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An amazing trip back in time walking through Khan El Khalili.
The magic of Khan El Khalili comes from how alive it seems. As you weave your way through the narrow, winding streets of the bazaar you will discover a story behind every corner. Quaint, traditional shops are nestled side-by-side, artisans are busy working carefully on their handicrafts, and the traditional, ancient Islamic architecture of Khan El Khalili envelopes you from all directions.
Unlike sterile modern shopping centres, every stall and every alleyway in this beautiful historic bazaar feels unique and personal. You will have the chance to stop and watch an artisan engraving ornate patterns onto copper objects by hand, or perhaps find yourself chatting with a perfume seller and learning about the history of ancient Egyptian perfumery and the special recipes for natural Egyptian oils and fragrances.
Dated as far back as the 14th Century under Mamluk rule, Khan El Khalili remains one of the most iconic tourist sites in all of Cairo today and for people who enjoy photography, culture and authentic local experiences, Khan El Khalili has to be at the very top of any Egypt itinerary.
Khan El Khalili; the ultimate destination for unique souvenirs in Cairo.
When you shop at Khan El Khalili you will experience something truly special. Everything in the bazaar is personally and handmade, giving every purchase a touch of Egypt’s unique art and heritage.
The bazaar sells a huge variety of lovely traditional items:
* Handmade copper items and lanterns
* Oriental styled silver jewelry
* Ancient Egyptian art and papyrus scrolls
* Authentic Egyptian natural perfumes and oils
* Handmade rugs and leather products
* Various spices, herbs and traditional Egyptian gifts
One of the best parts of shopping at Khan El Khalili is the tradition of haggling or bargaining with the sellers for the best price. Not only is it fun to get a good bargain and make a personal connection with local people, but the experience itself is a fun way to enjoy interacting with the unique character of Khan El Khalili. For shoppers looking for the perfect Egyptian souvenir or who simply want the very best in Cairo shopping, Khan El Khalili is the place to go.
Discover old Cairo cafes and an authentic taste of local life.
Once you’ve done enough exploring within the narrow passages of the bazaar, you can sit back at El Fishawy Caf; perhaps the most famous and one of the oldest cafs in all of Egypt. El Fishawy Caf has welcomed travelers for generations and has maintained all of the charm of old Cairo with modern comforts still yet to intervene. Sitting with an Arabic coffee or a sweet glass of Egyptian tea watching the comings and goings of the bazaar around you is a truly magical and unforgettable moment that sums up the Khan El Khalili experience.
By night the bazaar completely transforms into an even more magical place. With colorful lanterns illuminating the narrow streets, traditional Egyptian music can be heard echoing through the bazaar and the entire place takes on a vibrant and festive air. You will also be able to find authentic Egyptian food served from many of the stalls; dishes such as koshari, kebabs, falafel and sweet Egyptian pastries such as baklava and basbousa will tempt your taste buds.
A visit to Khan El Khalili; why it belongs on every Egypt itinerary.
Egypt is packed full of incredibly beautiful and fascinating places to visit but the Khan El Khalili Bazaar has something very special that makes it stand out. Beyond being one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cairo, it offers visitors an authentic glimpse into the true spirit and heartbeat of the city.
No matter whether you visit Khan El Khalili for the shopping, for the photography, to soak up some history and culture or just to experience Cairo in a completely different way you will surely come away with unforgettable memories from the truly unique and inspiring Khan El Khalili Bazaar.
If you have any plans to visit Egypt you really cannot afford to miss a trip to the Khan El Khalili Bazaar.
