Pearl of the Mediterranean 🌟: Alexandria, the dazzling port city of Egypt, is a treasure trove of history and charm. Once home to the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the renowned Great Library, now beautifully echoed in the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. 🏛️✨ Though parts of ancient Alexandria now lie beneath the waves or modern structures, glimpses of its glorious past and fascinating underwater discoveries are still waiting to be explored.
While Alexandria is packed with must-see sights that could easily fill two days, if you’re short on time and have just 24 hours, this itinerary will help you make the most of your whirlwind adventure! 🚀🌊
Pompey's Pillar stands tall at 30 metres, towering over the remnants of ancient Rhakotis, the original settlement from which Alexandria emerged. 🏛️🌟 This colossal column rises above the ruins of the once-majestic Temple of Serapeum. ⛪✨
Open from 09:00 to 16:30, with tickets available at the entrance, a visit here takes less than 30 minutes. 🕰️
The Temple of Serapeum and Pompey's Pillar are must-visit historical treasures in Alexandria. 🏛️✨ The Temple of Serapeum, once a grand ancient structure, now lies in ruins, adding to its mystique. Adjacent to it stands Pompey's Pillar, a towering 30-metre column that offers a glimpse into Alexandria’s past. 🌟📜 Explore these iconic sites to uncover the rich history of the city.
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2. Catacombs Of Kom El Shoqafa 💀🔦
Just a short stroll from Pompey's Pillar, or a quick 5-minute Uber or Careem ride, you'll discover the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa. 🚖🔍 These Roman-era underground burial chambers, dating back to the 2nd century AD, are accessed via a spiral staircase, and the deceased were once lowered through a circular shaft by rope. 🕯️⚰️
Open from 09:00 to 16:00, with tickets available at the entrance, a visit here typically takes about an hour. 🕰️
The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are an intriguing glimpse into ancient Alexandria’s burial practices. 🕯️⚰️ These 2nd-century Roman underground chambers feature a spiral staircase and circular shafts where bodies were once lowered. 🌿🔍 They offer a fascinating hour-long exploration of ancient necropolis architecture and history.
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3. Citadel Of Qaitbay 🏰🌊
Perched on the Mediterranean coast, this historic fortress was constructed in 1480 by Mamluk Sultan Qaitbay, rising from the ruins of Alexandria's ancient lighthouse. 🏰🌊
The Citadel is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00, with tickets available at the entrance. A visit typically takes about an hour. ⏱️🌟
The Citadel of Qaitbay is a stunning fortress overlooking the Mediterranean in Alexandria. 🏰🌊 Built in 1480 by Sultan Qaitbay on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, this historic stronghold offers panoramic views and a glimpse into Egypt’s military past. 🌟🔭 A visit here usually takes about an hour, and tickets are available at the entrance.
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4. Alexandria National Museum 🏛️📜
Next, head to this charming museum, nestled in a beautifully restored Italian villa, which offers a concise overview of Alexandria's rich history. 🏛️✨ Although small, it’s meticulously organised and well-labelled. If you’re short on time, feel free to visit it the following day. 📅
The museum is open from 09:00 to 16:30, with tickets available at the entrance for EGP 100 for adults and EGP 50 for students (EGP 20 and EGP 5 for Egyptians). 🎟️🕰️ A tour here takes around an hour.
The Alexandria National Museum is a captivating journey through the city's rich history. 🏛️✨ Housed in a beautifully restored Italian villa, the museum showcases a well-organised collection of artefacts that highlight Alexandria's ancient and medieval past. 🌟🗺️ It’s a perfect spot to explore in about an hour.
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5. Bibliotheca Alexandrina 📚🏛️
Once home to one of the world’s largest and most renowned libraries, Alexandria earned its reputation as a hub of knowledge and learning. 📚✨
Today, the spirit of the Great Library lives on in the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, which functions as both a library and a museum. Inside, you’ll find fascinating exhibits like the Antiques Museum, the Manuscript Museum, and a Planetarium. 🌟🔭
The library is open from 10:00 to 19:00 daily, with extended hours on Fridays from 14:00 to 19:00 and Saturdays from 12:00 to 16:00. 🎟️ Aim to spend between 1 to 3 hours exploring this cultural treasure.
