Is Alexandria expensive to visit?
Alexandria is a quaint locale that appeals to a variety of visitors, each with different travel styles, spending patterns, and budget needs. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
You can find Alexandria to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like looking for discounts and coupons can help you save money.
On average, budget travelers spend $8 (E£412) per day, mid-range travelers spend $21 (E£1,013) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $49 (E£2,385) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Alexandria.
Within Africa, Alexandria is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in Africa for its affordability. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as Alexandria.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Alexandria Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Alexandria?
The average Alexandria trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Alexandria travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Alexandria cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
To manage your travel budget, it's important to set realistic expectations. Many people think they can visit Alexandria on a cheap budget, but most don't enjoy the limitations of a tight shoestring budget. Consider how you like to travel. Do you enjoy hostels, resorts, hotels, or vacation rentals? Do you want to dine out and explore the major attractions? These decisions will determine your budget and itinerary.
Alexandria on a Shoestring Budget?
You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $8 daily average that backpackers get away with.
Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.
Thankfully, Alexandria offers plenty of hostels such as Ithaka Hostel and Egyptus Villa Hostel. You can find budget-friendly dorm accommodation here, paired with a social atmosphere, but expect limited amenities.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
For couples or families traveling for enjoyment, opting for a mid-range hotel, dining at popular restaurants, and exploring major museums and attractions with entry fees is likely. When visiting Alexandria, most people will want to check out the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Remember, many activities do come with costs. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $21 per person, per day.
In Alexandria, you'll find a broad range of hotels and vacation rentals. If traveling with companions, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or your children, helping to cut costs. Families will want to look for hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Steigenberger Cecil Hotel is a fantastic option for families, and Paradise Inn Le Metropole Hotel is also a great pick. Explore more family and couple-oriented hotels in our hotel guide for Alexandria here.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If you want a vacation with premium amenities and superior service, brace yourself for a price near $49 daily. Choosing upscale hotels, dining at award-winning eateries, enjoying lavish excursions, and using taxis or private drivers around the destination will require a luxury budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Private full-Day Sightseeing Tour in Alexandria - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Alexandria
The cost of hotels in Alexandria can be surprisingly wide-ranging. Some hotels charge a lot more because they offer extra luxury and amenities. Prices are also much higher during peak season. Off-season rooms average $84, but the demand in peak season pushes that average to around $157. Budget hotels range from $34 to $308, and hostels provide a cheaper option, especially in dorms. Booking early, traveling off-season, or finding special deals can help save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Alexandria for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $15 (E£758). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $7.70 (E£379) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Alexandria? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Alexandria include:
- Steigenberger Cecil Hotel starting at $100
Choosing to travel in the shoulder or low season and avoiding will help you save on lodging costs and escape the tourist rush.
Transportation Budget in Alexandria
Unfortunately, Alexandria does not have a reliable public transit network.
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $2.39 (E£118) per person, per day, on local transportation in Alexandria. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Alexandria is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$2.39
E£118
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Private Pick Up Transfers From Alexandria To Cairo for $130 details
- Alexandria Airport Transfer (HBE) Borg El Arab for $14 details
- Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo airport, Cairo & Giza hotels for $45 details
How much does it cost to go to Alexandria? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Alexandria will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
The typical transit costs in Alexandria are outlined below, based on data from actual travelers. These figures provide an estimate of overall transportation expenses in the city. Remember, your personal costs will depend on how you choose to get around, as taxis and hired cars tend to be much pricier than using public transportation.
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Taxi to Train Station
E£4.00
Food Budget in Alexandria
For many, the local food is a significant part of the travel experience, so don't miss the chance to enjoy it.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Alexandria can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Alexandria is $11 (E£530) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$11
E£530
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Alexandria is around $11 (E£530) per person, with previous travelers spending from $4 to $26. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Alexandria are as follows:
- Breakfast: $1 to $3
- Lunch: $2 to $4
- Dinner: $3 to $8
- Coffee: $1
- Fast Food or Street Food: $2
Alexandria is still a tourist-centered town, which means you can find a meal at just about any price to suite any craving. Don't miss out on the traditional Egyptian dishes offered like falafels and fava beans – but especially be sure to try the seafood. It's the best in all of Egypt.
Many accommodations feature breakfast in their rates, while some may charge additional fees for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly from one hotel to another. Knowing this information ahead of time helps you decide if you need to spend extra money. A tasty hotel buffet could be worth the expense, or a nearby bakery or cafe might offer a more affordable choice.
Take a water bottle along instead of purchasing drinks constantly. This is also an eco-conscious choice.
When planning a tour, don't forget to look into which meals are covered. You may be responsible for some of your own food, which could impact your budget significantly.
If you want to experience the culture in Alexandria, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Half-Day Food Tour in Alexandria, Egypt for $35 details
- Alexandria food Tour taste the Egyptian traditional food for $60 details
- From Giza: Sound&light show, Giza pyramids and Dinner on the Nile for $94 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Alexandria
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Alexandria typically cost an average of $3.37 (E£166) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$3.37
E£166
Every vacation needs a good beach. Before you venture out to get a healthy dose of history, spend the morning soaking up some sun on the beautiful Maa'moura or Montazah beaches.
Most historians have still not accepted the burning of the Alexandria Library. The world lost irreplaceable historical information as it burned to the ground. With the opening of the Bibliotecha Alexandrina in 2002, the city is attempting to rekindle the brilliance of the original. This spectacular collection of museums also plays host to international performers.
One of the most iconic spots in the city is the Citadel of Qaitbay. This fortress overlooking the Mediterranean Sea was built in 1480 to protect the city from crusaders. Before it fell, the Alexandria Lighthouse stood here. Today visitors can come to explore the maritime museum.
For the adventure seekers in the group, you'll want to take a trip to the Catacombs of Kom ash-Suqqafa. Accidentally discovered in 1990 by a runaway donkey, these catacombs are the largest known Roman burial sites in Egypt. The three tiers of tombs and chambers are carved thirty-five meters deep into the bedrock.
If you're dying to see a true, unharmed ancient monument in Alexandria, you're going to have to go see Pompey's Pillar. Built in 297 AD, this 30 meters column presides over the remnants of the ancient settlement of Rhakotis. Rising straight from the ruins of the Temple Serepeum, this impressive column has stood the test of time – making it through centuries to be the only remaining ancient monument in the city.
If you simply can't look at any more hieroglyphics, an afternoon at the Montazah Royal Gardens might be just the ticket. The 350 acres of gardens running along the shore are some of the best maintained in the city. There's no shortage of benches or swimming pools open for everyone to enjoy. They also offer a variety of water sports from waterskiing and wake boarding to inner tubing and banana boating.
And if you simply need to shop until you drop, Alexandria has you covered. The Souq District is home to rows and rows of market stalls full of produce, fish, meat, baked goods, and more. There are also cafes for a quick shopping break. The Sharia Faransa section of this district is like the Macy's of Alexandria. Here you'll find jewelry, clothes and everything in between.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Alexandria. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Half-Day Guided Tour in Alexandria for $55 details
- Alamein full day tour from Alexandria for $95 details
- 6-Hour Day Tour in Alexandria for $95 details
Alexandria, Egypt
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.