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Guide to Alexandria, Egypt
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AlexandriaFor those traveling by water to Egypt, Alexandria tends to be their greeting ground, and because of its connection to Mediterranean commerce, the city has been a focal point throughout history. Though it is quite important in economic terms for the country, Alexandria is just as much a mystery as it is a staple destination among seafarers in the region. Alexander the Great was its founder, and since the citys birth it has been damaged, rejuvenated, has crumbed, and has been rebuilt. The belief that Alexandria will once again become a central player in the world market has withered greatly, in some minds it has simply ceased to exist, but since the inception of a new governor in the 1990s, the city has regained much of its former beauty. Rebuilt buildings and squares are numerous, and traffic in and out of Alexandria has increased significantly. All of these factors create ideal conditions for visitors to experience the city as it has wished to be seen for decades, even centuries. Travel by map, or travel by instinct. Whatever path you choose, let Alexandria be your destination.
When to go:
Egypt is known to be quite hot in the summer - for that matter, much of the year. Southern-Egypt could not be described as much more than a windswept desert. But Alexandria, along with the majority of the countrys northern cities, is an exception. Because of its adjacency to the Mediterranean Sea, it receives the cool breezes that make summertime ideal in the city, a time when temperatures rarely soar in the north. The trade-off for this climate pattern is a chilly winter, when it isnt unusual to see locals and visitors sporting winter garments. Spring and autumn are good times for those who wish to see the city on their own schedule without the annoyance of crowding. Rooms are always available, and its quite easy to find discounts; just ask around!
Getting there and around:
Alexandrias airport is not quite on par with Cairos air traffic, but luckily for travelers in the European sector of the world, direct flights are quite common here. If youre flying in from North America, its best to find a route to London or Paris before heading over to Alexandria; its an easy cost-cutting measure. Cafes and bars are on-site, along with a monetary exchange center and rental agencies. Having your own vehicle to traverse the streets of Alexandria may seem like a splendid idea, but youll have a have a hard time dueling it out with veteran tarmac drivers here. We suggest opting for a taxi- or bus-ride into town; the ride isnt a long one and you can focus on the sites instead of the traffic congestion.
Most who are new to Egypt are led to believe that most of the travel is done by horse, camel, or donkey. And while this was an entirely plausible scenario a few decades ago, things have shifted tremendously since the early 1900s-and-before. The roads in Alexandria are mostly populated by the humdrum of mopeds, minibuses, and taxis. The city does run a municipal bus service, but unless you know the routes well, youre best off sticking with taxi drivers. Theyll give you helpful tips and arent too much of a burden on your wallet.
Attractions:
A visit to Alexandria means a visit to the Graeco-Roman Museum. Pieces from 630 BC to today are on display here, and though the number of items may be a bit overwhelming, the comprehensive view of the citys founding and history is essential to appreciating your visit here all that much more. Temporary exhibits are held here throughout the year, so try to schedule your stay around the Greco-Roman Museums timetable if possible.
The height of cultural centers in Alexandria is the one and only Museum of Fine Arts. Most of the pieces here are certainly Egyptian in origin. But foreign items hold a special place here as well, and if youre lucky to arrive at the time the Alexandria Biennial, youll get to view an entire selection of specially showcased Mediterranean artistry.
Egypt is largely an Islamic state, therefore mosques here are numerous. Theyre all unique in one way or another, but one stands out over all. In fact, the Mosque of Abu El-Abbas al-Mursi is said to be one of the most important in the world. With a minaret jutting skyward at more than 70 meters, the structure, after being in a partially ruinous state, was rebuilt in 1943, and continues to bring millions of visitors to its grounds every year.
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