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Market · Mamluk
Khan el-Khalili
Cairo you hear, smell and bargain with
Since the late fourteenth century, Khan el-Khalili has been a commercial heart of Historic Cairo. Today it is a web of alleys, shops, workshops and cafés; its value is not merely shopping, but walking through a living market.
About this place
The famous khan dates to 1382, when Amir Jaharkas al-Khalili established a merchants’ caravanserai in the area. Buildings and trades changed over the centuries, but the district retained its commercial role and became associated with metalwork, jewellery, perfume, textiles and souvenirs.
Explore side alleys, compare prices before buying and spend time in one of the historic cafés. Evenings are livelier; mornings are calmer and better for details.
The monuments are all around you, but the experience is not museum-like: traders call out, metal is worked, coffee and perfume fill the alleys, and commerce continues today.
Visitor information
- Opening hours
- Sunday — 11:00 – 23:00
Monday — 11:00 – 23:00
Tuesday — 11:00 – 23:00
Wednesday — 11:00 – 23:00
Thursday — 11:00 – 23:00
Friday — 11:00 – 23:00
Saturday — 11:00 – 23:00 - Payment
- Card · Cash
- Amenities
- Toilets
| Tickets | Price | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Egyptian | 0 | 2026-09-06 |
| Egyptian student | 0 | 2026-09-06 |
| Foreign | 0 | 2026-09-06 |
| Foreign student | 0 | 2026-09-06 |
Highlights
- Metalwork, jewellery and traditional craft alleys
- The al-Hussein area and surrounding historic façades
- Historic cafés and the evening atmosphere
Tips from the visit
- Compare prices before buying; bargaining is normal in many shops.
- Carry small cash notes; some shops accept cards but cash remains more reliable.
- Go in the morning for calm or after late afternoon for atmosphere.
Worth knowing
- Individual shop hours vary; 11 AM–11 PM is a common pattern, not a rule for every store.
- Confirm price and material before paying, especially for silver, stone or antiques.
Location & getting there
Al-Hussein and Al-Gamaliya, Historic Cairo
Nearest landmark: مسجد الحسين وشارع المعز
Nearest metro: باب الشعرية
Use Bab El Shaaria or Ataba metro and continue by short taxi, or reach it on foot as part of an Al-Muizz and al-Hussein walk.
30.0477, 31.2622
Open in Google Maps ↗Nearby
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