Old Cairo: Khan el-Khalili bazaar
Khan el-Khalili · Historic Cairo, Egypt
One of the oldest markets in the Middle East, dating from 1382, where spice and copper workshops continue the commercial fabric of the Mamluk era.
Know before you go
- Backing out after agreeing a price is considered rude
- avoid eating and drinking in the street by day during Ramadan
- greet stallholders before photographing them.
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
The bazaar began around 1382 as a great caravanserai built by Jaharkas al-Khalili, master of the stables to the Mamluk sultan Barquq; from a caravan inn it grew into the commercial heart of Cairo. Spice, copper, silver and gold-leaf workshops line its streets, and El Fishawy café (opened in 1773) has long been a gathering place for writers and intellectuals. Several novels by the Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz are set here.
Local customs
- Haggling is part of bazaar culture: start at about a third of the asking price, and both sides leave happy once a deal is struck
- shopkeepers often offer mint tea, and it's polite to finish it before getting down to business.
Religion & beliefs
- The old city is full of mosques — al-Azhar and al-Hussein are within walking distance
- some shops close briefly at prayer times, which is normal. During Ramadan some shops rest by day and the nights are especially lively.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
Egypt: drink only at licensed venues
- Drink in licensed restaurants, bars or within resorts
- Drinking in the street or other public places
Drinking outside licensed premises is illegal and can lead to arrest.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Egypt travel advice
Egypt: no drones without a permit
- Leave your drone at home
- Bringing in or using a drone without Ministry of Defence permission
Up to 7 years in prison, or a fine of EGP 5,000 to 50,000.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Egypt travel advice
Egypt: ask before photographing people, and don't photograph children
- Ask local people before photographing them
- If in doubt, ask before taking a photo
- Photographing children
- Photographing military installations (including the Suez Canal)
- Taking or sharing photos that could harm the country's image
Tourism ministry rules require written permission to photograph Egyptian citizens, and photographing children is banned; photographing military installations is illegal.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Egypt travel advice
Egypt: dress modestly and avoid public displays of affection
- Dress conservatively in villages, mosques and markets
- Kissing or hugging in public (holding hands is usually fine)
Behaviour accepted in resorts may be seen as offensive elsewhere.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Egypt travel advice
Don’t DON'T
- Backing out after agreeing a price is considered rude
- avoid eating and drinking in the street by day during Ramadan
- greet stallholders before photographing them.
Locals appreciate DO
- Cairenes are witty and talkative, and like to make friends with visitors while haggling
- they love talking about Mahfouz and stories of old Cairo.
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- The bazaar is a maze and easy to get lost in, so remember landmarks such as El Fishawy
- it has the most atmosphere from late afternoon into the night. Keep valuables close and beware of pickpockets. Copperware, spices and papyrus paintings are classic souvenirs — compare a few shops before buying.
Eat nearby
What to eat nearby
Must-try
- Koshari
- Ful and ta'ameya
- Mixed grill
Kushari, ful and ta'ameya (fava-bean fritters), kebab platters, kunafa (cheese pastry in syrup), mint tea / Egyptian coffee
| Where to eat | El Fishawy café in the bazaar (a century-old café), restaurants around Al-Hussein Square, Abou Tarek kushari (in the city) |
|---|---|
| Dining etiquette | Haggling is normal in the bazaar — stay polite; dress appropriately around mosques |
| Typical price per person | EGP 150–350 ≈ CNY 22–52 |
| Tips | Ordering tea at a café and watching the bazaar go by is the best value; keep tips and small change separate. |
Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.
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Gpkp · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photos
Photos
Celio Maielo · CC BY-SA 3.0
Jon Gudorf Photography · CC BY-SA 2.0
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