Alexandria

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Serapeum of Alexandria
No. 20 of Best Things to Do in Egypt

Serapeum of Alexandria

7.4
4.6/5
148 reviews
The Serapeum of Alexandria stands on the elevated platform of the Serapeum temple ruins on the Rhakotis Hill in Alexandria, one of the very few ancient Roman landmarks still standing in its original location in the city. This area had been a settlement for ancient Egyptians long before the founding of Alexandria. The column is carved from a single block of Aswan red granite, with a diameter of nearly 3 m and weighing hundreds of tons. Together with its base and Corinthian capital, it reaches a total height of approx. 27 m, towering over the city. Despite being named after "Pompey," the column has no actual connection to the Roman general—medieval European travelers mistakenly believed the column housed Pompey's remains, leading to the misnomer that persists today. Greek inscriptions on the base indicate it was erected in the late 3rd century (approx. 297 AD) by the Roman prefect of Egypt to honor Emperor Diocletian for quelling rebellions and relieving disasters. Originally, a statue of the emperor stood atop the column, which is why it is called "Pillar of the Horseman" in Arabic. Ascend the steps to the temple platform, where you can circle around the columns for photos, and don't miss the pair of granite sphinxes beside them. Beneath the platform, the rock layer still preserves underground passageways: one leads to the sanctuary dedicated to Serapis, ending with a black statue of the sacred bull Apis; the other, a corridor dozens of m long, is said to have been a "branch" of the ancient Alexandria Library, used to store papyrus scrolls. The cult of Serapis was founded by Ptolemy I, blending traits of Egyptian and Greek deities, and the Ptolemaic dynasty subsequently built the Serapeum on this hill, making it a significant religious and academic center in the city. In 391 AD, the temple was destroyed in a conflict between church and state, leaving only the giant columns, sphinxes, and underground ruins for visitors to ponder.Alexandria · 2.9km from downtown
Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Alexandria

Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa

6.4
4.7/5
45 reviews
This is the largest Roman cemetery in Egypt known so far. The architecture adopts the architectural style of the Egyptian Pharaoh period and the Greek style. The tomb consists of three layers of tombs with a depth of 35 meters. The ground floor is about 20 meters below the street, flooded by underground water seepage and inaccessible, but the upper area that can be visited is impressive enough. The tombs were built in the 2nd century AD, probably belonged to a family, and later developed into a cemetery with a capacity of 300 bodies. The dark spiral staircase in the tomb was the passageway for transporting the dead back then, where people used ropes to lower the dead bodies down the circular axis. The central patio can be used for lighting and ventilation. Go down to the 1st floor, and you will reach the rotunda after passing the corridor. The dining room on the left is where the mourners eat, and the stairs in front lead down to the main tomb on the 2nd floor. The reliefs on the inner wall of the tomb are rare in the world: the holy snake guarding the gate wears a red and white crown representing Upper and Lower Egypt, holding the pine cone scepter of the Greek god of wine Dionysus and the double serpent wand of Hermes, the messenger of Zeus. Wearing the round shield of the Greek banshee Medusa, Anubis, the patron saint of the Egyptian cemetery standing in the tomb, is dressed as a Roman legion. These peculiar reliefs made the burial chamber famous. Go through two paths from the reception room and enter a U-shaped aisle. There is a cave at the corner of the aisle, which is where the coffin of the owner of the tomb is buried.Alexandria · 3.4km from downtown
Alexandria National Museum
No. 7 of Best Things to Do in Alexandria

Alexandria National Museum

5.3
5.0/5
23 reviews
Alexandria National Museumis located on Horreya Street in downtown Alexandria, Egypt. Housed in an old Italian-style mansion built in the 1920s, the building previously served as a wealthy merchant's residence and a consulate before being restored and converted into a museum. Its white facade and surrounding gardens make the building itself worth a close look. The collection contains nearly 2,000 artifacts, organized around the history of Alexandria. The basement displays Pharaonic-era artifacts, with mummies placed in a reconstructed tomb setting; the main floor features the Greco-Roman exhibition area; and the upper floor gathers Coptic, Islamic, and modern Alexandrian items, allowing visitors to trace the city's evolution as they move from the bottom to the top. The Greco-Roman exhibition area on the main floor is the highlight of the museum. The Medusa mosaic and the bust of the Roman Emperor Caracalla wearing a pharaonic headdress are among the exhibits here, and a statue believed to depict Alexander the Great is an exhibit that many visitors specifically come to find. The Sunken Artifacts Hall, specially designated within the exhibition area, is particularly unique. It displays underwater archaeological finds, such as statues salvaged from the waters of Abu Qir Bay near Alexandria. Such large-scale underwater exhibits are rare in other museums. Additionally, be sure to check out the Coin Hall, which features locally minted gold and silver coins, and the Ali family's jewelry collection. When visiting, we recommend starting from the basement and moving up through the eras. Also, leave enough time for the Sunken Artifacts Hall—it is located within the Greco-Roman exhibition area and is easily missed if you are just passing through.Alexandria · 531m from downtown

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Featured Culture & history in Alexandria

