Alexandria

Alexandria (pronounced al-ig-ZAN-dree-uh ; Arabic: الإسكندرية ‎/ اسكندرية al-Iskandariyya / Eskendereyya ) is Egypt's second largest city (3.5 million people), its largest seaport and the nation's window onto the Mediterranean Sea.

Introduction

Alexandria Coast - Waterfront in Alexandria Islam in Alexandria, Egypt, holds a significant place in the religious, historical, and cultural fabric of the city. As the second-largest city in Egypt and a major Mediterranean port, Alexandria has a rich Islamic legacy dating back to the earliest days of the faith. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the development and impact of Islam in Alexandria, from its inception to the present day. Early Islamic History in Alexandria The Islamic history of Alexandria can be traced back to the Arab conquest of Egypt in 641 AD, led by Amr ibn al-As, a prominent companion of the Prophet Muhammad. Alexandria and then a flourishing Hellenistic city, was conquered by the Muslims after a 14-month siege. Following the conquest and the city became an important center for Islamic scholarship and the administration of Egypt. During the early Islamic period, Alexandria was a center of religious and intellectual activity, attracting scholars and theologians from across the Islamic world. The city housed numerous masjids, madrasas (schools), and libraries, which contributed to the development of Islamic jurisprudence and theology, and philosophy. The Fatimid Caliphate (969–1171) In 969, Alexandria came under the rule of the Fatimid Caliphate, a Shia Muslim dynasty that originated from North Africa. The Fatimids, known for their religious tolerance and cultural openness, allowed the city to prosper and flourish. The city became a melting pot of different religious and ethnic communities, including Muslims, Christians, Jews, and Greeks. During the Fatimid era, several magnificent religious and architectural monuments were constructed in Alexandria, such as the Al-Mursi Abu'l-Abbas Mosque, which remains a significant landmark in the city. The Fatimids also established the Dar al-Hikma (House of Wisdom) in Alexandria, a prominent institution that furthered Islamic learning and scholarship. The Ayyubid and Mamluk Periods (1171–1517) Following the decline of the Fatimid Caliphate, Alexandria was taken over by the Ayyubid dynasty, led by the famous Muslim military leader Salah ad-Din (Saladin). The Ayyubids were followed by the Mamluk Sultanate, a powerful military regime that ruled Egypt for over two centuries. During the Ayyubid and Mamluk periods, Alexandria continued to be a significant center of Islamic learning and culture. It was during this time that the Al-Azhar University, one of the oldest and most prestigious Islamic institutions in the world, was founded in nearby Cairo. This university greatly impacted the intellectual life of Alexandria and the entire region. Ottoman Rule (1517–1798) and the Modern Era The Ottoman Empire captured Egypt in 1517, and Alexandria became a part of the vast Ottoman realm. Although the city lost some of its political and economic importance under the Islamic Ottomans, its Islamic character and cultural legacy were preserved. In the modern era, following the French invasion in 1798 and the subsequent rise of Muhammad Ali Pasha, Alexandria regained its prominence as a major Mediterranean port and cosmopolitan city. The city's Islamic legacy continued to flourish alongside the diverse religious and cultural traditions of its inhabitants. Present Day Today, Islam remains an integral part of the cultural fabric of Alexandria. The city is home to a large Muslim population, and Islamic architecture can be seen throughout the city in its masjids, madrasas, and public spaces. Alexandria also hosts a number of Islamic cultural events, such as the annual celebration of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (Mawlid al-Nabi). The city's rich Islamic legacy is preserved through the efforts of various institutions, such as the Bibliotheca Alexandrina,

Weather in Alexandria

Alexandria has a hot desert climate (BWh), but highly influenced by sea breeze, with sunny hot humid summers and mild moderately wet winters. The daytime can be humid in summer, with summer temperatures averaging 31 °C (88 °F), but evenings are cooler and breezy, mainly by the Corniche. Winters can get cold, with daytime highs down sometimes to 12 °C (53 °F), with occasional rain and sometimes hail. Humidity is high throughout the year. The best time to visit Alexandria is in spring (March–June) and autumn (September–November), since it's at its busiest in summer, when Egyptians flock down to escape the searing heat of Cairo.

