Egypt Tourism & Travel Guide - Where to Shop in Egypt

Egypt Tour & Travel Guide - Where to Shop in Egypt

Say ‘shopping’ to a Cairene and nine of ten people would reply ‘Khan el Khailili’ back to you. Definitely touristy but it’s worth remembering that the market or khan has been selling wares to shoppers since the fourteenth century and there is nothing that can’t be found here. The touts are as aggressive as their Delhi or Mumbai brothers and it’s virtually impossible to walk past unheralded by cries of “Lookee lookee” or “No charge to see” mingled with “You like Amitabh Bacchan, Mister?” Virtually anything from souvenirs to soap to spices and coffee are available in the khan and it’s a great place for a walk around if nothing else. Finish off with a sheesha and chai at Fishawi’s and it’s a morning well-spent.

A whole row of antique (and fakes) shops line the road outside Mar Girgis in Coptic Cairo. Want to pick up an authentic looking icon or an eighteenth century French plate? This place has various options. There are also several shops selling papyrus art and bargaining is a must.

On the way back from Giza to Cairo in a small village called Harrania, take time out to stop at the Wissa Wassef Centre to check out handmade tapestries, batik prints and pottery. These are all made at the centre itself by their weavers and potters and offer a refreshing change from the mass produced souvenir trade. The Centre itself is worth a walk around and has won several awards for its architecture and use of natural materials while the tapestries have been selected by various museums including the British Museum.