Khan El Khalili – The Complete Guide to Egypt’s Most Famous Bazaar

When Khan El Khalili was built and who built it?

Established in the 14th century, the Khan El-Khalili market in Cairo has been always an important spot for cultural and economic activity.

 Built by Emir Dajaharks Al-Khalili to be a large market complex on the site of the Za’afran Tomb, which is the burial place of the Fatimid rulers of Egypt. This building was part of the process of reconstruction started under Sultan Barquq (ruled 1382-1399) to help the city recover from the devastating ravages of the Black Death throughout the 13th and 14th centuries.

Today the market has been modernized remarkably, but there are still portions of the old construction 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.

khan el khalili bazar
khan el khalili bazar

So what you can do in Khan El Khalili Bazaar?

With many historical places to view, and a huge bazaar area to walk by so, it’s no surprise the area has featured in many movies and literary novels such as Naguib Mahfouz’s novel Midaq Alley.

Naguib Mahfouz's novel Midaq Alley book cover
Naguib Mahfouz’s novel Midaq Alley book cover

Once you’re there, you’ll be steps away from Muizz Street which is a live example of medieval Islamic architecture. You will be so close to Al-Hussein Mosque as well as Wekalet El Ghouri and Al-Azhar market. It’s like time traveling to medieval Cairo.

Wekalet El Ghouri Arts Center
Wekalet El Ghouri Arts Center

What can you buy in Khan El Khalili?

While Waliking the market, you may find your eyes getting lost among the blend of merchandise on display. There are a variety of goods to buy then – from sparkling silverware, gold artifacts, and antiques, to stained-glass lights, incense, and handcrafted accessories. Also, the soft touch of the handmade carpets will take your breath away. There are also devoted sections for gold, copper, and spices.

Photo 10 - Khan El Khalili - The Complete Guide to Egypt's Most Famous Bazaar - EZ TOUR EGYPT
khan el khalili bazar

Where to eat and drink in Khan El Khalili?

Khan El Khalili is Known for many old cafes that you will be intrigued to try them all. There’s El-Fishawi, one of the oldest cafes in Cairo (established in 1797) and one of Naguib Mahfouz’s favorite cafes. Also worth checking out is El-lord where you’ll get to enjoy the songs of Umm Kulthum. As for food, there are plenty of places serving traditional Egyptian food.

Fishawi´s Coffehouse at Khan al-Khalili, Islamic Cairo, Egypt
Fishawi´s Coffeehouse at Khan al-Khalili, Islamic Cairo, Egypt

Table of Contents

9 Days Solo Woman Trip To Cairo, Hurghada, and Upper Egypt

Experience Egypt in 9 Days

9 Days Recreational and Adventure Holiday in Egypt

9 Days Egypt Cheap Tour to Cairo, Nile Cruise & Alexandria

FAQ

The entire country of Egypt deserves to be seen with its every divine detail but there are places that must be seen similar as the exciting Hurghada’s red ocean, The prodigies of Cairo the pyramids of Giza, the great sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili, the sensations of Luxor like Valley of the Kings, Karnak and Hatshepsut temple and the marvels of Aswan like Abu Simbel temples, Philea temple, Unfinished obelisk and The phenomena of Alexandria like Qaitbat Citadel, Pompey’s Pillar and Alexandria Library.

 
 

The entire country of Egypt deserves to be explored in its stunning detail, but there are places that must be seen above all else such as the breathtaking Red Sea of ​​Hurghada, the wonders of Cairo, the pyramids Giza, the Great Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, the Khan El Khalili Market, the wonders of Luxor such as the Valley of the Kings, the temples of Karnak and Hatshepsut, and the wonders of Aswan such as the temple of Abu Simbel, the temple of Phileus, the Obelisk unfinished and wonders of Alexandria such as the Citadel of Qaitbat, the Pillar of Pompey, and the Library of Alexandria. Learn about the best places to visit in Egypt.

If you want to apply for a 30-day visa on arrival, you must be one of the eligible countries, hold a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining, and pay $25 USD in cash, for a 30-day visa you Must Have a passport valid for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the visa fee and then print the visa to present later to the border guard at the airport. You may also be one of the lucky ones to get a free 90-day visa. Learn more about Egypt’s travel visa.
 

The best time to travel to Egypt is during the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a little tropical accompanied by a magical atmosphere of warm weather with a winter breeze. You will be notified in the week of your trip if the Climate is unsafe and if any changes have been made.

Egypt is a big country with a rich civilization and always welcomes travelers from all over the globe at any time. Egypt is now one of the best tourist countries to have a great vacation, check Egypt’s last updates regarding the tourism sector and you will find great efforts in the last few years.

Our price cost for a vacation in Egypt starts from 350 USD  which is the lowest price you will find in the market.

 

 

 
 

Our Egypt packages vacation ideas include tours to Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Alexandria. We offer 5 days Cairo and Luxor tour package, 6 days Cairo and Nile cruise tour, 6 days Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan package, and many more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keeping in mind that Egypt is a conservative society, dress moderately as you wich, but of course, light cotton clothes are preferred during the summer, and a cover for your head like a hat or scarf to protect you from the sun, a jacket for the winter nights will come in handy, and something comfortable for your feet like sneakers or a flip flop.

In a restaurant, it is good to give between 5 and 10% tips to the waiter. For a small favor, like carrying luggage or parking a car, a few Egyptian pounds would be appropriate. No less than five. Often times in Egypt you will find someone tending to the bathroom to keep it clean. Giving them a few Egyptian pounds is an appropriate amount. Tipping your tour guide and vehicle driver is completely optional but should be considered if you’re provided with great service. If you decide to tip feel free to give what you think your experience was worth.

There are many touristic areas in Egypt where special concerns are not necessary; however, in less touristic places, relatively modest dress is recommended. Women should avoid very tight clothing, dressing with relative modesty is a way of respecting the local culture.

Egypt has a variety of delicious cuisines but we recommend “Ful & Ta’meya (Fava Beans and Falafel)”, Mulukhiya, “Koshary”, a traditional Egyptian pasta dish, and Kebab & Kofta, the Egyptian traditional meat dish, read more about The Best Traditional Egyptian Food

There are a lot of public holidays in Egypt too many to count either religious or nation, the most important festivals are the holy month of Ramadan which ends with Eid Al Fitr, Christmas, new years eve, and Easter.

 

There are many reasons to book your trip through EZ TOUR EGYPT. We are unique in the fact that we will customize your holiday to meet your needs. Having vast experience of the various Nile cruises available, single, couples and groups catered for, all tailored to suit your needs in Luxor, Aswan, Cairo, and the Red Sea Riviera. Each member of our team is experienced, qualified and knowledgeable in their field, providing you with accurate information on Egypt’s magnificent history and achievements that have captured the imagination of the world ever since.

EZ TOUR EGYPT is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to receive your booking inquiries via email, telephone, or live online chat. You can also submit a booking request form describing the trip you want to take, its length, and any other details you can provide and you will receive a reply promptly with a proposal from our representatives. -Our phone number, email, and a link to our chat service can be found at the bottom of our homepage.

Or directly Email contact@eztouregypt.com with your inquiry and our representative will respond within 24h.