Established in the 15th century by Emir Djaharks el-Khalili, Khan El Khalili is one of the most exotic bazaars in the world — a maze of narrow alleyways and small shops that has drawn traders and travelers for over 600 years. Wandering its lanes is an experience in itself, filled with the scent of spices and incense, the calls of shopkeepers, and centuries of continuous trade.
What to Buy
Shops selling specific goods tend to cluster along their own dedicated streets, making it easy to browse by category: spices, perfumes, gold and silver jewelry, hand-woven carpets, brass and copperware, leatherwork, hand-blown glass, ceramics, and mashrabiya — the ornate, latticed wooden screens traditionally used in Islamic architecture.
Beyond Shopping
Khan El Khalili is as much about atmosphere as it is about buying — pair your visit with a stop at El Fishawy, one of Cairo’s oldest coffeehouses, for mint tea and people-watching, or simply enjoy the sights and sounds of one of the Middle East’s great historic markets.
Visiting Tips
Bargaining is expected and part of the experience — start well below the asking price and negotiate with good humor. Evenings tend to be liveliest, with the bazaar staying open well after dark.
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