? There is little that competes with the beauty of Alexandria, particularly in fall. Not sure how to spend your weekends now that Sahel season is well past us? We’d argue that walking through the ancient city’s streets and legacy beaches should be on your to-do list this October if you’re looking to fill up your agenda during the long weekend. Beyond cathartic sunsets by the sea, there’s a lot to do in Alexandria.

ACCOMODATION-

Where you stay has a lot to do with how your getaway goes. Point in case: if you choose the downtown area around El Raml Station, you’ll be closer to Bahary than Montazah. The first thing to do is decide where you want to go and what you want to see. We’d also recommend leaving your car behind, as Alexandrian traffic may as well be an unaired episode of Squid Game. Plus, who wouldn’t want to stroll through its streets or converse with one of the drivers of its iconic yellow cabs?

Looking for a place to crash beyond your usual stays? These are our top picks:

#1- ROMANCE HOTEL: Located on the corniche, Romance is minutes away from Stanley Bridge, and offers a stunning view. A night via Booking will run you EGP 3k.

#2- RIXOS AL MONTAZAH: Offering a calm, luxurious experience, Rixos allows its guests to retreat in front of the sea in the heart of Montazah. The average price per night is around EGP 6.5k via Booking.

#3- STEIGENBERGER CECIL: Right next to the Raml Station, the Steigenberger Cecil is one of Alexandria’s oldest hotels, famed for its classical aesthetic and breathtaking architecture. From the exterior to the color-scheme, décor, and a historic bar you might recognize from Nadine Labaki’s film Back to Alexandria, this celebrity-frequented hotel is a dream come true. A night will set you back EGP 5.5k on average, according to Booking.

#4- WINDSOR PALACE HOTEL: This historical stay stands right next to the Steigenberger Cecil and shares its aesthetic. Also featuring classical architecture and a striking white façade, this is a hotel that will transport you back to the days of the monarchy. A night costs EGP 3.9k on average via Booking.

?PRO TIP- Sometimes it’s better to contact hotels directly if you’re looking for a bargain.

Going the AirBnB route? The app offers stellar apartment options across Alexandria, and caters to all sorts of budget and aesthetic needs without breaking the bank. On the app, you’ll find properties with a direct sea view and others situated in historic neighborhoods such as Fouad Street. Just be sure to read the reviews and do your homework.

We’d suggest looking at stays in the San Stefano/Glim Bay area or the Downtown/Raml Station area, as they’re centrally located next to key landmarks, and the proximity to the tram makes transportation across the city easier. Areas such as Sidi Beshr often see lots of construction work around this time of the year, so we’d recommend crossing them off the list.

TREAT YOUR TUMMY-

FIRST OFF, BREAKFAST-

#1- GAD: Gad at Stanley is pretty much a surefire choice if you’re looking for an Egyptian breakfast with a view. We’d recommend the cheese falafel, foul “bil khalta,” and zinger fries.

#2- ZAGHLOUL: A TikTok-viral Gen Z favorite, Zaghloul proved every bit fameworthy when we tried it ourselves. You’ll find the humble joint on a side street in the Azarita area. Despite its modest seating arrangements, Zaghloul offers a slew of oriental classics, with platters comprising everything but the kitchen sink meant for sharing.

#3- EL BRAZILI: The Alexandrian experience would be incomplete without a perfectly concocted cup of coffee from El Brazili at its Raml Station or Azarita branches. You’ll find fresh pastries that offer an alternative to the traditional Egyptian breakfast. Our picks would be the wholegrain croissant with turkey and mixed cheese, paired with a hot Spanish latte. For dessert, don’t miss out on their signature chocolate cake.

NOW, FOR THE MAIN MEAL-

Craving seafood? Well, you’re in luck. The coastal city has no shortage of seafood dining destinations across its corners, and we’re pretty sure you have a favorite spot in mind, so we’ll spare your time and skip those. Instead, beyond the calamari and the fried kebda, we’d recommend you pay these spots a visit:

#1- RUBY’S: Tucked amid the trees in the streets of Kafr Abdo, Ruby’s was an accidental find, and one happy accident it was. The warm décor and inviting lighting caught our attention, and the food kept it. You’ll find an expansive menu that leads to generous portions. We’d recommend the caramelised onion and bacon burger and the fillet chicken bacon wrap.

