Alexandria, Port settlement in northern Egypt
Alexandria is a port city on the Mediterranean coast in northern Egypt, stretching more than 70 kilometers along the shoreline. The urban layout follows a grid pattern between the sea and Lake Mariut, with wide avenues running parallel to the waterfront.
Alexander the Great founded the city in 331 BCE as one of his strongholds during the conquest of Egypt. Under Ptolemaic rule, it became the main center for trade and scholarship in the eastern Mediterranean.
In the street cafes, locals gather for backgammon and tea while families stroll along the Corniche in the late afternoon. Fishermen sell their catch directly at the harbor, and the local cuisine revolves around fresh seafood prepared in restaurants according to traditional recipes.
Access to the waterfront promenade is possible at several points, with the main areas most active during daytime hours. Many of the public spaces and museums are located close to one another in the central section, making them reachable on foot.
Underwater off the coast lie remains of the Ptolemaic palaces that collapsed into the sea during earthquakes in the fourth century. Divers today can swim among columns, statues, and paving stones that are more than 2000 years old.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Photo license: CC BY-SA 3.0
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
1.7 km
Citadel of Qaitbay
1.8 km
Faculty of Arts, Alexandria University
1.9 km
Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
1.6 km
Serapeum of Alexandria
1.9 km
Borg El Arab Stadium
27.3 km
Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria
489 m
Montaza Palace
15.2 km
Pompey's Pillar
1.9 km
Stanley Bridge
6.5 km
Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral
415 m
Royal Jewelry Museum
7.9 km
Ras el-Tin Palace
2.5 kmCaesareum of Alexandria
446 m
Roman Theatre of Alexandria
986 m
Abu Mena
45.6 km
Lake Mariout
5.1 km
El-Mursi Abul Abbas Mosque
1.4 km
Alexandria Zoo
4.7 km
Alexandria National Museum
1.7 km
Pharos
1.9 km
Alexandria Aquarium
1.8 km
Graeco-Roman Museum
1.1 km
Palais d’Antoniadis
5.3 kmHeptastadion
969 m
Monastery of Saint Mina
44.2 km
Africa Safari Park
49.4 km
Alexandria Naval Unknown Soldier Memorial
160 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes