Khan el-Khalili
خان الخليلي
Cairo's grand bazaar since the 14th century, known for spices, copperware, papyrus paintings and the century-old Fishawi café. It is the heart of Islamic Cairo.
Khan el-Khalili was founded in 1382 during the Mamluk period. It lies between the Hussein Mosque and the Al-Azhar Mosque and is one of the oldest and most famous markets in the Middle East. Narrow lanes are divided by trade, selling spices, copper lamps, silverware, papyrus paintings, perfume oils, water pipes and traditional Arab robes. Almost every price can be bargained down to 30 to 50 percent of the asking price, so browse a few shops before buying. Egyptian cotton goods, karkade (hibiscus tea) and spices are the most practical souvenirs. The El Fishawi café in the market has been serving since 1773. You can drink mint tea and smoke a water pipe there, and Naguib Mahfouz was a regular customer. The Naguib Mahfouz restaurant (run by Oberoi) is a comfortable place to try Egyptian food. Walking north from here takes you to Al-Muizz Street, a 1-km open-air museum of Islamic architecture that looks its best after the lights come on in the evening. Heading south across Al-Azhar Street leads to Al-Azhar Mosque and Bab Zuweila gate. Shops generally open from 10:00 until late, and many close on Sundays. Keep an eye on your belongings, politely decline touts and 'free' guides, and women are advised to go in groups. Take the metro to Attaba station and walk 15 minutes, or take a taxi.
Opening hours
Approx. 10:00–23:00 (some shops closed on Sundays)
Nearby sights
- Al-Muizz Street
- Wikala of al-Ghuri (Tanoura Dance)
- Al-Azhar Mosque
- Bab Zuweila
- Al-Azhar Park
- Museum of Islamic Art, Cairo
- Abdeen Palace
- City of the Dead (Cairo)