Must-see shopping in Cairo

  • American University in Cairo Bookshop

    Cairo

    The best English-language bookshop in Egypt, with a huge selection of material on the politics, sociology and history of Cairo, Egypt and the wider Middle…

  • Oum El Dounia

    Cairo

    At a great central location, Oum El Dounia sells an exceptionally tasteful and good-value selection of locally made crafts. These include glassware,…

  • Caravanserai

    Cairo

    Think ‘Sahara chic’ is an oxymoron? Think again. Caravanserai (meaning a roadside inn where traders and travellers could get some R&R after a tough…

  • Mamelouk

    Cairo

    If you hate haggling at the souq, Mamelouk is a top place to pick up souvenirs at fair prices. Handmade pottery, fabrics and painted tiles punctuate a…

  • O&M Art

    Cairo

    Dusty, dark and usually filled with more slumbering cats than customers, this quiet gallery, located on the 1st floor of an apartment building off Brazil…

  • Villa Baboushka

    Cairo

    Even if you’re not in the market for a sequin bra, a stop at this chic boutique is worthwhile. Tucked on a quiet, leafy block of the otherwise busy Ismail…

  • Close up of work in progress on a silversmiths bench.

    Fair Trade Egypt

    Cairo

    Crafts sold here are produced in income-generating projects throughout the country. Items for sale include Bedouin rugs, hand-woven cotton, pottery from…

  • Diwan

    Cairo

    Fabulous; English, French and German titles, from novels to travel guides to coffee-table books. It also has a kids’ section, plenty of non-fiction titles…

  • Azza Fahmy

    Cairo

    World-renowned contemporary jeweller inspired by Islamic and Pharaonic designs. Azza Fahmy also organises design workshops to make fabulous jewellery.

  • Souq Al Fustat

    Cairo

    It's a shame more travellers don't venture to this modern market-complex after their Coptic Cairo visit as there are some interesting boutiques here –…

  • Wady Craft Shop

    Cairo

    This charity store run by the Anglican church sells work done by refugee organisations and disadvantaged families. There are plenty of kitchen linens and…

  • Nomad

    Cairo

    Specialists in jewellery and traditional Bedouin crafts and costumes. Items include appliqué tablecloths and cushion covers, dresses made in the oases,…

  • Khan Misr Touloun

    Cairo

    This shop opposite the Mosque of Ibn Tulun is stacked with a desirable jumble of reasonably priced crafts, wooden chests, jewellery, pottery, puppets and…

  • Abd El Zaher

    Cairo

    Cairo’s last working bookbinder also makes beautiful leather- and oil-paper-bound blank books, photo albums and diaries. Gold monogramming is included in…

  • Abd Al Rahman Harraz

    Cairo

    Established in 1885, this is one of the most esteemed spice traders in Cairo, with a brisk business in medicinal herbs as well (upstairs, herbalists…

  • Sami Amin

    Cairo

    Cool brass-and-enamel jewellery as well as various homewares including chunky metal photo and mirror frames. Just down the street, at number 13, are…

  • Drinkies

    Cairo

    Spiffy modern booze sellers; no need to sneak behind a curtain, and even offers delivery. A small Stella is LE12, a large Sakara is LE17. There's another…

  • Ahmed El Dabba & Sons

    Cairo

    The most respected antiques dealer in Khan Al Khalili is a warren of Louis XV furniture and glass cases filled with gleaming jewellery and snuff boxes…

  • Nagada

    Cairo

    High-quality handwoven, colour-saturated silks, cottons and linens are the mainstay of this delightful shop. Buy by the yard, or in boxy, drapey women’s…

  • Al Qahira

    Cairo

    Al Qahira sells well-made Egyptian crafts, often with a little quirky element. Brilliant jewellery by Suzanne El Masry, embroidered jewellery, fabrics…

  • Mahmoud Abd El Ghaffar

    Cairo

    One of the best dealers in belly-dancing outfits in the city. Look for the entrance at the end of a short lane just off the main street, and walk…

  • Nevin Altmann

    Cairo

    Delightful intricately embroidered accessories, on cotton and linen, all made in different regions in Egypt. Look out for the beautiful fabric dolls, too,…

  • Atlas

    Cairo

    In business since 1948, the Atlas family specialises in silk moiré kaftans and slippers. You can also order the fabric by the yard, or in custom-tailored…

  • L'Oiseau du Nil

    Cairo

    A little treasure trove with original gifts made in Egypt, great cotton clothing, funky bags and accessories, and wonderful Egyptian-cotton bed linen by…

  • Mix & Match

    Cairo

    Well made and locally designed, these separates for women in wool, silk and cotton are reasonably priced and often feature subtle Middle Eastern details.

  • Lehnert & Landrock

    Cairo

    Old maps, books about Cairo and Egypt (some secondhand), great vintage postcards and reprints of wonderful old photographs.

  • Drinkies

    Cairo

    All the beer, wine and spirits you need are available at this handily placed branch of Egypt's favourite drink seller.

  • Balady

    Cairo

    Great assortment of hip gift items: Umm Kulthum laptop cases, handmade soaps, good-quality essential oils.

  • Mom & Me

    Cairo

    Kids' toys: for when a trip to another pyramid/museum/mosque just isn't cutting it with the little ones.

  • Tarboosh (Fez) Maker

    Cairo

    Cairo’s last tarboosh (fez) maker, who shapes the red felt hats on heavy brass presses.

  • Drinkies

    Cairo

    Cold beer, wine and more to take away.

  • Cottonball

    Cairo

    This colourful shop, perched on one of Zamalek’s busy intersections, can come in handy when your backpack is overflowing with dirty laundry. Cottonball…

  • Citystars Centre

    Cairo

    Cairo’s most lavish mall is the current landing spot for every new international chain, from Starbucks to Zara. There’s a kids’ theme park and a big…

  • Souq Al Gomaa

    Cairo

    South of the Citadel, this sprawling weekly market is all the craziness of a medieval bazaar in a modern setting. Under a highway flyover, expect bicycles…

  • Mobaco

    Cairo

    Sporty designs, inexpensive and with a great range of colours. There’s always a flattering long skirt available, and men can choose from a rainbow of polo…

  • Amgad Naguib

    Cairo

    Make an appointment to visit Amgad’s dusty treasure house Downtown. Along with vintage sunglasses, old magazines, movie posters, books, film props and…

  • Wikalat Al Balah

    Cairo

    This street market specialises in secondhand clothing, mostly well organised, clean and with marked prices (especially on Sharia Al Wabur Al Fransawi). It…

  • Loft

    Cairo

    In a rambling apartment, this eclectic store stocks local regional curiosities from small brass candlesticks to antique divans, as well as large painted…

  • Kartmo

    Cairo

    In the passage cutting through to Sharia Qasr El Nil, this enamel sign maker sells snazzy ‘Midan Tahrir’ street plaques for LE200. You can also order…

  • Karama

    Cairo

    Very popular with Cairenes for scent copies as well as its own blends and basic essences; look for the open-sided corner shop at the corner of Sharia Al…

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