Alexandria
Egypt
- Bibliotheca Alexandrina
- Citadel of Qaitbay
- Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
- Pompey's Pillar
- Montaza Palace
About Alexandria
Alexandria, on the Mediterranean, was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC and under the Ptolemies became one of the great cultural centres of the ancient world. Today it is Egypt's second-largest city.
The long Corniche, the Citadel of Qaitbay on the site of the ancient Pharos lighthouse, the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina and Roman-era catacombs define its character.
How many days do you need?
Two days is enough: one for the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Corniche and the Citadel of Qaitbay, and one for the Kom El Shoqafa catacombs, Pompey's Pillar and the Montaza gardens. A day trip from Cairo is also possible.
Where to stay
- Corniche and centre — Sea-view hotels close to the historic sights.
- Montaza and the east coast — Quieter, with gardens and beachside hotels.
From the airport to the city
The city's international airport (formerly Borg El Arab, HBE) is about 25 miles southwest of the centre. Taxis, ride-hailing cars or hotel transfers run into town. Trains also connect the city with Cairo.
Getting around
The city stretches along the coast; taxis and ride-hailing cars are the most practical option on the Corniche. A historic tram line also serves some districts.
Good to know
- Summer brings heavy domestic crowds; spring and autumn are more comfortable.
- Cover shoulders and knees when entering mosques; women should carry a headscarf.
- The currency is the Egyptian pound. Check current official travel advisories before you go.
Useful links
- Experience Egypt (Egyptian tourism) egypt.travel
When to go?
Best time to visit for the weather: November–April. The warmest month is August (average high 94 °F); the wettest is January (1.0 in).
Monthly climate
| Month | Avg. high °F | Rain in | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 65.8 | 0.99 | Ideal |
| February | 67.8 | 0.69 | Ideal |
| March | 72.9 | 0.86 | Ideal |
| April | 79.3 | 0.56 | Ideal |
| May | 86.0 | 0.04 | Good |
| June | 91.2 | 0.02 | Very hot |
| July | 93.6 | 0.03 | Very hot |
| August | 94.3 | 0.00 | Very hot |
| September | 91.2 | 0.02 | Very hot |
| October | 84.7 | 0.29 | Good |
| November | 77.0 | 0.63 | Ideal |
| December | 69.4 | 0.88 | Ideal |
Source: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis), 2005–2024 monthly averages of daily high temperature and total rainfall. Values are estimates for an area of about 50 km and may differ from the city-centre weather station.
Public holidays 2027
- Christmas DayJanuary 7
- National Police DayJanuary 25
- Revolution Day 2011January 25
- End of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr) *March 9 (3 days)
- Sinai Liberation DayApril 25
- Labour DayMay 1
- Sham El NessimMay 3
- Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) *May 16 (4 days)
- Islamic New Year *June 6
- 30 June DayJune 30
- Revolution DayJuly 23
- Birthday of Muhammad (Mawlid) *August 14
- Armed Forces DayOctober 6
* Date follows the lunar calendar and may shift by a few days.
Sources: date-holidays and python-holidays open data projects; for Northern Cyprus, its public holidays law.
Practical info
- CurrencyEgyptian Pound (£)
- Dialling code+20
- Plugs & voltageType C, F · 220 V · 50 Hz
- EmergencyPolice 122 · Ambulance 123 · Fire 180
- DrivingOn the right
Sources: IEC plug types, Wikidata, Wikipedia; unverified details are left blank.