Journey Through the Ages: Things to See in Alexandria, Egypt

Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you journey through the ages in Alexandria, Egypt, ensuring seamless communication while exploring its ancient landmarks, historic sites, and rich cultural heritage.

Carved into the bedrock beneath a humble Alexandrian donkey stable lies a sprawling subterranean world: the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa Alexandria. These 2nd-century tombs, one of the top Alexandria, Egypt, tourist attractions, are a fascinating fusion of Egyptian, Greek and Roman funerary traditions.

Ready to uncover more ancient treasures in this storied Mediterranean city? Let’s explore the best things to do in Alexandria, Egypt – a captivating blend of Pharaonic monuments, Greco-Roman relics and modern-day marvels along the glistening coast.

1. Descend into the Catacombs of Alexandria

• Venture 35 meters underground into the catacombs’ three levels of tombs and chambers

• Marvel at the central rotunda with its magnificent domed ceiling and ornate sarcophagi

• Spot the enigmatic serpent crown of the “bearded” Egyptian-style goddess at the entrance

• Look for the cobra and winged sun-disk motifs, signature elements of ancient Egyptian art

• Admission: Rs. 441 for foreigners, Rs. 22 for Egyptians. Open daily 9 am-5 pm.

Insider Tip: Hire one of the multilingual guides at the entrance for an illuminating tour through the labyrinthine burial site.

2. Pay Homage at Pompey’s Pillar

• Stand in awe of this 25-meter red Aswan granite column, the largest of its kind outside Rome

• Ponder the pillar’s perplexing name – it was actually built in AD 292, long after Pompey’s death

• Explore the remains of the mammoth Serapeum temple complex where the column towers

• Spot sphinxes and other relics scattered around the archaeological site

• Admission: Rs. 88 for foreigners, Rs. 11 for locals. Open daily 9 am-4 pm.

Nearby, delve further back in time at the ancient Apis bull catacombs – the sacred burial site of the bulls of Ptah, the Memphite god of creation.

3. Stroll Along the Corniche

• Take in the fresh Mediterranean air as you amble along this scenic 15-km waterfront promenade

• Stop for a mint tea or kahwa (coffee) at a café and watch the white sails flutter in the marina

• Pack a picnic lunch and relax in the lush gardens lining the Eastern Harbour

• Snap a photo with the “I ♡ Alex” sign, an icon of the recent corniche renovation

• Go for a dip at one of the public beaches like Miami or Mandara

Don’t Miss: The 15th-century Qaitbay Citadel, a sturdy fortress built on the ruins of the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria, rising proudly on the harbour front.

4. Dive into Ancient Underwater Ruins

• Plunge into Alexandria’s submerged royal quarters in the Eastern Harbour

• See the ruins of Queen Cleopatra’s palace, catastrophically toppled by earthquakes

• Swim amongst sunken sphinxes, statues, columns, amphorae and ancient walls

• Envision the reconstructed glories and treasures at the award-winning Underwater Museum

• Book a guided diving tour to explore sites like the Lighthouse of Alexandria ruins

Fun Fact: The Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, towered over 110 meters tall until its collapse in a 14th-century earthquake.

5. Marvel at the Modern Library of Alexandria

• Admire the striking disc-shaped architecture of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a revival of the city’s ancient centre of learning

• See ancient mosaics and a diorama imagining the original library in the Antiquities Museum

• Attend a planetarium show, art exhibition or concert at the cultural complex

• Browse the book stacks containing over 8 million tomes in multiple languages

• Stroll the lively Biblioteca plaza, a popular local gathering spot

• Open daily. Guided tours are available. Modest dress required.

Did You Know? The Royal Library of Alexandria, established around 300 BC, contained hundreds of thousands of papyrus scrolls and attracted scholars from all over the ancient world.

6. Feast on Fresh Seafood

• Savor the catch of the day at one of the many open-air fish restaurants near the Corniche

• Try traditional dishes like sayyadiya (spiced fish on rice) or Samak mashy (grilled fish)

• Watch the fishing boats bobbing in the harbour as you dine at the waterside Kadoura Restaurant

• Tuck into a spread of mezze, dips, salads and seafood with an ice-cold Stella (local lager) at Balbaa

• Cool down with gelato or fresh mango juice for dessert as you watch the sky turn pink over the sea

Foodie Tip: Ask for the daily specials and let the waiter recommend the freshest seasonal catch.

Getting Around Alexandria

• The historic yellow and blue trams are an iconic (and picturesque) way to travel the coast

• Most Alexandria Egypt tourist attractions are walkable from the city center

• Consider hiring a private guide or driver to get around efficiently and avoid haggling

When to Visit

• November to April is ideal with mild temperatures around 18-24°C

• July and August are hot and humid with highs of 30°C. Sea breezes help!

• Beaches are busiest June-September. Go early to stake out a spot on the sand

• The two multi-day Eid festivals see an influx of domestic tourists

Seasonal Suggestions: Spring for the Mawlid al-Nabi (Prophet’s Birthday) festivities, summer for beach-bumming, or winter for crisp, clear days perfect for sightseeing.

Stay Connected with Airtel as You Explore Alexandria

With so many incredible things to do in Alexandria Egypt, you’ll want to share every moment of your journey through the ages. But there’s nothing like exorbitant roaming charges to jolt you back to the 21st century in a hurry.

Luckily, Airtel’s prepaid international roaming plans have you covered. Get reliable, high-speed data and calling minutes so you can Google facts about the catacombs of Alexandria, find your way to Pompey’s Pillar with Maps, and video chat with friends back home from the Corniche – all without breaking the bank.

So dive into Alexandria’s treasures with confidence, knowing Airtel has your back. The only thing you need to worry about is what wonder you’ll encounter next in this eternally captivating city by the sea.