Alexandria Day Trip from Cairo: A 2025 Review & Guide

You know, leaving the powerful energy of Cairo for a day is, in some respects, a really fantastic idea. A trip up to Alexandria is kind of like hitting a reset button. You trade the ancient desert dust for a fresh, salty sea breeze, and honestly, the change of scenery is completely welcome. That city has a totally different feel, more or less a mix of European grace and Egyptian character, which is pretty special. It’s almost like stepping into another country for a little while. So, we decided to book a full day trip for 2025, basically to see what all the talk was about. And you know what? It’s a very long day, but at the end of the day, it is absolutely worth the effort. The history there is just on another level, frankly speaking, and you get to see a side of Egypt that is really different from the Pharaonic sites around Cairo and Luxor.

Waking Up and The Road to Alexandria

Okay, so that morning started incredibly early, as a matter of fact, before the sun was even up. A driver, a really friendly person, picked us up from our hotel in a comfortable, air-conditioned van, which, honestly, is the only way to do this trip. The drive itself is just a little over two hours, but it feels like a really important part of the experience. You watch Cairo’s massive sprawl slowly give way to the desert, which is quite a sight to see. For instance, the landscape changes from these huge buildings to just wide-open spaces, and it’s a pretty stark contrast. Our guide for the day used the time to give us a bit of a background on Alexandria, sort of setting the stage for everything we were about to see. By the way, getting some stories about the city’s past is a great way to pass the time on the road. The desert road is actually very smooth, so you can just relax and watch the scenery go by, which is quite nice that early in the morning.

Frankly, watching the sun come up over the desert landscape is a really special moment that you just don’t get in the city. There’s this quiet feeling to it, you know, and the colors are pretty much amazing. You typically stop once for a quick break, a chance to get some coffee and stretch your legs, which is definitely needed. This is also when the anticipation really starts to build up, like you are getting closer to something completely different. Seemingly, as you get closer to Alexandria, you start to see more green, a little more life, and then, all of a sudden, you catch your first glimpse of the Mediterranean Sea. And I mean, that sight is totally worth the early wake-up call. It’s this incredible shade of blue, and it just sort of signals that your real adventure is about to begin. For instance, we recommend you check out tips for long drives in Egypt before you go, just to be prepared.

First Stop: The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

Alright, so our first real stop in Alexandria was the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, and honestly, this place is just wild. It’s one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages, apparently, and it’s pretty easy to see why. You walk down this winding spiral staircase, going deeper and deeper underground, and it’s almost like you’re entering another world. It’s a bit dark, and the air is noticeably cooler down there, which is a really welcome feeling after the Egyptian sun. What’s so incredibly interesting is that the art inside is this bizarre, yet beautiful, mix of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman styles, all in one place. You’ll literally see pharaoh-style figures carved right next to figures that look like they belong in ancient Rome. It is, you know, a very clear example of how Alexandria was a kind of melting pot of cultures. Seriously, to fully grasp the blend of cultures here is to understand the city’s unique story.

Actually, walking through the main tomb area, or the Triclinium, where families would have feasted in honor of the dead, is a pretty profound experience. You can almost imagine them there, centuries ago. The level of detail in the carvings is just amazing, and our guide did a really good job explaining what all the different symbols meant. For example, you see the god Anubis depicted as a Roman legionary, which is just something you won’t see anywhere else. Basically, be ready for a lot of stairs, and wear shoes with a good grip because the steps can be a little slick. Anyway, this stop doesn’t take a very long time, but it really sets the historical tone for the rest of your day in an absolutely perfect way. To be honest, it’s one of the most unique burial sites I’ve ever visited. We suggest you learn about proper tomb etiquette to show respect.

A Look at Pompey’s Pillar

Next up, we made a quick stop at a place called Pompey’s Pillar, and let me tell you, it’s very, very tall. You sort of see it from a distance first, and it really stands out against the city skyline. Essentially, it’s this huge column made from a single piece of red Aswan granite, which is pretty incredible to think about how they moved it all that way. As a matter of fact, the guide explained that the name is a little bit wrong; it was actually built to honor the Roman emperor Diocletian. Still, the name stuck, you know? It’s standing in the middle of what was once the Serapeum, a grand temple, and you can see ruins scattered all around the site, like a couple of sphinxes that are just sort of sitting there. The whole area feels like a little open-air museum. You can actually explore more about the Roman influence in Alexandria to get a fuller picture.

So, you don’t spend a ton of time here, more or less about 30 minutes, but it’s a really good photo opportunity. Standing at the base of that pillar and looking up really gives you a sense of scale and makes you feel pretty small, to be honest. It’s arguably one of the largest monolithic columns ever built, and it’s just impressive, full stop. The pillar is a powerful reminder of Alexandria’s Roman chapter, you know, standing there so defiantly after all these centuries. It’s a bit of a dusty spot, but absolutely worth it to see such a huge piece of history up close. You just have to kind of imagine the grand temple that once surrounded it. For instance, finding guides on Egypt’s major landmarks can give you some great context before you visit.

