Khan el Khalili Bazaar is one of Cairo’s most picturesque and beautiful tourist destinations. It is famous for its ancient history and products from local artisans that can be purchased here.
No visit to Cairo is complete without a tour of the Khan El Khalili bazaar. This culture, colorful, noisy, crowded, and exciting market offers all sorts of items and glittering trinkets.
You’ll find traditional Egyptian items, but don’t get distracted; focus on more refined shopping than just items you can find elsewhere. For example, you can buy all kinds of herbs at the adjacent spice market.
The perfume market is overflowing with endless mixtures of essences and essential oils. As you head towards the central part, you’ll find the widest variety of products and stalls ranging from gold sellers and textile merchants to carpet merchants and everything you could want.
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Khan El Khalili Bazaar in Cairo
Khan El Khalili is the oldest and largest bazaar on the territory of modern Africa, the first information about which dates back to the early Middle Ages. Currently, the area occupied by the shopping facility has already exceeded 5 thousand square meters. m.
For centuries, Khan El Khalili bazaar in Old Cairo has been the city’s most visited place, where locals socialize, share the latest news, and shop. Over the centuries, little has changed – the market is still trendy, and over 3,000 people come here daily. The attraction is top-rated among tourists – foreigners appreciate this place’s flavor and unique atmosphere.
Don’t be afraid to get lost or get confused among the myriad of products; Khan Al-Khalili’s bazaar is a real neighborhood where everyone knows each other, and people are welcoming and supportive of each other: if you don’t find what you are looking for, don’t hesitate to ask the traders themselves, because it is very likely that they know where you can find it.
Even if you are not in the mood for shopping, we suggest you take a walk in the winding alleys of this labyrinthine neighborhood; indeed, you will find something that will attract your attention, we do not doubt it, and even if you don’t find anything at all, it is still worth to wander around the area to see the ancient buildings, mosques, palaces, museums, restaurants, and traditional cafes in the area.
Above all, you will also be able to feast your eyes on the bright colors that characterize this place and breathe an air of sincere cheerfulness.
Khan el Khalili will be interesting for shopping lovers and tourists looking at the ancient architecture for which this part of Cairo is famous.
How Old Is Khan El Khalili? When was Khan El Khalili built?
This market dates back to the 14th century, to be exact, to the time when Amir Karkas el-Khalili had the commercial complex built near the site of Za’afran’s tomb, the traditional burial place of the Fatimid rulers in Egypt.
This structure was part of a reconstruction project undertaken by Sultan Barquq (1382-1399) to help the city recover from the devastation caused by the Black Death during the 13th and 14th centuries.
Today the market has been significantly modernized, but there are still some parts that show the original architectural style of the Mamluk era, characterized by arched portals and vaulted ceilings.
Where is it, and how to get there?
The market is near the Al-Hussein Mosque in the Old City of Cairo. A large number of shopping centers and cafes are located nearby.
The most convenient way to get to the bazaar is by taxi, and cheaper – by metro. Get to Bab El Shaariya Station (green line) and walk south for 15 minutes.
Location: El-Gamaleya, El-Qahira, Egypt.
Opening hours: “from sunrise to sunset.” There is no exact timetable for the bazaar, and many shops open and close at their discretion – for example, some sellers sit until 22.00-23.00, while others leave at 19.00. Many take a weekend on Friday and Sunday, depending on the weather and the number of tourists.
What can I buy from Khan El Khalili?
A vast number of things are sold on the territory of the market. There are both typical cheap souvenirs and unique products from local artisans.
Jewelry
Massive rings with emeralds and pearls, ruby necklaces, bracelets with onyx and hematite, earrings with sapphires, and cubic zirconia – all these products can be found on Khan el-Khalili in Cairo. Local artisans make them, so all jewelry has oriental motives.
Remember that jewelry with precious stones is expensive, and be careful not to confuse them with cheap Chinese fakes, of which there are a lot.
Spices
In any oriental bazaar, you can find long rows of sellers who sell aromatic and bright spices from different East countries. There is a wide choice – on Khan el Khalil, and you can buy the well-known black pepper, cinnamon sticks, clove inflorescences, ginger, and seeds of calamus, amaranth, garcinia, and hyssop, unusual for a European.
Spices are affordable, and buying a similar product in a store will not work out cheaper.
Antique
Perhaps this is the most atmospheric part of the market, where you can find a lot of exciting gizmos. For example, ancient Aladdin lamps (most date back to the 19th century), products of Egyptian weavers, metal figurines, painted utensils, and much more.
Before going to the bazaar, it is advisable to study the features of local antique souvenirs so as not to buy a fake for a lot of money.
Carpets
All eastern countries have unique carpet-weaving traditions, and Egyptians are characterized by warm colors and many geometric shapes, especially squares. Unlike Iranian or Azerbaijani, there are not too many elements here, so Egyptian carpets will fit nicely into any modern interior.
