Exploring Alexandria: The Raw Beauty of Egypt’s Coastal Gem

If you’re looking for the pulse of a city, the place where history blends with the everyday life of its people, then Alexandria, Egypt’s coastal gem, should be your next stop. It’s a city where ancient landmarks meet the Mediterranean Sea, where chaos and calm exist side by side, and where the past feels remarkably present. Skip the usual tour guide stuff. Instead, dive into these raw, unvarnished suggestions for experiencing Alexandria the way locals do—rough around the edges, and full of life.

1. The Corniche: A Stroll with the Sea

Start with a walk along the Corniche, Alexandria’s bustling waterfront promenade. This stretch isn’t just a pretty picture; it’s the city’s main artery, alive with honking taxis, locals on evening strolls, and street vendors hawking everything from grilled corn to sugary desserts. Sit on the crumbling concrete blocks that line the shore, watching fishermen cast their lines while the sun dips into the Mediterranean. Grab a bag of fresh roasted peanuts, crack them open, and savor the salty air. The Corniche is where Alexandria’s heart beats loudest, and you feel every thump.

2. Montazah Gardens: A Taste of Royalty

When you need a break from the city's constant hum, head to the Montazah Gardens. Nestled on the eastern edge of Alexandria, this sprawling green space was once a royal retreat, home to palaces that whispered of a bygone era. Walk under the towering palms, past the overgrown flowerbeds, and find a spot to sit by the shore. The gardens are a world away from the city's chaos—still, yet filled with the ghosts of Egypt’s past rulers. It’s a perfect place to lose yourself for an afternoon, imagining what life was like for those who once walked these paths.

3. Qaitbay Fort: A Fortress by the Sea

Move west along the Corniche, and you’ll find yourself facing the formidable Qaitbay Fort, standing guard over the harbor like a silent sentinel. Built in the 15th century on the ruins of the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria, this fortress offers a glimpse into the city’s maritime past. Climb the narrow staircases, worn smooth by centuries of use, and look out over the Mediterranean, where ships have sailed for thousands of years. The salty breeze carries tales of pirates, invaders, and traders—a reminder that Alexandria has always been a city of the sea.

4. The Catacombs of Kom el-Shuqafa: Alexandria’s Underworld

For a darker side of the city’s history, venture underground to the Catacombs of Kom el-Shuqafa. Discovered in 1900 by sheer accident, these ancient burial chambers blend Egyptian, Greek, and Roman influences in a fascinating display of Alexandria’s cosmopolitan past. Descend the spiral staircase into the cool, damp tunnels, where the walls are adorned with carvings of gods, mythical creatures, and funerary scenes. It’s eerie and captivating, a journey into the heart of Alexandria’s underworld, where the silence is broken only by the whispers of ancient spirits.

5. Sunset at the Greek Club: A View Worth Its Weight in Gold

End your day at the Greek Club, a spot that’s as unpretentious as it is breathtaking. Perched right on the harbor, this little restaurant offers simple yet delicious seafood, cold beer, and a view that money can’t buy. Grab a table on the terrace, order a plate of freshly grilled calamari, and watch as the sun sets over the Mediterranean. The sky turns shades of orange and pink, casting a golden glow over the city. This is Alexandria at its best—no frills, just the sea, the sky, and the sense that you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.