I just got back from a trip to Alexandria, and honestly, my head is still buzzing from everything I experienced. If you're hunting for the best things to do in Alexandria, I've got some wild tales to share that you won't find in a typical guidebook. This trip was anything but ordinary, and I can't wait to spill the beans over coffee.
This spot? Total surprise.
So, I arrived in Alexandria not really knowing what to expect. I had these grand plans of seeing the historical sites and checking off all the must-dos, but let me tell you, my first real moment of surprise came from this little shop tucked away in a narrow alley. It didn't even have a name on the door. Just a hand-painted sign that said “Coffee & Tea.”
I don't know why I ended up there, honestly. One minute I was trying to follow Google Maps, and the next, my foot was dragging me into this quaint little space that smelled like freshly ground cardamom.
I ordered some bizarre concoction called “Turkish Delight Latte.” And wow. Imagine sweet and spicy dancing up your taste buds. I sat down, soaking in the atmosphere — old books piled haphazardly on shelves, people chatting in a mix of Arabic and French. It was one of those places where you can just feel life happening. The barista, an older gentleman with a twinkle in his eye, shared stories about his time in the city. I laughed so much that I almost forgot I was in a foreign land.
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
Then there was this one afternoon I had totally bonkers fun. I had signed up for a guided tour of the Alexandria Library, but painfully overslept and missed it. I was about to get grumpy and sulk at my hotel, but then I thought, “Nope. Not today, me!”
Instead, I threw on some clothes, grabbed my camera, and went on a little wandering spree through the streets. I meandered past the stunning architecture, and then I stumbled upon a street performance. There was a group of dancers — super talented, vibrant costumes, the whole bit. And people were just gathered around, clapping and laughing, drawn in by the rhythm of the drums. You could feel the energy; it was contagious.
Before I knew it, I was bopping along, and for that blissful moment, nothing mattered but the beat and the sun blocking out any lingering worries. I even joined in, and let me tell you, I have two left feet. But it didn't matter; I felt completely free and alive. That's when I knew I could relax and really soak in this city's vibe.
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
So there's this little gem, the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa. I had read about them but was still fumbling around with my phone GPS like a total novice. The directions had me going all over the place, and I was on the verge of giving up when I walked right past a tiny local restaurant.
I stood there, motionless for a moment, staring into this hole-in-the-wall place, where the aroma of spices practically tackled me. Seriously, it was a full-on olfactory assault that was too enticing to ignore. I stepped inside, half-probably thinking it would just be a quick snack, and ended up having the best meal of the trip.
The owner noticed my confused-looking self hovering by the menu and offered me a traditional dish called "koshari." The way he described it, mixing lentils, rice, and pasta topped with a spicy tomato sauce — I was practically drooling. When it arrived, it looked like heaven. Comfort food at its finest!
Sitting there, I realized it wasn't just the food. This place was filled with locals chatting and laughing; I even got into a fun discussion about soccer. We shared a moment over the simple joy of good food and hearty conversation that stuck with me long after I left. It's funny how a wrong turn led me to something so real.
The sunset that still haunts me
Oh, and then there was the sunset at the Corniche. Can we talk about how stunning it was? I mean, the kind of sunset that feels like the world itself came to a standstill. I hadn't really planned to stay out that late, but I found a bench, and once I sat down, I couldn't bring myself to leave.
As the sky turned from bright orange to deep purple and the lights from the cafes began to twinkle against the water, I had this moment of clarity — like, “Wow, I'm actually here, sitting in a city I've only read about.” I felt grateful, and super emotional, watching that beautiful chaos of life unfurl before me.
In the midst of the crowd, I spotted a couple who seemed just as captivated. Amid the sunset, they started dancing. And if you think about it, that's a little absurd, right? Just two people, lost in the moment, without care in the world. It felt like they were in their own little universe for just a moment.
Closing time on my adventure
As I sit here now, sipping the last drops of coffee, I can't help but smile thinking about those moments. Alexandria is layered; it's messy and beautiful in ways that catch you off guard. It's not just about ticking boxes on a list of the best things to do in Alexandria. It's the little things — an unexpected café, a street performance, and meals shared among locals — that weave together the fabric of an experience.
I feel so much richer for having taken the detours that seemed pointless at first. Those unplanned moments breathed life into the trip. And if I could share one piece of advice? Don't be afraid to roam a bit off the beaten path — those are where the real gems lie. The heart of Alexandria isn't just in its landmarks; it's in the joy, the surprises, and the little connections you make along the way.
And just like that, I'm left with a warm cup and a heart full of memories, still processing every twist and turn like a favorite book that's hard to put down.
