Alone In Alexandria Egypt
Alexandria was founded in 331 BC by 25-year-old Alexander the Great. Its Pharos lighthouse, which marked the entrance to the ancient harbor, was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. In addition its Great Library was the library of ancient knowledge. From the late nineteenth century until the 1950s, Alexandria was a bohemian tourist destination. Packed with a glittering cast of writers, poets, and painters who made the city their home. Alexandria is one of the greatest cities in Egypt to visit alone if you want to experience the grandeur of a bygone era.
Explore the Bibliotheca Alexandrina Museums
Bibliotheca Alexandrina Museums
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is one of Egypt’s most significant modern landmarks and the city’s cultural heart. It has one of the most ambitious libraries in the contemporary world. Moreover there is slew of museums devoted to Alexandria’s history and legacy. Its design is based on a massive sun disk that presides over the seaside Corniche. The massive main library and its reading room can accommodate up to eight million volumes.
Go underground to the Kom el-Shoqafa Catacombs
Kom el-Shoqafa Catacombs
The Kom el-Shuqqafa Catacombs are on the southern slopes of a hill in the Carmous area. Carved out from rock. They date from the second century AD. An excellent example of the typical Alexandrian synthesis of Egyptian and Greco-Roman styles. In fact a donkey’s owner discovered them in 1900 after the donkey fell down one. They are built on various levels with sarcophagi and loculi (shelf tomb) chambers. You can get to the main rotunda through a spiral staircase that descends into the earth.
Visit the National Museum of Alexandria
National Museum of Alexandria
With its account of Alexandria’s history, this outstanding museum is a must see. The museum is in a magnificently restored Italian villa. The tiny but intelligently selected and well-labeled collection, does an excellent job of linking the city’s history from antiquity to the current time. Look out for the stunning Tanagra — terracotta sculptures of Greek women – and the undersea finds from the Mediterranean.
Stroll along the Corniche – Alexandria Egypt
The Corniche of Alexandria
The broad, beachfront Corniche Road in downtown Alexandria is as much a symbol of the city as any of its monuments. Strolling the Corniche, particularly the area between Midan Saad Zaghloul‘s major shorefront square and Fort Qaitbey on the Eastern Harbor’s western point, gives you a true sense of the cosmopolitan elegance and decadence that defined this city in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Discover the Montazah Gardens
Montazah, a verdant paradise of tall palm trees, groomed lawns, and flowering flowers on the city’s eastern outskirts, was previously off-limits to all save the royal court and their hangers-on. Nowadays the gardens are open to the public. You can meander around the spacious grounds, which provide a nice respite from the rush and bustle of Alexandria.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Solo Trip to Alexandria Egypt
Where to stay
The large modern luxury hotels are located northeast of the city and the landmarks, while the older historic hotels and inexpensive hotels are located in the center.
Getting to Alexandria
Several trains run between Cairo and Alexandria, making it possible to visit on a day trip from the capital.
Book A Solo Tour Guide for Alexandria Egypt
Whilst it is great to discover a city by yourself, sometimes a local tour guide can make all the difference. They can show you places off the beaten track as well as answer any queries you may have. Advice on the transport system, SIM cards and safety, can be invaluable. Indeed a Solo Tour Guide specialises in helping the solo traveler.
To book one for Alexandria, please click here.
