Egypt Discovery
AttractionAlexandria

Qaitbay Citadel, Alexandria

Admission to the 15th-century citadel’s ramparts, courtyard and exterior galleries, with views across Alexandria’s eastern harbour.

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

Qaitbay Citadel Entry Ticket grants admission to the historic fortress in Alexandria, booked and arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
  • Cultural

Snapshot

Good to know

Time to allow
Self-paced
Travel style
Self-Guided Entry
Arranged by
Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt
Destinations
Qaitbay Citadel, Alexandria
Includes
Qaitbay Citadel admission ticket, as shown on the voucher · Access to the citadel ramparts, subject to site rules · Access to the exterior galleries, subject to site rules · Access to the central courtyard, subject to site rules · Views over the eastern harbour from the citadel
Best for
Independent travellers · History enthusiasts · Architecture enthusiasts · Visitors exploring Alexandria

Best time to go

October to April is generally milder in Alexandria, with daytime temperatures often around 18–26°C; summer days commonly reach about 28–31°C, making early morning or late afternoon more comfortable. Check current opening hours before setting out, particularly during Ramadan and public holidays, when access patterns and visitor numbers can change.

  • Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
  • The ticket grants admission to Qaitbay Citadel, as stated on the voucher.
  • The ticket is delivered by email as a PDF after booking confirmation.
  • The supplied ticket information states that transport and guided services are not included.

02Overview

A first look

Sited at the eastern tip of Alexandria’s Eastern Harbour, Qaitbay Citadel stands where the Pharos island once lay. The current fortress dates to 1477 AD, constructed by Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qa'it Bay.

Background

The facts

Qaitbay Citadel is a coastal fortress at the eastern tip of Pharos Island in Alexandria, beside the eastern harbour and the Mediterranean shoreline. Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qa'it Bay commissioned it in 1477, during the late Mamluk period. The entry ticket is booked and arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator.

The ticket grants access to the citadel’s ramparts, central courtyard and exterior galleries. The site is a short walk from the Alexandria Corniche and the eastern harbour piers; Pompey’s Pillar and the National Museum of Alexandria are nearby places to combine with a visit.

The fortress was built on a site traditionally associated with the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria. Its surviving military architecture includes later Ottoman repairs, so the masonry reflects more than one period of use and restoration.

Opening hours vary seasonally, so check current information before visiting or arrive early. Security checks and site operations can affect access, particularly on the ramparts. The harbour-edge setting can be windy. Photography rules vary; check at the entrance. The ticket is sent by email as a PDF after booking confirmation. Check whether a printed copy is required and print it if unsure.

Named in this entry

Qaitbay Citadel·Alexandria·Pharos Island·Mediterranean Sea·Alexandria Corniche·Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qa'it Bay·Mamluk Sultanate·Ottoman Empire·Lighthouse of Alexandria·Pompey's Pillar·National Museum of Alexandria

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This entry ticket suits independent travellers, couples and families with older children who want to explore Qaitbay Citadel at their own pace. It is especially relevant to visitors interested in Mamluk and Ottoman architecture, harbour views and a short stop in Alexandria.

Maybe not, if

  • It may not suit visitors who need step-free access or families relying on a pushchair across uneven stone and rampart areas. Choose another activity if you want transport or a guided visit included.

What lingers

  • 01Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaitbay built it in 1477, where the Lighthouse of Alexandria (Pharos) once stood.
  • 02Climb the ramparts for harbour views across the Eastern Harbour and Corniche; narrow uneven steps require care.
  • 03Small maritime museum inside displays Ottoman cannons and medieval anchors; admission separate from main entrance ticket.
  • 04Visit late afternoon for cooler temperatures and golden light on the harbour; limited shade at midday.
  • 05Located on the eastern tip of Pharos Island – walking distance from the Corniche promenade and fishing boats.
  • 06Unlike the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the citadel occupies the original Pharos site and preserves Mamluk coastal defences.

Worth knowing

How this compares

Many Alexandria attraction visits combine admission with transport; this is an entry ticket only, and transport is not included. Unlike a guided visit, admission is for self-guided access to the ramparts, courtyard and exterior galleries.

