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The Alexandria Deli
- August 2, 2026
- +20 10 18387778
- 27 Mohamed Darwish, Street, Sidi Gaber, Alexandria Governorate 5433113
Alexandria Bibliotheca
Location
Azarita and Shatby, Bab Shar", Alexandria Governorate 21526
Description
Library, Historical place, Historical landmark, Public library, Tourist attraction
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Azarita and Shatby, Bab Shar", Alexandria Governorate 21526
Review
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Nah
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is definitely beautiful and impressive from an architectural perspective. However, our experience as tourists was a little frustrating.
We had to wait in a long line to pay, then another line for bag checks, and then another line to have tickets checked and enter the library. The entire process felt unnecessarily long and complicated, especially for visiting a library. (Plus 37 Celsius Summer)
I was also disappointed by the bookstore. It is surprisingly small, about the size of a regular room, with limited options. For international tourists, the English selection was extremely limited—maybe only a few books. I personally wanted to buy books about Islam, Christianity, and the history and culture of the region, but I couldn’t find those options in English. Of course, it is completely understandable that most books are in Arabic, but for such an internationally known destination, I expected a better multilingual selection.
Overall, the building is beautiful and worth seeing once. Cost 200EGP
Dr. Rahal
The iconic reimagining of the ancient Library of Alexandria — even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth a stop for the architecture alone and a few photos. Several cafés and food spots nearby make it easy to combine with a leisurely stroll. Check entry hours in advance if you plan to go in. 🏛️
Ahmed Elgamal
The Library of Alexandria is one of the most famous cultural landmarks in Egypt and the world. It’s located on the Mediterranean coast in the city of Alexandria.
It was officially opened in 2002 and designed to commemorate the ancient Library of Alexandria, one of the greatest libraries in history. It holds approximately 8 million books Includes: Huge reading rooms (among the largest in the world at the time of its construction), Museums (archaeology, manuscripts, history of science), Planetarium Conference and exhibition halls.
Its design is shaped like a tilted disc, resembling a sun rising from the sea. Its exterior walls are inscribed with letters from hundreds of languages. It’s a major cultural center with ongoing events, exhibitions, and workshops.
Dr KR Viswanthan
LIVING BEACON OF KNOWLEDGE ON THE MEDITERRANEAN
Our visit to Bibliotheca Alexandrina on a Sunday morning in January 2026 was one of the most intellectually stimulating experiences of our Egypt tour. As part of a large group, we spent nearly two hours exploring this magnificent institution and were struck immediately by its bold architecture and contemporary vision of what a library can be. We bought the entrance tickets in advance and the entry was smooth. Please note that the library generally discourages use of ‘sticks’ and ‘tripods’ for photos and videos.
Unlike traditional libraries dominated by shelves of printed volumes, the Bibliotheca is a digital knowledge hub. Hundreds of computer terminals were in constant use by students and scholars, accessing vast digital collections with quiet intensity. The atmosphere conveyed not silence alone, but focused intellectual energy.
Equally fascinating was learning about its historical inspiration—the legendary ancient Library of Alexandria, tragically lost to fire and destruction. Anecdotes about how ships entering ancient Alexandria were searched for books, which were copied before being returned, vividly illustrated the city’s insatiable thirst for knowledge. That spirit is clearly alive here.
Brief casual interactions with a couple international students further enriched our visit. They spoke passionately about how indispensable the library is to Alexandria’s academic community—as a place for research, collaboration, and global exchange of ideas. I honestly felt that a 5 minute film about the library to the visitors would have been very useful. Maybe there is already a facility…but frankly I did not come across one.
Personally, I have never encountered anything quite like this in my lifetime. The visit was a profound learning experience and deeply inspiring. For anyone who values acquiring, sharing, and disseminating knowledge, this is an absolute must-visit. Kudos to Alexandria—truly a timeless Knowledge City.
Jason
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is not just a landmark, but an experience that unfolds gradually the more time you give it. Even before entering, the exterior sets the tone: the massive circular structure, tilted toward the Mediterranean, feels both modern and symbolic. One detail you absolutely shouldn’t miss is the outer wall scripts—heading to B1 near the Planetarium entrance gives you the best view of the engraved alphabets and symbols carved into the stone, a powerful reminder of the library’s universal ambition.
Entry can be slightly confusing at first. The ticket offices are located on the opposite side from the ocean-facing façade, and the walk to get there is longer than it initially appears. When we arrived, we were directed to a specific window to pay by credit card, which worked fine but is something to keep in mind. Small logistical details aside, the process is straightforward once you’re in the right place.
Inside, the main reading hall is breathtaking in scale and design. It’s one of those spaces that makes you slow down instinctively. On the ground level, don’t rush past the details—one easily overlooked highlight is the Shakespeare couch, which took me a moment to fully understand, especially without my glasses. It’s subtle, clever, and very much in the spirit of the building.
Much of the artistic content—paintings, sculptures, and garments—is located on the B1 basement level, which is well worth exploring. This level adds cultural depth to the visit and balances the grandeur of the main hall with more intimate exhibits.
Overall, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina rewards patience and curiosity. It’s a place where architecture, history, and culture intersect, and whether you’re there for photos, learning, or quiet observation, it leaves a strong and lasting impression.
Tips:
Before going inside, take time to see the outer wall scripts by heading to B1 near the Planetarium entrance — they’re easy to miss and worth the walk.
The ticket offices are on the opposite side from the ocean-facing façade, and getting there involves a longer walk than expected.
If paying by credit card, you may be directed to a specific ticket window, so don’t be surprised if not all counters handle card payments.
The majority of the artworks (paintings, sculptures, garments) are located on the B1 basement level, so don’t skip it.
Inside the main library hall, explore the ground level slowly and look for details like the Shakespeare couch, which is subtle and easy to misunderstand at first glance.
Wear comfortable shoes — the complex is large and involves a lot of walking.