FindYourStay
🎒Backpackers

Where to Stay in Alexandria

Cheapest areas, hostel districts, and budget tips

⚠️ Caution💰 Budget: EGP 800/day🚇 Good Transit☀️ Best: Mar, Apr, Nov

Top 3 Areas to Stay in Alexandria

Most affordable areas with the best value accommodation

A vibrant city street showcasing historic architecture and parked cars under a bright blue sky.
Sun452 / Pexels
1

Downtown (El Raml)

The historical and commercial heart of the city, characterized by grand old buildings and bustling markets.

Our top picks in Downtown (El Raml)

🏨
Tolip Alexandria Hotel$$

Modern hotel in a central location, offering good amenities and service.

Book Now
🏨
Alexandria Hotel$

A budget-friendly option with a very central location near Raml Station.

Book Now
🏨
Hotel Transit$

Simple, no-frills accommodation conveniently located for exploring the city.

Book Now
🛡️ Busy and generally safe during...Budgetculturefoodies
View Hotels in Downtown (El Raml)
Lively street in Alexandria, Egypt with a mosque and locals at coffee houses.
Muhammed Fatih Beki / Pexels
2

Smouha

A more residential and modern district, known for its shopping malls and local amenities.

Our top picks in Smouha

🏨
Tolyp Smouha Hotel$$

Modern hotel with good facilities, located in the heart of the Smouha district.

Book Now
🏨
Golden Jewel Hotel$

Affordable option in Smouha, offering clean rooms and local convenience.

Book Now
🛡️ Generally safe, a residential ...Budgetfamiliesbudget
View Hotels in Smouha
Street view of downtown Alexandria with vehicles and buildings under bright daylight.
Juan Nino / Pexels
3

Corniche

A vibrant, seaside promenade buzzing with activity and offering stunning Mediterranean views.

Our top picks in Corniche

🏨
Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano$$$

Offers luxurious rooms with sea views and excellent amenities right on the Corniche.

Book Now
🏨
Helnan Palestine Hotel$$

A classic hotel with a prime location on the Corniche and a private beach.

Book Now
🏨
Royal Alexandria Hotel$$

Comfortable hotel with good access to the Corniche and local attractions.

Book Now
🛡️ Generally safe during the day ...Mid-rangefirst-timerscouples
View Hotels in Corniche
View all hotels in Alexandria

We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Neighbourhood Comparison for Backpackers

NeighbourhoodBudgetVibeBest For
#1Downtown (El Raml)
BudgetThe historical and commercial heart of the city, characterized by grand old buildings and bustling markets.
culturefoodies
Smouha
BudgetA more residential and modern district, known for its shopping malls and local amenities.
familiesbudget
Corniche
Mid-rangeA vibrant, seaside promenade buzzing with activity and offering stunning Mediterranean views.
first-timerscouples
Montaza
LuxuryHome to stunning palaces and extensive gardens offering a tranquil escape with sea views.
familiescouples
🏨

Find budget-friendly hostels in Alexandria

Affordable stays in the best backpacker areas

We earn a small commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.

Tips for Backpackers in Alexandria

🛏️

Book Hostels with Kitchens

Self-catering saves significant money in Alexandria. A hostel with a good kitchen can cut your food budget by half.

🚶

Walk Where Possible

Many city centres are walkable. Save transport money for longer journeys and use your feet for neighbourhood exploring.

🆓

Find Free Activities

Free walking tours, museum free days, parks, and markets are everywhere. Ask hostel staff for the best free experiences.

💧

Carry a Water Bottle

A refillable bottle saves money and plastic. Many cities have free water fountains; check the local tap water safety first.

🗺️

Find free walking tours in Alexandria

Budget-friendly ways to explore

Best Neighborhoods for Backpackers

Ranked by relevance for backpackers visiting Alexandria

1

Downtown (El Raml)

Budget

The historical and commercial heart of the city, characterized by grand old buildings and bustling markets.

culturefoodiesbudgetfirst-timers
  • +Central location with excellent transport links
  • +Rich in historical architecture
  • +Abundant local eateries and shops
  • -Can be chaotic and noisy
  • -Some buildings are in disrepair
🏨 Tolip Alexandria Hotel🏨 Alexandria Hotel🏨 Hotel Transit
2

Smouha

Budget

A more residential and modern district, known for its shopping malls and local amenities.

familiesbudgetdigital nomads
  • +Quieter and more relaxed than downtown
  • +Good value for money
  • +Access to modern facilities
  • -Further from major tourist attractions
  • -Less historical charm
🏨 Tolyp Smouha Hotel🏨 Golden Jewel Hotel
3