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
18°C (64°F)	17°C (63°F)	17°C (63°F)	18°C (64°F)	20°C (68°F)	23°C (73°F)	25°C (77°F)	26°C (79°F)	26°C (79°F)	25°C (77°F)	22°C (72°F)	20°C (68°F)

Orientation

Alexandria is a long thin city, pinched between the swampy delta and the sea. Its east-west artery and the Corniche, rolls on for about 30 km. However the advantage to the visitor is that all transport is funnelled along this corridor, so you shouldn't wait more than a minutes for a taxi, buses or microbus going your way. The tram line runs parallel a block or two further inland. At the Western tip lies the Citadel of Qaitbey, built near (and from) the ruined ancient lighthouse or Pharos. The Corniche then sweeps around the eastern harbour, with Anfushi the tongue of land behind it, to the central hotel area around Saad Zaghloul; then passes the east side of the harbour at the jetty opposite the new library. Almost all the sights and the bulk of the lodging and restaurants, are along this congested 5-6 kilometers strip or nearby. But on and on eastwards rolls the Corniche through rundown beachfront neighborhoods of Rushdy, San Stefano and Mandarah. The blingy hotels of Montazah are a bright spot then the tat, burbs and ribbon-development resume, out to Aboukir.

Tourist offices

Egyptian Tourist Authority has offices at Raml Station, Saad Zaghlui Squ, ☎ +20 3 485 1556, Nuza Airport, ☎ +20 3 4250 526, +20 3 4250 527, Borg El Arab Airport, ☎ +20 3 4485119, Marine Passenger Station, ☎ +20 3 4803494, Misr Railway Station, ☎ +20 3 3925985 and Sidi Gaber Railway Station, ☎ +20 3 4263953.

Travel to Alexandria

Alexandria Harbor Map - Map of central Alexandria Alexandria is easily reached by plane, train or by road.

Travel by plane to Alexandria

All flights into Alexandria use Borg el Arab airport, 45 kilometers southwest of downtown. There are direct international flights daily to Istanbul, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states. There are several Flights a day to Cairo, which is so close that flying only makes sense if you're connecting with another flight. Alexandria has direct domestic flights daily to Luxor, Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh. Egyptair is the main operator here.

Borg el Arab Airport IATA Flight Code: HBE - Small but modern airport, ample for the low passenger numbers it now handles. Cafe and clean toilets and that's about all.

All bus services to Borg el Arab airport from downtown (and direct from Cairo) have been axed. You need to take a taxi, which will take an hour to 90 min depending on traffic: reckon at least LE250 as they've no competition from public transport (Oct 2022).

El Nouzha Airport IATA Flight Code: ALY - This used to be the main airport, but is closed indefinitely - ostensibly for renovations, but no work is going on. It's unlikely to re-open unless demand for flights here radically improves.

Travel by train to Alexandria

Train is the best way to travel downtown-to-downtown between Cairo and Alex, with about 30 services through the day. Best of these are the "Specials", running non-stop and taking 2 hours 40 min; almost as good are the "Express" services taking around 3 hours. These trains are clean and comfortable, air-conditioned and with Snacks available. One-way AC1 tickets cost LE51 (Oct 2022). The fast trains are sometimes also called (Spanish), French or Turbo because of their rolling stock. See "Egypt#get around by train" for how to buy tickets. Online, in advance, direct from the railway company ENR, is best. Trains from Cairo all depart from Cairo/Midan Ramses|Ramses Station. In Alex they arrive downtown at Misr station GPS 31.192984,29.905669, where taxis and microbuses are waiting, or whence a 15-minutes stroll north brings you onto the Corniche via Nabi Daniel St. (The latter is cluttered by street markets and police barricades, so taxis will use the parallel Saad Zaghlool St.) But when your "non-stop" train arrives and everyone piles out, ask around before following. You may well have stopped 3 kilometers east at Sidi Gaber station GPS 31.218953,29.942626 Sidi_Gaber_Station1 - on Abu Qir Street at the head of Mushir Ahmad Ismail St. Only get off here if you're heading for an eastern neighborhood such as San Stefano. Otherwise sit tight and in a couple of minutes the train will rumble on and terminate at Misr Station. Trains from Alex also run to Mersa Matruh and the delta towns. These are "ordinary" trains that can't be booked online, so buy your ticket at the station. Some trains run directly to Luxor via Cairo, but these too are slow "ordinary" trains and you'll be better taking a Special or Express and changing in Cairo. Several bus companies offer a bus service into Alexandria at a very low price range: LE20-35. Buses are air-conditioned and come complete with a hostess trolley service. Companies include Golden Arrow, West Delta, Super Jet, Pullman and El Gouna. Operating times vary from one company to another, but there are trips between Cairo and Alexandria virtually every hour from early morning until midnight. While the buses are perfectly comfortable and the duration of your journey from Cairo to Alexandria (and vice versa) will depend on your pick-up/drop-off point. Most buses start out from the Almaza Bus Station in Cairo/Heliopolis|Heliopolis and stop by Cairo/Midan Tahrir|Midan Tahrir and Cairo/Giza|Giza before finally setting out to Alexandria; if you join from Heliopolis expect a 4-5 hour trip rather than the average 2-3. There are a number of bus pick-up/drop-off points inside Alexandria. These are either at Gedid station (except El Gouna, which uses Sidi Gaber station) which is a bit far from the city of Alexandria so it shouldn't cost more than a LE10 cab ride, LE15 max. Don't take a taxi with anyone that approaches you right outside of the bus. Walk outside the station and catch a taxi there if you must. There is also a bus from Gedid to Sidi Gaber and from Sidi Gaber most parts of the city are accessible by shuttle van or tram if you are looking to save money. The bus fare will run you half a pound.