Leather goods
Sandals, bags, jackets, belts, and jackets are the hottest leather goods in Khan Khalili. They are made by local craftsmen right at the bazaar; therefore, you can order an exclusive accessory if necessary.
Hookahs (Shisha)
Hookahs were invented in India, but now they are trendy in Egypt. In Khan El Khalili bazaar, many shops sell shisha in different shapes, colors, and sizes. Prices vary greatly – you can buy an inexpensive Chinese version, and a beautiful piece inlaid with precious stones from local artisans.
Glassware
If you want to bring home an inexpensive but beautiful and practical souvenir from Egypt, you should pay attention to the multi-colored glass lamps. They look not only colorful but also decorate any interior.
The Khan Khalili bazaar also sells blown glass figurines, various patterned shades, and paintings with stained glass paintings.
Ceramic products
Cairo Ceramics is world-renowned for its quality and exciting designs. You should pay attention to plates (geometric patterns characterize them), tea sets, and vases on the bazaar.
Furniture
On the market territory, a couple of small shops sell furniture and decorative items for the home (paintings, bedspreads, curtains, bedside lamps). The quality is high, and the prices are relatively high. Something big is hardly worth buying here, but buying a small table or a beautiful painting from a local artist is worth it.
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Things to do in Khan El Khalili Bazaar
The market will allow you to visit one of the luxurious palaces of emirs and wealthy merchants, wander through the busy and winding streets, and stroll in front of shops with jewelry and products made of stone, copper, glass, and leather.
You can sit and enjoy the famous Egyptian atmosphere at Cafe El-Fishawy, the oldest cafe in Cairo, decorated with huge mirrors and antique furniture. Even the favorite Nobel Prize winner Naguib Mahfouz used to frequent this place.
Due to the author’s fame and habit of frequenting the area, an exclusive and upscale restaurant inside the market bears his name. Khan Al Khalili is next to Hussein Square, the square facing the symmetrical mosque that houses many shops and restaurants.
You can also walk around Al-Muizz Street, which is connected to Khan Al-Khalili, which contains one of the most unique and beautiful mosques and historical Islamic monuments that will dazzle you with the beauty and grandeur of its architecture.
Khan el Khalili bazaar is one of the most important and famous tourist places in the Middle East, especially in the Egyptian capital, Cairo. It would be best if you visited it even once to enjoy the Egyptian folk atmosphere. Book your vacation to Egypt now and choose one of our best Egypt Tours with a discount of up to 10%.
Related FAQs
What is Khan El Khalili Bazaar?
Khan El Khalili Bazaar is a famous souk (marketplace) in the heart of Islamic Cairo. It is one of Egypt’s oldest and most traditional markets, dating back to the 14th century.
What can I buy at Khan El Khalili Bazaar?
You can find many products at Khan El Khalili Bazaar, including souvenirs, clothing, spices, jewelry, antiques, and handicrafts. It is also known for its traditional Egyptian tea and coffee shops.
Is Khan El Khalili Bazaar open all year round?
Yes, Khan El Khalili Bazaar is open all year round, from early morning until late at night. However, some shops may have different operating hours during Ramadan.
Is it safe to visit Khan El Khalili Bazaar?
Yes, Khan El Khalili Bazaar is generally safe for tourists. However, it is always advisable to take necessary precautions, such as keeping your valuables safe and being aware of your surroundings.
How do I get to Khan El Khalili Bazaar?
You can get to Khan El Khalili Bazaar by taxi, bus, or metro. The closest metro station is the Al-Azhar Station, a short walk from the bazaar.
What is the best time to visit Khan El Khalili Bazaar?
The best time to visit Khan El Khalili Bazaar is during the daytime, preferably in the morning or early afternoon, when the market is less crowded. It is also a good idea to avoid visiting during peak tourist season.
Can I haggle at Khan El Khalili Bazaar?
Yes, haggling is a common practice at Khan El Khalili Bazaar. You are expected to negotiate the price of the item you want to buy with the shopkeeper.
Are there any food options at Khan El Khalili Bazaar?
Yes, there are many food options at Khan El Khalili Bazaar, including traditional Egyptian street food, such as falafel, shawarma, and koshari. There are also many tea and coffee shops in the area.
What are some nearby attractions to Khan El Khalili Bazaar?
Several nearby attractions to Khan El Khalili Bazaar include the Al-Azhar Mosque, the Al-Hussein Mosque, and the Egyptian Museum.
What should I wear when visiting Khan El Khalili Bazaar?
It is advisable to dress modestly when visiting Khan El Khalili Bazaar, as it is a conservative area. Women should avoid wearing revealing clothing, and both men and women should cover their shoulders and knees.
