Khan el-Khalili is Cairo’s historic bazaar, a tangle of lanes and covered passages in the heart of Islamic Cairo. Shops spill over with brassware, spices, jewellery, textiles and souvenir lanterns, while workshops and cafés give the market a life beyond its busiest tourist thoroughfares.
The bazaar grew around a caravanserai established in the late 14th century by the Mamluk emir Jaharkas al-Khalili. Centuries of trade have left their mark on the surrounding district, where mosques, religious schools and historic gateways sit close to the stalls. Al-Hussein Mosque and Al-Azhar Mosque are both nearby, making the market a rewarding stop on a walk through old Cairo.
Come in the morning for a less crowded wander, or in the evening when the lanes and cafés are livelier. Bargaining is customary, so negotiate politely and agree on a price before buying. Carry Egyptian pounds in small notes, and dress modestly if you plan to visit nearby religious sites.