One Day in Alexandria
(read more Alexandria itineraries)
1 Day In Alexandria : Library, the Cornice, Fort Qaitbey , Pompey’s Pillar, The Roman Catacombs and the Roman Amphitheatre.
If you have only one 1 day in Alexandria, there are few better ways to get a feel for the city than by strolling along the cornice and enjoying the views across the harbour and out to the Mediterranean (download pdf map of Alexandria Cornice).
On arrival take a taxi to the Modern Library of Alexandria, the 21st century version of the ancient centre of learning. This is located the university about half way along the city’s cornice, the long road that runs parallel to the sea front.
After visiting the library start walking west along the sea front until you reach a small white castle. This is Fort QaitBey , the 15th century stronghold built on the exact same site as the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the wonders of the ancient world. The stroll will take you the best part of an hour and then another hour or so to visit the fort.
If you’re partial to a bit seafood like myself, you can walk back in the direction you came from until you reach ‘The Fish Market’ , the city’s largest and most well known seafood eatery. It makes a good lunch stop and the complex includes several other restaurants.
You then have the afternoon to explore the city’s mish mash of ancient sites. These should include the single, solitary column known as Pompey’s Pillar, the Roman Catacombs and the Roman amphitheatre, all of which are located fairly centrally.
Leave the amphitheatre until last if you’re heading back to Cairo . It is located just a stone’s throw from the entrance of the city’s main train station.
