Long Read

Alexandria: Where the Mediterranean Whispers Secrets

@Ava Morales2/8/2026blog
Alexandria: Where the Mediterranean Whispers Secrets

alexandria. the city that's always felt like a secret i wasn't supposed to know. i landed here after a series of misadventures involving a missed train, a suspiciously friendly taxi driver, and a hostel that looked like it had been decorated by someone's eccentric aunt. but that's the charm, isn't it? the unexpected detours that lead you exactly where you need to be.

i just checked and it's 15.43°c there right now, feels like 15.09°c, with 79% humidity. perfect weather for wandering through streets that seem to hum with stories from centuries past. the kind of day where you forget your itinerary and just follow the scent of something delicious frying in a street vendor's cart.

"you haven't seen alexandria until you've watched the sunset from the corniche,"

a local artist told me, his hands stained with paint. he was right. the mediterranean stretched out like a promise, and for a moment, all the chaos of travel fell away.

if you get bored, cairo and port said are just a short drive away, but honestly? i'd stay here forever. there's something about the way the light hits the water, the way the old buildings lean into each other like they're sharing secrets. it's messy, it's imperfect, and it's exactly what i needed.

i heard that the catacombs of kom el shoqafa are worth the hype, but also that the lines are insane. someone told me that the best falafel in town is at a place called mohamed ahmed, but don't quote me on that-i got that tip from a drunk guy at a bar who swore he knew the city like the back of his hand. (he also tried to sell me a "genuine" roman coin, so take that with a grain of salt.)

and then there's the library of alexandria. not the ancient one, obviously-that's long gone-but the modern reincarnation. it's a marvel, a place where the past and future collide in the most beautiful way. i spent hours there, lost in the stacks, feeling like i was part of something bigger than myself.

but let's be real: the best part of alexandria is the people. the way they welcome you into their world with open arms, the way they share their stories like they're the most precious thing they own. i met a fisherman who told me about the time he saw a mermaid (or maybe it was just a really big fish-i couldn't tell), and a barista who swore that the secret to the perfect coffee was in the way you stirred it.

man in white thobe wearing white taqiyah

person in brown coat and white knit cap

Intricate arabic calligraphy on a blue tiled archway


alexandria isn't perfect. it's chaotic, it's messy, and it's exactly the kind of place that makes you feel alive. if you're looking for a city that will challenge you, surprise you, and maybe even change you, this is it. just don't forget to bring a jacket-it gets chilly by the water.

for more on alexandria, check out tripadvisor or yelp for local tips and reviews. and if you're feeling adventurous, take a day trip to cairo or luxor. trust me, you won't regret it.


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About the author: Ava Morales

Fascinated by how things work—and why they sometimes don't.

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