Life in Alexandria: A Coastal City with an Egyptian Soul

Hey barefoot walkers!

Alexandria, a city in northern Egypt with 6.1 million habitants, is incredibly bustling. The sound of honking car horns is constant (my ears can attest to that). Somehow, traffic rules seem nonexistent, it’s the honking that tells you where the cars are, whether on your right or left (I don’t think I could drive there). Crossing the street is a challenge, you have to try and weave between the cars, but unless you step in front of them, they won’t stop and of course, they’ll honk at you. The yellow taxis are a distinctive feature of this city.

Alexandria city

Waste is a serious issue, not just in Alexandria but across Egypt. Strangely enough, when you buy something, it’s common for vendors to use multiple plastic bags. For example, we bought a few small cakes and each one came in its own bag. Or, when buying chips, the packet is placed inside a plastic bag. The problem is that trash bins are almost nonexistent on the streets, so all these bags and much more end up on the ground.

You can visit the Alexandria National Museum for 180 EGP (approximately €3.6) and the Library of Alexandria (which was once the largest library in the world) for 150 EGP (approximately €3). Interestingly, many books are sold on the streets of Alexandria. The official currency in Egypt is the Egyptian pound and the language is Arabic.

The cost of living is extremely low, especially if you shop in traditional markets. For example, we always ate out and never paid more than €3 for two meals. We bought five bananas for just €0.10, super cheap. It’s common for vendors to charge “tourist prices,” but if you say it’s too expensive and decline, they usually lower the price to something fairer.

Seaside

Alexandria, being a coastal city has a large commercial port, a few beaches and according to locals, you can rent a boat and go diving, though I’m not sure exactly how it works.

We enjoyed Alexandria, a city with its own unique identity and little tourism, offering a clear picture of Egyptian life.

If you’re planning a road trip through Egypt, Alexandria is a great place to start, with the option to head to Cairo (a 3-hour drive) and then to Siwa Oasis, for example.

Of course, this portrait of the city is based on our experience. If you have any questions, want to share your opinion or simply give advice, don’t hesitate to send us a message.

Don´t forget:

Walk barefoot.

Carlos