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The Corniche: Alexandria's coastal road extends over 20 km along the Mediterranean, broken up by bays and beautiful beaches between the East (old) and West Harbour. It is one of the most beautiful walks in the city, with the lovely Stanley Bridge as a reference point. 

Bibliotheca Alexandrina: The effort to revive the most important library and centre of knowledge of the ancient world was completed in 2002 and endowed modern Alexandria with an impressive building that is a gem of modern architecture made of glass and steel. The city's new library includes three amazing museums, five special research centres and an outstanding collection of Greek statuary and rare ancient manuscripts. 
Address: Al-Corniche – Chatby, 21526 Alexandria, bibalex.org

Graeco-Roman Museum: This impressive museum houses one of the most extensive collections of works from the Greco-Roman period in the world, with more than 40,000 exhibits (from the 3rd century BC to the 7th century AD). Some of the more significant exhibits include the Apis bull in black granite, the statue of Serapis, the terracotta Tanagra figurines and the exquisite Hellenistic statues. There are 27 galleries to explore inside the museum and a lovely garden with sculptures in the forecourt. You will have to wait until the museum reopens, however, as it has been closed since 2008 for renovations.
Address: 5 Sharia Al-Mathaf ar-Romani

Pompey's Pillar: This impressive column in red granite stands 30 metres over the ruins of Rhacotis, the ancient settlement where Alexander the Great founded Alexandria. The triumphal column was built in 295 AD in honour of Emperor Diocletian and may have once been topped by a statue of the Emperor on horseback. The remains of the incredible Serapis Temple, one of the most important centres of knowledge of the ancient world, spread out around it. 
Address: Sharia Amud el-Sawari, Karmuz

Roman Amphitheatre: The only one of its kind in Egypt, this elegant marble amphitheatre of the 2nd century is one of the best-preserved monuments in the country. The exquisite mosaic floors of the stage and granite pillars still inspire awe to this day. 
Address: Sharia Yousri

Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa: The largest Roman necropolis in Egypt is dated to the 2nd century AD and covers three levels to a depth of 30 metres. Unique in terms of design and decoration, the catacombs feature a rare mixture of Pharaonic and Greco-Roman motifs that bear witness to the cosmopolitan nature of Classical Alexandria. 
Address: Off Sharia Amud el-Sawari, Karmuz

Fort Qaitbey: Built in 1479 by Mamluk Sultan Qaitbey at the spot where the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria once stood, this impressive citadel includes some of the stones from the Lighthouse, along with red granite pillars on the west side of the external walls. Nowadays, it functions as a Naval Museum. The view from the surrounding walls is breathtaking. 
Address: East Harbour at the end of Corniche

Montaza Palace: Built by Khedive Abbas II as a summer presidential residence, this magnificent building is a combination of pseudo-Moorish and Florentine styles that does not fail to impress. Though closed to the public, Alexandrians often flock to the vast and lovely gardens for a short escape from the city centre. 
Address: Montazah Bay

Alexandria National Museum All of Alexandria's enigmatic past is revived on the three storeys of this gorgeous Italian-style villa. More than 1,800 findings relate the history of the city from the age of the Pharaohs and Greco-Roman times to the Byzantine and Islamic periods. Don't miss the exciting gallery devoted to the embalming process. 
Address: 110 Sharia Tariq al-Horreyya

Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque: The most beautiful Muslim mosque in the city is a dazzling octagonal white structure that combines elaborate Islamic architecture with Andalusian influences. The mosque is dedicated to the memory of a 13th century Sufi saint from Andalusia.
Address: Al Berkah, Qesm Al Gomrok.

You will find most stores selling clothing and accessories in the historic centre of Alexandria. The most frequented commercial streets are located in the area behind and south-west of the Steigenberger Cecil Hotel (Al Akbar, Ebadah Ibn Al Samet, Saad Zaghloul). 

