Alexandria National Museum

The Basics

There is a charge to visit the Alexandria National Museum, with discounts for students and children. It’s an essential stop on any historical tour of Alexandria and, while exhibits are clearly signed in English and the museum is easy to navigate, many travelers will appreciate having a guide. Explore while staying in the city itself, as a shore excursion, or on a day trip from Cairo, and combine an Alexandria National Museum tour with historic sites such as the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, Pompey’s Pillar, and the Roman amphitheater.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Alexandria National Museum is a must for history buffs.

• The museum has enough interactive elements to make it well worth visiting with kids.

• The Alexandria National Museum is spread over three stories. While there’s an elevator inside, access to the building requires climbing a few steps.

How to Get There

The Alexandria National Museum stands about 3 miles (5 kilometers) southeast of the Citadel of Qaitbay in the city’s Latin Quarter, close to a range of national consulates. It’s about 1 mile (1.5 kilometers) from the El Raml tram hub, but, since public transport schedules in Alexandria are confusing and change often, many travelers prefer the convenience of an organized tour.

When to Get There

The Alexandria National Museum is open from morning until afternoon seven days a week, and the large building is rarely crowded. In summer, plan your visit for the heat of the day so that you can enjoy ancient sites in the cooler morning or late afternoon and soak up the air-conditioning in between.

The Underwater Excavations of Alexandria

Coastline changes following a tsunami mean that much of the ancient city of Alexandria, a center of learning renowned throughout Europe and the Middle East, is now under the sea. Extensive and delicate underwater excavations are bringing more and more of historic Alexandria to life and unveiling the neighboring city of Thonis-Heracleion as well. Don’t miss the multimedia displays at the Alexandria National Museum.