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a modern marvel and a tribute to the ancient Great Library of Alexandria. 📚🌟 This architectural gem not only serves as a library but also houses museums, including the Antiquities Museum and Manuscript Museum, as well as a Planetarium. 🌍🔭 It offers a fascinating experience, with tickets available at the entrance. Aim to spend between 1 to 3 hours exploring its cultural and educational treasures.
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6. Montaza Palace 👑🏰
Wrap up your day with a visit to Montaza Palace, originally built in 1932 as a summer retreat for the Khedive. 🏰🌴 While the palace itself is off-limits, you can explore its beautiful surrounding gardens, enjoy the nearby beach, and take advantage of the numerous cafes and restaurants. ☕🍽️
It’s a perfect spot for a relaxing picnic amidst lush greenery and stunning sea views. 🌊🌳
Open from 08:00 to 00:00, entry tickets are EGP 25. Depending on your activities, you could spend anywhere from 15 minutes to 1.5 hours here.
Montaza Palace, built in 1932 as a summer retreat for the Khedive, is a picturesque spot on the Mediterranean coast. 🏰🌴 Although the palace itself is not open to the public, you can enjoy its lush gardens, a lovely beach, and numerous cafes and restaurants in the area. ☕🌊 It’s an ideal place for a relaxing stroll or a picnic. You can spend anywhere from 15 minutes to 1.5 hours here, depending on your activities. 🌟🌳
Trianon Patisserie in Alexandria is a delightful spot for sweet indulgence. 🍰✨ This charming patisserie is renowned for its exquisite pastries, cakes, and savoury treats. 🥐🎂 The elegant setting and delectable offerings make it a perfect place to enjoy a coffee break or a special treat. Whether you’re a fan of classic sweets or looking to try something new, Trianon Patisserie is a must-visit for dessert lovers. 🌟☕
A go-to breakfast spot for people in Alexandria and anyone visiting. Mohamed Ahmed in Alexandria is a beloved local eatery famous for its authentic Egyptian cuisine. 🍽️✨ With a menu featuring mouthwatering dishes like koshari and taameya, it's a great spot to dive into traditional flavours. 🌯🍛 The warm, inviting atmosphere and generous portions make it a favourite among locals and visitors alike. For a genuine taste of Alexandria, Mohamed Ahmed is the place to be! 🌟🥙
Skyroof in Alexandria offers an unforgettable dining experience with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. 🌅🍽️ This stylish rooftop restaurant serves up a range of delicious dishes, from fresh seafood to international favourites, all while you soak in the stunning panorama. 🌟🍤 The chic atmosphere and exceptional service make Skyroof a perfect spot for a memorable meal or a special celebration. 🌟🥂
Hello! I’m Farah, an adventurer at heart from the vibrant land of Egypt 🇪🇬, and I’m passionate about discovering the world 🌍 one destination at a time. I’ve been fortunate to live in three incredible countries—Egypt, Morocco, and Spain—which have shaped my love for travel and deepened my connection to different cultures 🌏. Each place has left a unique imprint on me, from the bustling streets of Cairo, the enchanting medinas of Morocco, to the vibrant Spanish coastlines.
Travelling has become my way of connecting with diverse cultures, uncovering hidden histories 📜, and meeting fascinating people from every corner of the globe 🌟. Whether it’s diving into a country’s rich history or getting to know its locals, I love soaking up the unique energy each place offers.
I’m also passionate about languages 🗣, seeing them as gateways to better understanding a culture’s essence. That’s part of the reason I created *The Egyptian Traveller* ✈️. Through my platform, I aim to inspire others, particularly solo travellers 🚶♀️, to embark on their own journeys of discovery. I share travel guides, stories, advice, and tailored itineraries to make trip planning enjoyable and stress-free ✨.
Whilst I haven’t been everywhere yet, every corner of the map 🗺 is calling my name, and I can’t wait to explore it all. Join me on this thrilling adventure, and let’s make your travel dreams a reality! 🌟
