Shopping in Cairo is an experience in itself. Days can be spent browsing through all of the bazaars in Cairo because there is so much for sale and the atmosphere in the shopping areas is chaotic. Shopping in Cairo, especially for tourists, can be a real people-watching experience.

Shopping in Cairo is very different from anything that most Americans/Europeans have seen at home. In the bazaars, just about EVERYTHING imaginable is for sale – ranging from food to live camels. The way the bazaars are set up in today’s world is similar to how they were set up hundreds of years ago, so visiting a bazaar is entertaining and a learning experience all at the same time.

There are plenty of places for tourists to buy souvenirs in Cairo. There are shops around the city as well as areas within the many bazaars where small items can be purchased that will make perfect gifts to bring home to family and friends. Some of the most common items that visitors take home are perfume oils, painted papyrus, shawls, wooden boxes, spices, ethnic clothes, jewelry.

In the markets it is expected to bargain prices down for most goods (at least by 50% in many cases). If a reasonable price is not offered for a particular item, it’s a good idea to politely walk away (you may be called back), or try again in a different store or stores.

It is best to have a relaxed attitude in the market areas and join in the fun of conversing with the traders, if it all gets too much, you can ignore persistant traders and only get into conversation in shops where you are really interested in the products.

Fixed prices are very rare, one such shop is Khan Misr Touloun :

Khan Misr Touloun