Travel by vehicle to Alexandria

There are two options when traveling from Cairo to Alexandria by car. Using either route and the journey takes around 3 hours, depending on speed and surrounding traffic.

The Agriculture road has a speed limit of 90 km/hr for private cars and has 4 lanes in each direction. Thit is the primary street, so it can get a little crowded. Also offers access to Damnhour and Tanta.
The Desert road has a speed limit of 100 km/hr for private cars and has 4 lanes in each direction. True to the name, this crosses the desert and is less crowded and faster. There are cafeterias every few kilometers.

The usual cautions for driving in Egypt apply; see Egypt#By car|Egypt for details.

Travel by boat to Alexandria

Alex remains a major sea port, but all international passenger services remain axed because of this region's turmoil and loss of tourist traffic. It may still be feasible to arrange freighter travel, but with so many migrants trying to reach Europe from the Middle East by sea in recent years and they will be very wary about taking you. So your best option may be to call in a favour from a friend with a gin-palace private yacht. The Med cruise liners visit here too. Nile cruises still call at Alexandria, Cairo and the ancient Egyptian sites up to Luxor and Aswan. But all of these are package tourist itineraries and not available to book as point-to-point ferries.

Get Around in Alexandria

Alexandria is quite a long city; you can get pretty much anywhere by using the local transportation available along the Corniche.

Best way to travel in Alexandria by a Taxi

Alexandria - 20080720e - Alexandrian taxis Alexandria's yellow and black taxis are a good way to travel in the city and a affordable one as well. Be careful though: taxis will uniformly refuse to use meters (the rates haven't been adjusted in years) and drivers love to take advantage of non-Alexandrians, so it's best to agree on the fare before you get in. No taxi ride between any two points in the city should cost more than LE25. If you are on a day trip to Alexandria, hire a taxi outside the train station for the day and pay LE10-15 per place. For example, pay around LE50-60 if you plan to see 5 places in 3–4 hours, or LE80-100 if you plan to see 8-10 places in 5–6 hours. To get into a taxi, wave at the driver and yell the name of your destination. If the driver agrees they would park at the side of the road as soon as feasible. Some taxis will stop to pick you up even if they already have a passenger, but such offers are best refused. Furthermore, always check back once you get out of the taxi and there is no number to call if you lose anything of value and nearly no chances of having it returned. Fast Call taxis can be booked by phone at 19559 or 0800-999-9999 (toll free). These are pricier but generally much better than ordinary black and bright yellow cabs. Careem operates in Alexandria (Oct 2022).

By tram

Alexandria has a creaky, slow but very affordable tram system that dates back to 1860 and looks the part it's the oldest one still running in Africa. The route map is remarkably confusing and changes on a regular basis, but one factor stays constant: the network is split into the interurban Ramleh Lines (Tram el-Raml), which use blue-and-cream trams and run across the city a few blocks back from the sea towards the eastern suburbs and the City Lines (Tram el-Madina), which use bright yellow trams and run west and south of central Alex. The two meet at Raml Station (محطة الرمل Mahattat el-Raml), right at the heart of Alex. In general and the Ramleh Lines are relatively quick despite their age, as they have substantial stretches of dedicated and uninterrupted right-of-way; the City Lines, however, frequently get stuck in traffic. For both lines and the flat fare is LE1, bought on board. Note that the first vehicle (out of three) in the blue trams is reserved for women only. The lines run until 1AM, every 10-30 min or so. Probably the most useful service for tourists is yellow tram #25, which runs from Raml Station to Ras el-Tin and Fort Qait Bey. You can also hop on any blue tram west from Sidr Gabr bus/train station to get to Raml, but not all eastbound trams stop there. There are a variety of local bus services which have improved significantly in the past few years, but they are rather confusing for those who haven't lived in Alexandria for a while. Apart from city buses, you will also find "mini-buses", which work on hop-and-go basis. They are easily recognizable 14-person buses, which will stop when you wave and stop where you need to get off. The drivers rarely speak English, so make sure you know the Arabic name of your destination or that you already know where to stop. The routes are along the main streets, with drivers following well-known routes. The routes are written in Arabic on the sides of the vehicle, but even if you speak Arabic this may not be helpful; the drivers sometimes change routes without changing their signage, however if you remain in Alexandria for some time you may learn the somewhat elaborate system of hand signals the local residents have devised to indicate the desired destination. A journey will generally cost between LE0.50-1.50.

