What to see and do in Alexandria

What to visit in Alexandria · history and the Mediterranean

• Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa
• Qaitbay Citadel
• Bibliotheca Alexandrina

PLACES AND EXPERIENCES

What to do in Alexandria · history and the Mediterranean

heritage

Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa

The underground funerary site of Kom el-Shoqafa is its own archaeological visit within Alexandria, with different conditions from the open-air monuments.

Activities for your visit

• Tour the visitable areas of the catacombs.
• Observe its funerary architecture and authorized decoration.

Tips for this place

• Check the conditions of stairs and underground spaces before entering.
• Follow the photography and conservation rules of the venue.

Book tickets ↗

Official reserve of the Kom el-Shoqafa catacombs. Confirm the enabled levels and conditions of the underground route.

Reference sources and location

• EgyMonuments · Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa

Orientative reference of the place; it does not indicate a gate, ticket office, pier or an accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 31.186944, 29.904722.

Wikidata Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa

heritage

Qaitbay Citadel

The Mamluk fortress was built on the site of the old lighthouse of Alexandria. Its walls and tower remind us of the city's maritime defense.

Activities for your visit

• Get to know the patios and visitable spaces of the fort.
• Contemplate the port environment from the permitted areas.

Tips for this place

• Distinguish the access to the fort from the external walk through the port.
• Special projects or shows are not presumed included.

Book tickets ↗

Official entrance to the Qaitbay Citadel. It corresponds to the strong; Check the enabled areas and do not assume that they include special activities.

Reference sources and location

• Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Qaitbay Fort

Orientative reference of the place; it does not indicate a gate, ticket office, pier or an accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 31.213, 29.8852.

Wikidata Citadel of Qaitbay

culture

Bibliotheca Alexandrina

The contemporary library combines reading spaces, exhibitions and museums with different admission modalities. Tourist visits follow their own age and access conditions.

Activities for your visit

• Know the permitted areas of the contemporary building.
• Choose between general and combined admission depending on the museums you want to visit.

Tips for this place

• General tickets are purchased at the box office; A guided tour reservation is not the ticket for admission.
• Check age restrictions and access to the reading room.

Check access ↗

Official admission information: purchase at the box office and general or combined modalities. The Planetarium requires its own entrance; Guided tours have specific reservations and conditions.

Reference sources and location

• Bibliotheca Alexandrina · Admission

Orientative reference of the place; it does not indicate a gate, ticket office, pier or an accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 31.208889, 29.909167.

Wikidata · Bibliotheca Alexandrina

A PROPOSAL TO ORGANIZE YOURSELF

2-day itinerary in Alexandria · history and the Mediterranean

1. Day 1

   Catacombs and fortress

   Organize the two visits with their independent entrances and transportation between the underground area and the port.

2. Day 2

   Bibliotheca Alexandrina

   Choose general or combined admission and confirm which areas your group can visit based on age and conditions of the day.

Tips for visiting Alexandria · history and the Mediterranean

• Calculate the urban routes between the three places.
• The library has its own ticket office and admission options; check its age restrictions.

LOCAL FLAVORS

What to eat in Alexandria · history and the Mediterranean

Beans, rice, herbs and layered doughs: six preparations to discover Egyptian cuisine during your trip. The photographs show reference versions of each dish.

Egypt · Popular cuisine

Koshari

Rice, pasta, lentils and chickpeas together with garlic tomato sauce and fried onion. A strong combination of everyday Egyptian cuisine.

Reference: Experience Egypt · Cuisine and culture

Egypt · Breakfast with baladi bread

Ful medames

Slowly cooked and seasoned broad beans, served with baladi bread. A traditional breakfast that allows different accompaniments.

Reference: Experience Egypt · Cuisine and culture

Egypt · Fried beans

Taameya · Egyptian falafel

Fried discs of ground beans with aromatic herbs. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they are part of the Egyptian breakfast repertoire.

Reference: Experience Egypt · Cuisine and culture

Egypt · Green leaf soup

Molokhia

Soup of finely chopped molokhia leaves, flavored with garlic and coriander. It can be served over rice or accompanied by bread.

Reference: Experience Egypt · Cuisine and culture

Egypt · Rolls to share

Stuffed grape leaves · Wara enab

Grape leaves rolled around herbed rice; some versions add meat. They are cooked in broth and are usually prepared to share.

Reference: Experience Egypt · Cuisine and culture

Egypt Dough in thin layers

Feteer meshaltet

Laminated dough with butter between its layers, which can be accompanied with sweet or savory ingredients. A specialty of Egyptian rural tradition.

Reference: Experience Egypt · Cuisine and culture