Africa
Egypt
Alexandria Governorate
Alexandria
Things to Do in Alexandria
Fort Qaitbey

Fort Qaitbey, Alexandria: Hours, Address, Fort Qaitbey Reviews: 4.5/5

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Fort Qaitbey

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Fort Qaitbey
4.5
1,084
#3 of 60 things to do in Alexandria
Historic Sites
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8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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About
Resembling an imposing castle fortress, this citadel was built in the 1480s by Sultan Qaitbey on the site of the Pharos Lighthouse, to protect the city from the crusaders who used to attack the city by sea.
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
317 within 3 miles
White and Blue Restaurant
791
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Mediterranean • Greek
SeaSide
21
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Healthy • Middle Eastern
Sidra Restaurant Alexandria
6
389 ftLebanese • Mediterranean
Dough
3
0.2 miItalian • Pizza • Healthy
Sidra By The Citadel
10
408 ft$$ - $$$ • Lebanese • Mediterranean
Sidra
4
124 ftMediterranean • Egyptian
7'sky Lounge
8
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood
Fish Market
598
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Mediterranean • Egyptian
Arous El Bahr Fish Restaurant
84
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Mediterranean • Egyptian
Samakmak
64
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Mediterranean • Egyptian
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Attractions
34 within 6 miles
Lighthouse of Alexandria
164
316 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Lighthouses
Aquarium Museum
71
0.1 miAquariums
Corniche
662
0.4 miPiers & Boardwalks
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
1,805
1.4 miArchitectural Buildings • Libraries
Mosque of Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi
165
0.9 miArchitectural Buildings • Religious Sites
Alexandria National Museum
279
1.9 miHistory Museums
Ancient Roman Amphitheater
419
1.7 miAncient Ruins
Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
700
2.5 miAncient Ruins
Alexandria Unknown Naval Soldier Memorial
105
1.1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Royal Jewelry Museum
212
Speciality Museums
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,084 reviews
Excellent
512
Very good
398
Average
140
Poor
23
Terrible
11
CDMG123
Cairo, Egypt633 contributions
Lovely Sea Fort
Apr 2022 • Solo
This fort was my main reason for coming up to Alexandria, and it did not disappoint. The 3 accessible floors all have different views, and the mosaic mosque floor on the first level is stunning. The views through the small windows in the thick stone walls are breathtaking.
Written April 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Linda Y
Frisco, TX5,194 contributions
The Citadel
Feb 2020
Established by the Mamluk Sultan Qaitbay in 1477 AD, the Citadel of Qaitbay served as a defensive fortress on the Mediterranean. It was erected on the exact site of the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World, that was destroyed by an earthquake in 1303 AD. The fort has an interesting military history until it was heavily damaged in 1882. Several restoration efforts were completed in the 20th century to open the fort to the public. It was extremely crowded with locals on the Friday we visited (this is a weekend day). So much so that we felt uncomfortable on stairways due to the push of the crowd. Other than that, the Citadel is an expansive site, and the views out to sea and back across the harbor are beautiful (look for the library). Our group seemed to be popular with the locals, especially friendly school-age children, that asked for photos.
Written May 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ricardorJ3699QO
POMPANO BEACH, United States40 contributions
Views are amazing
Dec 2020
The views from this fort are amazing. Worth the entrance fee. Good to view and simply relax. We visited during the afternoon. There was not a lot of other tourist there and we were able to wander around without seeing to many other tourist.
Written December 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kazi Y
Dhaka City, Bangladesh131 contributions
One of the best attractions in Alexandria.
Feb 2020
The Fort of Qaitbay is a 15th-century defensive fortress located on the Mediterranean sea coast, in Alexandria, Egypt. It was established in 1477 AD by Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qa'it Bay in an effort to fortify this important Egyptian port from attack, and rubble from the toppled lighthouse was used in its construction. The fort is situated on the eastern side of the northern tip of Pharos Island at the mouth of the Eastern Harbour. This fort was built on the base of the old famous Alexandria lighthouse.The fort is considered one of the most important defensive strongholds, not only in Egypt, but also along the Mediterranean Sea coast. One of the best attractions in Alexandria, but not well maintained .
Written March 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
KC_in_NY
New Rochelle, NY2,231 contributions
Get a nice view of the city
Sep 2021
The fort itself is a challenge to get to by vehicle. Recommend walking there if you're comfortable with the crowds and being harassed along the way. It has a great view of the city and the water. Opted out of the tour and glad I did since there wasn't that much to see of the fort itself.
Written January 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kim G
Toronto, Canada1,152 contributions
Beautiful Location
Jun 2019
This fortress is built on the same sight as the famous Alexandria lighthouse. Some of the original material from the lighthouse were used in the construction.

It is an incredible place for the views of the sea and the coast. Lovely to walk around and enjoy the breeze from the water. You can visit all of the inside plus wonder the outside grounds.

Well worth a visit.
Written May 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
722Lola88
Los Angeles, CA124 contributions
Amazing
Apr 2022
Fort Qaitbey is a must while in Alexandria, The history behind the fort is fascinating. The building itself is breathtaking. It’s right on the Mediterranean Sea and the scenery is amazing.
You have to pay at the entrance before you can get in for a tour. Plenty of free parking.
Make sure you take a boat ride around the Fort and a tour guide to explain the history behind this landmark.
Worth it and very picturesque
It’s about 2.5 hours drive from Cairo.
Written April 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Munir D
Toronto, Canada562 contributions
Nice experience in Alexandria
Dec 2019
Visiting the Citadel was a fine experience. At the entrance there is a sign that the Citadel was established in 882AH -1477AD. The building was a defence fortress and also houses the second oldest mosque in Alexandria. This mosque occupies more than half of the first floor area.

The Fort offers a great panaromic view of the Mediterranean Sea.

The visit time recommended here is about two hours. the Citadel has three floors. Exercise caution when climbing the stairs.

Munir D.
Written June 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hassan M
Cape Town Central, South Africa13 contributions
A visit to a historical fort in Alexandria
Dec 2019
This was a fascinating visit to an old fort built in the 1480s. A small fee is payable for entry. It is quite big with many nooks and crannies. There is a basement section and one has access to the top of the walls. There is a mosque in the interior.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ján Strasiftak
Bratislava, Slovakia114 contributions
The best attraction in Alexandria
Mar 2022
It is definitely worthy of seeing. There is a nice and secure parking spot. Whole site is clean, picturesque and nicely restorated. There is not any exposition but whole fortress and its surrounding is large and you will spend nice time exploring it.
Written March 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Qaitbey
Fort Qaitbey is open:
  • Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Fort Qaitbey tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 208 Fort Qaitbey tours on Tripadvisor