El Rehany

Alexandria


This expansive and breezy Alexandrian classic is reputed to have the best shisha in town, served with a flourish by attentive boys in smart two-toned waistcoats while black-and-white-clad waiters bring tea in silver urns. The decor is eclectically elegant, including lofty ceilings etched with elaborate floral patterns, tables and chairs in Islamic designs, and burgundy tablecloths.

Check out the bizarre assortment of knick-knacks in the glass displays in the back, too. There’s no sign in English, so look for the place with green awnings, next to the Premiere Wellness and Fitness Centre.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Alexandria attractions

1. Coptic Cemetery

0.71 MILES

The Shatby area of central Alexandria has been a home to the city's necropolis for centuries, although this Coptic cemetery is a more recent (for…

2. World of Shadi Abdel Salam

0.84 MILES

The World of Shadi Abdel Salam, named for the late cult-film director, painter, script writer and set designer born in Alexandria in 1930, shows a display…

3. Antiquities Museum

0.85 MILES

The Antiquities Museum at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina has a well-curated exhibition of artefacts that romp from the Pharaonic, through the Greek and Roman…

4. Manuscript Museum

0.85 MILES

The Manuscript Museum at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina hosts a beautifully displayed collection of ancient texts, antiquarian books and maps, including a…

5. Planetarium

0.85 MILES

The planetarium at Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a futuristic neon-lit sphere, looming on the plaza like a mini Death Star from Star Wars. It shows 3D films…

6. Bibliotheca Alexandrina

0.91 MILES

Alexandria’s ancient library was one of the greatest of all classical institutions, and while replacing it might seem a Herculean task, the new…

7. Alexandria National Museum

1.12 MILES

This excellent museum sets a high benchmark with its summary of Alexandria’s past. Housed in a beautifully restored Italianate villa, the small but…

8. Jewish Cemetery

1.15 MILES

This intimate walled Jewish cemetery has largely escaped vandalism and is pretty well kept. The many graves stand as lonely reminders of Alexandria's once…