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…
Must-see shopping in Cairo
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Cairo
At a great central location, Oum El Dounia sells an exceptionally tasteful and good-value selection of locally made crafts. These include glassware,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Cairo
Crafts sold here are produced in income-generating projects throughout the country. Items for sale include Bedouin rugs, hand-woven cotton, pottery from…
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…
Cairo
World-renowned contemporary jeweller inspired by Islamic and Pharaonic designs. Azza Fahmy also organises design workshops to make fabulous jewellery.
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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 –…
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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…
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Cairo
Specialists in jewellery and traditional Bedouin crafts and costumes. Items include appliqué tablecloths and cushion covers, dresses made in the oases,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Cairo
Al Qahira sells well-made Egyptian crafts, often with a little quirky element. Brilliant jewellery by Suzanne El Masry, embroidered jewellery, fabrics…
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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…
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Cairo
Delightful intricately embroidered accessories, on cotton and linen, all made in different regions in Egypt. Look out for the beautiful fabric dolls, too,…
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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…
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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…
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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.
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Cairo
Old maps, books about Cairo and Egypt (some secondhand), great vintage postcards and reprints of wonderful old photographs.
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Cairo
All the beer, wine and spirits you need are available at this handily placed branch of Egypt's favourite drink seller.
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Cairo
Great assortment of hip gift items: Umm Kulthum laptop cases, handmade soaps, good-quality essential oils.
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Cairo
Kids' toys: for when a trip to another pyramid/museum/mosque just isn't cutting it with the little ones.
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Cairo
Cairo’s last tarboosh (fez) maker, who shapes the red felt hats on heavy brass presses.
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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…
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…
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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…
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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…
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Cairo
Make an appointment to visit Amgad’s dusty treasure house Downtown. Along with vintage sunglasses, old magazines, movie posters, books, film props and…
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Cairo
This street market specialises in secondhand clothing, mostly well organised, clean and with marked prices (especially on Sharia Al Wabur Al Fransawi). It…
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Cairo
In a rambling apartment, this eclectic store stocks local regional curiosities from small brass candlesticks to antique divans, as well as large painted…
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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…
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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…
