Alexandria Aquarium

حوض السمك بالإسكندرية

Located near the Citadel of Qaitbay, this marine biology museum showcases Mediterranean and Red Sea fish species in their natural habitats. It's an engaging attraction for understanding Egypt's aquatic biodiversity and marine conservation efforts.

Things to do

• Mediterranean Fish Tank Tour — Walk through the main exhibition halls to observe native Mediterranean species including grouper, sea bream, and octopus in carefully maintained saltwater tanks.
• Red Sea Biodiversity Exhibit — Explore the dedicated Red Sea section featuring colorful reef fish, seahorses, and coral ecosystems that represent Egypt's southern marine environment.
• Marine Conservation Learning Center — Visit the interactive displays and educational panels explaining conservation efforts, overfishing impacts, and sustainable fishing practices in Egyptian waters.
• Photography at Citadel of Qaitbay — Take advantage of the nearby historic fortress location just steps away to photograph stunning Mediterranean coastal views alongside your aquarium visit.
• Tide Pool Touch Tanks — Interact with shallow touch pools containing starfish, sea urchins, and other coastal invertebrates that children and adults can observe and gently handle.
• Feeding Demonstrations — Watch scheduled feeding times when staff present marine life and explain species behavior, dietary habits, and ecosystem relationships during daily shows.

Food to try

• Sayadiah (Egyptian Fish Rice) — A traditional Alexandria specialty of fragrant white rice cooked with fresh Mediterranean fish, onions, and spices, reflecting the city's maritime heritage.
• Grilled Samak (Fresh Fish) — Whole fresh Mediterranean fish grilled simply with lemon, garlic, and olive oil, best enjoyed at waterfront restaurants near the aquarium.
• Calamari Fried Squid — Tender squid rings from local catches, lightly battered and fried, commonly served as an appetizer with tahini sauce in Alexandria's seafood restaurants.
• Shorba de Samak (Fish Soup) — A warming broth made with Mediterranean fish, tomatoes, garlic, and traditional spices, popular as a starter at local beachside cafes.
• Shrimp Sayadiah — A premium variation of the classic rice dish using fresh Mediterranean shrimp instead of fish, often featured in higher-end waterfront establishments.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Prayer Times — Plan your visit around the five daily Islamic prayer times when some exhibits may have limited staffing or temporary closures, particularly during Friday prayers.
• Dress Conservatively — Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees as a sign of respect for Egyptian cultural norms, especially when visiting during busy tourist periods.
• Bargain at Adjacent Souk — The waterfront area near the aquarium has informal vendors and small shops where polite negotiation over prices for souvenirs and local crafts is customary and expected.
• Learn Basic Arabic Greetings — Staff and local visitors appreciate when tourists use simple Egyptian Arabic phrases like 'As-salamu alaykum' (hello) and 'Shukran' (thank you), enhancing your experience.