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Alexandria Travel Guide & Information


Alexandria, second largest city in Egypt, is a Middle Eastern city with a Mediterranean feel and ambience that distances it from the rest of the region. Founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great, this ancient city`s status as a beacon of culture has been symbolized by Pharos which was one of the wonders of the world. Alexandria of today is a cosmopolitan city that has established itself as a center of commerce for the entire nation. Full of cultural and historical attractions, this city welcomes hordes of travelers from around the world who visit it to capture glimpses of its glorious past. Alexandria is also worth a visit for its Coptic cathedral, temple ruins, magnificent mosques and world class museums that make it a city like no other in the world.

Things to do in Alexandria

Home to many natural, historical and modern attractions, Alexandria is one of the most sought after travel destinations in Egypt. Known as "The Pearl of the Mediterranean", Alexandria is a fascinating city that attracts millions of travelers per year from around the globe. Take a cheap flight to Alexandria and be in the midst of wonderful sights and attractions, such as:
Citadel of Qaitbay:The Citadel of Qaitbay is one of the most iconic historical monuments of Alexandria. Built in 1477 AD by Mameluke Sultan Abdul-Nasser Qa`it Bay, this fortress overlooks the city and the Mediterranean Sea. Built in 1480, the citadel was built by Sultan Qaitbay to protect the city from attacks by the sea crusaders.
Roman Theatre:This Roman amphitheater featuring 13 semi-circular tiers made of gray and white marble was built in the 2nd century AD. The theater can house close to 800 spectators at a time.
Alexandria National Museum:The Alexandria National Museum is the history museum with more than 1800 archaeological pieces belonging to different eras. The basement of the museum displays items from pre-historic and Pharonic times whereas the first and second floor are dedicated to the Graeco-Roman period and the Coptic and Islamic era respectively.
El-Mursi Abul-Abbas Mosque:Built by the Algerians in 1775, this mosque is built over the tomb of El-Mursi Abul-Abbas, the renowned Sufi saint of 13th century. The walls of the mosque dressed in stones and the 73 meter tall minarets are the major draws of this mosque.

Where to Stay in Alexandria

Offering a great array of hotels in all price brackets, Alexandria provides travelers with excellent lodging options. From the budget conscious to splurgers, everyone will easily find here a hotel that suits them well.
Budget Hotels:Budget conscious travelers would find Alexandria to be a great place to stay in comfortably in limited means. For longer stays, apartments are excellent options that are cost effective as well. Some of the best budget hotels in Alexandria include Acropole Hotel, Nile Excelsior Hotel, Hotel Union, New Wellcome House and Normandy Hotel.

Mid-Range Hotels:These no-frill hotels in Alexandria are ideal options for most travelers who are looking for a comfortable stay and decent environment at a price that doesn`t burn a hole in their pockets. Travelers to the city can try Holiday Hotel or Hotel Delta in this category.

Luxury Hotels:Most top of the line hotels in the city are located away from the old city along the east shore. Superb ambience, beautiful d`cor, strategic location and excellent services ensure that travelers get a completely luxurious experience in these top rated hotels. Some of the top luxury hotels in Alexandria include Four Seasons San Stefano, El-Salamlek Palace, Helnan Palestine, Hilton Alexandria Green Plaza, Mercure Romance Alexandria, Le Metropole, Renaissance Alexandria, Sheraton Montazah and Sofitel Cecil Alexandria.

Passport & Visa Requirements

All nationals intending to visit Alexandria, Egypt must possess a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of visa issuance. Travelers from all countries, except United States and EU, must register with the police within a week of arrival in the country.

Nationals of all countries, including US, UK, Canada, Australia and EU, must have a valid visa to enter Alexandria in Egypt. Nationals of EU countries, US, UK and Canada have the option of obtaining visa on arrival by paying the visa fee of US$15.

When to visit Alexandria

Due to a cool and pleasant climate, October to March is the best time to visit this Egyptian city. Summer season in Alexandria is quite hot and sultry and should be avoided.

Alexandria Weather

Alexandria enjoys a semi-arid climate with a strong north wind that makes its climate quite different from the desert hinterland. Winters in the city are mild and wet whereas summers are hot and humid. With the average temperature falling in the range of 12 to 18 degree Celsius and minimum temperature of about 5 degree Celsius, January and February are the coolest months of the year. During the cooler months, the city is liable to receive violent storms and rain. July and August are the hottest and most humid months of the year in Alexandria.

Currency and Language

Currency:Egyptian Pound is the official currency of Alexandria, Egypt. Foreign currency can be exchanged at any of the city`s major banks or currency exchange companies. It is an unlawful practice to exchange foreign currency at unauthorized places in Egypt. Travelers also need to know that there is a fixed legal exchange rate for all major currencies in the country.

Language:Egyptian Arabic is the national language of Egypt which displaced Coptic Egyptian after the Arabs rule.
Getting to Alexandria
Map of Alexandria