Alexandria is a city where history, culture, and coastal charm come together, from the ancient Lighthouse to the legendary Library of Alexandria, leaving traces of many civilisations. Today, it blends modern life with a rich heritage, offering experiences that appeal to curious travellers. Exploring the city by car allows you to move freely between hidden corners, historic sites, and scenic coastal roads, making it easy to savour the city at your own pace while discovering places that organised tours often miss.
With this flexibility, every journey becomes more comfortable and personalised, and planning your route carefully helps ensure a seamless and memorable experience. Each drive offers a chance to connect with Alexandria’s history, architecture, and vibrant streets, bringing its cultural treasures vividly to life. With so much to see, it’s time to uncover the city’s most iconic and fascinating cultural highlights.
Alexandria stretches along a long coastline with attractions scattered across the city, making public transport slow or limited for reaching cultural sites. Travelling by car lets you move easily between neighbourhoods, enjoy the scenery, and maintain a flexible schedule. It also provides comfort in all weather, whether on a hot summer day or a cool, windy afternoon along the Corniche.
With your own vehicle, you can visit popular sites early to avoid crowds, explore at sunset, and discover hidden spots many visitors miss, from small museums and cafés to quiet beaches and historic streets. A self-drive trip turns Alexandria into a city full of open possibilities and unexpected discoveries.
With your rental car ready, Alexandria becomes easy to explore. The city combines Mediterranean beauty, ancient history, and a modern lifestle. Below is a detailed route that can be enjoyed in one full day or stretched across several days for a slower pace.
Start your visit at the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a tribute to the ancient library that made Alexandria famous. Its circular design resembles a rising sun, symbolising knowledge and enlightenment. Inside, explore reading halls, a manuscript museum, antiquities collections, art galleries, and a planetarium. The blend of ancient inspiration and modern architecture highlights Alexandria’s cultural significance. Parking is conveniently nearby, especially in the morning.
After the library, drive along the Corniche, Alexandria’s long coastal road. Enjoy sea views, historic buildings, and the lively city atmosphere. Small cafés along the way offer spots for refreshments by the water. Early morning or late afternoon drives are particularly pleasant, with softer light and calmer traffic, setting a scenic backdrop for the cultural sites ahead.
Continue along the Corniche to reach Qaitbay Citadel, a historic fortress on the Mediterranean coast. The drive offers sea views, elegant buildings, and the energy of the city. Stop at cafés along the road for a drink or snack while taking in the scenery. Visiting in the morning or late afternoon is ideal for softer light and fewer crowds, making the fortress and its surroundings especially atmospheric.
Head back into the city to visit the Alexandria National Museum, housed in an elegant Italian-stle mansion. Its well-organised exhibits trace Alexandria’s history from ancient times through Roman, Coptic, Islamic, and modern periods. View statues, jewellery, ceramics, and underwater archaeological finds while enjoying a calm, reflective environment. Street parking is available, making it a perfect stop for a quiet afternoon.
A short drive from the museum brings you to the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, one of Alexandria’s most fascinating archaeological sites. Discovered by accident in 1900, the underground tombs blend Egyptian, Greek, and Roman stles. A spiral staircase leads down to chambers filled with statues, carvings, and narrow passageways, creating a mysterious, atmospheric experience. Located in a quiet residential neighbourhood, the catacombs are easiest to reach by car and offer an unforgettable glimpse into the city’s ancient past.
From the catacombs, head to Pompey’s Pillar, a massive granite column that remains of the ancient Serapeum temple dedicated to Serapis. The towering pillar and surrounding ruins provide a dramatic setting for photos and reflection, offering insight into Alexandria’s classical history. Parking is nearby, and afternoons are often quieter for a more relaxed visit.
Drive east to the Montazah Palace Gardens, a royal estate with expansive gardens, palaces, seafront walkways, and tranquil scenery. Visitors enjoy strolling along the sea bridge, photographing the views, or relaxing on benches by the water. Well-maintained and peaceful, the gardens are ideal for cooler evening visits, and having a car makes it easy to reach this area away from the busy city centre.
In the Zizenia district, the Royal Jewellery Museum offers a glimpse into the Mohamed Ali Dynasty. Housed in a beautifully decorated palace, it displays crowns, jewellery, accessories, and personal items from the royal family. The quiet location and convenient parking make it a pleasant stop for travellers interested in history, art, and design.
If time allows, you can end your day with a drive to Abu Qir. This coastal district is known for its fresh seafood and peaceful local atmosphere. It is a wonderful place to enjoy a relaxed meal while watching fishing boats and the calm sea. Abu Qir is slightly away from central Alexandria and is much easier to reach by car, making it a fitting end to a full day of exploration.
For travellers inspired by Alexandria, there is so much more to explore across Egypt. From bustling cities and historic sites to serene coastal towns, these destinations offer unforgettable experiences for first-time visitors. Discover more about planning your adventure in Egypt with Explore Egypt’s Top 10 Destinations for Your First Adventure, where practical tips and highlights help make every journey smooth, enjoyable, and memorable.
Driving in Alexandria is generally straightforward, but a few simple precautions can make your self-driving experience safer and more comfortable. From preparing your documents to planning your driving times, following these tips will help you navigate the city with confidence.
Renting a car can transform a trip to Alexandria, making it easier to explore cultural highlights and travel on your own schedule. Final Rentals offers a simple, flexible, and transparent service designed to provide comfort, convenience, and freedom for every journey.
For more tips on renting and driving in Egypt, read A First-Time Traveller’s Guide to Renting a Car and Driving in Egypt.
Exploring Alexandria by car allows travellers to experience the city in a personal and immersive way, moving beyond the usual tourist paths. Quiet neighbourhoods, hidden cafés, and local markets reveal a side of the city that often goes unnoticed.
Watching the sunrise along the Corniche, spending a reflective afternoon in a museum, or enjoying sunset views in Montazah Gardens create memorable moments that connect visitors with the city’s character and pace. With a self-drive trip, every stop becomes a choice, letting travellers linger where they wish and experience Alexandria’s culture at their own speed.
For travellers planning a visit to Alexandria, a self-drive journey offers unmatched independence to explore the city’s cultural and historical treasures. Renting a car in Egypt with Final Rentals provides comfort, flexibility, and control, allowing you to create your own itinerary and savour each moment at your own pace. Start your trip with confidence and discover Alexandria in a way that is entirely your own, turning every street, museum, and coastal view into a memorable experience.
