There is something inviting about Alexandria. It could be the sea air that is so subtly salt-scented and spiced. Maybe it’s the discreet whispers of ancient stone embedded between concrete towers. Perhaps it’s just how this Egyptian city exists as part of an ancient history and yet lives absolutely simultaneously in a modern world. Nevertheless, Alexandria possesses a rhythm of its own—and once you get the feel of it, you can’t stop.
In Alexandria, ancient ruins sit silently just steps away from street vendors selling mint tea, bustling with color and life. It’s where you can stroll around a Roman amphitheater in the morning and negotiate for antiques in the afternoon. Alexandria is not one thing. There are many, and that is exactly what makes it so unforgettable.
Step Back in Time, Way Back
Let’s start where Alexandria really shines: its history. Established by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE, the city quickly developed into one of the ancient world’s most vibrant centers of knowledge, culture, and commerce. And although much of its original glory is now beneath our feet, what remains is still awe-inspiring.
Begin with the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, tucked away in a quiet part of the city. This underground necropolis dates back to the 2nd century and is a surreal mash-up of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman design. You’ll descend a spiral staircase into a maze of chambers and carvings, with statues wearing pharaonic headdresses and Roman togas. It’s strange, haunting, and deeply fascinating.
Just across is Pompey’s Pillar, a gigantic 27-meter column towering over the nearby ruins of the Serapeum. Nothing to do with Pompey the Great—long story—but it’s a powerful symbol of the city’s Roman past. You can almost see the temples and statues that once ringed it, long since eaten away by time, standing next to it.
And then, naturally, there’s the Citadel of Qaitbay, Alexandria’s most iconic waterfront citadel. It was built in the 15th century from pieces of the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. While earthquakes have long destroyed the lighthouse itself, the citadel keeps its memory with its formidable walls, sea breezes, and marine heritage. Stroll along the ramparts, and you can practically hear the echoes of ancient mariners sailing into the bay.
Want to get more out of these sites than just photos and guidebook blurbs? That’s where private tours in Alexandria, Egypt come in. Having a knowledgeable guide changes everything. They’ll point out details you’d miss, share legends passed down for generations, and tailor the experience to your interests—whether you’re a hardcore history geek or just curious about the stories behind the stones.
A City of Culture, Thought, and Storytelling
Alexandria is not merely ruins and artifacts. It was once the intellectual heartbeat of the ancient world. This is where the ancient Library of Alexandria stood, allegedly, housing hundreds of thousands of scrolls and books from across the ancient world. The ancient library no longer stands, but its legacy continues in the New Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
This massive, modern complex is more than just a library. It’s a cultural powerhouse. Inside, you’ll find art exhibitions, a museum of manuscripts, science and technology centers, and even a planetarium. The building itself, with its slanted glass façade and sun-drenched interiors, is a stunning symbol of Alexandria’s desire to reclaim its legacy of knowledge and innovation.
And let us not omit the city of Alexandria’s thick religious brocade. Over the centuries, the city has been inhabited by an astonishingly varied populace—Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Jews, Christians, and Muslims, all leaving their mark. You can visit the richly decorated El-Mursi Abul Abbas Mosque, walk by St. Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral, and discover remnants of ancient synagogues hidden in the city. This multi-religious heritage permeates the city’s fabric, sometimes subtly, sometimes brazenly.
The Modern Rhythm of a Seaside City
So, you’ve had your fill of ancient history and cultural diving, what’s next? It’s time to dive into modern Alexandria, where life happens to the beat of its own.
Start one of the city’s oldest and most atmospheric markets. The minute you step through the doors, you’re hit with a whiff of scent: spices, incense, leather, and old books. It’s an overload to the senses, but the kind you want. Walk through the cramped alleys, peer into ancient shops, and talk with a vendor or two. Chances are good you’ll pick up a coin from the 19th century, a lantern made of brass, or perhaps just a decent yarn to pass on.
When hunger strikes, don’t overthink it—just follow your nose. Alexandria’s street food is as satisfying as it is affordable. Try koshari, a chaotic and delicious mix of lentils, rice, pasta, and fried onions topped with tomato sauce and chili. Or go for fresh grilled fish straight from the Mediterranean. You’ll also find crispy ta’ameya (Egyptian falafel), pickled vegetables, and freshly baked baladi bread sold right off the street.
And then there’s the Corniche, Alexandria’s grand seaside walkway. Ideal for a quiet stroll, ideally at sunset, when the sea is orange and pink above and the Mediterranean gleams. Children play soccer on the beach, couples sit gazing out over the waves, and vendors offering roasted nuts and tea stroll up and down. It’s simple but oh-so charming.
Why Alexandria Stays With You
So, then, what is Alexandria’s actual appeal?
It’s not all the monuments, although they are lovely. It’s not the library, or the stalls in the marketplace, or the Corniche. It’s how all these pieces interact—the new and the old, the ancient and the quotidian. Alexandria is not on display in a glass case. It’s occupied. It’s evolving. It’s real.
It’s a city where you can have tea with a Roman column. Where you can wander through ancient catacombs in the mornings and relax on the beach in the evenings. Every day is like a conversation between the past and the present.
