Eating out: without doubt a highlight of any holiday in Alexandria, the local cuisine just begs to be enjoyed by anyone with an adventurous palate. With the city’s proximity to the ocean, seafood is understandably a popular feature of the local fare and restaurants serve up some fantastic fish, crab and shrimp dishes as well as the usual tasty Egyptian dishes such as kebabs, stuffed vine leaves and fofta.

Make sure to try the deliciously sweet umm ali, a national favourite that comprises a cake with raisins, soaked in milk and served up piping hot.

Ahwa is the local name for the coffee beverages served and comes in different varieties including ahwa sada (black), ahwa ariha (lightly sweetened), ahwa mazboot (moderately sweetened), and ahwaziyada (very sweet).

Football: Alexandrians are crazy about football and offers those with a similar passion for the great game the opportunity to enjoy the matches of local teams at any of four football stadiums. Harras El-Hedoud Stadium, Alexandria Stadium, El-Krom Stadium and the recently built Borg El Arab Stadium (80,000 capacity) are the places to head to catch the local action.

Water-pipe smoking: if you are a smoker or just someone open to trying new experiences, then you might want to have a go at the local water-pipe smoking ritual. Akin to having a beer with friends in other countries, this pastime sees locals enjoying the mildly intoxicating effects of tobacco smoke that has been passed through flavoured water in what is commonly known as a sheesha. Coffee and tea shops everywhere offer sheesha smoking opportunities.