Alexandria Travel Guide

General Information About Alexandria

Alexandria, Egypt’s second capital, is a true Mediterranean jewel that hovers between illusion and reality, between substance and poetic images, it’s the city developed from a mere anchorage to “The Pearl of the Mediterranean”. Alexandria has first come to existence when the young Macedonian leader, Alexander the Great, chose it to become the capital of Graeco- Roman Egypt in 332 B.C. It wasn’t only an ancient Egyptian center for learning, but it was also a historical setting that witnessed the stormy relationship between Mark Antony and Cleopatra.

Shopping and Leisure in Alexandria

Like many cities in Egypt, Alexandria has discovered the wonders of modern air-conditioned shopping malls and there are a number located all around the city. As well as being home to a good selection of shops, Alexandria's numerous shopping malls are also known for their cafes, entertainment, coffee houses (ahwas) and as the place to socialise and meet up with friends.  A more traditional souk can be found on the western side of the Midan Tahrir, which can be a typically Egyptian memorable shopping experience. Most prices are quite negotiable with a little friendly haggling. The Anfoushi Quarter, situated between the fort and the palace, was once particularly notorious (as is any sea port) for its brothels, but visitors strolling through the narrow streets today can find pleasant cafes and excellent fish restaurants.    Alexandria’s cafes are a trademark of this Mediterranean city. Places where you can kill time by watching the sea and the world pass by or indulge in the delights of tea and cream cakes in the patisseries on Saad Zaghloul Square.  Stroll along to the Ras al-Tin Palace, the fortress where Farouk signed his abdication papers bringing the Egyptian monarchy to an end or watch craftsmen in small boatyards building luxury wooden boats for rich Gulf emirs using hand tools that have not changed for centuries

Borg El Arab Beach Hotel Alexandria, Egypt

Iberotel Borg El Arab, lies on Egypt’s Mediterranean Sea coast, just 52 km west of Alexandria in Egypt and a short 20 minute drive from the new Borg El Arab International Airport. Breathtaking views...

Steigenberger Cecil Hotel Alexandria, Egypt

Alexandria Tours

Alexandria Attractions

Catcomb of Kom-El-Shoquafa

The catacomb of Kom El Shoqafa is a subterranean necropolis or funerary complex. It was built during the 1st century A.D. It is remarkable for its unusual mixture of ort style, sculpture and reliefs which are images of Roman, Greek and Egyptian religious and cultural symbols. The complex was carved from the rock. It houses spaces for 300 coffins plus spaces for those who chose to be cremated. Kom El Shoqafa Catacomb is composed of three levels; the first level consists of a vestibule with a double exedra, a rotunda and a big dinning-table with chairs at three sides,

including a platform for funeral rituals, the second level was the main tomb with various surrounding corridors, magnificent statues, decorations on all proper places, images, ornate carvings and practically everything needed for a funeral hall while the third level is submerged in ground water and saturated with sand. The large number of grooves cut in the rock. Probably the catacombs were used for a single wealthy family as a private tomb and later converted to a public cemetery.

Greco-Roman Museum (currently closed)

The museum was officially opened in 1892 by Khedive Abbas Helmy the Second. Initially the museum was just a small building located on Horreya Road. In 1895 it was transferred to the present site near Gamal Abdul Nasser Road. It has been gradually enlarged in later renovation stages. The museum contains a variety of statues, bas reliefs, pottery, jewelry, coins, marble pieces & other artifacts, all of which gives a picture of grandeur of Alexandria in its Greco- Roman era.

Pompy's Pillar

Pompey Pillar is the tallest ancient monument in Alexandria (26.85 m height). It is Greek in style and made of red granite that came from Aswan. Even though it is known to the modern world as Pompey's Pillar, It was actually built in 297 AD, commemorating the victory of Roman emperor Diocletian over an Alexandrinian revolt against the Roman rule. Diocletian entered the city ordering a counter siege, but part of the result was a massive famine which he resolved by providing food for the residents and exempting them from paying taxes during their economic crises. It was believed that the ashes of the Roman general Pompey - who was murdered in 48 BCE - was once stored in a pot on top of this Pillar. At the upper part of the base an inscription in Greek that says: "To the most just Emperor, tutelary of Alexandria, Diocletian, the invincible. Posthumous the prefect of Egypt".

The National Museum of Alexandria

The National Museum of Alexandria as inaugurated the 31st of December, 2003 by President Hosni Mubarak. The Museum is housed in a restored Italian-style palace (Al-Saad Bassili Pasha Palace, built 1926) with three floors. It contains about 1.800 artifacts that narrate the story of Alexandria and Egypt. The first floor is dedicated to the Pharaonic period. Its walls was painted in dark blue walls reflecting the Egyptian symbolic color of the afterlife. This floor contains several notable statues and There is also an interesting replica of the sort discovered in the Valley of the Kings, complete with a mummy and original funerary treasures. The middle floor represents the Greco-Roman era during which Alexandria flourished. This level includes figurines of Greek women and a majestic bust of the bearded god Serapis in addition to archeological underwater excavations in Alexandria. The third floor displays Coptic, Islamic and Modern eras. There are icons of Christ and the Virgin Mary, carved tombstones and clothes with silver and gold crosses. Notable among the Islamic objects are 162 coins minted in Alexandria and religious supplies such as incense burners, chandeliers and pottery.

