Alexandria
Aswan
Travelers compare Alexandria and Aswan because they represent two faces of Egypt: the former is a port on the Mediterranean 220 km from Cairo, the latter is a city on the banks of the Nile 280 km from Luxor.
Both offer credible historical sites and an excellent base for exploring: in Alexandria the Qaitbay Citadel and the Catacombs, in Aswan the Temple of Philae and the Aswan High Dam.The differences are stark: milder climate in Alexandria (in summer 26–31 °C), dry heat in Aswan (June–August 40–45 °C); urban beaches and locally caught fish in Alexandria, river islands and Nubian culture in Aswan.
As for budget, a 3★ room costs €40–70 in Alexandria and €80–120 in Aswan in high season.In this comparative guide you’ll find precise data: prices in €, times to visit, distances, how to get around from the airports, where to eat (from Fish Market in Alexandria to El Dokka in Aswan), how many days you need and how to combine the two cities in a single itinerary.
Alexandria vs Aswan
| Feature | Alexandria | Aswan |
|---|---|---|
| Daily budget | In Alexandria a hostel dorm costs €10–20 (250–500 EGP), a central 3★ like Steigenberger Cecil starts at €70–110, while the 5★ Four Seasons San Stefano ranges between €180–280.Meals: koshary for €1–2 (35–70 EGP) at Koshary El Tahrir, fish at the Greek Club (White & Blue) from €12–20 per person.Transport: Uber/Careem 15–25 min in the city €1–3 (40–120 EGP), tram €0.10 (5 EGP).Daily budget: €25–40 (backpacker), €70–110 (mid-range), €230–350 (luxury).✓ Better | In Aswan a guesthouse on Elephantine or in Gharb Soheil costs €20–35 (500–900 EGP), a 4★ like Pyramisa Island €80–120, the 5★ Sofitel Old Cataract €280–450.Meals: local restaurants like El Masry €3–6, El Dokka with Nile view €10–18, fine dining 1902 €35–60.Transport: city taxis €1–2.5 (50–120 EGP), ferry to Elephantine €0.10 (5 EGP).Daily budget: €40–60 (backpacker), €110–160 (mid-range), €320–520 (luxury). |
| Top attractions | In Alexandria: Bibliotheca Alexandrina (€2–3; 60–90 min) with the Museum of Antiquities (€3; 45 min) and the Planetarium (€2).The Qaitbay Citadel (€2; 45–60 min) dominates the harbor.The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa (€3–4; 60 min) are among the largest from the Roman era.The Kom el-Dikka Roman Theater (€2; 30–45 min) and the Montazah Gardens (€1–2; 60–90 min) round out a 1.5–2 day itinerary. | In Aswan: the Temple of Philae (€8–10; 90 min) on Agilkia requires a round-trip boat (€4–8 per boat; 15 min total).The Unfinished Obelisk (€3–4; 45 min) explains Aswan’s granite.The High Dam (€3; 30 min) offers views over Lake Nasser.The Nubian Museum (€5–6; 60–90 min) tells the local culture.Don’t miss Abu Simbel as a day trip (3h30’ each way; ticket €10–12; round-trip tours from €25–45).✓ Better |
| Food and restaurants | In Alexandria seafood rules: at Fish Market and the Greek Club (White & Blue) a 1 kg grilled sea bass costs €12–20 (600–1,000 EGP), sides €1–2. Street food: foul and ta’ameya €0.50–1 (15–35 EGP), koshary from €1–2.Historic patisserie Délices: slice of cake €1.5–2.5.Local cuisine like Samakmak or Hosny €6–10 per person.Drinks: karkade €0.50, Turkish coffee €0.60–1.✓ Better | In Aswan try Nubian cuisine: stews in tagine (okra or lamb) €4–7, eish bread and rice fatta.At El Dokka (island) traditional dishes €10–18 with views of the Nile.Local restaurants like El Masry offer tilapia or chicken €3–6; fine dining 1902 at the Old Cataract costs €35–60 per person.Drinks: karkade from the Souq €0.30–0.60; beware of fish prices on the Nile corniche (ask the price per kg: €8–14). |
