El Masry Restaurant: Indulge in delicious Egyptian breakfast staples while overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Daytime:

  • Morning: Explore the Alexandria National Museum, a must-see for any visitor to Alexandria. It’s a great place to learn about the history and culture of the city, from its ancient roots to its modern-day life.

  • Afternoon:

    • Visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina: Spend an afternoon exploring the exhibits and learning about the historical significance of this architectural marvel.

  • Explore the Bibliotheca Alexandrina’s rooftop: Enjoy a final breathtaking view of the city while reflecting on your journey.

Other things of interest:

  • Explore the history:

    • Roman Amphitheatre: Wander through the ancient ruins and imagine its gladiatorial past (2-3 hours)
    • Pompey’s Pillar: Stand in awe of this towering relic from Alexandria’s Roman era (1-2 hours)

  • Experience the city:

    • Stroll along the Corniche: This beautiful beachfront promenade offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy a walk, coffee at a cafe, and watch the sunset over the water.
    • Visit the Alexandria Zoo: Home to a variety of animals from around the world (2-3 hours)

Things to know:

  • Language: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

  • Currency: The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the currency. ATMs are readily available in Alexandria.

  • Transportation:

    • Taxis: Abundant and inexpensive. Negotiate a price before getting in.
    • Buses: A cheap way to get around but can be crowded and unreliable.

  • Safety:

    • Respectful Dress: Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or historical attractions.
    • Scams: Be wary of potential scams, such as inflated prices or people trying to sell you things.
    • Bargaining: Bargaining is expected in most markets and with informal taxi drivers.

Things to know (cont.):

  • Safety (cont.): Avoid taking unofficial taxis and always agree on a price beforehand.

  • Haggling:

    Haggling is a common practice in Egypt, so be prepared to negotiate prices for goods and services. It’s all part of the fun!

  • Respect local customs: Be mindful of the local culture and customs. Avoid public displays of affection and respect religious practices.

  • Food safety: Drink bottled water and avoid eating raw vegetables or drinking unpasteurized milk.

Daytime Dining Options:

  • Enjoy a traditional Egyptian meal at Mohamed Ahmed Restaurant: This popular spot is known for its delicious and authentic food at affordable prices.

Travel Tips:

  • Things to do:

    • Visit the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa: This ancient necropolis offers a glimpse into the Roman era.
    • Explore the Alexandria Library (the modern-day one): This is a great option for learning about the history of the library itself and its role in the city.

  • Drink bottled water and avoid ice: Stick to bottled water and ask for drinks without ice. Tap water can be unsafe to drink.

  • Be careful with food:

    • Make sure all food is cooked thoroughly and served hot.

  • Food safety (cont.):

    • Eat at reputable restaurants: Stick to places that are busy and have good reviews.

  • Use bottled water for brushing your teeth and washing your face: This will help you avoid ingesting any harmful bacteria.

  • Food Hygiene:

    • Avoid buying food from street vendors: Unless you’re sure the hygiene standards are high, it’s best to buy food from restaurants or grocery stores.

  • Safety & Security:

    • Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against theft:**

    • Keep valuables out of sight and in a secure place.

    • Use hotel safes for important documents and large amounts of money.

Be sure to visit:

  • Alexandria’s Citadel:** Built by the Mamluks, this historic site offers stunning views and a glimpse into their history (remembering it was once the world’s largest library).

  • Pompey’s Pillar:

    • This ancient column is a popular tourist destination.

Safety & Security (cont.):

  • Keep your passport and other important documents safe:

    • Carry a photocopy of your passport with you at all times.

  • Stay hydrated:

Alexandria can be hot and humid, so drink plenty of water.

  • Dress appropriately:
  • Dress conservatively when visiting religious sites or local markets.
  • Wear light-colored clothing to reflect the sun.

Safety & Security (cont.):

  • Avoid drinking alcohol in public:

Alcohol consumption is generally frowned upon in Egypt, and it’s best to avoid it altogether in public spaces.

Safety & Safety Tips:

  • Be aware of scams: Always be on the lookout for potential scams.

  • Dress conservatively: (especially for women)

  • Cover your shoulders and chest.

  • Wear loose-fitting clothing that covers your legs.

Be careful with who you trust:

  • Trustworthy: Be mindful of the local environment and who might be targeting tourists.

  • Avoid carrying valuables: Leave expensive jewelry and electronics at your hotel or accommodation.

  • Respect local customs:

Remember to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing and always ask a local guide for advice on appropriate attire.

Food Safety Tips:

  • Eat at safe establishments: Stick to restaurants with good hygiene practices.

  • Avoid raw food: Ensure all fruits and vegetables are washed thoroughly or cooked before eating.

  • Drink bottled water and beverages: Avoid consuming ice, tap water or drinks with ice in them unless you know it’s made with safe water.

  • Be cautious about street food: Opt for restaurants that serve cooked-to-order dishes over those pre-prepared.

Safety & Security (cont.)

  • Food Safety Tips:

    • Carry a bottle of hand sanitizer and use it frequently, especially before eating.

  • Avoid drinking tap water: Drink only bottled water or beverages that have been boiled or treated with a water purifier.

Dining:

  • Try the “kushari” at Abou El Sid:** This dish is a must-try for any visitor to Alexandria.

It’s a delicious mix of rice, lentils, macaroni, chickpeas, and fried onions.

  • Avoid food from street vendors: While tempting, it’s best to be cautious with street food, as hygiene standards can vary.
  • Drink only bottled water: This is a good tip for all travelers in Egypt.

Food Safety Tips (cont.):

  • Drink only bottled beverages: Avoid drinking anything that isn’t bottled, including tea and coffee.

  • Be careful about what you eat and drink out of your hand:** Avoid consuming any food that hasn’t been washed or handled carefully.

  • Drink bottled water:**

Always make sure to buy drinks from reputable sources and be cautious of the ice used in them.

  • Be careful about what you eat:** Avoid eating raw meat, seafood, or poultry.

  • Eat at safe establishments: Always wash your hands before eating and choose restaurants that follow hygienic practices.

  • Be aware of who you trust:

    • Be cautious when accepting food or drinks from strangers.

Remember: This is just a starting point for your itinerary. You can customize it based on your interests, budget and time constraints.

Enjoy your exploration of Alexandria!