Alexandria is a friendlier city for families than people expect. The sights are close to one another, the sea is always nearby and the pace is slower than in Cairo. The main challenge is the same as anywhere: children tire faster than adults, and heat and long drives make it worse.
A private trip helps a great deal. You have your own vehicle, so snacks, spare clothes and sun hats are on hand, and you can stop or leave when the family has had enough.
Best stops for children
The Citadel of Qaitbay is the favorite. It is a real fort on the water, with towers, stairways and views of the harbor. Children can imagine the old lighthouse that once stood here, and a guide can tell the story of the Pharos in simple terms.
The Roman Theatre at Kom el-Dikka has rows of white marble seats and mosaic floors in the nearby villa. It is open and easy to move around in. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is large and calm, and some children enjoy the sheer size of the reading hall.
Stops to think about
The Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa are below ground, with a spiral stair and uneven floors. Older children often like the tunnels, but toddlers and anyone who dislikes enclosed spaces may not. Decide on the day, and skip it if needed.
The Cairo day is long. About 13 hours with 3 hours of driving each way is tiring even for adults. Children older than about ten who like history may cope; most younger ones will not enjoy it.
A gentle second day: Rosetta
Rosetta is a good family option. It takes about seven hours, with about 1.5 hours of driving each way, and the old town is flat and easy to walk. The Rosetta Stone story, a slab of rock that helped people read a lost language, is easy for children to follow.
- Citadel of Qaitbay – a real fort by the sea
- Roman Theatre – open air, marble seats, mosaics
- Bibliotheca Alexandrina – calm, large, air-conditioned
- Rosetta – easy walking and a good story
Food and rest
Egyptian food is generally child-friendly. Bread, rice, grilled fish, falafel and rice pudding are easy choices. The evening food walk is better for older children who can stay out after dark.
Plan one slow day for every active one. A morning at the beach or a long lunch gives everyone a break. Alexandria is a relaxing place when you let it be.
Making it fun
Turn each sight into a small quest. At the citadel, ask children to find the oldest stones in the wall. At the Roman Theatre, ask them to count the marble rows. In the library, challenge them to find a book in a script they cannot read.
Let your guide know the ages of your children before the trip. A good guide changes the stories, using shorter explanations and more questions for younger ones, and more depth for teenagers.
End the day with something simple, such as ice cream by the sea. Children remember the treat, and it gives everyone a reason to be pleased with the day.
Our guides work with families every season and are used to flexible plans. If anyone gets tired, the car is always close, and the day can be shortened without fuss. That freedom is the main advantage of a private trip.
Plan with us
Alexandria with kids
Forts, tombs, a giant library and a seaside walk: how to plan Alexandria with children, which trips are easiest and what to pack.