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Alexandria Day Tour: Catacombs, Bibliotheca Alexandrina & Qaitbay Citadel
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FromTWD 1,564
Full day Tour in Alexandria: Qaitbay Fort & Bibliotheca Alexandrina
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FromTWD 1,792
Alexandria City Center Private Day Tour from Alexandria Port included admissions
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FromTWD 978
Cultural Routes of Alexandria from Alexandria Port
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Duration: 7.7 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromTWD 1,113
Alexandria Library & Greco-Roman Museum from North Coast
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Duration: 9 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromTWD 2,330
Alexandria Religious Icons Private Historic Walking Tour
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Duration: 7.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromTWD 978
Explore Ras El Teen Palace & Alexandria's Royal History from Alexandria Port
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FromTWD 81,940

Featured Day tours in Alexandria

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Alexandria Cultural Tour: Citadel of Qaitbay & Abu El-Abbas Mosque
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FromTWD 1,304
Walking Tour in Alexandria from Alexandria Hotels
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Duration: 5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromTWD 489
Egypt · Marsa Matruh | Blue tears · Maminus ruins (admission ticket not included)
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FromTWD 13,221

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Free things to do in Alexandria

What travellers say about Alexandria

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Sadman Aayan23 September 2025
5.0
Fort Qaitbay 🏰 is one of Alexandria’s most iconic landmarks, standing proudly on the Mediterranean coast. Built in the 15th century, this historic fortress not only protected the city but also preserved centuries of Egyptian heritage. 🌊⚓ The stone walls, towers, and sea views create a majestic atmosphere, perfect for exploring and capturing stunning photos. 📸 As you wander through its ancient halls, you’ll feel the spirit of history and the strength of its architecture. Whether you’re a history lover or just seeking a scenic spot, Fort Qaitbay offers an unforgettable journey back in time. ✨

Qaitbay Citadel

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莲子9921 October 2020
5.0
The remains of a historic building from the Hellenistic period in Egypt. The only thing left here is a small sphinx. The large platform of the foundation is still preserved, which makes the pillar look even more lonely. This is the remains of a landmark in Alexandria.

Serapeum of Alexandria

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LiznBenj20 July 2025
5.0
Much bigger than expected with some amazing scenes depicting Greek, Roman and Egyptian cultures as a wonderful melting pot. The surrounding area is a bit bleak, but the tombs themselves are very well maintained and have only recently been discovered - by a donkey!!!! Take a local guide with you to get more historical detail.

Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa

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喜欢猫的虎26 February 2023
5.0
The ancient Library of Alexandria was built in the third century BC at the beginning of the Ptolemaic Dynasty. It was the largest library in the world at that time, with a collection of more than 500,000 volumes, covering literature, science and technology, art, philosophy and other fields, attracting famous people from all over the world. Scientists, philosophers, thinkers and artists come to visit, such as Archimedes, Euclid, etc. also come here to conduct research, lecture, write books and engage in other academic exchange activities. Alexandria therefore became the world's cultural and scientific research center at that time. The Ptolemaic dynasty also produced numerous talents, producing a group of astronomers, geographers, mathematicians, medical scientists and linguists who made outstanding contributions to world science and technology. The new library is located next to the promenade of Alexandria on the southern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, next to the large statue of the "Mediterranean Bride". It cost a total of US$225 million and is novel, unique and eye-catching. The new library is very comprehensive, including the main library, youth library, blind library, planetarium, manuscript exhibition hall, ancient books and rare book museum, cultural relics museum, science and history museum, and comprehensively considers children, blind people, and people with visual impairments. needs; the books included are also all-inclusive and have everything you need. The Library of Alexandria is an absolutely fantastic place for Alexandrians and visitors from around the world.

Bibliotheca Alexandrina

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小思文15 July 2021
4.0
Montazah Palace is a famous summer palace and a holiday resort for kings and princes of all dynasties. The preserved buildings are very well preserved, and you can also see the unique historical characteristics of Egypt. You cannot enter this place for a visit, but you can look at the nearby buildings from the outside.

Montaza Palace

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coo***an4 March 2022
5.0
[Scenery] The Lighthouse of Alexandria near Sham el-Nessim can be seen from a distance. I had enough time so I walked over to take a look.

Lighthouse of Alexandria

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Debs2816 April 2023
5.0
the Alexandria national museum was a great find, definitely worth a visit if you are in Alexandria

Alexandria National Museum

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juki2359 May 2020
5.0
The Roman Amphitheatre of Alexandria is an ancient theater with a history of more than 2,000 years. Although it is very dilapidated and severely damaged, it can still be seen from the scale of the existing ruins that this Roman theater was very popular and huge at that time. It was definitely the center of the ancient city at that time. Everyone must come and visit.

Kom el Dikka

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风筝爱旅行19 November 2019
5.0
The blue sea breeze brushed over the old man's reed float, and a few seabirds flew by. A lazy cat poked its head out from behind the sun, and the children watched excitedly as a coconut shell was caught. It's so beautiful here. You'll love it.

Corniche

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What are the must-do things in Alexandria?

Don't miss these attractions in Alexandria: Qaitbay Citadel, Serapeum of Alexandria, and Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa. If you like Culture & history, try Alexandria Day Tour: Catacombs, Bibliotheca Alexandrina & Qaitbay Citadel. If you enjoy Day tours, try Alexandria Cultural Tour: Citadel of Qaitbay & Abu El-Abbas Mosque.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Alexandria Cultural Tour: Citadel of Qaitbay & Abu El-Abbas Mosque, Walking Tour in Alexandria from Alexandria Hotels, and Cairo round-trip Alexandria 1-day tour: Library + Citadel of Qaitbay + Serapeum of Alexandria + Catacombs. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 3 November 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Alexandria is around TWD 489 – TWD 13,221. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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