Shopping is part of the fun of a trip to Egypt. From the bazaars of Cairo to the spice markets of Aswan, you can find beautiful handmade things at good prices, if you know what to look for and enjoy a little bargaining.
What to buy
- Egyptian cotton: towels, sheets, scarves and galabeyas. Look for shops that sell certified long-staple cotton.
- Papyrus: real papyrus is thick and fibrous; fakes are made from banana leaves. Buy from papyrus institutes or trusted shops.
- Jewelry: silver and gold cartouches with your name in hieroglyphs, and pieces with the ankh, scarab or Eye of Horus.
- Brass and copper: lanterns, trays and lamps.
- Alabaster: vases and statues from workshops on the West Bank of Luxor.
- Spices, hibiscus tea and dates: especially in Aswan.
- Perfume oils and glass bottles.
- Inlaid wooden boxes and backgammon boards.
Where to shop
Khan el-Khalili in Cairo is the biggest and most famous market. In Luxor, the tourist souk near Luxor Temple and the alabaster workshops on the West Bank. In Aswan, the souk on Sharia al-Souq. Hotels and malls have fixed-price shops if you prefer not to bargain.
How to bargain
In markets, bargaining is expected and friendly. Ask the price, offer around half, and settle in the middle. Take your time, and walk away politely if the price is not right. In fixed-price shops, the label is the price.
Tips
Carry small bills. Check items carefully before paying. Antiquities cannot legally be bought or exported. Your guide on our Egypt tour packages can recommend honest shops, but you never have to buy anything.