Halal Sightseeing Tips

Historical monuments

Qaitbay 0005 - Front view of Qaitbay's Citadel Alexandria Montaza Palace 2005-08-20 - El Montazah Palace

Citadel of Qaitbay - Set on the tip of the Anfushi/Pharos promontory, looking back over the eastern harbour and downtown Corniche. It was built by Mameluke Sultan Abdul-Nasser Qa'it Bay in 1477 CE, by re-cycling the stone of the ruined lighthouse. It tried (with limited success) to defend the city against invaders, from crusaders to Napoleon and was in military use as late as 1882, when the British bombarded it.
There are two entrances and admissions. West, facing your approach along the Harbour mall, is the ground-floor Maritime Museum - thit is of little interest. (Its collection continues in a building on the mall.) Come round to the south flank facing the Corniche for the main entrance into the Citadel. There's a fortified courtyard then a 4-storey bastion.
Mostafa Kamel Necropolis - Mustafa Kamel Cemetery/Tombs | The cemetery includes four tombs dating from the second century BC, all of which are in excellent condition and beautifully decorated. The cemetery bears the name of Mostafa Kamel, one of 20th century Egyptian politics' greatest legends. It was he who pronounced the famous phrase: "If I were not born an Egyptian, I would like to be an Egyptian."

113KOM EL SHOQAFA CATACOMBS - Kom el-Shouqafa Catacombs

Kom el-Shouqafa Catacombs - These catacombs were probably carved out to be a single wealthy family's mausoleum and later expanded to take other elite funerals, from the 2nd to 4th C CE. The name "Kom el-Shouqafa" means "mound of shards" as people brought offerings to the dead here in earthenware bowls and then smashed the empties before returning home. They are composed of a ground level construction that probably served as a funerary chapel, a deep spiral stairway and three underground levels (the lowest now flooded by groundwater) for the funeral rituals and entombment. The place was discovered in 1900 when the ground gave way under a donkey.
Built as a separate (and older) catacomb and the Hall of Caracalla became linked when energetic tomb-robbers tunnelled through. It seems to have been a burial place for the Roman emperor's horses, as horse bones predominate. No, not the donkey's.
The catacombs are interesting for their plan and for their decoration, as the last of the pharonic burials transitioned into Grecian and Roman styles. But if you've seen the richly decorated burial chambers around Luxor, this one will suffer by comparison.
Pompey's Pillar | An ancient monument, this 25-meter-high granite column was constructed in honor of the Emperor Diocletian in AD 297. The confined area where the column stands also has other ruins and sculptures such as the Serapium oracle. Also beside this area is a very big shopping center for cloth and furniture called "El-Saa3a," where you can find many types of cloth or clothes.
Kom el-Dikka - "Kom el-Dikka" means "pile of rubble": so much for the grandeur of the Roman Empire. In Ptolemaic times this area was the Park of Pan, a pleasure garden neighbored by villas and baths. Highlights built in the 2nd century CE are the Villa of the Birds, with fine mosaics and Egypt's only Roman amphitheatre. This has 13 semicircular tiers made of white and grey marble, with seats for up to 800 spectators, galleries and sections of mosaic-flooring. Excavations continue and in 2010 a Ptolemaic temple was unearthed.
You can see the amphitheatre well enough just by peering through the railings, but you'll have to pay to get inside to see the mosaics and other small artefacts.

