Last reviewed: January 2026
Alexandria: Where Alexander's Dream Still Echoes
Alexander the Great chose this spot in 331 BCE, and even he — whose ambitions exceeded all bounds — could not have imagined what would grow here. Alexandria became the greatest city of the ancient world: home to the legendary Library (the accumulated knowledge of civilization), the Pharos Lighthouse (one of the Seven Wonders), and the intellectual center where Euclid developed geometry and the Septuagint translated Hebrew scripture into Greek. Cleopatra ruled from here, and here she died. The city passed through Roman, Arab, Ottoman, and British hands, each layer adding to a palimpsest of civilization.
Today's Alexandria is Egypt's second city, sprawling along the Mediterranean coast with five million souls and the particular chaos that accompanies Egyptian urban life. The ancient wonders are gone — the Library burned (or dispersed), the Lighthouse toppled by earthquakes — but their memory lingers. And some things remain: Pompey's Pillar rising from the rubble of the Serapeum, the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa blending Egyptian and Greco-Roman death rituals, the Citadel of Qaitbay built literally atop the Lighthouse's foundations.
The Cruise Port & Getting Around
Ships dock at Alexandria Port, a working commercial harbor about 15 minutes from the city center. The port area is gritty and industrial — this is not a walk-off-and-explore situation. Ship excursions or arranged transportation are strongly recommended.
For Cairo and the pyramids, the journey is about 3 hours each way by road. Ship excursions ($150-250) typically include transportation, guide, Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, and sometimes the Egyptian Museum. It's a long, exhausting, utterly worthwhile day. Independent Cairo trips are possible but logistically challenging during a port call.
For Alexandria itself, taxis are available but negotiating fares requires confidence. Uber operates here. Ship shore excursions provide the most straightforward experience, though independent visitors can hire licensed guides through reputable agencies.
Alexandria's Treasures
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is the city's modern crown jewel — a stunning tilted disc of a building housing millions of books, several museums, exhibition spaces, and a planetarium. Entry is inexpensive (~$5 USD equivalent), and the architecture alone is worth the visit. The Antiquities Museum inside holds artifacts from underwater archaeology in the harbor.
The Citadel of Qaitbay guards the harbor's eastern edge, a 15th-century fortress built using stones from the collapsed Lighthouse of Alexandria. The views over the Mediterranean are superb. Pompey's Pillar, a 30-meter red granite column, marks where the Serapeum temple once stood — the spot where some scholars believe the ancient library's final books were housed before destruction.
The Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa offer something genuinely unique: a Roman-era burial complex blending Egyptian, Greek, and Roman funerary traditions. The central tomb shows Anubis in Roman military dress — a perfect symbol of Alexandria's cultural fusion. Claustrophobes should note: it's underground and close quarters.
Cairo & The Pyramids
For many, Alexandria is simply the gateway to Egypt's greatest treasures: the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Ship excursions make this ambitious day trip possible, departing early and returning late. You'll spend perhaps 3-4 hours at the site — enough to see the pyramids, photograph the Sphinx, maybe enter the Great Pyramid (additional fee), and feel the weight of 4,500 years of history.
Some excursions add the Egyptian Museum in Cairo (the old one, not the new Grand Egyptian Museum at Giza). Others include a Nile-side lunch or shopping stops. Review excursion details carefully — more inclusions mean more time on buses.
Is it exhausting? Yes. Is it worth it? For most visitors, absolutely. Seeing the last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World, even briefly, is a bucket-list moment that justifies the logistical gymnastics.
Port Map
Tap markers to explore Alexandria
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit the pyramids from Alexandria?
Yes. Cairo is about 3 hours by road. Ship excursions run $150-250 and include the Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, and often the Egyptian Museum. Long day, but unforgettable.
Is Alexandria safe for tourists?
Tourist areas have significant security presence. Ship excursions and licensed guides provide structured, safe experiences. Egypt has invested heavily in tourist safety.
What is the Bibliotheca Alexandrina?
The modern Library of Alexandria, opened 2002. A stunning architectural achievement housing millions of books, museums, and exhibition spaces. Entry ~$5 USD.
What currency is used?
Egyptian Pound (EGP). USD and Euros sometimes accepted at tourist sites. ATMs available. Bargaining expected in markets.
Until I have sailed this port myself, these notes are soundings in another's wake.