2-Day Budget Backpacking Guide to Alexandria
Alexandria, Egypt’s storied Mediterranean port, is a dream destination for budget backpackers. Unlike the high-pressure tourism of Luxor or Cairo, Alexandria offers a more relaxed, salt-aired atmosphere where the greatest joys—walking the Corniche, watching fishermen, and exploring crumbling colonial architecture—don’t cost a single piastre. This guide is designed for the ultra-lean traveler who wants to soak up millennia of history while living on delicious street food and using local transport.
Embracing the budget backpacking lifestyle here means swapping fancy hotels for vibrant hostels and trade-mark tourist restaurants for local Koshary joints. You'll find that the city's spirit is best captured in its crowded markets and the sea breeze at sunset, providing a world-class experience for a fraction of the cost found in other Mediterranean hubs.
Day 1: Alexandria, Egypt - Mediterranean Roots & Ancient Forts
Stroll the Alexandria Corniche
Begin your trip with a free walk along the iconic waterfront. Stretching for miles, the Corniche is the heart of the city's social life. You can watch the Mediterranean waves crash against the sea wall and admire the fading glamour of early 20th-century buildings that line the curve of the bay.
Street Food Lunch at Mansheya
Head to the bustling district of Mansheya for an ultra-cheap lunch. Seek out a local stall serving Falafel (Ta'ameya) or Ful Medames sandwiches. For less than a dollar, you can fill up on these Egyptian staples alongside some spicy pickles and fresh baladi bread.
Citadel of Qaitbay
Located at the very tip of the eastern harbor, this 15th-century fortress was built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria. While there is a small entry fee for the interior, the exterior and the surrounding jetty are completely free to explore and offer the best photo opportunities of the city skyline.
Anfushi District Exploration
End your first day in the traditional Anfushi neighborhood. This is Alexandria’s fishing heart. Walk through the narrow alleys, see the boat-builders at work, and grab a cheap, fresh seafood sandwich from one of the local window-service spots near the harbor.
Day 2: Alexandria, Egypt - Modern Knowledge & Roman Ruins
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
A tribute to the Great Library of Antiquity, this modern architectural marvel is a must-see. While the main reading room requires a ticket, the exterior granite walls—carved with characters from every known alphabet—and the surrounding plazas are free and visually stunning.
Kom El Deka (Roman Amphitheatre)
Right in the city center lies this remarkably well-preserved 2nd-century Roman theatre. It is the only one of its kind in Egypt. The site also includes the "Villa of the Birds," featuring beautiful ancient mosaics. It’s a low-cost entry that provides a deep dive into the city's Greco-Roman past.
Sunset at Stanley Bridge
Take a local microbus east to Stanley Bridge. This elegant bridge is a local favorite for evening walks. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset over the sea for free, surrounded by locals enjoying the breeze and vendors selling grilled corn on the cob.
Koshary Dinner & Downtown Vibes
Head back to the Downtown area for a final meal of Koshary—Egypt’s national dish of rice, pasta, lentils, and spicy tomato sauce. It’s filling, nutritious, and incredibly cheap. Afterward, enjoy a tea at a traditional 'ahwa' (coffeehouse) to experience the city's nightlife.
Best Time & Weather
The best time to visit Alexandria is during the shoulder seasons: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is pleasant and breezy, avoiding the humid heat of the summer and the surprisingly chilly, rainy winters. Summer (July and August) sees a massive influx of local tourists, which drives up prices and crowds the beaches.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Alexandria is a cash-heavy city, especially for street food, local markets, and microbuses. While some larger hotels and museums accept cards, you should always carry small bills for daily expenses. Tipping (Baksheesh) is a part of the culture, so keeping small change for service providers is recommended.
Getting Around
The most authentic and cheapest way to get around is by using the local microbuses or the historic blue tram system. Trams are incredibly slow but offer a nostalgic, dirt-cheap way to see the city's different neighborhoods. For faster travel, the Uber and Careem apps are widely available and very affordable, providing a transparent price compared to traditional street taxis.
