The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a major library and cultural centre opened in 2002, inspired by the ancient Library of Alexandria. Its tilted circular roof faces the sea, and its granite walls are carved with letters from many alphabets. Inside are a vast reading room, museums, a planetarium and galleries. It stands on the Corniche overlooking the Eastern Harbour.

The Citadel of Qaitbay is a 15th-century fortress at the entrance of Alexandria's Eastern Harbour, built by Sultan Qaitbay. It stands on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and some of its stones may come from it. Visitors can explore its halls and ramparts with views over the sea and the city.

The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa are a Roman-era burial complex carved into rock on several levels below ground. A spiral staircase leads down to a banquet hall and the main tomb, where Egyptian gods are shown in Roman dress, a striking blend of styles. The catacombs were rediscovered in 1900 when a donkey fell into the shaft.

Pompey's Pillar is a Roman triumphal column of red Aswan granite, about 27 metres tall, erected in Alexandria around 297 AD in honour of Emperor Diocletian. It stands on the hill of the ancient Serapeum temple, where sphinxes and underground galleries can also be seen. Despite its name, it has nothing to do with Pompey.

Shali Fortress is the ruined mud-brick citadel of the old town of Siwa, built in the 13th century from kershef, a mix of salt and mud. Heavy rains in the 1920s melted much of the town, leaving dramatic ruins. Paths lead to the top, where there are views over palm groves, salt lakes and the desert. Sunset is the best time to visit.

The Temple of the Oracle in the Siwa Oasis was dedicated to the god Amun and became famous across the ancient world. Alexander the Great travelled here in 331 BC to consult the oracle, who is said to have confirmed his divine status. The temple ruins stand on a rocky hill in the village of Aghurmi, with views over the oasis.