Three Days in Alexandria
Suggested itinerary for spending 2 Days in Alexandria (read more Alexandria itineraries)
Three days in Alexandria allows the visitor the opportunity to enjoy most of the city’s sights in a relatively relaxed manned and even get out of town explore the coast.
Day 1
AM
Begin your tour at the library of Alexandria, the 21st century rebuild of the ancient and revered centre of learning of the same name (download pdf map of Alexandria Cornice).
After visiting the library, take a slow walk west along the cornice to Fort Quaitbey (45 minutes approx or 5 minutes in a taxi or microbus) which stands on the foundations of the former lighthouse of Alexandria.
For seafood lovers, 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 (read more about Egyptian food).
PM
Alexandria is home to a variety of ancient sites which can then be appreciated in the afternoon.
Consider including 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.
The evening can be spent consuming a drink or two in one of the Alexandria’s bars or pubs.
Day 2
AM
Alexandria has plenty of opportunity for shopping. Even if you plan not to buy anything, perusing the city’s various markets is a good way to fill a morning and absorb some city life.
PM
Take a taxi or microbus east along the cornice and eventually you’ll reach the large walled sanctuary of the Montaza Palace Complex. The 150 acre gardens are a marvellous place to relax and enjoy several points of interest. These include former palace residencies, beaches, sea views and the facilities of the some of the city’s most prestigious and historic hotels in Alexandria.
Day 3
A third day in Alexandria can be used as a 'beach' day during the warmer months; visiting one of the city’s many beaches and even getting further up the coast to Mamounia and Abu Qir.
Alternatively, if you have more than a passing interest in history, a day trip to El Alamein is well worth the effort.
A two hour drive west along the coast from Alex is the site of one of the most brutal and decisive battles of World War 2. Visitors can learn more about these events and how they were to change the course of the war by touring the museum and strolling through the cemeteries of the tens of thousands that lost their lives there.
Read more about visiting El Alamein.
