Alexandria is the home of attraction, and it is the second-largest city in Egypt. It is also considered one of the top economic centers, as it has many attractions that lure thousands of tourists to the city every year. What are the best tourist sites in Alexandria? What can I do in Alexandria? These and more are some of the questions many people in Alexandria or planning to visit Alexandria always ask.
Alexandria is one of the most popular places to visit in Egypt, thanks to its beautiful tourist attractions. There is so much to see and learn about in this great city, including the history of the ancient world there. The city also has many activities and adventures waiting for your arrival. In this guide, we will be highlighting some of the best and must-see tourist attractions in Alexandria.
Top 10 Attractions in Alexandria
The Museum of Bibliotheca Alexandrina
The Museum of Bibliotheca Alexandrina is one of the top attractions in this city, and it is one of the most visited places in Egypt. The Bibliotheca Alexandria is one of the most crucial modern landmarks of Egypt, as well as the cultural heart of Alexandria. It also contains one of the most ambitious libraries of the contemporary world and many museums exploring the heritage and history of Alexandria.
The major tourist attractions on this site are the beautifully designed exhibition spaces beneath the main library. The Antiquities Museum of Alexandria houses a fine collection that ranges from Ancient Egypt down to the period of Greco-Roman. Some of the highlight exhibitions of this museum include the monuments and statues found in the underwater archaeological excavations in the marina.
The Manuscript Museum is also beneath the library, and it displays a collection of ancient scrolls and texts. The museum also has several halls displaying rotating modern art exhibitions as well as an Egyptian fold art collection.
The Citadel of Qaitbay
A sultan called Al-Ashraf Sayf El-Din Qaitbay established the 15th-century fortress in 1477 AD. The citadel is situated on the Mediterranean Sea coast, along the eastern part of the northern edge of Pharos Island. The new structure was constructed on the same site of the Lighthouse of Alexandria. The effort of the sultan was in vain as Egypt was taken over by the Ottomans in 1512.
When Britain bombarded Alexandria, the fortress suffered a lot of damage. The current fortress, which is now on the same site, is not the original one. This is a historic site, and one of the best places many like visiting when they visit Alexandria. There is a naval museum in the citadel, and you can visit it to explore the interior of the fortress to get an idea of how big the former structure is.
Royal Jewelry Museum
Are you a lover of fashion or do you just love jewelry? If yes, then this is one of the best places to visit when next you find yourself in this beautiful city. There is a wide range of collections of jewels and jewelry in the halls of this museum. The museum is also filled with nineteenth-century statues, paintings, decorative arts, etc.
The empire of Muhammed Ali and his descendants own the collection of art and jewelry pieces. After the revolution, they kept all the jewelry safe until President Mubarak gave an order in 1986 for Fatima ElZhahraa to be a museum where they can store all those pieces. This history and art museum is a great place to visit, as it has many great things with which to feed your eyes.
Alexandria National Museum
One of the most visited places in Alexandria is the Alexandria National Museum. This is one of the top attractions in the city, and it has a lot to offer. In this museum, you would be able to explore the immense history of this famous city. It is a historic museum, and it houses many remains of the Pharaonic period down to the Hellenistic Heyday.
You might also see remnants from the era when Ptolemy Dynasty was ruling over Egypt and Alexandria, which Alexandra the great started. You can spend hours on this great site and not exhaust its offerings. There are many other antiques and displays to see in this great museum. The National Museum of Alexandria is located at Tariq al-Horreya Street, Alexandria.
Pompey’s Pillar
In a town called Carmous, which is at the southwest of Alexandria, there is a hill littered holding many architectural rubbles, the remains of the ancient walls, as well as the remnants where the one and only ancient monument of Alexandria stands. The Pompey’s pillar is standing amid the ruins, and it rises from the Serapis temple and the pile of remnants.
Pompey’s pillar is very high, as it measures about 27 meters in height. They set this pillar up in 292 AD, in honor of Diocletian. This is a great site to visit, and many people like coming here in the evening to take pictures and relax with family and friends.
Kom El-Dikka
Kom el-Dikka is another very popular attraction site in Alexandria. No one paid attention to the ancient remnant mound in central Alexandria until the late 60s when they started clearing the site to build houses. While clearing the place for new housing, they discovered plenty of ancient remnants buried beneath the place known as Kom el-Dikka. They also discovered a small Roman theater.
That place is currently a small archaeological park with remnants from the Greco-Roman era of Alexandria. There are also remains of a Roman bathhouse, a Ptolemaic temple, and several Roman-period villas on the site. This tourist attraction is at Yousri Street in Alexandria, and there is so much to see and learn there.
Montaza Palace Gardens
The Montaza Palace Gardens is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Alexandria. This place consists of extensive gardens, a museum, and a palace. The Montaza Palace was first grounded by the Salamlek Palace, and the last Egyptian monarch king – Khedive Abbas – built it in 1892. Today, it is a public museum of the dynasty of Muhammed Ali family history.
This site is unique for its royal palaces and beautiful gardens. The gardens are part of the over 350 acres grounds of the Montazah Palace, the great royal house, but the Montaza Royal Garden covers over half of the property. This is one place you wouldn’t want to miss on your next visit to Alexandria. The entry fee is very low, and you can visit with your entire family.
Rosetta City
The City of Rosetta, which is also known as Rashid, is another great place to visit in Alexandria. Rashid is a reserved area in the Mediterranean Sea, and it is very popular because the Rosetta stone was formed there. This site is situated about 65km northeast of the city. Rosetta was one of the most important trade sites in the Middle Ages, thanks to its strategic location.
The improvement of Alexandria’s port and the development of the Mahmudiyeh canal has increased the importance of this place further. There are many places to explore in the city of Rosetta, such as the Delta-style mansions in the city. These houses are from the Ottoman period from the 18th to 19th century. You can also visit the Rashid Museum. The museum houses many objects from ancient civilizations.
Ras el-Tin Palace
This palace used to be a summer escape for the sultans of Egypt. They usually run to it when Cairo’s desert heat becomes unbearable. It is also the famous location where the last king of Egypt – King Farouk – officially stepped down from his throne in 1952 before he sailed out of the port of Alexandria and went into exile in Italy.
Today, the Egyptian navy is using the palace, and the glorious interiors of the palace are no longer accessible by casual visitors. However, the monumental white façade is a must-see. The best view of the façade is from the waterfront. The beauty of the palace is exceptional.
Underwater Excursions
Underwater excursions are one of the most popular activities in Alexandra. This great city is very famous for its diverse entertaining underwater adventures, some of which include museums lying safely beneath the coastal waters. For instance, Cleopatra Palace is one of the popular submerged monuments in Alexandria, and it used to be a part of the ancient city of Alexandria.
The beautiful thing about these underwater excursions is that you don’t need to be a swimmer to embark on them. They are completely safe, and a professional will accompany and show you around. If you are looking for a fun-filled activity to engage yourself in, then this is one of the best options you have.
Conclusion
As we said earlier, Alexandria is one of the largest cities in Egypt, and the city is full of many tourist attractions and activities. These are some of the top attractions in this great city, and they will make you enjoy your stay in the second-largest city in Egypt.
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