Shopping in Cairo

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.