Khan El Khalili Bazaar
What to find at Khan Al-Khalili bazaar?
No trip to Cairo would be complete without a visit to Khan Al-Khalili. The bazaar is loud, crowded, colorful, and exciting—full of all kinds of goods and shiny baubles. You can find the typical tourist trinkets here, but don’t let them distract you from the genuinely fine shopping to be found here.
There is a spice market where you can buy fresh spices of any variety. The perfume market is awash with countless mixing scents of essential oils. Deeper into the market there are gold vendors and antique shops full of interesting pieces.
There are fabric shops and carpet vendors and sellers of just about anything you might desire. If you cannot find what you are looking for, do not hesitate to ask a vendor because there is a good chance they will know where to find it.
Even if you are not looking to buy, taking a walk through the winding alleys of this labyrinthine district, you are sure to find something that will catch your eye.
When was Khan Al-Khalili bazaar built, and who built it?
The market dates back to the 14th century when Emir Dajaharks Al-Khalili built a large market complex on the site of the Za’afran Tomb, which had been the burial place of the Fatimid rulers of Egypt. This construction was part of the process of rebuilding started under Sultan Barquq (ruled 1382-1399) to help the city recover from the ravages of the Black Death throughout the 13th and 14th centuries.
Today the market has been modernized significantly, but there are still portions that display the original Mamluk style architecture, which featured great archways and vaulted ceilings. The market has several restaurants and cafés spread throughout where you can take a break from shopping.
Al Fishawy is the oldest café in Cairo, decorated with large mirrors and old furniture. It used to be frequented by Naguib Mahfouz, the Egyptian Nobel laureate author.
There is also an upscale restaurant in the market that bears his name. The market is next to Hussein Square, the garden in front of Hussein Mosque. This square also offers many cafes and cheaper restaurants.
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FAQ
Q- Is Cairo safe to visit? A-There is no FCO advice against travel to Cairo, Alexandria, the tourist areas along the Nile, and the Red Sea resorts of Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada. The section of the country between the Nile and the Red Sea is also considered mostly safe.
Q-What is the best time to visit Cairo? A-The best times to visit Cairo are from March to April and from October to November. These short shoulder seasons welcome comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds and low hotel rates on most days of the weeka.
Q-What city are the pyramids in?A-Cairo, Most pyramids are located near Cairo, with only one royal pyramid being located south of Cairo, at the Abydos temple complex. The pyramid at Abydos, Egypt were commissioned by Ahmose I who founded the 18th Dynasty and the New Kingdom. The building of pyramids began in the Third Dynasty with the reign of King Djoser.
Q-What is there to do in Cairo in 2 days?A- The Great Pyramids of Giza, Visiting the pyramids is a must-do in Cairo, The Great Sphinx of Giza, Sakkara, Memphis, Citadel of Salah el Din, Khan el Khalili Bazaar, Abu Serga, and The Hanging Church.
Q-How much does a trip to Cairo cost?A-The great pyramids and Cairo Museum are a popular combination for a day trip and will cost about $95 per person. A full day tour through Cairo including the Citadel and Khan el Khalili market is approximately $95 per person.
Q-Where is best to stay in Egypt to see the pyramids? A-The Pyramids area is located in Giza – Cairo conurbation, where it features both luxurious hotels, such as the prominent Marriott Mena House Hotel for unforgettable pyramid views from your room, as well as budget-friendly hotels that can be found anywhere near the Giza Plateaue.
Q-How should I dress in Cairo? A-You do not need to cover your head in Egypt, but dress modestly. Wear pants or long skirts. Cairo is hot, so loose fitting pants are going to be more comfortable than a pair of skinny jeans. It is also dusty and dirty, so white clothing will appear soiled far more quickly than clothing of other colors.
Q-Is Luxor worth visiting? A-Luxor and Cairo are exceedingly different places and yes Luxor is well worth visiting. If you want to see iconic sites such as the Valley of the King's and Karnak Temple, then you have no choice.