The district with the traditional souk markets is at the western edge of Tahrir Square. The most famous is El Attarine souk, a maze of narrow streets mainly known for antiques. A section of El Attarine known as Zan ah Al Sitat souk ("Lady-jam" in Arabic) is the most popular bazaar with women's clothes and accessories. If you are interested in fabrics, head for Al Khreit souk. 

In recent years, western-style shopping malls have risen in popularity in Alexandria, particularly among young people and the city's middle class. One of the more popular malls is City Centre Alexandria, located on the Cairo-Alexandria peripheral road on the outskirts of the city. It has a vast hypermarket with designer label clothing, cafés and cinemas. For luxury brands, go to San Stefano Grand Plaza Mall (next to the Four Seasons Hotel), the most luxurious shopping centre in Alexandria, where you will run into the city's stylish youth. Also check out the Green Plaza Mall (next to the Hilton) with many choices for shopping, food and entertainment.

Alexandria is famous for its seafood cuisine, which is the best in Egypt. A morning stroll through the city's famous Anfushi Fish Market will convince you of its fresh fish (samak), which is usually served grilled or baked in the oven in a salty crust. Try some scallops, shrimp, sea bass, sole, calamari or eel, a local speciality enjoyed as an appetiser or even as a snack to go. 

The cosmopolitan spirit of Alexandria is reflected in its varied culinary offerings. You will find selections from all over the world, from French and Italian to Greek, Indian and Japanese. The most expensive gourmet restaurants are usually found within the large hotels in the city. Among the items in traditional Egyptian fare not to miss are: classic kebabs and koftas (meatballs), falafel, ful medames (mashed fava beans), kushari (a mixture of noodles, rice and lentils with a spicy tomato sauce), hummus (chickpea purée), molokhia and of course aish baladi, a thin crusted bread that Egyptians use instead of a fork to push their food into bites. 

At the historic patisseries of Alexandria, you can try unique Egyptian sweets like baklava, roz bel laban (rice pudding), kanafeh and Umm Ali (bread pudding). You will find the best coffee - an important part of Egyptian culture - at the famous local coffee-houses. It is always served black and strong and usually accompanied by the shisha (hookah) ritual. 

For those who thrive on nightlife, most of the good bars in the city are along the waterfront around the East Harbour, as well as in the major hotels, where you can also enjoy some traditional belly-dancing.

• Alexandria International Film Festival: Every September since 1979, independent film-makers from around the world have been screening their films here. The festival events take place at various cinemas and historic buildings in the city and include screenings and open discussions between the creators and the public. 
• Bibliotheca Alexandrina International Summer Festival: The city's largest musical event is staged by the Library of Alexandria every August. For an entire month, the library's concert halls and events rooms are filled with the sound and melodies of all types of music. Prepare to enjoy everything from major symphony orchestras to folk bands playing traditional music. 
• You Belong, Alexandria: In mid-October, all of the cities in the world named Alexandria (and there are more than 40) unite in a joint celebration of their name day. As one might expect, the Egyptian Alexandria leads this unique celebration with a number of events held over the space of four days. 
• Nassim el Raqs (A Breeze of Dance): Since 2011 when it was first held, the Nassim el Raqs festival of modern dance and performance arts has been taking place in various public spaces in Alexandria and presents the works of local choreographers and international artists from France, Lebanon, Latvia and elsewhere.

Aegean Airlines lands at Borg El Arab International Airport, 40 km south-west of the centre of Alexandria. Since its renovation in 2010, it has served as Alexandria's main airport. You will find duty-free and souvenir stores here, along with a bank providing foreign exchange services and an ATM, and a section with the well-known restaurant and café chains. The airport also has a children's play area, a first aid station and a prayer area for Muslims. 

The best way to get to the city centre is to take a taxi from the airport, after first agreeing on the fare. The journey takes about 40 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic. Bus No 555 also connects the airport to the city centre (El Raml Bus Station), running from 12:30 to 22:00.