If you’re searching for Alexandria corniche best cafes, the Corniche is where Alexandria’s sea breeze, classic Belle Époque vibes, and everyday local life meet in one long waterfront stretch. From iconic Alexandrian patisseries to old-school tea rooms near Midan El Raml, these spots are popular for one reason: you can pair a good coffee (or dessert) with a real Mediterranean view.
This guide focuses on practical travel planning: where to go, what to order, the best time to visit for views, and how to build a simple “Corniche café crawl” that works for a morning, sunset, or evening outing.
Why the Corniche is perfect for café-hopping
Alexandria’s Corniche is essentially the city’s waterfront artery—so choosing cafés along it means you’re rarely far from the sea. In many places, the view is part of the experience: waves, fishing boats, and that distinctive Alexandrian skyline.
- Best time for sea views: 9:00–11:30 AM for soft light and calmer crowds, or 4:00–6:30 PM for sunset colors.
- Typical spend: Mid-range cafés and classic patisseries are usually budget-friendly compared to hotel lounges, especially for coffee + dessert.
- Local tip: Weekends get busy—arrive early if you want a prime seat near a window or outdoors.
1) Délices (Midan El Raml area): Alexandria’s classic patisserie by the sea
When people talk about Alexandria corniche best cafes, Délices almost always comes up—especially if your ideal café moment includes cakes, pastries, and a nostalgic Alexandrian atmosphere. It’s a long-running name in the city’s dessert scene, and travelers often highlight its big dessert selection and its shoreline setting.
- What to order: Pick one signature dessert from the display (portion sizes can be generous) and pair it with espresso or tea.
- Why go: It’s frequently described as a “main tourist attraction” style stop in Alexandria, known for variety and a lively feel.
- Where: 46 Saad Zaghloul Street (near Midan El Raml / Corniche area).
Practical planning: If the seating area feels packed, consider doing the “dessert first” strategy—buy your sweets, then wait for a table, or take it to-go and continue your Corniche walk.
2) Trianon (Le Metropole / Corniche side): old-school tea room energy
Trianon is often described as an iconic Alexandrian tea room with a historic vibe, located on the seafront side of Le Metropole Hotel along the Corniche. If your version of Alexandria corniche best cafes includes classic interiors and a slower, sit-down experience, Trianon fits beautifully.
- What to order: Espresso or tea, plus a light pastry or a breakfast plate if you’re coming in the morning.
- Why go: It’s presented as a heritage-style café that reflects Alexandria’s cosmopolitan “golden days.”
- Address: 52 Saad Zaghloul Street, Midan El Raml (Corniche side of Le Metropole).
Best timing: Go earlier in the day for a calmer atmosphere, especially if you want photos and a more relaxed table.
3) Fish Market (El Corniche Rd.): sea-view dining that still works for café lovers
Fish Market is primarily known as a seafood restaurant, but it also works as a Corniche “view stop” if you want a long sit with panoramic Mediterranean scenery—especially in the evening. It’s directly on El Corniche Road, and the location is repeatedly highlighted for its seaside setting and views.
- Why go: Travelers mention you can get a “perfect view at the sea,” especially from upstairs seating.
Good to know: Because it’s a full restaurant experience, it’s best for travelers who want views plus a substantial meal—not just a quick espresso.
A practical Corniche café route (easy, walkable feel)
To experience Alexandria corniche best cafes in one outing, base your mini itinerary around Midan El Raml and the Corniche side streets—this area naturally clusters classic Alexandria favorites like Délices and Trianon.
- Option A (Morning sweets + classic tea room): Start at Délices (coffee + dessert) then walk toward Trianon for tea and the old-school ambiance.
- Option B (Sunset views + long sit): Plan Fish Market for late afternoon/early evening, then finish with a Corniche stroll.
- Time needed: 2–4 hours depending on how long you sit at each stop.
Tips for choosing the best café seat (sea views matter)
- Ask for: A window table or outdoor seating if available—views are a big part of why these places rank as Alexandria corniche best cafes for travelers.
- Arrive early on weekends: Popular Corniche cafés can be crowded, and waiting is common at peak times.
- Carry cash just in case: While many places accept cards, cash is helpful for quick orders and tips.
Final thoughts: Alexandria corniche best cafes for travelers
For most visitors, the best strategy is mixing one “classic dessert institution” (Délices), one “heritage tea room” (Trianon), and one “panoramic Corniche view stop” (Fish Market) to cover the full Alexandria experience. With the right timing—morning light or sunset—you’ll understand why the phrase Alexandria corniche best cafes is so often tied to this waterfront.
More Corniche picks with views (Alexandria corniche best cafes)
If your goal is to expand beyond the “classic three,” these next places are great additions to an Alexandria corniche best cafes list—especially if you care about atmosphere, sunset timing, and that unmistakable Mediterranean backdrop.
4) Cecil Hotel Terrace Café (Corniche people-watching)
For a straightforward Corniche café experience—drink in hand, city life in front of you—the Terrace Café at Steigenberger Cecil Hotel is designed for exactly that: sitting on the lively waterfront promenade with a coffee, snack, or drink. The hotel notes that the Terrace Café operates seasonally (April to October) and is positioned as a street café for watching “vibrant life of Alexandria.”
- Best for: A relaxed break during a Corniche walk (especially in warm months).
- What to order: Coffee/tea plus a light snack—ideal if you don’t want a full meal.
- Planning note: Because it’s seasonal, confirm availability if you’re visiting outside April–October.