Corniche

Mid-range

A vibrant, seaside promenade buzzing with activity and offering stunning Mediterranean views.

first-timerscouplesfoodiesculture
  • +Iconic Alexandria experience
  • +Plenty of dining and cafe options
  • +Beautiful sea views
  • -Can be very crowded, especially on weekends
  • -Traffic noise can be an issue
🏨 Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano🏨 Helnan Palestine Hotel🏨 Royal Alexandria Hotel
4

Montaza

Luxury

Home to stunning palaces and extensive gardens offering a tranquil escape with sea views.

familiescouplesluxurybeach lovers
  • +Beautiful green spaces and historical sites
  • +Relaxing atmosphere
  • +Access to beaches
  • -Relatively far from the city center
  • -Fewer dining and shopping options within walking distance
🏨 Montaza Park Hotel🏨 Paradise Inn Beach Hotel

Daily Budget (Budget)

EGP 800/day

Hostel in a shared dorm like Alexandria HostelEGP 250
Falafel sandwich and Koshary from a local street food stallEGP 100
Multiple rides on local microbuses (minibus)EGP 50
Visit the Citadel of Qaitbay (entry fee) and walk along the CornicheEGP 200
Explore the Montaza Palace Gardens (entry fee)EGP 200
See all budget tiers

Hidden Gems in Alexandria

Lesser-known spots the locals love

🛍️

El Marsa (The Port) Market

FREE

Experience the authentic pulse of the city at this local fish market. It's a vibrant and chaotic scene where you can see fishermen bringing in their daily catch and sample incredibly fresh seafood.

marketAnfoushi
🍜

Kornish Road Cafes

Skip the fancy restaurants and find a small, unassuming cafe along the Corniche for a taste of local life. Enjoy a traditional Egyptian coffee or tea while watching the world go by.

foodCorniche

Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Alexandria

Hand-picked guided experiences you can book in advance on GetYourGuide.

Guided walking tour through a European city
1

Alexandria Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems

Discover Alexandria on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.

View Tour Details
Local street food and cuisine
2

Alexandria Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites

Eat your way through Alexandria with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.

View Tour Details
Famous museum and attraction entrance
3

Best of Alexandria: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions

Skip the queues and get straight into Alexandria's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.

View Tour Details
Scenic countryside day trip
4

Day Trip from Alexandria: Scenic Excursion

Escape Alexandria for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

View Tour Details
Local cultural experience and traditions
5

Alexandria Cultural Experience: History & Traditions

Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Alexandria's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.

View Tour Details
View all tours in Alexandria

We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.

⚠️

2 areas to be cautious about

Read our full safety guide for Alexandria

Backpackers in Alexandria: FAQ

What is the best area in Alexandria for backpackers?
Downtown (El Raml) is our top pick for backpackers in Alexandria. The historical and commercial heart of the city, characterized by grand old buildings and bustling markets. It is a budget-friendly area known for culture, foodies, budget.
Is Alexandria safe for backpackers?
Alexandria is rated "Safe" overall. Stick to well-lit, populated areas like the Corniche or main streets in Downtown. Avoid poorly lit side streets. Be aware of your belongings. Our neighbourhood guides include area-specific safety advice.
How much does it cost per day in Alexandria for backpackers?
Expect to spend around EGP 800 per day in Alexandria as a backpacker. This covers accommodation, food, transport, and activities at the budget level.
When is the best time for backpackers to visit Alexandria?
The ideal time depends on your priorities. Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) typically offer the best balance of pleasant weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds. Budget travellers often find the best deals in winter or early spring.
Where are the cheapest hostels in Alexandria?
The most affordable hostels in Alexandria are typically found in Downtown (El Raml), Smouha. Budget accommodation options are highlighted in each neighbourhood breakdown above.

Found your hotel in Alexandria?

We search 30+ sites including members-only platforms like Secret Escapes and Voyage Privé. Most people save 14-23%.

Find cheapest price
Booking.comExpediaSecret EscapesVoyage Privé+25 more including members-only

More Alexandria Guides

Full Alexandria guideAreas to avoidBest time to visitMore cities in Egypt👩 Solo Female Travellers💑 Couples👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families💻 Digital Nomads✨ Luxury Travellers🎉 Nightlife Seekers

Plan Your Perfect Alexandria Trip

Tell us what you love and we'll build a personalised day-by-day itinerary with the best spots, tours, and hotels. Completely free.

Day-by-day planHotel picksTour recommendationsBudget breakdown