GD-EG-BibAlex-Ext depuis parvis - Bibliotheca Alexandrina

Montazah Palace - Built in 1892 by Abbas II of Egypt Abbas Hilmi Pasha and the last khedive of Egypt. One of the palace buildings and the Haramlek, now contains a casino on the ground floor and a museum of royal relics on the upper levels, while the Salamlek has been converted into a luxury hotel (see #Sleep|Sleep). Parts of the extensive gardens (over 80 ha/200 acres) are open to the public. There is an entrance fee for the park.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - Tomb of the Unknown Soldier honoring its military. Besides its meaning it is a picturesque Roman-like site worth a photo during the day or when illuminated in the evening.
Ras el-Tin Palace - Presidential Palace | Admire the exterior but it's now part of a naval base and not open to visitors.

Mosque1 - Ramadan in Alexandria

Museums

Alexandria National Museum - Small but absorbing, well-presented museum with more than 1800 archaeological pieces. The basement is devoted to Prehistoric and Pharonic times, first floor to the Graeco-Roman period, second floor to the Coptic and Islamic era. Especially interesting are artefacts raised during recent underwater excavations: there's a sense of a new window opening on history.
Graeco-Roman Museum - A history museum with a vast collection mostly dating from the 3rd century BC to the 3rd century AD, spanning the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. Closed indefinitely; inquiries about its supposed "renovation" are met with shrugs and up-rolled eyes.
Museum of Fine Arts - Mostly modern and Orientalist paintings
Royal Jewelry Museum - Royal jewelry from the Egyptian monarchy of 1805 to 1952.

Religious sites

Flickr - dlisbona - Mosque in downtown Alex - Qaed Ibrahim Mosque, near Ramleh station

El-Mursi Abul-Abbas Mosque - Built in 1775 by Algerians and the mosque was built over the tomb of the famous 13th century sufi saint, Ahmed Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi. The walls of the mosque are dressed in artificial stone, while the minaret, on the south side, stands at 73 meters.
Attarine Mosque - It was built as a church dedicated to the Saint Athanasius in 370 and was converted into a mosque following the Muslim conquest of Egypt.

Modern Alexandria

Bibliotheca Alexandrina - A huge modern library and research centre constructed on the site of the ancient Library of Alexandria. Wonderful display of ancient texts of the Middle East. Includes four museum areas, exhibition space and a planetarium. Regular tours in English and other languages. The Antiquities Museum (LE50 extra, buy tickets at the museum entrance) is particularly well worth visiting for its wide range of artefacts from through the Pharonic period through to the Islamic period.
Corniche - The Corniche is a glorious 15-km walkway (wharf, pier and boardwalk) along the harbour dotted with restaurants, markets and historic sights.

Top Must Do Travel Tips to Alexandria

Alexandria Corniche Beach - Beach off the Western end of the Corniche

Montazah Royal Gardens Though the gardens are a part of the more than three hundred and fifty acre grounds of the large royal home known as the Muntazah Palace and the Montazah Royal Gardens take up more than half of the property. Montazah Royal Gardens are situated along the shore as well, which means access to the lovely beaches and warm Mediterranean Sea waters nearby. The Montazah Royal Gardens are a bit unique where city parks and public spaces are concerned as they are rigorously landscaped and well-stocked with benches and wading or swimming pools that are open for the public to enjoy.
Also in Montazah, Montazah Water Sports, provide various water sports, from waterskiing to wake-boarding, even Banana Boat and Donuts.
Hire a boat and go cruising at Ras el-Tin.
Have a long walk by the beautiful Corniche by the Mediterranean Sea.
Alexandria Stadium or Haras El-Hedood Stadium | Attend an Egyptian League soccer game. Alexandria teams are: El-Ittihad, El-Olympi, Haras El-Hedood and Smouha. Seat can vary from LE25-500 depending on the section of seating. There are 4 sections of seating: VIP, 1st degree, 2nd degree and 3rd degree. If you are a foreigner, sitting in the VIP section will avoid harassment from hardcore fans.

Cinemas

Al-Amirate Cinema -B W (Montazah Palace; +20 35-477999), Enjoy with us the best of movies with dinner in a splendid atmosphere of elegance and luxury in Al-Amirate Cinema. The Cinema is located at the El-Salamlek Palace Hotel in Alexandria.
Royal Alexandria ( - Fouad Street, Downtown; 012 2275493/4), This movie theater in Alexandria is owned by the same people who run the Renaissance theaters in Cairo. There are three screens, with surround sound and all options. Midnight shows are daily.
Cineplex: Green Plaza Semouha. 10 screens. Tickets LE25. 3D movies available

