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Castles & palaces

Citadel of Qaitbay

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Citadel of Qaitbay

Citadel of Qaitbay

The Citadel of Qaitbay is a 15th-century defensive fortress located at the tip of Pharos Island, where the harbor meets the Mediterranean Sea. Visitors go here to examine sultanate-era military architecture and view the coastline from the fortress walls.

Getting There

The fortress is located on the western edge of Alexandria. From the city centre, you can reach the site via taxi or ride-sharing services. The journey typically takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Visit Duration

Allow approximately 2 to 3 hours to walk through the fortifications, explore the inner courtyards, and walk along the surrounding sea walls.

When to Visit

Visiting during the early morning or late afternoon helps avoid the midday heat. The site can get crowded during weekends and Egyptian public holidays. The cooler winter months are generally more comfortable for walking the outdoor grounds.

Nearby Attractions

Because of its location on the harbor's edge, the fortress can be combined with other nearby sites on foot:

  • Pharos (0.1km)
  • El Gomrok (0.4km)
  • Anfoushi (0.8km)
  • El-Mursi Abul Abbas Mosque (0.9km)

Updated September 13, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near Citadel of Qaitbay

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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Good to visit alongside

Pharos

Nature

Pharos

The Pharos was a lighthouse built during Egypt's Ptolemaic dynasty, standing over 100 meters tall and ranking among the world's tallest structures for centuries. It is counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

0.1 km away
El Gomrok

Shopping & districts

El Gomrok

A district of Alexandria home to the city's historic old town. Strolling through its old alleys, you can feel the weight of its long history.

0.4 km away
Anfoushi

Shopping & districts

Anfoushi

Located on the ancient Pharos peninsula, this is one of Alexandria's oldest neighborhoods. It's home to historic landmarks such as the Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque and the Citadel of Qaitbay, making it a pleasant area to explore on foot.

0.8 km away
El-Mursi Abul Abbas Mosque

Temples & religious sites

El-Mursi Abul Abbas Mosque

The El-Mursi Abul Abbas Mosque is a mosque and Sufi shrine dating back to the 13th century, located in Alexandria's Anfushi district. It was built in honor of the mystic Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi, whose tomb can also be seen there.

0.9 km away
Tirbana Mosque

Temples & religious sites

Tirbana Mosque

A mosque in the El Gomrok district of Alexandria, on Egypt's northern coast. It sits on Faransa Street, a nice stop while strolling through the old alleyways.

1.4 km away
Heptastadion

Heritage & monuments

Heptastadion

This breakwater was built in the 3rd century BC during the Ptolemaic era, connecting Pharos Island to the mainland. It's a great site for imagining ancient Alexandria and tracing the city's history.

1.5 km away