How far is it?
Alexandria lies on the Mediterranean, about 220 km north-west of Cairo. The usual route is the Cairo–Alexandria Desert Road, a wide motorway; without traffic the drive takes around two and a half hours each way, and more when leaving or entering either city at busy times. A day trip therefore means an early start and a return in the evening.
What to see in one day
The Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa
A burial complex cut deep into the rock in the Roman period, where Egyptian gods appear in Roman dress: one of the strangest and most beautiful monuments of the city.
Pompey’s Pillar and the Serapeum
A single column of red Aswan granite, standing on the hill where the temple of Serapis once stood. Despite its name, it was raised in honour of the emperor Diocletian.
The Citadel of Qaitbay
A 15th-century fortress at the tip of the eastern harbour, built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world.
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina
The modern library, opened in 2002 as a tribute to the great Library of antiquity, with its tilted disc-shaped roof facing the sea.
The Corniche and Montaza
The seafront road that runs along the bay, and the gardens of Montaza Palace at the eastern end of the city. Lunch by the sea is part of the experience: Alexandria is known for its fish restaurants.
Is one day enough?
One day is enough for the highlights above. With a night in the city you can add the Alexandria National Museum, the Roman amphitheatre at Kom el-Dikka, an evening carriage ride along the Corniche or a trip to El Alamein and its Second World War memorials.
Book it
- Alexandria day trip from Cairo
- Staying in Alexandria? Alexandria city tour: catacombs, Qaitbay and the Library
See all day tours in Alexandria and day tours from Cairo.