Sports

Alexandria Sporting Club | Built in 1898 and used during the British occupation and the Alexandria Sporting Club is one of the oldest sporting clubs in Egypt. Today and the golf course stands on 97 feddans, 97 percent of which constitutes the total club area. It is a flat course with tricky bunkers and can be played by beginners as well as experts. The club also features four restaurants and the Club House Restaurant being the most luxurious and the Happy Land restaurant serving the children's playground. It also offers party catering.
Smouha Sporting Club | International Hockey Stadium, many swimming pools, a number of soccer fields, two running tracks. Members and guests only.
Scuba dive with Alexandra Div, based on the Corniche. It's historic wreck-diving, year-round, interesting but distinctly cold and gloomy compared to the Red Sea. The standard one-day, two-dive trip takes you to the "Palace of Cleopatra" immersed off Antirodos Island and around the old harbour and lighthouse remnants off Pharos point. They also venture out to wrecks from ancient Greece and the Napoleonic perioid and the Great War. They offer training courses, but beginners will do much better to train in the Red Sea. (They run trips there but you're probably going anyway.) All these trips depend not only on weather, but on having viable diver numbers.
Go swimming in the Country Club or Lagoon Resort, in front of Carrefour.
Go dancing at the Centre Rezodanse - Egypte (downtown Alexandria, 15 Sezostris Street, in front of Banque du Caire). This cultural centre offers regular classes in Ballet, Flamenco, Contemporary dance and Egyptian Folkloric Dance. Special workshops with guest teachers are also available, as well as punctual cultural happenings (exhibitions, book signings). Tamarin Centre (Kafr Abdou Street, next to Concrete Shop) offers regular dance and fitness sessions (Salsa, Tango, Aerobics, Fitness, Yoga, etc.). Both centres offer a wide range of activities suitable for adults and children.

How to work legally in Alexandria

Alexandria has a tiny industrial section, mainly centered around the natural gas industry. A few expatriates work in this section. This section is increasing now as many new factories are built in Borg el Arab. Other than that and there are some but not many international schools that employ expatriate teachers. Generally they pay less than the much more lucrative educational section in Cairo. Alexandria has got quite a large number of language schools. You can find girls-only, boys-only and mixed schools. Also international certificates -like the IGCSE or the American SAT I and SAT II- could be completed in most of these schools. Moreover, study is available in English, French and also (German).

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Alexandria

Central Alexandria - Central Alexandria Many places seem to follow set shopping hours. Winter: Tuesday Wednesday to Friday and Saturday 9AM Monday - 10PM, Monday and Thursday 9AM Monday - 11AM. During Ramadan, hours vary, with shops often closing on Sunday. Summer: Tuesday Wednesday to Friday-Su 9AM Monday - 12:30PM and 4PM Monday - 12:30PM. In the commercial neighborhoods and there will often be vendors of one product or class of products clustered along a street; for instance Nabi Danial is noted for booksellers and vendors of electrical supplies and electronic equipment.

International Language Bookstore | A small and friendly little bookstore, if maddeningly difficult to find. It has a pretty nice selection of English-language Books if you are into classics and a lot of good reference books. Decent enough for children's Books and beach reads.
El Maaref Establishment | Saad Zaghloul St. Raml station - Yellow tram or Taxi ☎ +20 3-4853055

Shopping malls

efour/ Carrefour Downtown | Shopping mall with huge hypermarket, Coffee shops and cinemas. Take a taxi to get here.
Mirage Mall | A small high-end mall in front of Carrefour. Clothes shops including Adidas and Timberland factory outlets, plus some popular cafes and restaurants including Chili's and Pasadena Roof.
Deeb Mall | Midrange shopping mall with cinemas and a food court.
Family Mall | Midrange shopping mall in Gianaclis Station.
Green Plaza next to Hilton Hotel Big shopping mall with many shops, restaurants, cinemas and a court for videos games and bowling.
Kirosez Mall | A midrange shopping mall.
Mina Mall | Another midrange shopping mall.
Maamoura Plaza Mall | Some Halal restaurants.
San Stefano Grand Plaza Mall - Perhaps the largest shopping mall in Alexandria. Luxury shopping, 10 cinemas, large food court.
Wataniyya Mall | Small shopping mall.
Zahran Mall | Cinemas and Coffee shops.

