Hi everyone!
I’m looking to book a tour in Egypt, and of course want to see the classic sights in Giza, and on the Nile cruise (Luxor, Abu Simbel etc). But I would also like to see Alexandria, mainly for the history, and just the fact it was founded by Alexander the great!
I don’t really see much about Alexandria, and all the tours I see that include this just go there for a day trip. This makes me think maybe there is not as much to see and do as I would expect? But one day doesn’t seem like much time, considering the drive from Cairo is 3 hours one way. So I’m considering doing this independently and stay a couple of nights instead.
Can anyone who has been there weigh in and tell me how they found it? Was it worth it? Is one day enough?
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I visited Alexandria last year and honestly, I’m really glad I made the trip! It definitely has a different vibe from Cairo, it is more relaxed, with a coastal charm and rich history. Highlight for me was Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa - looked very mysterious! But there are definitely other historic sites that are magnificent.
I would say generally one day is enough, but it can feel a bit rushed. If you have the ability to stay there one or two nights, that will be perfect! Gives you time to see the sites at an easy pace.
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Thanks @Tanya2525 - it sounds so good there, I’ll definitely check out the Catacombs you recommended! And good to know a day is doable 
I did it as a day trip and have to say I was a bit disappointed with it. We went to the library and the catacombs. Had a fantastic lunch overlooking the sea. It’s a long drive from Cairo so I really wouldn’t recommend it unless you’ve got a lot of spare time. I’m not sure what you would do there for three days.
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Thanks @traveler_1016012 - good to know how you found it. This is what was putting me off doing it for 1 day, it seems like such a long drive from Cairo, but it sounds like there isn’t much to do for any longer!
I’ve just returned from 2 weeks in Egypt and did decided to go to Alexandria so wanted to come back and give my view now!
The trip was part of a 5 day private tour tour I took in and around Cairo. -so it was just 1 day. The drive really was not bad at all, only took 2.5 hours as we left at 7am and it went quickly, and obviously being driven around was so easy that it was almost relaxing to drive there and back (after a hectic few days before).
Was 1 day enough?
- In my opinion, yes. As far as history or ‘big sights’ are concerned, you can see these in a day/few hours. Im’m sure there is much more to explore, but unless you have seen the other many sights around the country, 1 day is enough to get a sense and see the highlights.
What was Alexandria like?
- It had it’s own mediterranean vibe to it, quite different from Cairo, quieter, more relaxed, some European architecture, it seemed like a bit of a cultural and intellectual hot spot in Egypt and the huge Bibliotheca Alexandrina has likely impacted this, as well as the history and mixed culture that grew the city.
Was it worth it?
- Of course, this is a subjective question, my partner who love history and travelling to historical places loved it and in his view was it is a must see. After all, it was the capital of Egypt for a long time, founded by Alexander the Great, lived in by Cleopatra and Mark Antony, as well as a base for Julius Ceaser - and this really shows in some of the sites - and how this changed ancient Egyptian norms. For me, not such a history buff, it was still fascinating to see, and actually taught me a lot, was nice to see a different side to Egypt too - its not like anywhere else we saw. If you have limited time, in my opinion not a must see like the ancient Egyptian sites, but if you are spending 10-14 days in Egypt, I would include it for sure.
Highlight
- Catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa - this was my favourite visit. What I loved about it was the artwork and architecture mixing the Egyptian, Greek and Roman styles and how they integrated and even created their own gods for the city to keep different factions happy. We had an amazing local guide explaining and showing us all of this, without her I don’t think I would have appreciated it so much.
Other sights
- We also visited the Citadel of Qaitbay which was once the site of the Light House Of Alexandria. While the building itself was interesting to look around, the exhibit showing the fallen lighthouse under the sea just beyond the building, and knowing the granite used in the construction was once the lighthouse was interesting. It had some nice views from the wall too!
- We had a quick glimpse at Pompei’s Pillar and visited the very impressive library, which had multiple art, history and cultural exhibitions, showcasing some Egyptian writers, artists and movie directors, so it was good to also appreciate modern Egypt.
- We also had free time to explore the Roman Amphitheatre (the only one in Egypt), which is more likely an auditorium, which also were the grounds of a Roman School. With Alexandria being known as the hub of intellects in ancient Greek/Roman times, i can only imagine who would have learned, written and taught at this school.
They are still excavating around Alexandria, and considering these sites were all found beneath ground level, I think there will be much more to find! Overall, I would recommend visiting if you have the time, just don’t skip some of the major Ancient Egyptian sites to do it!
We hired a driver from Cairo and visited Alexandria for a (long) day, via El-Alamein; about 100km west of Alexandria.
To be honest, one day wasn’t enough for me and I’d like to go back to Alexandria; to drive along the coast from Alexandria to Port Said, then down to Ismailia and Suez.
I do so enjoy scenic drives.
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I spent 2 days in Alexandria, and for me it was not enough. it’s a cool place with a few sights to see and if you have time 3 days will be enough. Do not miss Alexandria Library
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