| Climate and best time to go | Alexandria has a Mediterranean climate: winter 12–18 °C (Dec–Feb, rain 4–7 days/month), spring 18–24 °C (Mar–May), summer 26–31 °C with 70–80% humidity (Jun–Sep), sea 24–28 °C between June and September.Best time: April–May and October for urban visits; for the beach June and September.Sandstorms are very rare compared to the interior.Average wind 15–25 km/h along the Corniche.✓ Better | Aswan is desert: winter 10–25 °C (Dec–Feb, almost no rain), spring 25–35 °C (Mar–May), summer 40–45 °C with peaks of 47 °C (Jun–Aug) and 10–20% humidity.Best time: October–April.Avoid outdoor visits between 11:00–15:00 in summer.Excursions like Philae and Abu Simbel are best at sunrise.Nile water is not swimmable; carry 2–3 liters/day (€0.5–0.7 for 5L). |
| Transport and how to get there | Borg El Arab (HBE) airport 45–50 km away: taxi/ride-hailing €6–10 (300–500 EGP; 45–60 min).Train from Cairo (Ramses) to Alexandria Misr: 2h30’–3h, 1st class €30–45.In the city: Uber/Careem widespread, tram €0.10–0.20.Metered taxis are rare: agree on €1–3 for 10–20 min.The Corniche is ~15 km long: allow 15–30 min between sights.✓ Better | Aswan (ASW) airport 17 km away: official taxis €3–5 (150–250 EGP; 25–30 min).From Cairo: flight 1h25’ €60–140 round trip; night train (sleeper cabin) 12–14 h €95–145.In the city: no Uber; taxis with negotiated fare €1–2.5 for 10–20 min, ferry to Elephantine €0.10.Boat to Philae from Philae Marina: €4–8 per boat round trip (10 min per leg). |
| Nightlife | Evenings in Alexandria revolve around historic cafés and bars: Spitfire Bar (beer €1.5–2), Trianon and Délices open until 23:00–00:00.Shisha lounges along the Corniche €2–3.Venues in San Stefano/Gleem until 1:00 on weekends.Few clubs, but a lively atmosphere between weekends and summer.Night taxis €2–4 for 15–25 min.✓ Better | In Aswan nights are quiet: felucca cruise at sunset €10–20 per boat/hour, Nubian music in places like El Dokka (events until 22:30), hotel bars (Old Cataract – The Terrace) cocktails €8–12.The Souq closes around 21:30–22:00.Very few clubs; ideal for scenic evenings along the Nile.Evening taxi €2–3 back to the hotel. |
| For families with children | In Alexandria the Montazah Gardens (stroller-friendly) and the Planetarium Science Center (workshops 45–60 min) are ideal.The Corniche has wide sidewalks; beaches like Mamoura have day passes €3–6.Distances: 10–25 min between attractions.Avoid midday hours in July–August due to humidity.Taxis with child seats are rare: bring a travel booster.Ice creams at Gelateria Zanilli’s €1–2. | In Aswan everything is close: Philae only requires a 10-min boat ride, the Nubian Museum has clear panels and air conditioning.Felucca rides with life jackets for kids on request (ask in advance; extra €1–2).Avoid 11:00–15:00 from May to September.The Souq is linear (800–1,200 m).Park on Kitchener’s Island (Botanical Garden) ideal for shade (entry €1). |
| Beaches and nature | Alexandria offers urban beaches: Stanley Beach and Mamoura with loungers €2–4, private day passes €3–6.Better water to the east toward Abu Qir (30–40 min).Sunsets along the Corniche and long seaside walks.Limited snorkeling; 15–25 km/h winds are comfortable in summer.Montazah Park for nature and palms by the sea. | In Aswan there’s no sea but river nature: islets like Elephantine and Kitchener, reeds and waterfowl.A 60–90 min felucca ride €10–20 per boat; sunrise and sunset are the most scenic.Excursion to Wadi al-Sebua or to sandy Nile riverbanks (swimming not advised) 30–60 min.Desert landscapes 5–10 km from the center toward the High Dam. |