The Roman Amphitheatre

The Roman Amphitheatre is located in the modern area of Kom El-Dikaa in Alexandria. It is the only known amphitheatre for Roman Era in Egypt. It took over 30 years of excavation until many Roman remains were uncovered among them this well-preserved theatre with galleries, sections of mosaic-flooring, and marble seats for up to 800 spectators.
The theater consists of 13 semi circle open- air tiers and it has no curtain, just a stone platform. Mostly it was used for musical performances however the Inscriptions

suggest that it was sometimes also used for wrestling contests.

Alexandria Holidays

Around Egypt in 15 Days - 14 Nights Luxor, Cairo, Alexandria, Hurghada

15 Days / 14 Nights

Let us take you on a journey across beautiful Egypt to experience the diversity it has to offer. From cruising the Nile from Luxor to Aswan, followed by a visit to Cairo and Alexandria; to unwinding by the Red Sea, under the shining sun in Hurghada.

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An Alexander the Great Tour - 7 Nights Cairo, Alexandria, Mersa Matruh, Bahariya Oasis

8 Days / 7 Nights

An expedition in search of excitement; start off the fun from Cairo, to Alexandria, to the Sahara. Adventurous mornings, with lots to see and discover, followed by glittering stars at night.

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North Coast of Egypt - 7 Nights Cairo, Alexandria, Mersa Matruh, Siwa

8 Days / 7 Nights

Experience the North Coast of Egypt in an exciting road trip from Cairo to Alexandria, passing by Alamein to Marsa Matruh to Siwa and more.

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Explore Egypt in 15 Days - 14 Nights Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Marsa Alam

15 Days / 14 Nights

A beautiful journey across Egypt, starting off by Cairo & Alexandria followed by a fascinating cruise down the Nile from Luxor to Aswan; at the end of the journey, unwind by the Red Sea, under the shining sun in Masra Alam.

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Scuba Diving in Alexandria, the Red Sea

Sharm El Sheikh lies at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula in the Red Sea. It offers a variety of dive sites from reefs and walls to wrecks. The climate is hot, the water is warm and clear, and the reefs are covered in life. Diving is readily available everywhere and there are nearly fifty dive Centers in the region. More Europeans learn to dive here than anywhere else in the world and diving is ideal for beginners. Whatever your experience, dive Centers require you to do one local dive before they will take you on a boat trip in order to give you an opportunity to orient yourself to Red Sea diving.

Shopping and Leisure in Alexandria

For those who love to shop, Sharm El-Sheikh provides ample opportunities to indulge in retail therapy. Sharm El Sheikh is famous for producing jewellery, leather goods and rugs. Expect to haggle when shopping in Sharm El Sheikh! It is all part of the experience and the shop owners will be shocked if you don’t try to negotiate! The majority of shops and shopping centres are based in Naama Bay but Sharm Old Market is great for hunting out bargains. If you want real value for money you should go south-west to Dahab which is less busy and less commercialised than Sharm.

There is more to Sharm El-Sheikh than beaches, sea and shopping of course. It’s a well developed area that feels “European” with refined hotels, facilities and amenities. Sharm el Sheikh has a fantastic range of restaurants, bars and cafes to visit as well as the hotels own all inclusive menus. The market area in Old Sharm is popular for its abundance of seafood restaurants and cheap prices. For those wanting a romantic evening, head to the” On Deck” restaurant in the Iberotel Lido hotel in Naama Bay where you can dine on a pontoon overlooking the water. The Il Mercato promenade, often called “Les Champs Elysee” of Sinai close to the Iberotel IL Mercato Hotel offers a varied selection of excellent cafes and restaurants.

There’s even an 18-hole Championship golf course in Jolie Ville Golf Resort, located only five kilometres from the main hotels in Sharm el Sheikh which is open to non guests. It includes a driving range and artificial lakes and is a perfect escape for those who love the game.

Alexandria Nightlife

Pacha

Pacha is situated in the of Naama bay , and is the premier party place in Sharm El Sheikh that embodies the essence of the Pacha spirit with a twist of mystical Arabia added for pure indulgence.

Little Buddha

Little Buddha is located in the heart of Naama Bay , and being one of the hottest venues in Sharm El Sheikh, it provides its clientele with the finest dining experience, an eclectic atmosphere, sublime surroundings, and the latest sounds from around the globe.

Hard Rock Cafe

When in Egypt, knock the Sinai sand from your sandals and settle into the Hard Rock Cafe Sharm El Sheikh for a tall cool drink to quench your parched throat. The restaurant's huge guitar and sky dome act as an oasis beckoning every desert denizen to a good time. It provides a fascinating atmosphere and mouthwatering dishes.

Camel Bar

It is a two-storey restaurant/bar that offers both indoor and outdoor areas. The lower floor is an ideal venue for those willing to indulge in a drink along with lively music, while the top floor overlooks Naama Bay and offers a more relaxing atmosphere with number of sumptuous international dishes and shisha.