5) Sky Roof (Windsor Palace): rooftop sea-and-city vibes
If your version of Alexandria corniche best cafes includes a rooftop setting rather than sidewalk seating, Sky Roof is a notable option. Tripadvisor describes it as a rooftop lounge/club in Paradise Inn Windsor Palace Hotel, with an evening schedule (doors at 7 pm, DJ from 9 pm, last order 1 am, closing 2 am).
- Best for: Night views, music, and a “going out” atmosphere rather than a quiet café session.
- When to go: After 7 pm if you want the full rooftop nightlife feel.
- Location: 17 El-Shohada Street, Raml Station, Alexandria.
6) Santa Lucia (Raml Station): classic downtown spot to add to your café crawl
Santa Lucia is widely listed among Alexandria’s well-known downtown dining spots, and Tripadvisor places it at 40 Safia Zaghloul Street near Raml Station. While it’s more of a restaurant than a pure café, it can still work well as a “sit-down stop” on a Corniche-focused day—especially if you want something more substantial between coffee breaks.
- Best for: A longer break with table service in a more classic setting.
- Good to know: Tripadvisor lists it as Mediterranean/European with reservations and full bar options.
- Address: 40 Safia Zaghloul Street, Alexandria.
A simple “2–zone” plan (easy for first-timers)
To keep your Alexandria corniche best cafes day practical, think in two zones: (1) Raml Station / Saad Zaghloul Street classics, then (2) evening views (Terrace Café or a rooftop). Délices and Trianon naturally fit the first zone, while Cecil’s Terrace Café and Sky Roof fit the second.
- Late afternoon/evening (Zone 2): Cecil Terrace Café for promenade atmosphere (seasonal), or Sky Roof for rooftop nightlife.
More local favorites for “Alexandria corniche best cafes”
To continue building a strong Alexandria corniche best cafes guide, these next stops are ideal if you want a more “local Alexandria” coffee culture—strong Turkish-style coffee, classic old-city vibes, and casual Corniche seating.
7) Brazilian Coffee (Salah Salem St.): historic coffee-shop feel
Brazilian Coffee is a well-known Alexandria café listed on Tripadvisor with a central address at 20 Salah Salem Street (in front of Alex Bank). It’s commonly categorized as a café spot (not just a restaurant), making it a good addition when you’re café-hopping around downtown and the Corniche zone.
- Best for: A “classic Alexandria” coffee stop with a simple, local vibe.
- Local-style order idea: Try Turkish/Egyptian coffee if you want the most traditional experience (reviewers often mention it).
8) Café de la Paix (El-Gaish Rd.): value + view on the Corniche
Café de la Paix is listed on Tripadvisor on El-Gaish Road (the Corniche road), and reviewers specifically mention that the “view and the prices are amazing,” making it a practical pick for travelers who want sea views without overpaying. It’s also listed with a phone number on Tripadvisor, which helps for quick confirmation before you go.
- Where: El-Gaish Rd, Alexandria (Tripadvisor listing).
- Extra confirmation: Their Instagram highlights an address at 202 El-Giesh Rd, Mahatet Al Raml and emphasizes the sea view.
Quick Corniche timing plan (sunset-focused)
For a sunset-first itinerary built around Alexandria corniche best cafes, plan your “view café” stop 45–60 minutes before sunset, then do your walking photos right at golden hour along the Corniche wall. The Corniche itself is widely described as a long waterfront road through Alexandria with plenty of restaurants and cafés, and visitors often recommend it for sunset views.
- 1 hour before sunset: Sit at Café de la Paix for the view (order a drink, relax, secure a good seat).
- At sunset: Walk the Corniche for photos and people-watching (less time stuck at a table).
- After sunset: Head back downtown for a second coffee at Brazilian Coffee if you want a classic café finish.
Getting around for Alexandria corniche best cafes
To finish your Alexandria corniche best cafes day smoothly, use Raml Station as your hub and combine short walks with quick taxi/Uber hops when traffic is heavy. Raml Station is widely described as a key central point near the Corniche, making it a practical starting place for café-hopping.
- Walk when possible: Many classic cafés (Délices, Trianon, Brazilian Coffee) cluster around Raml Station / Saad Zaghloul Street, so walking saves time.
- Taxi for “long Corniche jumps”: For farther stops (like Stanley area), a taxi/Uber can be easier than walking the full distance on busy days.
- Budget cue: Rome2Rio lists very short taxi trips around El Raml Station as low-cost (about $1 for a short ride in their example), useful as a rough reference for quick hops.
Use the tram (local, scenic)
If you want a local experience while still staying on-theme for Alexandria corniche best cafes, the Alexandria tram is a fun option because some lines run along the Corniche with sea views. Travel guides note that Raml Station is a key tram hub, so it’s easy to start there and ride toward coastal stops.
- Cost: One guide lists tram fares roughly from 0.50 to 2 EGP depending on the carriage (tickets bought onboard).
- Reality check: The tram is slower—treat it like sightseeing, not a “fast transfer.”
Best time for views (sunrise vs sunset)
For photos plus a relaxed café atmosphere, plan your view-focused café stop around golden hour. A dedicated Alexandria photo guide notes that the eastern Corniche is particularly strong for sunrise, while the western part of the Corniche is ideal for sunsets because it faces the setting sun.
- Sunrise plan: Early Corniche walk + quick coffee stop (calmer, fewer crowds).
- Sunset plan: Pick a sea-view terrace first, then walk for photos as the light turns golden.
FAQ
The easiest way to enjoy Alexandria corniche best cafes is to combine two classics near Raml Station (dessert + tea-room vibe) with one sea-view stop timed for golden hour. Using Raml Station as your anchor and mixing short walks with a tram ride or a quick taxi hop keeps the day simple, scenic, and very “Alexandrian.”
