What should I know before visiting Alexandria?

Direct answer

Alexandria, Egypt’s historic Mediterranean port city, is safe for travelers who follow common-sense precautions. Plan for hot summers, bring sun protection, respect local customs, and carry IDs. Visa rules depend on nationality; budget time for museum and site visits and enjoy seafood and coastal promenades.

Visa & entry requirements

• Check entry rules well before travel: many nationalities require an e‑visa or visa-on-arrival; others need a consular visa. Visit the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or use Egypt’s official e-Visa portal.
• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival and usually have a return/onward ticket.
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate required only if arriving from an infected country; COVID restrictions vary—check current airline/embassy guidance.

Best time to visit

• October–April: ideal weather — mild, pleasant for sightseeing (day temps 15–25°C / 59–77°F).
• May–September: hot and humid, July–August can be very hot; beach-goers will enjoy summer but expect midday heat.

Safety tips

• General: Alexandria is generally safe for tourists. Use usual precautions: avoid poorly lit or deserted areas at night, keep valuables secure, and be cautious with strangers offering unsolicited help.
• Scams: be wary of overfriendly guides, unofficial tour offers, and inflated taxi fares. Agree fares up front or use metered/official apps where available.
• Health: drink bottled water (or ensure water is treated), use sunscreen, and bring any prescription medications with copies of prescriptions.

Local customs & etiquette

• Dress: conservative casual is appropriate. For women, modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees is respectful, especially in religious sites. In tourist beach areas, swimwear is fine on the beach but cover up in public streets.
• Greetings: handshakes are common; use the right hand for giving/receiving items. Respect for elders and religious practices is valued.
• Photography: ask permission before photographing people, especially women and religious ceremonies. Some government buildings and military sites prohibit photos.

Currency & money matters

• Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP). Cash is widely used; credit cards accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. ATMs are common but carry cash in older or small vendors.
• Tipping (baksheesh): customary for many services — small tips for porters, waitstaff, guides, and drivers. Typical: 10–20 EGP for small services; 5–10% in restaurants if service charge not included.

Transportation

• Getting there: Borg El Arab International Airport (HBE) serves Alexandria; Cairo is ~2.5–3 hours by road or frequent trains/buses. Some travelers use high-speed rail or private transfers from Cairo.
• Within the city: taxis (agree fare or use meter/app), Uber/Careem operate in Alexandria. Trams and microbuses are cheap but can be crowded and confusing for first-timers.
• Traffic & parking: traffic can be congested; allow extra time to reach sites. Walking along the Corniche is pleasant and practical for some central areas.

Must-know tips & practical advice

• Top sights: Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Citadel of Qaitbay, Montaza Palace & gardens, Roman Amphitheatre, Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Pompey’s Pillar.
• Time allocation: 2–4 days to see main attractions and enjoy the coast; add more if you plan museum deep dives or day trips to nearby sites.
• Food & drink: enjoy fresh seafood, local mezze, and Egyptian staples (koshary, ful, ta'ameya). Eat at busy, well-reviewed places to reduce food-safety risk.
• Language: Arabic is official; English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.
• Connectivity: buy a local SIM (Vodafone/Etisalat/WE) for cheap data and maps. Wi‑Fi is common in hotels and cafes.
• Currency exchange: change some cash at the airport or banks; black-market rates may be tempting but carry risk—use authorized exchangers.
• Respect religious practices: during Ramadan, be mindful that public eating/drinking is frowned upon during daylight hours; many restaurants still serve tourists discreetly.
• Bargaining: expected at markets and souks; haggle politely and start lower than the asking price.

Local insights

• Coastal charm: stroll the Corniche at sunset for seaside views and local life; cafés and seafood restaurants cluster along the waterfront.
• Museums & restoration: some sites may have rotating exhibits or temporary closures for conservation—check ahead and book popular attractions like Bibliotheca Alexandrina programs.
• Day trips: consider a Cairo day trip (Pyramids ~2–3 hours away) or explore nearby Rosetta (Rashid) for Nile delta history.

Quick checklist

• Passport & visa arranged
• Local currency and card backup
• Sunscreen, hat, comfortable shoes
• Copies of prescriptions and travel insurance
• Phone with local SIM or roaming data

Enjoy Alexandria’s blend of ancient history and Mediterranean ambiance, plan for the season, and respect local customs for a smooth, rewarding visit.