After the Alexandria Marathon: Two Nights on the Corniche

The Route: Hotel → Bibliotheca Alexandrina → Hotel → Citadel of Qaitbay → Hotel → Borg El Arab Airport Logistics: Taxi for every move. The sights are spread along the coast. Marathon Month: November Duration: 2 nights

Hotel ──(taxi)──> Library (Day 1) ──> Hotel
Hotel ──(taxi)──> Citadel of Qaitbay (Day 2) ──> Hotel ──(transfer)──> Borg El Arab (HBE)

The Alexandria Marathon is announced for a Friday, so two nights gives you Saturday and Sunday. The library is closed on Fridays, so it falls on the Saturday morning, and a Sunday gives a full day for the Citadel.

November in Alexandria: about 14°C at night and 24°C by day, with a sea breeze and occasional rain. It is walking weather, though a seat is always welcome.

Night One: Alexandria

Visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina on Saturday, when visitor hours have been shorter (10:00 to 14:00); check the current hours first. The reading hall is a large, flat space, and the galleries have lifts. Take a seated lunch afterwards.

Night Two: Alexandria

On Sunday visit the Citadel of Qaitbay at the end of the eastern harbour. Official ticketing has given winter hours from 09:00 with last entry at 17:00, with another ministry page differing, so check ahead. Stone floors and steep stairs mean you should choose the courtyard first. Afterwards, sit on the Corniche, which is flat and has benches.

Where to Stay

Steigenberger Cecil is on Saad Zagloul Square in the Raml Station area, about 19 minutes' walk from the library according to the hotel. The Four Seasons at San Stefano and the Hilton Corniche in Sidi Bishr are further east and both have several restaurants. Ask about late checkout.

Where to Eat

Fresca at the Four Seasons lists seafood paella and chicken souvlaki, and La Gourmandise at the Hilton Corniche lists pizza and pasta. Check current hours before you go.

Getting to Borg El Arab Airport (HBE)