"An antidote to 'pharaonic' fatigue" Alexandria by Tijavi

Alexandria Travel Guide: 662 reviews and 1,727 photos

Had your fill of mummies, pyramids, tombs, cartouches, obelisks, pharaohs, temples, etc., etc.,? Dreaming of Ramses II, Hatshepsut, Tuthmosis III and Ptolemy while sleeping? Tired of the desolate expanse of the West Bank desert? Developing claustrophobia from entering the pyramids and the tombs in the Valleys of the Kings and Queens? Having sniffles from the dust gathering on the thousands of artifacts at Cairo's Egyptian Museum? These are simply signs of pharaonic fatigue.

Alexandria, Egypt's second largest city may be the antidote against all these. The city, while not less historical than Luxor and Cairo, has surprisingly 'little' to offer in terms of ancient monuments and pharaonic temples. Its attractions - cool Mediterranean breeze (could get chilly during winter), atmospheric ahwas (local coffeehouses) and sheesha (waterpipe) cafés, wonderful beaches, eye-popping public art and cutting-edge public buildings, and interesting architecture - provide the perfect escape from pharaohs and pyramids, in a less hurried, less chaotic (vs. Cairo), and hassle-free (think Luxor's menacing touts) environment.

The best way to see Alexandria is after doing Cairo, Luxor and Aswan. The city's magic lies not in its rich history, for which it has little to show, but rather on its ability to provide that needed variety to your Egyptian experience.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Less hurried, less chaotic, almost hassle-free
Cons:Has very little to show for its rich history
In a nutshell:The antidote to chaotic Cairo and tout-central Luxor

Last visit to Alexandria: May 2007
Intro Updated Aug 19, 2007
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Reviews (14)

Enjoy the sunset in Montazah Off The Beaten Path (2)

Walking further to the east of Montazah palace, you reach a sandy cove with a semi-private beach that is popular with... more travel advice

Green Plaza Mall before closing - Alexandria

Shop and dine al fresco Shopping (1)

Whoever named this mall Green Plaza would have meant to capitalize on the mall's ambiance - stores and restaurants... more travel advice

Eye-popping public art Off The Beaten Path (2)

In a bit to create a semblance of Alex's former cultural glory, several wonderful public artworks have sprung around the... more travel advice

Italian influence on Alexandria's... Favorites (1)

Alexandria is an interesting architectural canvas. The city is littered with 19th-early 20th century European... more travel advice

Hotels (2)
See All Forced to stay here!
Transportation (2)
See All A fun but slow way around Alex

Comments (8)

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Elisabcn Sep 14, 2011 at 2:09 PM

Alexandria an interesting architectural canvas? I must see that! I would be "surprised" if Alex had a lot to offer in terms of pharaonic temples: the city was founded by Alex the Great, who came later than the pharaohs :-) I enjoyed reading about your walks in this fascinating city, thanks.
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kokoryko Mar 14, 2011 at 3:28 PM

I've red a lot about Alex, but I enjoyed this reading too, Titus! To me it is more "mythical" than Cairo; I hope to visit one day (And stay in that Union hotel). Best from here.
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Nemorino Nov 4, 2009 at 4:26 AM

I like the looks of the new 21st century Bibliotheca -- great idea to build a monumental new library on the site of the ancient Great Library. The Alexandria National Museum sounds like a fine new initiative, too.
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Luchonda Feb 17, 2008 at 1:49 AM

Thx for showing us the architecture in Alexandria. Greetz from belgium
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TheLongTone Aug 30, 2007 at 2:34 PM

Moody sky you've got there! The union hotel will give you proper (turkish') coffee with your breakfast if you ask nicely...
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toonsarah Aug 30, 2007 at 1:30 AM

I fully understand your concept of "pharaonic fatigue" - even on the most fascinating of historical trips you crave variety :) Loved especially the mural, Akhenaten & library - as a librarian I've wanted for some time to visit the latter!
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MM212 Aug 29, 2007 at 11:19 PM

Nicely written page about Alexandria and great photos!
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deecat Aug 8, 2007 at 7:00 AM

Love the introduction...smiling about the reason to visit Alexandria. Quite a resort...who knew? Love the information about the library. Always a pleasure to read your work. My favorite was the warning...never try to trick a banker.