Khan el-Khalili, Cairo. Courtesy of Egyptian Tourist Authority, © Gardel
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Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
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When:
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Daily
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Where:
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Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
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Daily 7am-7pm (many stalls close Fri or Sun)
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Noisy Khan el-Khalili in Islamic Cairo, known locally as 'the Khan', has over 900 stalls selling almost everything. Join locals along medieval streets and haggle for perfumes, hand-blown glass and camel-hair rugs or just absorb the sounds and smells.
Originally built as a caravansarai in 1382 by the Emir Djaharks el-Khalili, it is located in the heart of the Fatimid City with one of the Mamluk arches providing an entrance.
The Khan is adjacent to El Muski market and together they comprise one of Cairo's most important shopping districts. Egyptians generally shop in the north and west part of the market, where prices are cheaper. Special areas are given over to brassware, copperware, gold, belly dancing dresses, carpets, fruit and vegetables. Visitors can watch perfume makers, jewellery makers and a host of other artisans at work.
An especially fun part of the market to stroll through is the Street of the Tentmakers, the only surviving medieval covered market in Cairo, which is blissfully cool under the canvas. The tents on sale are not for camping, but decorated with beautiful Arabesque designs for weddings. Happy shopping, and remember to bargain!
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