Alexandria is the second-biggest city in Egypt, which offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and modernity. From its ancient monuments and grand libraries to vibrant cafes and contemporary nightlife, the city has something for everyone. Be it the history enthusiast, the foodie, or one who wants to dance his night away by the sea, Alexandria has a lot of places to go out that will just mesmerize you.
Take a tour to some of the best places one can visit in Alexandria-be it for a quiet, serene evening along the Mediterranean or an energetic night out with friends. Let’s delve into some eclectic and one-of-a-kind spots this coastal jewel has on offer.
1. Bibliotheca Alexandrina Alexandria Library
Location: Shatby, Alexandria
Probably one of the most iconic Alexandria landmarks, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is much more than just a library; it’s a cultural complex. Opened in 2002, the modern library was designed to pay homage to the ancient Library of Alexandria, once the largest and most significant library of the ancient world. While the primary purpose of the Bibliotheca is educational and cultural, the complex also offers a number of attractions making it a great place to go out in Alexandria.
– Main Attractions:
– The Main Reading Room: A huge, circular reading room with great modern architecture. The visitors can read thousands of books in Arabic and in foreign languages.
– Exhibitions and Events: It contains temporary exhibitions in art, history, and science. There are other regular cultural events, including concerts, movie shows, and lectures.
Cultural Center and Planetarium: A complex with a full-fledged planetarium equipped for regular sky shows, this could be a perfect place for the lovers of stars; it also has a conference center hosting prestigious academic and cultural events.
Why to Visit?
For the more culturally and intellectually minded, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina will be sure to fit the bill. The fact that this is a historical building allows one to interact with history by attending intellectual events and also by viewing various exhibitions on Egypt’s rich cultural heritage. It is truly an ideal place in which to pass the day in intellectual and ocular ecstasy.
2. Montazah Palace and Gardens
Location: Montazah, Alexandria
Montazah Palace and Gardens: The royal retreat is interestingly a blend of history, nature, and leisure. Once a summer resort of Egypt’s ruling family, the Montazah Palace is encircled by expansive gardens along the Mediterranean coast.
– Main sights of interest:
– Palace Grounds and Gardens: Public grounds of the palace are allowed with a pretty garden for enjoyable walking. In the premises, gardens are filled with exotic plants, flowers, and palm trees; the scenic sea-overviewing spots are simply many here.
– Qaitbay Fort View: The palace offers great views of the Fort Qaitbay, one of the historic places in Alexandria, making it an excellent place for photos and walks around.
– Beach Access: The grounds lead to a private beach area, making Montazah a very good destination for sunbathing, swimming, or simply sitting at the edge of the sea.
– Why Visit?
Montazah is ideal for a relaxing day, a romantic walk, or an excursion with family. Beautiful gardens, the historical palace, and its proximity to the sea create a serene but at the same time fascinating getaway from city noise.
3. Alexandria Corniche
Location: Alexandria City Center
The Corniche refers to the famous waterfront promenade in Alexandria, running along the Mediterranean coastline with great views of the sea and historic city landmarks. The Corniche is an ideal place for strolling, relaxation, or having something to eat at one of its many cafes and restaurants.
– Main Sights:
Panoramic Mediterranean Views: The Corniche is ideally placed for an evening stroll along the waters with historic buildings in full view and ships chugging along. It looks especially beautiful in the evening when the lights of the city reflect off the water.
– Cafes and Restaurants: Countless cafes and restaurants are attached to the promenade, offering seafood dishes, Egyptian specialties, and international cuisine. Most of these establishments have seating outdoors with a sea view.
– Historical Places of Interest: During your walk along the Corniche, the following points of interest are some of the most common ones you will pass: Qaitbay Fort, Alexandria Library, and Pompey’s Pillar.
– Why Visit?
Going to the Corniche gives one time to relax, feel the sea breeze, and simply enjoy the skyline of Alexandria. Whether one is looking for a romantic evening, a casual stroll, or a delectable meal overlooking the ocean, the Corniche will have something for any person.
4. The Royal Jewelry Museum
Location: Zizinia, Alexandria
The Royal Jewelry Museum is an excellent destination for the lovers of richness and the history of Alexandria’s royal past. Nestled in the former royal palace of Princess Fatma Al-Zahraa, the museum contains an array of different beautiful jewelry and ornaments which belonged to Egypt’s royal family.
– Main Attractions:
– Magnificent Jewelry: The museum displays over 3000 items of jewelry, which include crowns, necklaces, bracelets, and rings worn by the Royal entities of Egypt. Indeed, the various jewelry pieces show influences of Ancient Egyptian, Ottoman, and European traditions.
– Artifacts of Royalty: Together with the jewelry, other portraits, furniture, and personal items of the royal family form the collections of this museum, depicting the opulent lifestyle of those then-royal families.
– Historical Building: This is a historical palace with extensive architectural beauty like marble floors, woodwork carvings, and beautiful gardens.
– Why Visit?
The Royal Jewelry Museum is ideal for those who love history, everything classy, or take an interest in Egyptian royal history. This is highly informative and visually fascinating – a different look at aristocratic Alexandria.
