Alexandria, the city on the Mediterranean

About Alexandria, the city on the Mediterranean

By the ULTIMATE Cairo Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

Alexandria, founded by Alexander the Great, faces the Mediterranean across the curve of its Eastern Harbour. The Citadel of Qaitbay, a 15th-century fortress, stands where the Pharos lighthouse once rose; the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, opened in 2002, revives the name of the ancient library; and on the harbour the Steigenberger Cecil Hotel has stood since 1929.

The harbour

The Corniche and the Citadel of Qaitbay.

The library

The Bibliotheca Alexandrina, with its museums and reading room.

Take the morning train from Ramses Station and walk the Corniche.

Getting there

Trains from Ramses Station (Egyptian National Railways), or by car on the Desert Road.

Our advice: eat fish by the sea and stay for the sunset over the harbour.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Alexandria, the city on the Mediterranean before you go.