Halal Restaurants in Alexandria

Below is a list of some popular Halal restaurants in Alexandria, Egypt. Keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive and that there may be other great options in the city. It's always a good idea to check with the restaurant for any updates or changes. Byblos Lebanese Restaurant Address: 23, Saad Zaghloul Street, Raml Station, Alexandria This authentic Lebanese restaurant offers a delightful array of Halal dishes, such as shawarma, Kebab, and mezzes. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the traditional decor adds to the overall dining experience. Fish Market Address: Qaitbay Citadel, Eastern Harbor, Alexandria As the name suggests, Fish Market specializes in fresh, Halal seafood. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience, allowing patrons to select their own catch of the day from the market-style display before it's prepared to their liking. Abdel Wahab Address: 1 El Minasa Street, Gleem, Alexandria Abdel Wahab is a renowned chain of Lebanese restaurants known for their high-quality, Halal cuisine. The Alexandria branch offers a spacious setting and an extensive menu, including grilled meats, mezze, and delicious desserts. Talaat Pasha Address: 114 Tawfiq Diab Street, San Stefano, Alexandria This Turkish restaurant offers an array of Halal dishes, from Kebab and grills to mouth-watering appetizers and desserts. The cozy atmosphere, authentic Turkish decor, and live music make for a memorable dining experience. Tikka Grill Address: Inside Downtown Alexandria Mall, 2nd Floor, Alexandria Tikka Grill is a popular Halal fast-food chain that offers a variety of grilled items, sandwiches, and salads. With a focus on fresh ingredients and bold flavors, thit is a great option for a quick, satisfying meal. Balbaa Village Address: 216 Al-Horeya Road, Alexandria Balbaa Village is a popular destination for delicious Egyptian and Middle Eastern cuisine. With a spacious, family-friendly setting and a menu that includes Halal grilled meats, seafood, and traditional dishes, it's a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family. Al Mina Restaurant Address: 1 El Mahrousa Street, El Mansheya, Alexandria Located near the bustling Mansheya Plaza, Al Mina serves a variety of Halal Egyptian dishes, including seafood, grilled meats, and classic Egyptian favorites like koshary and molokhia. Al Andalos Address: 1 El Shohadaa Street, El Mansheya, Alexandria Al Andalos offers a blend of Moroccan and Egyptian cuisines, all prepared with Halal ingredients. The elegant atmosphere, combined with the flavorful dishes and warm hospitality, creates a unique dining experience. Remember to always double-check with the restaurant to ensure that they still offer Halal options, as menus and ownership can change over time.

Where to sleep in Alexandria

Accommodation in Alexandria has quite a different feel due to the old buildings with sometimes nice colonial style lobbies. There is a good selection of hotels in all price ranges.

Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano

Address: 399 El Geish Road, San Stefano, Alexandria, Egypt

Tolip Alexandria Hotel

Address: Corniche Road, Roshdy, Alexandria, Egypt

Hilton Alexandria King's Ranch

Address: 10.5 kilometers Borg El Arab Road, King Mariout, Alexandria, Egypt

Hilton Alexandria Green Plaza

Address: 14th of May Bridge Road, Smouha, Alexandria, Egypt

Sheraton Montazah Hotel

Address: Corniche Road, Montazah Palace, Alexandria, Egypt

Helnan Palestine Hotel

Address: El Montazah Palace, Al Mandarah Bahri, Alexandria, Egypt

Steigenberger Cecil Hotel Alexandria

Address: 16 Saad Zaghloul Plaza, Raml Station, Alexandria, Egypt

Cherry Maryski Hotel

Address: 9 El Borsa El Kadema Street, Raml Station, Alexandria, Egypt

Apartments

For longer stays of a month or more, why not try renting in Alex? Apartments are easy to come by, in a range of prices (LE180-1000 per week) and states of repair! Landlords/ladies tend to live in the same blocks and will be willing to negotiate the rates. It's definitely worth visiting an apartment before placing any money down, preferably in late afternoon so you see how well the lighting works and the worst of any insect problems. (It's highly unlikely to find any lodging near the coast that's completely 'roach-free'!)

Most of //2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&6652&&Alexandria&&.Zzd43547df6fa747ba888b3c7-206204 Alexandrias hotels are located along the shore to the east, a fair distance away from the old city core. San Stefano Grand Plaza - San Stefano Grand Plaza

