Khan el Khalili is one of the most exotic places that completely characterizes the Egypt of yesterday and today. In this Arab market, amid voices, domestic animals, and food stalls of all kinds, in a coming and going of people from all parts of the world, one can observe artists of the most varied kinds offering their handiwork.
Khan el Khalili has its unforgettable aroma of spices, is multicolored, and provides the most varied products from souvenirs to gold and silver. Khan el Khalili will give you a unique experience, be sure to visit this peculiar attraction with one of our Egypt Packages.
What will you find?
No trip to Egypt would be complete without a visit to Khan el Khalili. The bazaar is noisy, crowded, colorful, and exciting – full of all kinds of merchandise and trinkets. You can find traditional souvenirs in this place, but don’t let them distract you from the other amazing products you will see there.
There is a spice market where you can buy fresh spices of any variety. The perfume market is filled with countless mixed scents of essential oils. Further down the market, there are gold sellers and antique stores full of interesting pieces.
There are fabric stores and sellers of carpets and other products you can imagine. If you don’t find what you are looking for, don’t hesitate to ask a vendor, as there is a good chance they know where to find it.
Even if you are not looking to buy, strolling through the winding alleys of this labyrinthine neighborhood, you are sure to find something that will catch your eye.
When was the Khan el Khalili market built?
The market dates back to the 14th century when the Emir Dajaharks Al-Khalili built a large market complex on the site of the Tomb of Za’afran, which had been the burial place of Egypt’s Fatimid rulers. This construction was part of the rebuilding process that was begun under Sultan Barquq (1382-1399) to help the city recover from the ravages of the Black Death throughout the 13th and 14th centuries.
Today the market has been modernized significantly, but there are still parts that display the original Mamluk-style architecture, which featured large arcades and vaulted ceilings. The market has several restaurants and cafes scattered throughout, where you can take a break from shopping.
Al Fishawy is the oldest cafe in Cairo, decorated with large mirrors and antique furniture, it used to be frequented by Naguib Mahfouz, the Egyptian Nobel laureate author. There is also an upscale restaurant in the market that bears his name. The market is next to Hussein Square, the garden in front of the Hussein Mosque. This square also offers many cheaper cafes and restaurants.
What not to miss?
Besides the usual shopping that every tourist loves to do in Khan el Khalili, two special places deserve a stop: the traditional El-Fishawy cafe and the Naguib Mahfouz cafe restaurant. If you’re not in a hurry, when evening comes, stop by Al Ghoury to enjoy a phenomenal performance of Tanoura (whirling Dervishes).
Valuable Tips
Bargaining culture is common in the market, always negotiate the prices of what you want to buy. If the tour is done during the summer, the best time is after 4 pm when the weather gets milder.
Where is it?
Khan el Khalili market is located in Old Cairo, near the Al Azhar Mosque.
How to get there?
To get to Khan el Khalili, you can take a cab, bus, or tour van.