5. Alexandria National Museum
Location: Tareeq El-Horreya, Alexandria
The most significant of the town’s cultural institutions, the Alexandria National Museum displays everything from the Pharaonic ages through the Graeco-Roman and Coptic to the Islamic periods in Egypt. The museum is housed in a beautiful 19th-century palace, with exhibits from the many periods of Egyptian history. Highlights include:
– Artifacts from Ancient Egypt and the Greco-Roman Period: This museum is host to many statues, mummies, and remains of historic artifacts of Alexandria, right from its very early days, including some stuff from the ancient Library of Alexandria.
– Islamic and Coptic Artifacts: Not less impressive are the displays of Islamic and Coptic art, with intricately woven textiles, pottery, and manuscripts.
– Houses several interactive displays: The modern construction design lets the visitors interact with the exhibits in ways using multimedia presentations, among other well-curated displays.
– Why visit?
Appreciative of history, Alexandria National Museum is a detailed museum in regards to learning about the past of the city, and an afternoon can be spent within its walls learning about the cultural heritage of Alexandria.
6. Smouha Club
Location: Smouha, Alexandria
Smouha Club is for those who seek a place to relax and enjoy a well-deserved evening in style. It is famous for its gigantic premise and one of the favorite social hubs in Alexandria, serving Alexandria’s rich and proud with exquisite taste. It is also an excellent venue to enjoy an evening out, especially if you’re interested in sports, dining, and entertainment options.
– Main Attractions:
– Sporting Facilities: It has tennis courts, football fields, and a golf course where one who enjoys outdoor activities can easily have the time of his life.
– Swimming Pools: Smouha Club hosts a number of pools, both for leisure and serious swimmers, with surrounding green spaces to relax.
– Dining and Social Events: It regularly holds various social events, from a host of musical evenings and traditional Egyptian celebrations, to restaurants boasting local and international cuisine.
– Why Visit?
The evening can also be spent more leisurely at the Smouha Club, which strikes an even balance between leisure and entertainment features. If it were sports or a silent dinner in a refined setting, Smouha is sure to present a great option to spend one’s night.
7. La Veranda Restaurant
Location: Alexandria Corniche
La Verdanda Restaurant is one of the perfect places for nightlife in Alexandria for seafood and Mediterranean food lovers. On the Corniche, La Verdanda has dramatic sea views, ideal for a romantic dinner or even a relaxed meal with friends.
– Main Attractions:
– Seafood Delights: Fresh seafood delicacies, starting from various fish and shrimp to calamari, are the specialty of this restaurant; one could also have many kinds of traditional Egyptian seafood dishes.
– Setting: La Veranda has an excellent outdoor terrace, well-recommended for fine dining with a great view of the Mediterranean Sea.
– Cocktails and Drinks: Along with its excellence in food, La Veranda offers a wide range of cocktails and drinks. It can be considered a very good place to take evening drinks from along the seashore.
– Why Be There?
For a fine night out, La Veranda combines the best of eating with stunning views. Be it for seafood or to sit back and get smelled by the Mediterranean breeze, La Veranda is a great option.
8. The Green Plaza Mall
Location: Smouha, Alexandria
Looking for something a bit more modern, with shopping and entertainment?
The Green Plaza Mall is the biggest shopping arena in Alexandria and is frequented by one and all, including locals and foreigners. Because of its various stores, restaurants, and entertainment facilities, it’s a good place to spend an evening.
– Main Attractions:
– Shopping: It is pretty well-equipped with different local and international brands and hence counts as one of the best places to shop for clothes and electricals and accessories.
– Cafes and Restaurants: From fast food to fine dining, Green Plaza Mall has everything to suit your taste and budget.
– Entertainment: The cinema complex, indoor amusement park, and even an ice-skating rink-make it a decent hangout place for families and friends alike.
Green Plaza Mall
– Why visit?
Green Plaza Mall is ideal for those who want to combine shopping, dining, and fun. Being a rather animated and spirited place to spend an evening, one goes shopping for souvenirs, has something to eat there, or watches the most recent blockbuster movie.
9. Boghani Café
Location: Alexandria Corniche
For a casual but charming place to relax, Boghani Café has a cozy classic feeling with an emphasis on traditional Egyptian coffee and sweets. The location along the Corniche creates an ideal place for relaxation and beautiful sunsets over the Mediterranean.
– Main Attractions:
– Egyptian Coffee & Tea: Original Egyptian coffee and tea are drunk here, combined with traditional sweets like baklava or kunafa.
– Cozy Setting: It is certainly Boghani Café for just sitting alone to read a book or people-watch, or sitting with your group of friends, enjoying a night with them somehow in a laid-back manner.
– Sea Views: Elaborated along the Corniche, the café offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean.
– Why Visit?
If you are in pursuit of a low-key, laid-back evening, Boghani Café provides just the place to have coffee, talk, and contemplate with a sober view of the Mediterranean.
Conclusion
Alexandria is a city that poignantly marries its ancient history with the frenzy of modern times. Whether one is taking leisurely walks along the Corniche, having world-class seafood, or taking in views at the Montazah Palace, there is no shortage of places to go out in Alexandria. From its vibrant dining scene to cultural hot spots and lively entertainment venues, Alexandria is just about perfect for anyone wanting a mix of relaxation, history, and fun in equal measure.
