Fun and entertainment Alexandria

It's the Alexandrian version of the Cairo opera. Opened in 1921, it was designed by the French architect Georges Baroque. Initially named "Mohamed Ali Theatre", it was renamed in 1962 in homage to the pioneer of Arab music: Sayed Darwish. The gilding and red velvet armchairs of its hall have been renovated, you can visit it or attend one of the performances, which are usually shows that were given at the Cairo Opera House. Call for information on tours and the programme of events.

Beautiful place decorated with pictures of King Farouk, but also of the presidents who succeeded him. It is a café full of history that has a special place in the hearts of the inhabitants. King Farouk himself came here in 1952 before the Revolution, so much so that this café is part of Alexandria's heritage! People come here to drink coffee or mint tea and smoke chicha to the notes of a nostalgic soundtrack. Popular atmosphere that unites several generations: you have to come at least once, if only to live a local experience.

This café nestles under a canopy of which only the iron frame remains. It can be reached via a bottleneck coming from Mancheya Square, just past the corner of Ahmed Orabi Square. The place is off-beat, located in the inner courtyard of what must have been a chic building with Italian decor, of which we can still see some stucco cornices. Since then, this bellydance café has given another form of authenticity to the place. Finding it is a bit of a treasure hunt, so the best way is to ask the shops and restaurants around.

Formerly the restaurant of the financiers of the stock exchange, nice atmosphere in this troquet, with walls covered with photos and pictures from archives, where you can drink a cold beer while nibbling good little mezze and fried squid. A cosy and cosy setting, a bit nostalgic with its period tiles and old-fashioned photos hanging on the walls: an astonishing journey into the past. Interlope address sought after on Thursdays and Fridays. The place to go out but not before 10 pm, the time when Alexandrian nights begin.

Inaugurated in 1952, it is one of the oldest cinemas in Alexandria, with orchestra or balcony seats. Obviously the comfort is not that of modern cinemas (seats are a bit rough), but it is one of the cheapest cinemas in the city. It houses 6 cinemas showing films in Arabic and English, it has technology for 3D films and the sound is rather good. Going to the cinema is not the first thing you think about when you visit, but if you are tempted by a movie, don't hesitate to choose this cinema.

"Ahwa, Ahwa" (coffee): Sofianopoulo serves an espresso worthy of satisfying the most difficult of caffeinated beverage lovers. As for the décor, it is not to be outdone either, with its large silver roasters and coffee grinders combined with the canvas bags overflowing with the precious beans: it feels like a museum of antiques. The smell of coffee pervades the whole shop and up to 500 metres away! Colourful staff: it's an address in its own right that's worth a visit for a coffee on the spot or to buy a packet to take away.

The place to dance in Alexandria, whatever you look like. You'll find a wide variety of people here, from groups of students looking to party, to well-informed tourists, to (overly) mature men slouching and sometimes accompanied by (overly) young women... If you can, put down your preconceived ideas at the entrance and let yourself be carried away by the latest Egyptian electro shaabi hits. Lively day and night, you can also eat in (seafood cuisine) and smoke shisha. Various types of alcohol and a good cocktail menu.

Several addresses of this trendy café chain where you can go for breakfast, lunch, a drink, dinner or to indulge in the pleasure of chicha. The one of Sidi Gaber has the chance to enjoy a beautiful sea view. Fajitas, cordon bleu, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, pizza: the cuisine sails all around, it is generally very good. Soft or not, the cocktail menu suits all tastes with a multitude of proposals. Relaxed atmosphere, smiling service, impeccable hygiene: very nice address.