Best Attractions in Alexandria

We've curated a list of 9 iconic landmarks and must-see sites. To experience them all properly, you'll need about 21 hours of exploration time.

MUST SEE 3h

Bibliotheca Alexandrina
مكتبة الإسكندرية

Standing as a modern beacon of knowledge on the Mediterranean shore, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is far more than a mere library. It is a stunning architectural homage to its legendary ancient predecessor, offering visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and innovation. Within its iconic structure, you will find an expansive reading room, various specialized museums, and a planetarium that invites exploration. It serves as a vital cultural hub where the past meets the present, housing everything from rare manuscripts to digital archives. Visiting this landmark allows you to walk through a space dedicated to the preservation of human thought and creativity. Whether you are browsing its vast collection or admiring the striking exterior carved with ancient scripts, the experience is deeply enriching.

Did you know?

At the time of its completion, the library main reading room, spanning 20,000 square metres, was the largest of its kind in the world.
view Bibliotheca Alexandrina guide
MUST SEE 2h

Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
مقابر كوم الشقافة

Step into the depths of Alexandria and uncover a subterranean marvel that merges three distinct ancient civilisations into one breathtaking site. The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa offer a hauntingly beautiful window into the past, where Roman, Greek, and Egyptian influences collide in ornate stone carvings and mysterious burial chambers. Wander through the spiralling staircase and explore the triclinium, where ancient mourners once shared banquets in memory of their departed loved ones. This site represents a unique historical bridge that showcases the complex identity of the city. Every corner reveals intricate details, from snake guardians to the mummifying Anubis dressed in Roman armour, providing an experience unlike any other in Egypt. Its discovery by an accident involving a local donkey only adds to the intrigue surrounding this monumental underground world.

Did you know?

A triclinium or funeral banquet hall contains stone couches where relatives would gather to dine in honour of their deceased kin.
view Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa guide
MUST SEE 1h

Colossal Pompey's Pillar
عمود السواري

Standing tall as the only ancient monument in Alexandria still in its original location, Pompey's Pillar is a breathtaking sight that captures the city's Roman legacy. This massive red granite column reaches toward the sky from the ruins of the ancient Serapeum, offering a quiet space for reflection amidst the modern city. You will be amazed by the sheer scale of the monolith, which was carved from a single block of stone in Aswan and transported hundreds of miles. While its name suggests a link to the general Pompey, it actually honours Emperor Diocletian and was once topped by a towering statue in his likeness. Visiting here allows you to walk through the remnants of a sanctuary that was once considered one of the most magnificent in the world. It is an essential stop for anyone wanting to feel the true weight of Alexandria's long and layered history.

Did you know?

Legend says this daring feat by sailors from HMS Pandour gave rise to the nickname Pompey for the English naval city of Portsmouth.
view Colossal Pompey's Pillar guide