Is Alexandria Egypt worth visiting?

Literally. If you happen to find yourself in Cairo and have one more day to spare, Alexandria in Egypt is worth a visit. Unlike Giza, it does not have momentous monuments like the Pyramids to show for, but it does have a great waterfront view, and is a refuge from the chaos of downtown Cairo.

What attractions is Alexandria most famous for and why?

Alexandria’s birth and early history is a calling card of famous names. This was the Mediterranean’s dazzling jewel of a city, home to the Great Library of Alexandria and the colossal Pharos Lighthouse – one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

How do I spend a day in Alexandria?

Where should I go if I only have one day in Alexandria?

1. Visit Pompey’s Pillar and Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa (within walking distance of each other),
2. See the Citadel of Qaitbay (outside only)
3. Walk around the harbor area near the citadel and have lunch at a local seafood restaurant.

What is Alexandria Egypt famous for?

Hellenistic Alexandria was best known for the Lighthouse of Alexandria (Pharos), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; its Great Library (the largest in the ancient world); and the Necropolis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages.

How many days do you need in Alexandria Egypt?

Most people who visit Alexandria tend to spend around 2 days, whether it’s a weekend trip for Cairenes who are eye-starved for a little Mediterranean Sea, or tourists who dedicate a couple of days out of their larger 2 week Egypt itinerary.

Can you drink alcohol in Egypt?

Egyptian laws towards alcohol are quite liberal compared with that of most Islamic countries, except for the month of Ramadan when alcohol is strictly forbidden and only holders of foreign passports are allowed to buy alcohol. The legal drinking age in Egypt is 21.

Is Alexandria beautiful?

This beautiful city on the Mediterranean simply resonates with the richness of its history and culture, and Egypt’s second largest city maintains an atmospheric juxtaposition between old and new.

What is there to do in Alexandria Covid?

Museums

• George Washington’s Mount Vernon: Now open.
• Alexandria Archaeology Museum: Now open Fri-Sun.
• Alexandria Black History Museum: Closed.
• Alexandria’s History Museum at The Lyceum: Now open Thu-Sat.
• Carlyle House: Now open Thu-Tue.
• Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site: Park open but museum closed.
• Freedom House: Closed.

Can you visit the Library of Alexandria?

Entrance to the library is not free, it’s costs about 10 Egyptian Pounds. This entitles you to a tour as well as use internet usage (which has to be booked at the information desk). After the tour, you are able to explore 2 other museums within the library.

Is a day trip to Alexandria worth it?

Yes, Alexandria is worth a day trip although, as others have pointed out, it will be a long day (even if you decline the visits to a Papyrus Institute, alabaster factory, perfume shop and souvenir shop – all time-wasters that earn commission for your guide).

How much is a train ticket from Cairo to Alexandria?

Alternatively, Egyptian Railways operates a train from Cairo to Alexandria hourly. Tickets cost $1 – $9 and the journey takes 4h 50m.

Is Alexandria Egypt safe?

Alexandria is somewhat safe and although there is some crime in this city, it’s mostly petty crime and rarely violent. Pickpockets are a problem in Egypt’s major cities, like Alexandria. When it comes to violent crime, it is rare, and you shouldn’t worry too much about being mugged or robbed.

Do they speak English in Egypt?

Most educated Egyptians are fluent in English or French or both, in addition to Arabic. There are also other minor linguistic groups. The Beja of the southern section of the Eastern Desert use an Afro-Asiatic language of the Cushitic branch known as To Bedawi (though some speak Tigre and many use Arabic).

Why did they burn the Library of Alexandria?

Ammianus Marcellinus thought that it happened when the city was sacked under Caesar, and Caesar himself reported the burning of Alexandria as an accidental consequence of his war against his great rival Pompey, in 48–47 BCE.