If you’re staying with us in Alexandria, put the Bibliotheca Alexandrina at the top of your list. It’s the modern library built on the same coastline as the legendary ancient Library of Alexandria, and somehow it manages to impress both first-time tourists and people who’ve lived in this city their whole lives. This Bibliotheca Alexandrina visitor guide gives you what you actually need to know before you go, ticket prices included.
Quick Facts
- Location: El Shatby, right on the Corniche, next to Alexandria University
- Opening hours: Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Monday to Thursday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Closed Fridays and on major public holidays
- Adult ticket (non-Egyptian): EGP 150 for the Main Library, or EGP 300 for the inclusive ticket that also covers the Antiquities and Manuscripts Museums
- Time needed: 1.5 to 2 hours for the library itself, 3 to 4 hours if you’re adding a museum or the Planetarium
- Distance from Ithaka: 10 to 15 minutes by taxi from either branch
How to Get to Bibliotheca alexandrina from Ithaka?
From Ithaka Mansheya Hostel.
A taxi or Uber/InDrive east along the Corniche gets you there in about 10 to 15 minutes, traffic depending. Prefer to go local? Walk to Raml Station and catch a tram toward Victoria, then get off at Shatby; the library is right there.
From Ithaka Raml Hostel
You’re basically already at the tram. Take anything heading east toward Victoria or Sidi Gaber and hop off at Shatby. With the walk from the stop, figure 15 to 20 minutes total, or about 10 minutes if you just grab a cab.
You won’t miss the building once you’re close, by the way. It’s a giant tilted granite disc sitting on the waterfront, angled toward the sea like it’s been built to catch the light.
Tickets and Pricing
Like most cultural sites in Egypt, pricing here is tiered, with non-Egyptian visitors paying more than residents.
- Main Library only: EGP 150 for adults, includes the guided tour, the Culturama show, the Sadat Museum, and current exhibitions
- Inclusive ticket: EGP 300, adds the Antiquities and Manuscripts Museums
- Antiquities Museum alone: EGP 100
- Manuscripts Museum alone: EGP 60
- Planetarium Science Center: ticketed separately at the entrance, roughly EGP 200, and it’s worth checking show times beforehand since slots fill up
Honestly, if you’re only doing one thing, get the inclusive ticket. The Antiquities Museum holds pieces pulled straight from the submerged Ptolemaic harbour just offshore, and it’s an easy add-on after the main reading room.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina Visitor Guide: What to See
The Main Reading Room
This is the whole reason most people show up. One enormous hall, eleven cascading levels under a tilted glass roof, and the scale of it doesn’t really land until you’re standing in the middle of it. Before you go in, spend a few minutes outside reading the carved exterior wall; it holds close to 4,000 characters from 120 different writing systems.
The Antiquities Museum
Down in the basement, packs in about 1,300 pieces: Greek and Roman statues, Coptic icons, and finds recovered from the harbour right outside. It’s not huge, but it rewards people who slow down rather than speed through.
The Manuscripts Museum
It is quieter and smaller, focused on rare books and old Egyptian printed material, with a side exhibit on the history of the ancient library. A nice place to decompress after the crowds in the main hall.
The Planetarium and ALEXploratorium
These run on their own ticket and schedule, more geared toward families and science fans. Check the showtimes first; they don’t always line up with whatever else you’ve got planned.
How Long to Spend in Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Short on time? Ninety minutes covers the library and reading room. Adding a museum pushes that closer to three hours. If you want the full thing, including the Planetarium or a temporary exhibition, block off half a day. And go in the morning on a weekday if you can; things fill up fast once university students and school groups arrive.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina Visitor Guide: A Few Practical Tips
Bring ID if you’re using student or senior pricing; discounted tickets need proof. No food, drinks, or smoking inside, though there’s a cafe in the complex for a break. The building is fully wheelchair accessible too, with ramps and elevators on every level, and wheelchairs available at the Visits Reception Desk on request. One more thing: if your trip happens to land in July, expect the Alexandria International Book Fair crowd. Fun atmosphere, but not the move if you’re after a quiet visit.
Looking for a place to stay while exploring Alexandria’s most unique places, Ithaka has the best location that gets you to many of the city’s attractions within minutes. Book now
FAQ
What are the Bibliotheca Alexandrina opening hours?
Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Monday through Thursday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Closed Fridays and on major public holidays.
How much is the Bibliotheca Alexandrina entrance fee for foreigners?
EGP 150 for the Main Library ticket, or EGP 300 for the inclusive ticket covering the Antiquities and Manuscripts Museums too.
How far is the Bibliotheca Alexandrina from Ithaka World?
About 10 to 15 minutes by taxi from either branch, or a short tram ride from Raml Station to the Shatby stop.
How long should I spend at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina?
1.5 to 2 hours for the library alone, 3 to 4 hours if you’re adding a museum or the Planetarium.
Is the Bibliotheca Alexandrina worth visiting?
Yes, easily. The building alone is one of Alexandria’s most striking pieces of modern architecture, and the museums hold real archaeological finds pulled from the city’s ancient harbour.
Is the Bibliotheca Alexandrina wheelchair accessible?
Yes. All public areas are accessible, with ramps and elevators on every level and wheelchairs available at the Visits Reception Desk.
