See the bird mosaics at Kom el-Dikka's Roman quarter
- Alexandria, Egypt
- Posted on
- 1 photo
About this tip
Kom el-Dikka is an open-air Roman and Byzantine quarter beside the railway station, with the only Roman theatre in Egypt, baths and a lecture-hall complex. The Villa of the Birds, from Hadrian's reign, keeps floor mosaics of peacocks, parrots and quails. You can glimpse the theatre through the railings, but the mosaics need a ticket, bought at the same booth as the theatre. Plan about an hour and read the information panels around the site.
Where
See the bird mosaics at Kom el-Dikka's Roman quarterKom el-Dikka, Alexandria
Open in Google Maps(opens in a new tab)More Tips & Traps in Alexandria
8 posts from Local Friends and travelers who know the city.
TrapMiscellaneousBuy site and museum tickets only from official channels
Alexandria, EgyptCopycat websites and fake social media pages that promise instant booking or discounted tickets are a documented problem in Egypt. In May 2026 the Grand Egyptian Museum said it had shut down more than 50 fraudulent sites and that new ones keep appearing. They aim to steal card details. For Alexandria's archaeological…
FI TrapGetting AroundFix the street taxi fare before you get in
Alexandria, EgyptBlack-and-yellow street taxis in Alexandria usually run without a meter, so the fare is a verbal deal. A common pattern is a quote that grows partway through the ride, or a driver who says the price was per person. Open Uber, inDrive or Careem before you reach the curb and pay in the app. If you do take a street taxi…
TipMusic & NightlifeHear classic Arabic songs at the Sayed Darwish Theatre
Alexandria, EgyptThe Alexandria Opera House, known as the Sayed Darwish Theatre, opened in 1921 on Fouad Street near Raml Station and still stages concerts. The Alexandria Opera Ensemble for Arab Music and Singing plays tribute nights of classic songs, such as the Abdel Halim Hafez and Shadia evening that closed its 2025-26 season in…
TipEat & DrinkOrder ful, falafel and eggs at Mohamed Ahmed near Raml
Alexandria, EgyptMohamed Ahmed on Shakour Street, off Saad Zaghloul Street and opposite the Metropole Hotel, is a long-running Alexandrian breakfast counter, taken over by Mohamed Ahmed El-Sammak in 1957. Order ful medames, crisp falafel and scrambled eggs with warm pita, with tahini, pickles and baladi salad alongside. Go for…
TipSleepSleep at the Steigenberger Cecil, a 1929 Corniche landmark
Alexandria, EgyptThe Cecil opened in 1929 on Saad Zaghloul Square, facing the sea, and its guest list includes Churchill, King Farouk and Agatha Christie. Lawrence Durrell wrote it into The Alexandria Quartet. Each room door carries the plaque of a famous past guest, and the old mechanical elevator still runs. Book directly with the…
TipArt & CultureVisit the Royal Jewelry Museum in a 1919 palace
Alexandria, EgyptThe museum sits in a palace built in 1919 for Princess Fatma al-Zahra in the Zizinia district, and the gilded ceilings and mosaics are half the show. Inside are jewels of Egypt's royal family from 1805 to 1952, including a diamond and emerald collar of Muhammad Ali Pasha and a gold chessboard. Flash, tripods and large…
TrapGetting AroundDo not plan on the Raml tram: the line is being rebuilt
Alexandria, EgyptThe historic Raml tram line, which runs from Victoria to Raml Station, was due to stop in early February 2026 for a rebuild into light rail, with works planned for about two years. Authorities said replacement buses would serve the same corridor, while the separate City Line tram keeps running. Before you build a day…
Know Alexandria well?
Share a tip, or warn travelers about a trap. It only takes a few minutes.