#2- B.A.D SUSHI: If you’re craving some California rolls, like we are, give B.A.D a shot and you’ll realize it’s not half bad — pun intended. Located near Ruby’s, this sushi spot stands out for its fresh rolls and high quality ingredients. Don’t let their scant social media presence fool you — they’re as busy as ever.

#3- MA SERA: Sometimes the sight of the sea triggers inexplicable cravings for Italian cuisine. The good news is that Ma Sera has perfected the culinary craft. You’ll find it on Fouad Street, minutes away from the Greco-Roman Museum. With a bright design balancing the luxury of old with modern nonchalance, Ma Sera is a spot you won’t want to miss. We’d recommend the chicken parm for your main and a pecan pie cheesecake for dessert.

OUT AND ABOUT IN ALEXANDRIA-

As we’ve already established, there’s no shortage of things to do in Alexandria — whether that’s an afternoon stroll, a date with the Mediterranean, or a visit to its historical landmarks.

QUICK NOTE- Operating hours at historical landmarks may differ from season to season.

#1- Stroll through history at the Greco-Roman Museum: The museum is located in the Attareen area opposite Fouad Street. Founded by Italian archaeologist Giuseppe Botti and inaugurated during the reign of Abbas Helmi II in 1892, this museum stands as the only haven for Greco-Roman artifacts in Egypt, housing a vast collection of statues and other relics found in the city and its surrounding areas. If you’re a history buff, you’ll have the time of your life.

HOURS: Open daily from 9am to 5pm, Fridays and Saturdays until 8pm.

TICKETS: EGP 40 for Egyptians, reduced to EGP 20 for Egyptian students, and EGP 400 for foreigners, reduced to EGP 200 for foreign students.

#2- Historical bling at the Royal Jewelry Museum: Located in Zizinia, the museum is housed in a palace established by Zeinab Fahmy in 1919 and later inhabited by her daughter Princess Fatma. The museum was originally established to showcase the royal family’s jewelry collection, alongside other possessions such as stationary, coins, and gifts given to the family by other royals. Among the most significant pieces is a chessboard made of gold inlaid with diamonds, gifted to Farouk I by the Crown Prince of Iran upon his marriage to Princess Fawzia in 1939. The palace walls are intricately adorned, and is as much an art gallery as it is a jewelry museum.

HOURS: Daily from 9am to 5pm.

TICKETS: EGP 20 for Egyptian adults, reduced to EGP 5 for Egyptian students. EGP 220 for foreigners, reduced to EGP 110 for foreign students.

#3- Visit the Planetarium at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina: One of the most notable activities offered at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is the Planetarium shows — interactive cultural and scientific films presented in hour-long shows suitable for both kids and grown ups. The library also hosts a slew of exhibitions and cultural events on the regular. When you’re done with your tour, we’d recommend getting a cup of joe from the Cilantro branch overlooking the sea.

HOURS: The library is open daily from 10am to 7pm, and Saturdays from 9am to 2pm, and is closed on Fridays.

TICKETS: EGP 10 for Egyptian adults, reduced to EGP 5 for students. EGP 150 for foreigners, reduced to EGP 20 for foreign students.

?PRO TIP- Tickets are reserved via the window on a first-come-first-served basis, so we’d recommend getting a headstart as demand is usually high, especially during weekends. The last shows conclude around 2pm, and you can check out the agenda and separate ticket prices here.

#4- The sound and light show at the Citadel: Aside from stellar sunset views, the Sound and Light show at the Citadel is one not to be missed. Watch as Alexandria’s heritage, founding history, and famous landmarks are displayed across the walls.

HOURS: Shows start at 8:30pm and 9:30pm, while the Citadel itself is open from 9am to 6pm.

TICKETS: There are two categories for Egyptians: EGP 100 and EGP 200. For non-Egyptians: EGP 1.125k and EGP 1.35k.

#5- Operatic nights at the Alexandria Opera House: Inaugurated in 1921, the Sayed Darwish Theatre’s design draws inspiration from the Vienna Opera. The Opera House elicits a feeling of historical time travel upon entry, and its architectural character is one that will stamp itself on your memory. Keep track of the shows playing here.

#6- Stroll through El Montazah and the Antoniadis Gardens: Spend a languid day amidst Alexandria’s Montazah garden. We’d also recommend visiting the Antoniadis Gardens in Smouha, where you can stroll and dine among the trees.

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