Lunch by the Mediterranean Sea

After all that history, we were definitely ready for some food, and frankly, lunch was one of the highlights of the day. The guide took us to a local seafood restaurant with a view that was just absolutely perfect, looking right out over the blue Mediterranean. In that case, this is where you really feel the soul of Alexandria. The vibe is just so different from Cairo; it’s more relaxed, and that sea air is just a little bit magical. We sat outside on a terrace, and the sound of the waves was the perfect background music for our meal. Unlike many tourist spots, this place felt pretty authentic, and it was filled with local families enjoying their day. You know, getting a taste of local Alexandrian cuisine is a must-do part of the trip.

Basically, you have to try the fresh fish. You can often go and pick out the exact fish you want, and they’ll grill it for you right there. We had some grilled sea bass, some calamari, and a whole spread of Egyptian salads and dips like tahini and baba ghanoush. I mean, every single thing was incredibly fresh and full of flavor. It’s a very different experience from the hearty stews and grilled meats you typically find in Cairo. It’s all about light, fresh tastes here, which is sort of perfect for a seaside city. Honestly, just sitting there, eating amazing food, and watching the boats bob in the harbor is a memory that will really stick with you. For instance, we highly recommend you ask for recommendations on what’s fresh that day; you literally can’t go wrong.

The Great Library of Alexandria (Bibliotheca Alexandrina)

After lunch, we headed to what is, arguably, the modern centerpiece of the city: the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. This place is, to be honest, breathtaking. It’s not the ancient library of Alexandria, of course, but a modern tribute to its spirit, and it’s done so incredibly well. The building itself is an architectural wonder, a giant circular structure that’s tilted towards the sea, like a sun disk rising. The outer walls are covered in carvings of letters and symbols from virtually every known alphabet in the world, which is a really powerful statement. Walking up to it, you can just feel the importance of the place. Clearly, this isn’t just a library; it’s a monument to knowledge and human cooperation. I mean, we really suggest you learn about the architectural ideas behind this building, as it adds so much to the visit.

Then, you step inside, and the main reading hall will just blow your mind. It’s this enormous, cascading space that can hold thousands of readers and millions of books. The roof lets in natural light in a very clever way, so the whole space feels bright and airy, not stuffy at all. It’s so quiet inside, you could basically hear a pin drop. There’s this real feeling of reverence in the air, you know? Besides the main hall, the complex also has several museums, including an antiquities museum and a manuscript museum, as well as a planetarium. You could honestly spend a whole day just here. We had about an hour and a half, which was enough to get a good feel for it, but it definitely left me wanting more. Obviously, if you’re a book lover or a history buff, you might want to book a specialized tour of the library complex to see it all.

Strolling Along the Corniche to the Citadel of Qaitbay

Alright, so for our final stop, we went to the Citadel of Qaitbay, which is just an amazing way to end the tour of the city. To get there, we took a bit of a walk along the Corniche, which is Alexandria’s waterfront promenade. That walk is really lovely in the late afternoon. You see all sorts of local life: families out for a walk, fishermen selling their catch, and kids flying kites. It’s very lively and gives you a real snapshot of the city’s daily rhythm. The Citadel itself looks so impressive, sitting right on the edge of the Mediterranean. Actually, it’s built on the exact spot where the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria, another of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, once stood. Just being there feels significant for that reason alone. It’s like you are literally standing on a piece of legendary history. To be honest, reading up on the original lighthouse makes visiting the citadel even more special.

You can explore the whole fortress, which is pretty much like a maze of corridors, towers, and courtyards. The stonework is really incredible, and it has held up remarkably well over the centuries. The best part, honestly, is climbing to the top. From there, you get these absolutely stunning panoramic views of the sea on one side and the city of Alexandria on the other. You can just feel the cool sea breeze and watch the waves crash against the fortress walls. It’s a very dramatic and beautiful spot. This is probably where you’ll take some of your favorite photos of the day. As a matter of fact, the guide explained how some of the stones from the original lighthouse might have been used to build the citadel, which is just a fascinating idea to think about. At the end of the day, it’s a must-see, and we’d suggest it for anyone visiting Alexandria.

Wrapping Up the Day and The Return Journey

By the time we left the Citadel, the sun was starting to get low in the sky, and we were pretty much exhausted, but in a really good way. It’s a day that is completely packed with walking and learning, so you definitely feel it. The drive back to Cairo is a lot quieter, you know? It’s a good time to just sort of process everything you’ve seen. From the mysterious underground world of the Catacombs to the incredibly modern library and the historic fortress by the sea, Alexandria gives you a totally different perspective on Egypt. Frankly, it’s a journey through thousands of years of history, with layers of Greek, Roman, and Egyptian influences all jumbled together. The feeling is quite different from the purely Pharaonic focus you get in other parts of the country. So, for a more complete picture, comparing experiences between Cairo and Alexandria is really interesting.

Anyway, as for practical tips, you definitely want to wear very comfortable shoes; I mean, you will be on your feet all day. Also, a hat and sunscreen are absolutely non-negotiable, even with the sea breeze, because that Egyptian sun is pretty intense. Bringing a water bottle you can refill is also a very good idea. The drive back as the sun sets over the desert is a pretty beautiful and calming way to end the whole adventure. You get back to Cairo late in the evening, tired, for sure, but with a camera full of pictures and a head full of new memories about a truly unique and captivating city by the sea. For instance, you can find some great packing lists online to make sure you don’t forget anything important for a long day like this.