A city founded by Alexander the Great
Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE on the Mediterranean coast, 200 km north-west of Cairo. For a thousand years it was the intellectual capital of the ancient world — with its legendary library (burned in 48 BCE in Caesar's fire) and lighthouse (one of the Seven Wonders of the World, destroyed by an earthquake in the 14th century). Today 5 million residents, Egypt's second-largest city.
The new Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Opened in 2002 in a stunning Norwegian Snøhetta building — a massive glass cylinder tilted towards the sea, holding 8 million books. It tries to revive the ancient library. Includes a manuscript museum, antiquities museum (with pieces from the ancient port), planetarium. Ticket 100 EGP, default visit length 3 hours.
Qaitbay Citadel and the lighthouse
Qaitbay Citadel sits on the original site of the Great Lighthouse of Alexandria, built by Sultan Qaitbay in 1477 from stones of the ruined lighthouse. Today it holds a maritime museum. From the ramparts, wonderful views over the Mediterranean. Ticket 100 EGP.
Roman Museum and secret catacombs
Kom el-Shoqafa Catacombs (2nd century CE), a spiritual tomb on 3 underground floors. Discovered in 1900 when a donkey fell into a pit. The Roman Museum in the centre displays 40 000 pieces from the Ptolemaic and Roman eras. Two tickets 100 EGP each site.
Food and beaches
Alexandria is famous for fish — try Kadoura Cafeteria, a well-known place for grilled fish. The Mahatta Ramla district is the city centre, with a corniche stretching 20 km along the sea. Public beaches: Al-Mamurah, Al-Shatby, Sidi Bishr — free but crowded. Luxury hotels: Four Seasons San Stefano (private beach).
Getting there
From Cairo: express train (2.5 hours, 100 EGP first class) or car (3 hours, 200 EGP by shared taxi). Borg El Arab International Airport, limited flights. Best season: April–June, September–October — mild temperatures, no desert heat.