The fine print

What's included – and what is left out

Included

  • Qaitbay Citadel admission ticket, as shown on the voucher

Not included

  • Transport to and from Qaitbay Citadel
  • Professional Egyptologist or guided services, available to book separately
  • Parking charges, where applicable
  • Photography permit or tripod fee, if required on site
  • Food and personal costs

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

  1. 01

    Check the current opening hours before setting out, as seasonal changes can affect the time available inside.

  2. 02

    Allow time for security checks before entering; site operations may also affect access to the ramparts.

  3. 03

    Check photography rules at the entrance, especially before using a tripod or other equipment.

  4. 04

    Print the emailed PDF if you cannot confirm that the entrance accepts tickets displayed on a phone.

  5. 05

    The harbour edge can be windy, so secure loose items before walking along the ramparts.

Tailor it

Make it yours

This is an entry ticket only, with no transport or guided service included; the ticket is sent by email as a PDF after booking confirmation. You can plan a separate visit to Pompey's Pillar or the National Museum of Alexandria, but no ticket upgrades or bundled visits are specified.

Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.

Where it fits

Qaitbay Citadel fits into a day exploring Alexandria’s eastern harbour and central sights. Pair it with the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and Alexandria National Museum, or visit Pompey’s Pillar separately in the afternoon.

While you're here

Worth pairing

  • Bibliotheca Alexandrina3 km
  • Alexandria National Museum4 km
  • Pompey’s Pillar5 km
  • Roman Amphitheatre, Kom el-Dikka4 km

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

  1. 01

    PDF ticket sent by email after booking confirmation

  2. 02

    Entry arranged without bundled transport or added sightseeing

  3. 03

    Combine your visit with nearby Alexandria landmarks at your own pace

·In summary

Qaitbay Citadel was built in 1477 by Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qa'it Bay on Pharos Island, at Alexandria’s eastern harbour. Its late Mamluk fortifications occupy a site traditionally linked to the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, with later Ottoman repairs visible in the masonry.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01What is the Qaitbay Citadel?
    Qaitbay Citadel is a 15th-century fortress built in 1477 on Alexandria’s eastern harbour on the site of the former Pharos Lighthouse. Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qaitbay commissioned it as a coastal defence. The fort retains ramparts with sea views across the Corniche toward the ancient Pharos site. Access inside includes narrow passages and uneven stone floors; parts may be closed for conservation work.
  2. 02How do I get to Qaitbay Citadel from central Alexandria?
    Qaitbay Citadel sits at the eastern tip of Alexandria’s Corniche; most central hotels are a short taxi ride away. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are the practical options; Corniche traffic can lengthen journeys at peak times. If arriving from a cruise, allow extra time for disembarkation and harbour security compared with a land-based visit.
  3. 03Can you book tickets for Qaitbay Citadel?
    Yes – we can prebook entrance tickets and arrange a licensed guide or meet-and-assist at the gate. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator we handle local timings and confirmations to reduce the risk of denied access. Site policies and ticket availability change, so we confirm current access and any temporary closures before you travel.
  4. 04Are there accessibility issues at Qaitbay Citadel?
    Yes – the Citadel has uneven stone surfaces, steep stairs and narrow ramparts that restrict wheelchair access. Some ground-level courtyards are accessible to many visitors, but there are no lifts and higher viewpoints require steps. We can meet you at the entrance and provide short-distance assistance, but full internal access cannot be guaranteed.
  5. 05What should I bring and wear to visit Qaitbay Citadel?
    Bring sun protection, sturdy shoes and a filled water bottle; shade is limited and surfaces are uneven. A hat, high‑SPF sunscreen and sunglasses are essential in summer, and a light layer helps with sea breezes. Modest dress is sensible for nearby religious sites, and carry small change for local vendors or toilets.
  6. 06Are guided tours available inside Qaitbay Citadel?
    Yes – local guides and Egyptologists commonly lead visits, explaining the 1477 construction and the link to the Pharos Lighthouse. We prefer small guided groups rather than coach-load visits to reduce congestion on the ramparts. If you want a specialist, we can supply one of our Egyptologists to accompany your visit; tell us your preferred timing.

Editorial review

Reviewed by Khaled Mansour·Last reviewed 8 March 2025

Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: TKT-ALX-535410

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