The popular Khan El-Khalili Bazaar is located in the historic centre of Cairo. This popular market with tourists and Egyptians alike is the most famous open-air market in the Middle East. It is also one of the oldest and biggest markets. Called “souk” in Arabic, the market was built back in the 14th century. Originally meant for the sale of luxury goods, vendors later began selling other goods as well.
What makes Khan El-Khalili fascinating is that its soaring arches, limestone walls, wooden balconies, cobblestone roads and winding alleys offer a wonderfully old atmosphere that makes a visitor feel like being back in time.
The crowded and colourful bazaar is divided into sectors or districts, each one selling specific products. For instance, fresh spices are sold at the spice market and jewellery in the gold and silver market. If you know what you want, head straight for the particular market. It will take days to explore the whole bazaar.
Typical tourist items such as key-chains, ashtrays, jewellery, pyramid and sphinx figurines, and other souvenirs can be found at the outer edges of the market. That’s not all the market has to offer. The best finds are the unique, handmade goods from local craftsmen, and antiques found deeper in the market.
This is the place to buy gold in the whole of Egypt! Khan El-Khalili is home to the largest gold and silver market in Egypt. Jewellers’ shops line an entire street, offering antique and new necklaces, bracelets, earrings and other gold and silver trinkets. Personalized jewellery and cartouches can also be found. You can get just about anything at Khan El-Khalili Bazaar. Ask a vendor if you are not able to find what you are searching for. They will likely know where you can find it.
The market is famous for clothing and fabrics that are made by local artisans. These high-quality creations are a part of Egyptian culture, which makes them great souvenir items. Even Egyptian shoppers buy them.
Coppersmiths’ shops offer a wide range of craftsmanship such as lovely copper lanterns that usually light up traditional Egyptian buildings, copper pots and pans, and beautifully crafted vases and tableware with intricate designs.
Quick tips for tourists visiting Khan El-Khalili
- Bring cash because most of the vendors are local traders who don’t accept credit cards. While most currency can be used, the Egyptian pound is preferred.
- Haggling or bargaining is not only accepted, but it is also encouraged. Everything at the market is marked up for this reason. Be pleasant and reasonable when haggling. Years back, I was shopping for goods to fill an Egyptian gift shop I used to have. Almost all sellers I bought from were very friendly during the haggling stage. Try not to reduce the price so low as to appear you want to cut their whole profit. You’ll find most sellers at Khan El-Khalil are buying the products they are selling from a wholesaler. What I mean to say is, they got to make some profit right? – be fair and you’ll get amazing deals.
- Resist going into a shop unless you are looking for something specific. Sellers will often invite you in so they have an advantage when trying to pressure you into buying something.
Last, but not least, don’t forget to immerse yourself in Egyptian culture by having a coffee break as the locals traditionally do.
A visit to Cairo would not be complete without exploring the labyrinth of Khan El-Khalili Bazaar.
