Alexandria’s main ancient sites are the Qaitbay Citadel on the site of the old Pharos lighthouse, the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa, Pompey’s Pillar and the Serapeum, and the Roman Amphitheater at Kom el-Dikka. Each costs EGP 200 for a foreign adult, and all open at 9:00 am. Add the Graeco-Roman Museum or the Alexandria National Museum for the city’s history in one building.
Key Takeaways
- Qaitbay Citadel, the Catacombs, Pompey’s Pillar and the Roman Amphitheater each cost EGP 200 for a foreign adult.
- The Graeco-Roman Museum is the most expensive ticket at EGP 400; the Alexandria National Museum and the Royal Jewellery Museum cost EGP 220 each.
- Qaitbay Citadel stays open latest: last entry 7:00 pm in summer and 5:00 pm in winter. Most other sites take the last visitors at 4:00 pm.
- Alexandria is milder than Cairo: average highs run from about 18 °C (65 °F) in January to 30 °C (87 °F) in August.
- During Ramadan most sites take the last visitors at 3:00 pm, and the Royal Jewellery Museum at 2:00 pm.
Tickets and opening hours
Official prices for foreign adults from Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, in Egyptian pounds. Children under 6 enter free, and the student rate needs a valid student ID for visitors aged 24 or younger.
| Site | Foreign adult | Summer | Winter | Ramadan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qaitbay Citadel | EGP 200 | 9:00 am, last entry 7:00 pm | 9:00 am, last entry 5:00 pm | 9:00 am, last entry 3:00 pm |
| Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa | EGP 200 | 9:00 am, last entry 4:00 pm | 9:00 am, last entry 4:00 pm | 9:00 am, last entry 3:00 pm |
| Pompey’s Pillar and the Serapeum | EGP 200 | 9:00 am, last entry 4:00 pm | 9:00 am, last entry 4:00 pm | 9:00 am, last entry 3:00 pm |
| Roman Amphitheater (Kom el-Dikka) | EGP 200 | 9:00 am, last entry 4:00 pm | 9:00 am, last entry 4:00 pm | 9:00 am, last entry 3:00 pm |
| Graeco-Roman Museum | EGP 400 | 9:00 am, last entry 3:00 pm | 9:00 am, last entry 3:00 pm | 9:00 am, last entry 3:00 pm |
| Alexandria National Museum | EGP 220 | 9:00 am, last entry 4:00 pm | 9:00 am, last entry 4:00 pm | 9:00 am, last entry 3:00 pm |
| Royal Jewellery Museum | EGP 220 | 9:00 am, last entry 4:00 pm | 9:00 am, last entry 4:00 pm | 9:00 am, last entry 2:00 pm |
Qaitbay Citadel
The fortress stands at the tip of the Eastern Harbor, on the spot where the Pharos of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, stood until earthquakes brought it down. Sultan Qaitbay built the citadel in the Mamluk period, partly from the lighthouse’s fallen stone. Inside are thick-walled halls and a small mosque; outside, the sea walls are the best place in the city to watch the sunset, which is why its late summer hours are useful.
The Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa
Kom el-Shoqafa is a Roman-era burial complex cut deep into the rock and reached by a spiral staircase. Its main tomb mixes Egyptian gods with Greek and Roman dress and details, a blend you rarely see so clearly anywhere else in Egypt. The lower levels can be damp, and photography rules may differ inside, so ask at the entrance.
Pompey’s Pillar and the Serapeum
Despite its name, the granite column on the hill has nothing to do with the Roman general Pompey; it was raised in honor of the emperor Diocletian. Around it are the remains of the Serapeum, the temple of the god Serapis, with underground galleries and granite sphinxes. It is a short stop, often paired with the Catacombs nearby.
The Roman Amphitheater at Kom el-Dikka
Kom el-Dikka was found during construction work in the city center. The small marble theater has tiers of seats in a horseshoe, and the surrounding site includes Roman baths, lecture halls and villas with mosaic floors. It is an easy walk from the train station area and fits well at the start or end of the day.
Which museum to choose
| Museum | Ticket | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Graeco-Roman Museum | EGP 400 | Greek and Roman Alexandria: sculpture, coins and finds from the Ptolemaic city |
| Alexandria National Museum | EGP 220 | An overview from the Pharaohs to modern times in one mansion |
| Royal Jewellery Museum | EGP 220 | Jewelry and decorative pieces of Egypt’s last royal family, in a palace setting |
On a single day trip, one museum is usually enough. Note the Graeco-Roman Museum’s earlier last entry, 3:00 pm year-round.
Planning a day in Alexandria
A practical order is Kom el-Dikka and the National Museum in the morning, then Pompey’s Pillar and the Catacombs, and Qaitbay Citadel last, when its later closing time gives you the sea at sunset. The ministry recommends arriving at least an hour before any site’s closing time. Most visitors come on a day trip from Cairo, which is a long road day, so an early start matters.
Our Alexandria day tour from Cairo covers the main sites with transport and a guide. If you want more time, the 4-day Cairo and Alexandria tour adds a full program in Cairo. You can also see everything we run in the city on our Alexandria day tours page.
Weather by season
| Month | Average high | Average low |
|---|---|---|
| January | 18.3 °C (65 °F) | 9.3 °C (49 °F) |
| April | 24.0 °C (75 °F) | 15.3 °C (60 °F) |
| July | 29.9 °C (86 °F) | 23.4 °C (74 °F) |
| August | 30.4 °C (87 °F) | 23.9 °C (75 °F) |
| October | 27.4 °C (81 °F) | 18.6 °C (66 °F) |
| December | 20.1 °C (68 °F) | 10.5 °C (51 °F) |
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for walking between sites. Winter brings cooler, sometimes rainy days on the coast.
FAQ
How much are tickets to Alexandria’s ancient sites?
For a foreign adult, Qaitbay Citadel, the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa, Pompey’s Pillar and the Roman Amphitheater cost EGP 200 each. The Graeco-Roman Museum costs EGP 400.
Can you see Alexandria in a day trip from Cairo?
Yes, if you start early. Four or five stops fit in one day; Qaitbay Citadel is a good last stop because its last entry is 7:00 pm in summer.
Is the lighthouse of Alexandria still standing?
No. The Pharos was destroyed by earthquakes, and Qaitbay Citadel was later built on its site, partly with its stone.