Khan El Khalili Bazaar is the most famous market in Egypt and the whole of the Middle East, the old bazaar in the city of Cairo, and a must-see for its many popular bazaars and restaurants. It is situated in the neighbourhood of Al-Hussein, one of Cairo’s neighbourhoods.

You can visit the site of Khan el-Khalili if you travel to Egypt, which is originally the site of a mausoleum known as the Turbot az-Za’faraan (Tomb of Safran), which was the burial site of the Fatimid Caliphs, one of the most famous markets of Islamic Cairo.

Egypt had been impacted by the ravages of the Black Death during the reign of the Mamluk Sultan Barquq, the first Mamluk Sultan, but remained the centre of the fabulous economic venture, with many commercial and religious buildings still being built at this period.

Egypt is full of exotic souvenirs made out of all sorts of materials that visitors would like to buy during their holiday in Egypt, such as silver, gold, stone, cotton, wool. This is the location where authentic Egyptian items can be found by visitors.

The 600-year-old Khan al-Khalili town, one of the most vibrant places and things to do in Cairo, is considered one of the oldest markets in Egypt and the Middle East, and, according to the Egyptian State Information Service, its ancient architecture has been preserved since the Mamluk period.

The ravages of time did not affect Khan el-Khalil, and he remained an inspiration for writers and artists, so they are ready for imagination, as he wrote, Naguib Mahfouz, his novel “Khan Al-Khalili” describes the atmosphere of the old quarter, as the side corridors cross the original lane, Shops such as watchmakers and calligraphers and coffee shops, a fourth for carpets, a fifth for antiques, and so on crowd the sides of the corridors and the street itself. Although it is situated here and there are cafes that are no larger than a small shop’s size, the makers sat in front of the shops lying for their art in patience.
Khan El Khalili Bazaar is situated near Al-Azhar Mosque and is included in most of the Islamic Cairo Cairo Day Tours, in the centre of the most economic area of activity in Cairo. This economic and commercial zone stretched along the main north-south axis of the city (al-Mu’izz street), and was also the privileged location of several monumental religious complexes constructed during and beyond the Mamluk era.

Whatever you buy, get ready to negotiate. It is a ritual that refers both to Egyptian clients and to visitors. There are no strict rules, except one: there is a serious risk of paying a much higher price for the item if you do not bargain.

Today, Khan Al-Khalili is inhabited by locals rather than international merchants and shop owners, but is directed towards tourists in a significant way. Typically all shops sell souvenirs, jewellery, and souvenirs, but in the surrounding area, which is renowned for the most beautiful Islamic Cairo trips, many traditional workshops continue to serve.

If you intend to visit Egypt, you should consider reviewing our extensive Egypt travel guide, as during Egypt Tours it is a very special experience that is not comparable to any other things to do in Egypt. You will enjoy one of Egypt’s classic tours, which all travellers would like to cruise the Nile River during Egypt’s Christmas tours or during Easter tours during the best weather.

In addition to Aswan excursions, covering most Cairo day trips, Luxor day tours, which is why our travel information section is intended to be useful for those seeking culture, Egyptian history, and luxury accommodation while sailing the Nile Valley before continuing with Egypt’s best tours.

Planning any Egyptian tours? Or you can literally see Khan El-Khalili on our variety of tours from Cairo, with New Cairo Travel.