//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&6652&&El+Salamlek+Palace+Hotel+and+Casino&hotelId=275968&&.Zz4a7475a7ef6e47d7ba5374e-206204 El-Salamlek Palace | Housed in the vast grounds of the Montazah Palace, this hotel was built as a lodge for the guests of Khedive Abbas Helmi II in 1892. Now a 5-star hotel and casino and the setting certainly is opulent but, for the price tag, service seems to be terrible. The location in the vast, gated grounds at the far eastern end of the city, 10 kilometers from the center, is also quite inconvenient for sightseeing, but if you're looking for peace and quiet (always a rare commodity in Egypt), thit is the place.
//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&6652&&Four+Seasons+Hotel+Alexandria+At+San+Stefano&hotelId=275964&&.Zz563d59bc2fd243a1bacae7c-206204 Four Seasons San Stefano | Edging the Mediterranean in a setting of legendary glamour, discover an intimate enclave within the stately Grand Plaza shopping and residential complex. Indulge in classically elegant lodgings, European spa treatments and terraced restaurants with fresh sea breezes. Four Seasons care outshines all else in Alexandria. Alexandria's top hotel and priced to match.
//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&6652&&Helnan+Royal+Hotel+-+Palestine&hotelId=275953&&.Zz89216420676543538c31199-206204 Helnan Palestine | The hotel, most recently refurbished in 2002, is set on the Mediterranean Sea and is neighbored by 350 acres of gardens and beaches. It faces the Montaza Royal Palace, once home to the royal family.
//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&6652&&Hilton+Alexandria+Green+Plaza&hotelId=275955&&.Zz54f0ba9dbea8423eac86779-206204 Hilton Alexandria Green Plaza | Officially only a three-star hotel, but much better than you'd expect in this class.
//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&6652&&Paradise+Inn+Le+Metropole+Hotel&hotelId=275958&&.Zz43de6 bda08494f7085dcd58-206204 Le Metropole | Opened in 1902, thit is one of Alexandria's two grand old hotels. It has been given a half-hearted renovation, still keeping the turn-of-the-century style. It's on Alexandria's main street, which is handy for sightseeing, but lower floor rooms (esp. those facing the back) can be very noisy. Internet is available but can be spotty.
//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&6652&&Sheraton+Montazah+Hotel&hotelId=275950&&.Zzb2126 b27583647aa803dc04-206204 Sheraton Montazah | It's on the far (eastern) end of the Corniche. Small, shabby and in need of renovation.
//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&6652&&Steigenberger+Cecil+Hotel+Alexandria&hotelId=275951&&.Zzc431b47e19684257aad286f-206204 Steigenberger Cecil Hotel | Alexandria's other grand old hotel, many of whose rooms are named after famous guests like Agatha Christie and Winston Churchill. Great central location, clean & comfy, helpful staff. The old wire-cage lift conjures period charm but it's basically a modern hotel, though some furnishings (e.g. bathroom) are kinda tired. Good sound-proofing, which you'll appreciate given the swirling Corniche traffic and many wedding parties held here. Decent Jardin restaurant for breakfast but the upstairs Chinese restaurant alas has closed. Service sometimes slow, no internet.
//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&1506295&&Radisson+Blu+Hotel+Alexandria&hotelId=275956&&.Zz1badaccae4ff4d058bcf184-206204 Radisson Blu Hotel Alexandria | It's up against the water in the half-abandoned Alex West neighborhood.

Stay safe as a Muslim in Alexandria

Although crime is commonly violent, beware of pickpockets and don't flash your valuables or wear a bum bag or fanny pack. Street kids, taxi drivers and others may harass tourists. They will desist after a stern "La!" or two. Or you can say "la shukran!" (no thanks) or "emshi" (go!).

Emergency

Emergency number: 123
Police number: 122
Fire HQ number: 180
Military Police hotline: 16039 or 19039
Central Ambulance | Kom El Dekka - opposite Alexandria Station ☎ +20 3-4922257
El Moassa Hospital El Horreya Rd., El Hadara - ☎ +20 3-4212885, +20 3-4212886, +20 3-4212887, +20 3-4212888
El Shatby Hospital | Dr. Hassan Sobhy St., El Shatby - ☎ +20 3-4871586
Medical Research Institute El Horreya Rd. - beside Gamal Abdel Nasser Hospital ☎ +20 3-4215455, +20 3-4212373
Bacos Ambulance | Mehatet El Souk St., Bacos - ☎ +20 3-5703454
Poison Center Main University Hospital | ☎ +20 3 4862244

Where to go from Alexandria

Monastery of Abu Mena (03-2009) - Abu Mena monastery

Abu Mena is a Christian pilgrimage site 45 kilometers south of Alexandria, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
El Alamein is a little city on the coast 120 km west of Alexandria. In 1942 the Axis forces under Rommel had swept this far across Libya towards Cairo and Suez. They were halted here in June 1942 by Allied forces under Auchinleck and sent retreating by Montgomery in November. The town has memorials, museums and war graves commemorating all nations. It's done as a day trip from Alexandria.
Cairo can be done as a day-trip, but needs longer and you'll probably pass through on your way to Luxor, Aswan or the Red Sea resorts.