← Alexandria International Marathon·Day trip

The Library and the Citadel: A Gentle Day in Alexandria

A morning in the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a short visit to the Citadel of Qaitbay and a seated lunch, all reached by taxi along the Corniche.

DurationDay trip
TransitPetit taxi or hotel car within Alexandria
DepartsYour Alexandria hotel

After the Alexandria Marathon: The Library and the Citadel

The Route: Hotel → Bibliotheca Alexandrina → Corniche → Citadel of Qaitbay → Lunch → Hotel Logistics: Taxi between stops. Distances along the Corniche are short but the traffic can be slow. Marathon Month: November Duration: Day trip

Hotel ──(taxi)──> Bibliotheca Alexandrina ──(taxi along Corniche)──> Citadel of Qaitbay
                                                                          │
Hotel ◄──(taxi)── Lunch on the waterfront ◄───────────────────────────────┘

The Alexandria Marathon starts at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, so the library is the obvious place to spend the day after, once the plaza is no longer a race venue. The race has been announced for a Friday, and the library is normally closed to visitors on Fridays, so Saturday is the day for this itinerary.

November in Alexandria: the city's monthly averages run from about 14°C at night to about 24°C by day, with a little rain on some days. It is comfortable for walking, with a sea breeze on the Corniche, but bring a light layer.

The library's visitor hours have been Sunday to Thursday from 09:30 to 17:00 and Saturday from 10:00 to 14:00, so a Saturday visit is short and best done first thing. Check current hours and ticketing on the library's website before you go.

The Library

Inside, the main reading hall is a vast, sloping, open-plan space lit from above, and it is mostly flat. Museums and galleries within the building have stairs and lifts; ask at the desk. Allow an hour and plan to sit down often.

The Citadel of Qaitbay

The fifteenth-century fort stands at the tip of the eastern harbour on the site traditionally linked to the ancient lighthouse. Official ticketing has listed winter opening from 09:00 with last entry at 17:00, though another ministry page differs, so check the hours. The floors are stone and the staircases steep, so limit yourself to the courtyard and one level if the legs object. The waterfront in front of the fort is flat.

Lunch

Restaurants along the Corniche and around the harbour serve grilled fish and seafood. Ask your hotel for a recommendation and book if you are a group. Fresca at the Four Seasons in San Stefano lists lunch from 12:00, for anyone staying on that side of the city.

Getting Back

Use a petit taxi or ask the hotel to arrange a car, and agree the fare before you set off.