| Shopping | In Alexandria go to Souq El Attarine for antiques and books (30–90 min; haggle 20–30%).Modern malls: San Stefano Grand Plaza and City Centre (international brands).What to buy: sweets from Délices (€5–10 per box), spices €0.5–1 per 100 g, nautical crafts.Hours 10:00–22:00.Payments: cash and POS widely accepted in malls. | In Aswan the Souq on Sharia al-Souq sells karkade (1 kg €2.5–3.5), spices, cotton scarves €3–6, galabeya €8–15.Avoid “saffron” that’s too cheap.Mini granite obelisks €3–8.Hours 9:30–22:00.Bargaining 30–40% is standard.Payments in EGP; some shops accept EUR at an unfavorable rate.More authentic atmosphere than in malls.✓ Better |
| Safety and practical tips | In Alexandria watch out for traffic along the Corniche (crossings).Use Uber/Careem to avoid overcharges; typical taxis €1–3 in the city.Avoid diving off the Stanley cliffs.On the beach use SPF 50 and a waterproof case.Scams: restaurants without a menu on the seafront; ask prices by weight (fish €10–18/kg).Egypt emergency numbers: 122 (police), 123 (ambulance), 180 (fire brigade). | In Aswan heat is the main risk: carry 2–3 L of water (€0.5–0.7 for 5 L) and a hat.Avoid swimming in the Nile (currents and schistosomiasis).Scams: inflated boat price for Philae or felucca; negotiate first (round trip €4–8 for the whole boat).No Uber; agree taxi fares (10–20 min €1–2.5).Tourist areas are safe until 22:00.Emergencies: 122/123/180.✓ Better |
| How many days do you need | For Alexandria you need 2 days for the essentials: Bibliotheca, Qaitbay, Catacombs, Corniche.Ideally 3–4 days including Montazah, beaches and slow food by the harbor.Travel times: 10–30 min between points.Pace: 1–2 sights in the morning, fish lunch, evening walk by the sea.Extra trips (Abu Qir) require an additional 3–4 hours. | For Aswan 2 days are enough for Philae, the Nubian Museum, the High Dam and a felucca ride.Ideally 3–4 days including Abu Simbel (full day, 3h30’ each way) and Kitchener’s Island.Everything within 10–20 min by taxi.Pace: outings at dawn, rest 12:00–15:00, sunset on the Nile.Perfect to pair with a 2–3 night cruise toward Luxor. |
| How to combine both cities | From Alexandria to Aswan: train to Cairo 2h30’–3h (€30–45) + flight Cairo–Aswan 1h25’ (€60–140).Alternatively, night train Cairo–Aswan 12–14 h (€95–145 in a sleeper cabin).Total road distance ~1,060 km.Tip: leave Alexandria at 07:00, arrive in Cairo at 10:00, 13:00 flight, check in at Aswan by 15:00. | From Aswan to Alexandria: ASW–CAI flight 1h25’ + CAI–ALY train 2h30’–3h; total times 5–7 hours including airport waits.Combined cost €90–185 depending on the season.There are buses taking 15–17 h (€15–25) via Cairo, but they are less comfortable.Best period to combine: October–April to avoid Aswan’s extreme heat. |
The Verdict
Choose Alexandria
Choose Alexandria if you want a Mediterranean city break with culture and sea from April to October.With €70–110/day (mid-range) you’ll stay near the Corniche, have fish lunches at the Greek Club and visit the Bibliotheca (€2–3) and the Qaitbay Citadel (€2).3-day itinerary: day 1 Bibliotheca + Kom el-Dikka; day 2 Catacombs + Qaitbay + sunset by the sea; day 3 Montazah + Mamoura beach.Get around by Uber (€1–3 per ride) and take breaks in historic cafés like Trianon.
Choose Aswan
Opt for Aswan if you’re after temples on the Nile, sunsets by felucca and Nubian culture, especially between October and April.Mid-range budget €110–160/day with a 4★ hotel like Pyramisa, dinners at El Dokka (€10–18) and entry to Philae (€8–10), Nubian Museum (€5–6).3-day itinerary: day 1 Philae at dawn + High Dam; day 2 Nubian Museum + Souq; day 3 Abu Simbel excursion (3h30’ each way, tour €25–45).Evening at the Old Cataract with river views.