Egypt captivates travelers with its ancient pyramids, majestic Nile River, and vibrant culture spanning over 5,000 years. From the iconic Sphinx and Valley of the Kings to bustling Cairo bazaars and Red Sea coral reefs, Egypt offers an unforgettable journey through history and natural beauty.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Hand-painted Papyrus Scrolls
Authentic papyrus paintings depicting pharaonic scenes, hieroglyphics, and ancient gods. The papyrus plant is harvested from the Nile Delta and processed using ancient methods.
Price: $10-80
Where: Khan el-Khalili, Papyrus Institute Giza
Alabaster Figurines and Vases
Hand-carved alabaster statues of pharaohs, cats, and lotus flowers, made from Egyptian calcite quarried near Luxor. When lit from behind, the stone glows warmly.
Price: $15-120
Where: Luxor bazaar, Aswan souq, Khan el-Khalili
Pashmina Scarves and Galabiya Robes
Traditional cotton galabiya robes and colorful pashmina scarves are quintessential Egyptian keepsakes. Available in plain white or embroidered with Pharaonic motifs.
Price: $8-40
Where: Khan el-Khalili, Aswan souq, Luxor East Bank market
Cartouche Pendants
Gold or silver pendants engraved with your name in hieroglyphics inside an oval cartouche frame, just like ancient pharaohs used. Each is custom-made while you wait.
Price: $20-150
Where: Khan el-Khalili gold market, Luxor jewelers
Nubian Hand-painted Pottery
Vibrant blue and turquoise ceramic plates, cups, and tagines decorated with geometric Nubian patterns and stylized fish or crocodile motifs from Aswan's Nubian villages.
Price: $5-35
Where: Nubian village market, Aswan souq
Egyptian Spice Mix and Karkade
Aromatic blends of cumin, coriander, and fenugreek alongside dried hibiscus flowers for karkade tea, packaged in decorative cloth bags. Popular with food lovers.
Price: $3-15
Where: Khan el-Khalili spice alley, Luxor market
Perfume Oils and Essences
Pure concentrated perfume oils in traditional bottles, including rose, jasmine, lotus, and amber blends. Egyptian perfumeries blend oils in the ancient tradition of the temple alchemists.
Price: $5-50
Where: Khan el-Khalili perfumeries, tourist souqs
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Khan el-Khalili
Cairo's most famous bazaar dates to 1382 AD and sprawls through narrow medieval alleyways. Hundreds of stalls sell everything from gold jewelry and handmade lamps to papyrus, spices, and souvenirs.
Where: Al-Gamaleya, Islamic Cairo
Hours: Daily 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM (some shops close Friday midday)
Aswan Souq
A lively 600-meter-long market street running parallel to the Nile, filled with Nubian crafts, spices, dried hibiscus, and colorful textiles. Far less tourist-oriented than Khan el-Khalili.
Where: El-Souq Street, Aswan
Hours: Daily 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Luxor East Bank Souq
A bustling market cluster behind Luxor Temple selling alabaster carvings, galabiya robes, cotton scarves, and replica antiquities. Haggling expected and prices more negotiable at dusk.
Where: Luxor Town, behind Luxor Temple
Hours: Daily 8:00 AM - Midnight
Alexandria's El-Atarin Antique Market
Alexandria's atmospheric antique bazaar where dealers sell Greco-Roman antiquities, colonial-era furniture, old silverware, and vintage Egyptian posters. A treasure hunter's paradise.
Where: El-Atarin Street, Alexandria
Hours: Daily 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tentmaker's Market (Souq el-Khayamiyya)
A covered street market beneath a medieval gate where artisans hand-stitch elaborate appliqué wall hangings and tent panels using centuries-old techniques. A UNESCO recognized craft tradition.
Where: Bab Zuweila, Islamic Cairo
Hours: Daily 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Khan el-Khalili and Islamic Cairo
Cairo's historic bazaar district covering several medieval alleyways around Al-Azhar mosque. The labyrinthine streets contain gold markets, spice stalls, copper workshops, and perfume sellers.
Best for: Souvenirs, antiques, gold, perfumes, handcrafts
Zamalek
The wealthy island neighborhood of Zamalek on Gezira Island hosts boutique art galleries, designer home goods stores, and upmarket cafes. A quieter alternative to the bazaar.
Best for: Art prints, design items, international brands, gourmet food
Mohandessin
Gamaet El-Dowal Street in Mohandessin is Cairo's main mid-range shopping strip with electronics, fashion, bookshops, and international chains. Popular with Cairo's middle class.
Best for: Electronics, fashion, books, everyday goods
Luxor Town Center
The stretch of shops along the Corniche and side streets in central Luxor caters largely to tourists with alabaster workshops, garment sellers, and souvenir shops.
Best for: Alabaster, textiles, replicas, handcrafts
New Cairo / City Stars Area
Eastern Cairo's modern district around City Stars mall contains contemporary Egyptian and international retailers. The area also hosts design studios and concept stores.
Best for: Fashion, electronics, international brands, modern gifts
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
City Stars Mall
One of the largest malls in the Middle East, City Stars in Heliopolis spans over 1 million square meters with 800+ stores. It includes a cinema, ice rink, hotels, and food court with Egyptian and international options.
Hours: Daily 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Mall of Arabia
A major shopping destination in 6th of October City, Mall of Arabia houses international fashion brands, a hypermarket, entertainment zone, and dozens of restaurants catering to Cairo's western suburbs.
Hours: Daily 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Cairo Festival City Mall
A modern mixed-use complex in New Cairo combining a large shopping mall with hotels and offices. Features IKEA, a large food hall, international fashion, and a cinema multiplex.
Hours: Daily 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Genena Mall
A popular family mall in Nasr City with mid-range fashion shops, Egyptian brands, a supermarket, children's play area, and food court. Well-served by public transport.
Hours: Daily 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
At Khan el-Khalili and traditional souqs, starting at 40-50% of the first price quoted is a good opening bid
Walking away slowly often brings a final better offer; genuine disinterest is the most powerful negotiating tool
Always smile and keep bargaining friendly — it is a social ritual, not confrontation
Fixed-price shops in malls and supermarkets do not bargain; look for 'fixed price' signs
Agreeing on a price for a camel or felucca ride before you mount or board is essential to avoid post-activity disputes
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Export of genuine antiques, artifacts, or items dated before 1821 is strictly illegal. Any item that looks ancient may be confiscated at customs without a certificate of origin from the Ministry of Antiquities.
Tax Refund: Egypt has a VAT refund scheme for tourists on purchases over EGP 1,500 from registered shops. Look for 'Tax Free' stickers on shop windows and collect receipts for refund processing at Cairo airport.
Duty Free: Arriving travelers may bring 1 liter of spirits, 200 cigarettes, and gifts up to $200 in value duty-free. Exporting gold jewelry requires documentation showing it was purchased legally.
Shipping: International shipping available through DHL and FedEx offices in Cairo and major tourist cities. Many papyrus and carpet shops offer shipping services for large purchases.