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Cairo

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Overview

Shopping The guide was updated: 2025-07-23

Cairo offers a mix of shopping experiences, from sprawling souqs where bargaining is the norm, to more polished shops found in hotel arcades and upmarket neighbourhoods. In markets, expect to haggle—most sellers are happy to knock prices down, especially if you buy more than one item.

The biggest and most famous market is Khan el-Khalili, a 14th-century bazaar that’s as much about soaking up local culture and people-watching as it is about souvenirs. Not far from there, the Street of the Tentmakers is the city’s only remaining medieval covered market, where you can find traditional printed fabrics made on site.

If you’re after gold jewellery, perfumes, incense, or traditional garments, Al Azhar Street near the mosque has rows of small shops perfect for souvenir hunting. For vintage lovers, the antique shops scattered around Downtown Cairo—especially near Champollion and Talaat Harb streets—offer old maps, colonial-era photos, and unique finds.

Khan el-Khalili Bazaar

Khan el-Khalili Bazaar

Khan el-Khalili Bazaar is Cairo’s most famous market, and probably the most chaotic one. This centuries-old souk is a labyrinth of alleyways packed with spices, silver, perfumes, traditional lamps, and handmade souvenirs. It’s noisy, crowded, a bit overwhelming—but completely worth a wander, even if you’re not planning to buy anything. Haggling is expected, and some vendors can be persistent, but that’s part of the experience. If you need a break, grab a mint tea at El Fishawy, one of the oldest cafés in the city, open all night.

Citystars Mall

Citystars Mall

Located near the airport, Citystars is one of Cairo’s biggest malls. It’s a typical modern setup with international brands, local shops, a big food court, and cinemas. Not much in the way of local character, but it’s a convenient stop if you’ve just landed or need a break from the heat.

Oum El Dounia Gallery

Oum El Dounia Gallery

Just off Tahrir Square, this charming little shop is a good stop if you’re after something more thoughtful than a mass-produced souvenir. It’s got a well-curated mix of handmade crafts, homewares, textiles, and local artwork, along with a small book section focused on Egypt and the Arab world.

Mall of Egypt

Mall of Egypt

Mall of Egypt is a sprawling indoor complex — the first shopping destination of its kind in Egypt — housing department stores, global fashion brands, electronics, a decent food court, plus a large VOX cinema and an indoor ski slope.

Souk Al-Khayamiya (Tentmakers Bazaar)

Souk Al-Khayamiya (Tentmakers Bazaar)

Just across from Bab Zuweila in Islamic Cairo, this narrow, covered street is lined with artisans who still practise the traditional craft of khayamiya—hand-stitched appliqué. It’s the only traditional covered market still in use in the city. You’ll see workshops and stalls selling detailed tapestries, cushion covers, bedspreads, and wall hangings, all made on-site.

Shops in Zamalek

Shops in Zamalek

Set on an island in the Nile, Zamalek is one of Cairo’s calmer, more walkable neighbourhoods—leafy, residential, and full of small surprises. It’s home to a handful of boutiques worth checking out if you’re into local design with a modern edge. Fair Trade Egypt stocks over a thousand ethically made handicrafts, Loft Gallery is an antique shop that mixes art with home décor, and Nefertari sells natural body products and Egyptian cotton.

Souk El Fustat

Souk El Fustat

If you’re into traditional crafts and want to skip the bigger tourist crowds, Souk El Fustat in Old Cairo is worth a look. It’s a small market where artisans still hand-make brassware, textiles, and woodwork—often right in front of you. It’s quieter than Khan el-Khalili, with a more local feel and fewer souvenir stalls.

Mall of Arabia

Mall of Arabia

Mall of Arabia is a massive shopping centre featuring a wide mix of international and local brands, a big food court, a movie theatre, and regular fountain shows in the open-air plaza.

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