Khan el-Khalili
The great bazaar of Cairo - a labyrinth of medieval lanes crammed with spices, lanterns, gold and crafts, alive with haggling and mint tea in the heart of Islamic Cairo.
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Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.
Khan el-Khalili is the great bazaar of Cairo, a labyrinth of narrow medieval lanes in the heart of Islamic Cairo that has bustled with trade since the fourteenth century. Its stalls overflow with spices, brass lanterns, gold and silver, perfumes, textiles and crafts, and the air rings with haggling and the clink of mint tea in the famous old coffeehouses, a sensory plunge into the old city.
What you actually see
- The maze of lanes - the medieval alleys crammed with stalls.
- The crafts and spices - the lanterns, brass, gold, perfume and spice.
- El Fishawy - the famous centuries-old coffeehouse.
- Islamic Cairo - the medieval mosques and gates around the bazaar.
When to go
October to April for cooler weather; evenings are atmospheric when the lanes glow with lantern light and the coffeehouses fill. It is busy at almost all hours, so go with time to wander and get pleasantly lost.
Honest expectations
It is touristy in parts, and the touting can be relentless, so haggle firmly and expect the hard sell; the deeper lanes are more genuine and local. It is crowded and chaotic, part of the appeal. Watch your belongings in the crush.
Nearby
The medieval mosques, gates and the Citadel of Islamic Cairo surround it; the Egyptian Museum is across the city.
What to pack for Khan el-Khalili
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
