Alexandria
Ancient seaside ruins, leafy lanes, and halal-friendly coastal bites
Highlights
Wander the breezy Qaitbay Citadel and cliffside views where the ancient Pharos Lighthouse once stood.
Descend into Kom El Shoqafa’s multi-level tombs for an eerie, beautiful blend of Egyptian and Greco-Roman art.
Spend a relaxed afternoon in the striking Bibliotheca Alexandrina complex, from reading rooms to planetarium.
Stroll palm-lined promenades and rocky coves as the sea crashes against Alexandria’s famous seafront.
Escape into the gardens and palm groves around Montaza Palace for a lush, almost jungle-like respite.
Explore the quieter Roman amphitheater and nearby mosaicked villas tucked into the modern city fabric.
Where to Eat
9 picks
Tikka Grill (Downtown Corniche)
Popular Egyptian/Indian grill on the Corniche; choose chicken tikka, mixed grills, kebabs, lentil soup, and vegetable curries—meat is halal and alcohol isn’t the focus.
Fish Market Restaurant (Bahary Branch, Halal Options)
Sea-view restaurant where you choose your fish and seafood to be grilled or baked; stick to clearly halal fish and seafood, plus rice, salads, and mezze (avoid alcohol and non-halal meat).
Hosny El Kababgi (Camp Caesar)
Classic Egyptian grill serving halal kofta, shish tawook, lamb chops, mixed grills, rice, molokhia, and salads in a simple, family-friendly space.
Hosny El Bahary (Sidi Gaber Branch)
Another branch of the popular halal grill and seafood chain; choose mixed grills, shrimp, or calamari with rice, salads, and tahini.
Kebdet El Prince Alexandria-Style Liver & Grill
Halal Egyptian street-style liver, sausages, and grilled meats served with bread and salads; you can also opt for grilled chicken or kofta if you prefer.
Montaza Corniche Coffee & Pastry Kiosk
Pick up a simple coffee, tea, and packaged or freshly baked pastries from a kiosk just outside or inside Montaza’s entrance (halal-friendly, avoid anything with unclear meat).
El Selsela Café (Montaza Area, Non-Alcoholic Focus)
Casual seaside café emphasizing juices, coffee, shisha, and simple halal snacks like fries, sandwiches, and pastries (skip anything with unclear meat).
Abu Rabie Restaurant
No-frills, halal Egyptian chain offering grilled chicken, shawarma, rice, and salads; clearly labeled and very popular with locals.
Final Night Halal Grill (Flexible Pick)
Choose whichever nearby halal grill you’ve liked best during the week—Hosny, Gad, Abu Rabie, or similar—for a final comforting plate of kofta, chicken, rice, and salads.
What to Do
2 picks
Downtown Old Streets & Mansheya Square
Wander under old balconies, arcades, and side streets with pockets of trees and plants, plus Mansheya Square’s historic buildings and statues.
Return to Your Favorite Spot
Revisit whichever place you liked most—maybe Montaza’s palm groves, the Citadel’s waves, or the Bibliotheca’s plaza—and just enjoy it without any agenda.
Good to Know
8 picks
Halal Food Is the Norm
In Alexandria, most everyday Egyptian restaurants, koshary shops, and grills serve halal meat by default; seafood is also a safe choice. Still, if you’re unsure, say “lahma halal?” or look for “حلال” written on the sign.
Simple Local Transport Strategy
For a stress-free week, rely mainly on white city taxis or ride-hailing (if available) instead of microbuses or trams; show drivers a pinned map location and agree on an approximate fare before getting in.
Cash and Tickets
Carry enough small cash for entry fees to sites like Kom El Shoqafa, Pompey’s Pillar, Qaitbay, and the Roman Theater, as many ticket booths only accept cash and may have limited change.
Modest, Comfortable Clothing
Lightweight, breathable clothes that cover shoulders and knees are comfortable in the sun and respectful of local norms, especially if you step into mosques or traditional neighborhoods.
Timing Around Heat and Crowds
Plan indoor or shady spots (museums, Bibliotheca, Montaza’s tree-covered paths) for midday, and save open, unshaded areas like the Corniche and citadel for early morning or late afternoon.
Photography Etiquette
It’s generally fine to photograph streets and landmarks, but avoid taking clear photos of people without permission, especially families and women, and check signs at museums or military-sensitive areas.
Language Shortcuts
Learning a few words like “salaam” (hello), “shukran” (thank you), “min fadlak/fadlik” (please m/f), and “bkam?” (how much?) goes a long way; people appreciate the effort even if you switch back to English.
Solo Safety Basics
Alexandria is generally safe, but stick to well-lit main streets at night, keep valuables close, and use hotels or known restaurants for Wi‑Fi and rest stops rather than very quiet alleys or parks after dark.
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