Alexandria, Egypt: The Ultimate Travel Guide by Point Me To Paradise

• The best time to visit Alexandria is March to May and September to November when temperatures are mild (around 65–80°F).
• The summer months (June to August) can be hot and humid, while winter (December to February) is cooler but pleasant.

• Bibliotheca Alexandrina – A modern revival of the ancient Library of Alexandria.
• Citadel of Qaitbay – A historic fortress offering stunning Mediterranean views.
• Montaza Palace & Gardens – A royal retreat with beautifully landscaped gardens.
• Pompey’s Pillar – A towering Roman column and historical landmark.
• Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa – An underground necropolis blending Greek, Roman, and Egyptian styles.
• Stanley Bridge & Corniche – A scenic waterfront stretch perfect for walks and sea views.

• Feteer Meshaltet – A flaky layered pastry, often stuffed with cheese, honey, or meats.
• Sayadeya – A signature Egyptian seafood dish made with fish, rice, and a tomato-based sauce.
• Koshari – A mix of lentils, rice, pasta, and chickpeas topped with tomato sauce and fried onions.
• Molokhia – A green soup made with jute leaves, often served with chicken or rabbit.
• Alexandrian Liver (Kebda Eskandarani) – A spiced fried liver dish, popular as street food.
• Seafood from Bahary District – Alexandria is famous for its fresh seafood dishes.

• Taxis & Ride-Sharing: Local taxis are common, but Uber and Careem offer more reliable pricing.
• Public Buses & Microbuses: Affordable but can be crowded and difficult for tourists to navigate.
• Trams: One of the oldest tram systems in the world, an inexpensive way to get around.
• Walking: Many attractions along the Corniche can be explored on foot.
• Car Rental: Not recommended due to Alexandria’s heavy traffic and aggressive driving styles.

• Yes, most travelers need a tourist visa to enter Egypt.
• Visa on Arrival is available at Egyptian airports for $25 USD (single entry) for citizens of the U.S., Canada, U.K., EU, and others.
• E-Visa: Apply online in advance at visa2egypt.gov.eg. (HYPERLINK)
• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your travel date.

• The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP).
• It’s recommended to bring USD, EUR, or GBP to exchange at banks or currency exchange offices.
• ATMs are widely available and offer competitive exchange rates.
• Credit cards are accepted in hotels, upscale restaurants, and major stores, but cash is needed for markets, taxis, and small vendors.

• The official language is Arabic.
• English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and attractions, but knowing a few basic Arabic phrases can be helpful.
• Google Translate or a translation app may be useful in non-tourist areas.

• Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Women should wear long skirts or pants and cover their shoulders.
• Greetings: A handshake is common between men, but men should wait for a woman to extend her hand first.
• Public displays of affection should be kept minimal.
• Tipping is expected in restaurants, taxis, and for services (even small tips are appreciated).
• Respect religious customs: During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours.

• Restaurants: 10-15% if service charge isn’t included.
• Taxis: Round up the fare or tip a small amount.
• Hotels:
  • Porters: 10-20 EGP per bag
  • Housekeeping: 20-50 EGP per stay
• Tour guides: 50-100 EGP, depending on the service.

• For peak seasons (spring & fall): Book 3-6 months in advance for the bestdeals on flights and hotels.
• For budget travel: Booking 1-2 months ahead can secure lower rates.
• Tours and excursions can be booked upon arrival, but pre-booking through a travel agency ensures better service and availability.

• COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, but always check for updates before travel.
• Some medications (especially painkillers or sedatives) are restricted in Egypt. Check local regulations before packing.
• Drones are prohibited unless you have government approval.
• When visiting mosques, women may need to cover their hair with a scarf.

Contact us at 281-229-0862 or admin@pointmetoparadise.com