Alexandria — Five-Day Local Itinerary
Alexandria, Egypt
Updated May 28, 2026
• Mediterranean breeze and 'belle époque' nostalgia
• Interactive seafood rituals in working-class Bahary
• Morning tram hops through neighborhoods tourists skip
• Evening Corniche promenades with roasted chickpeas
• Calm library rooftops and hidden garden escapes
📍 Interactive Map
🏠 Where to Stay
⏰ Daily Rhythm
Morning: Freshly baked bread, foul breakfast, and early walks before the heat peaks.
Lunch: The main meal; usually fresh fish or koshary between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
Afternoon: Siesta time or slow 'ahwa' coffee sessions watching the world go by.
Evening: The Corniche comes alive; walking, snacking, and late-night socializing.
📅 Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
The Old Heart and Deep Blue
Fishermen's rhythms and ancient foundations
1
Anfushi Fish Market & Port
marketWhere the city's seafood supply arrives; at 7 AM it's pure Alexandrian energy.
💡 Best experienced at sunrise.
📍 View on Google Maps 2
Samakmak Seafood
foodOwned by a local legend (ex-dancer), this is the definitive 'pick-your-fish' spot for locals.
📍 View on Google Maps🍽️ Local Food Hits
Sayadeya Fish: Alexandrian spiced fish with caramelized onion rice.
✨ Local Life Moments
Watching the 7 AM fish auction haggle
The scent of sea salt and shisha at Al Farouk
⚠️ Watch Outs
Motorcycles on the sidewalk near Qaitbay.
Day 2
Trams and Timeless Books
The Intellectual Soul
1
Mohamed Ahmed Restaurant
foodThe undisputed king of Egyptian breakfast since the 1950s.
📍 View on Google Maps 2
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
museumThe pride of modern Alexandria; a cultural hub for residents.
📍 View on Google Maps🍽️ Local Food Hits
Foul Eskandarani: Beans with peppers, tomatoes, and tahini.
✨ Local Life Moments
Negotiating tram car entry during school rush
Students debating on the Shatby campus lawn
⚠️ Watch Outs
Friday mid-day prayers temporarily shut down most shops/trams.
Day 3
Souks and Secret History
Local Commerce and Poetry
🍽️ Local Food Hits
Kebda Eskandarani: Spicy liver sandwich with fiery green peppers.
✨ Local Life Moments
The 'Inshallah' art of bargaining for an antique brass tray
⚠️ Watch Outs
Pickpockets in the crowded Zan'ah Al Sitat area.
Day 4
The Royal Coastline
Gardens and Sunday Picnics
🍽️ Local Food Hits
Shrimp Molokhiya: Jute leaf soup with the Alexandrian twist of fresh shrimp.
✨ Local Life Moments
Grandparents pouring tea from thermoses under Montazah pines
⚠️ Watch Outs
Long taxi ride back downtown (30-45 mins); use Uber to avoid high fixed-taxi prices.
Day 5
Bridges and Last Bites
Modern Socializing and Nostalgia
1
🍽️ Local Food Hits
Feteer Meshaltet: Layered pastry with sweet (honey/cream) or savory (cheese/meat) fillings.
✨ Local Life Moments
The sound of waves crashing under Stanley Bridge
The chaotic but rhythmic crossing of the Sidi Gaber train station area
⚠️ Watch Outs
Private beach fees at Stanley (EGP 50-100) are worth it for a calm afternoon away from the promenade noise.
📝 Local Norms Cheat Sheet
Say 'Falafel', never 'Ta'ameya'
Use your right hand for everything social
Dress modestly: shoulders and knees covered creates immediate respect
Expect people to stand closer than you're used to—it's friendly, not aggressive
🚇 Transit & Pacing
Principles
- Walk the Corniche for short hops (less than 2km)
- Use Microbuses for the 'true' commute experience - EGP 2-5
- Taxis/Uber for heat-of-the-day transit to Montazah
Make It Easier
- Always carry small EGP 5 and 10 bills for transit/baksheesh
- Download 'InDrive' or 'Uber' to avoid haggling with taxi drivers
- Look for the Coptic Cross tattoos on wrists to quickly identify Christian-run shops (often open during Friday prayers)
Ready to explore Alexandria?
Check out our complete guide for more local insights, neighborhood tips, and cultural deep dives.
View Complete Alexandria Guide