Exploring Alexandria, Egypt: Coastal Charm, Citadel Views & Travel Tips

Welcome back to Budget Nomad!This time, I’ve taken my journey to Alexandria, an ancient Mediterranean port city on the northern coast of Egypt. Once home to the Great Library and the Lighthouse of Alexandria—one of the original Seven Wonders—this city is packed with history, coastal vibes, and a few modern travel challenges. Here’s what to expect if you're visiting, plus some personal insights into navigating Egypt as a solo traveler.

First Impressions of Alexandria

Perched on the coast, Alexandria curves around a crescent-shaped bay, offering panoramic views that stretch from one end of the seafront to the other. Locals gather here to fish, relax, or simply stroll the promenade. Unlike the bustling chaos of Cairo, Alexandria moves at a slightly slower, saltier pace—perfect for travelers looking to unwind.

But don’t be fooled—traffic is still hectic. Honking, weaving cars are part of daily life, so be ready for a bit of urban energy mixed in with your coastal calm.

🏰 Visiting the Citadel of Qaitbay

One of the major sights in Alexandria is the Citadel of Qaitbay, a fortress built in the 15th century on the exact site where the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria once stood.

Getting there is half the fun. I grabbed an Uber motorbike taxi (yes, they exist here—and they're awesome). It's not quite the same as zipping through Southeast Asia on a scooter; these bikes are bulkier and feel more like mini Harleys. Flying through Alexandria’s streets on one was easily one of the highlights of the day.

At the citadel, security is tight. I was almost turned away for carrying a small camera. Egyptian tourist sites can be touchy about video equipment, but luckily my Canon G7X passed inspection. It’s compact but powerful—and doesn’t attract too much attention.

📸 Filming in Egypt: What You Should Know

Here’s something many travel vloggers don’t talk about: filming in Egypt can be difficult. In Cairo, I was told to delete footage by police within 20 seconds of starting to record. Since then, I’ve adopted a different style—filming selectively and explaining more off-camera when in quieter locations. If you're planning content creation in Egypt, be prepared to adjust your usual workflow.

📚 The Library of Alexandria (Kind of…)

One of the most famous cultural icons of the city is the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern reincarnation of the ancient library. Unfortunately, it was closed during my visit. I couldn’t even get a clear photo from the outside due to security barriers, which was a bit frustrating.

If you're hoping to visit, double-check the opening hours beforehand—this isn’t a “turn up and walk in” kind of place.

🏨 Where to Stay in Alexandria (On a Budget)

🌊 Union Hotel – Best View in Town

For a front-row seat to the Mediterranean, I stayed at Union Hotel. It’s old, basic, and only has fan rooms, but for $25 USD (around 375 EGP) you get a balcony with a sea view—and to me, that’s worth every pound. You can see all the way to the citadel and the far end of the bay.

Just note: it’s noisy. Alexandria’s seafront traffic doesn’t stop, but the views more than make up for it.

🛌 Alexandria Transit Hostel – Better Comfort, Lower Price

The next night, I moved to Alexandria Transit Hostel, slightly inland. It’s cheaper at $20 USD, has more comfortable rooms, and is a good balance of location and value. One thing to keep in mind: budget hotels under $10 are rare in Alexandria—expect to spend a bit more than you would in Southeast Asia.

🚍 Getting to Alexandria from Cairo

Most travelers recommend the train, but I took the bus due to timing and online teaching commitments. I headed to the Cairo Gateway Bus Station, which looked modern on Google Maps—but in reality, it’s a bit run-down and eerily quiet in the early morning.

The bus to Alexandria cost 80 EGP (~$1.70 USD) and took around 3 hours. Once you arrive at the Alexandria bus station, you’ll need to take a minibus (3–5 EGP) to get closer to the city center. It’s not door-to-door, but as a one-bag traveler, a 10-minute walk wasn’t an issue—even in the 36°C heat.

☕ Things to Do in Alexandria

Alexandria isn’t a city packed with “must-do” attractions. Instead, it’s a place to:

• Wander the promenade

• Watch local life

• Grab coffee by the sea

• Explore coastal ruins

• Take in Mediterranean vibes
  

It’s not about ticking off tourist sites—it’s about slowing down and soaking in the historic charm.

Final Thoughts: Is Alexandria Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Despite filming restrictions and the occasional hiccup, Alexandria was a highlight of my trip to Egypt. It’s affordable (by Egyptian standards), scenic, and slightly off the beaten path for most tourists. If you’re looking to decompress, reconnect with the sea, or just sit on a balcony watching life go by—this is your spot.

Next stop? Hurghada—a 10-hour overnight bus journey awaits, and I’ll be sharing that adventure in my next post.

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