Shopping In Cairo - 11 Markets & Shopping Malls

Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is home to many souks and bazaars, flea markets, and world-class shopping malls focusing on antiquities, glassware, and artisan crafts. The local shopping environment reflects this contrast, with the best locations to spend your money spanning from storied souks that have been there for centuries to posh designer boutiques and gleaming modern malls. 

Here is the ultimate list of must-visit markets and malls for shopping in Cairo:

1. Khan Al-Khalili

Khan Al-Khalili is a bustling iconic 14th-century market of Cairo that is popular among both the locals and tourists and a fantastic exposure to Cairo's shopping scene. The maze of alleyways known as the "king of souks" is famous worldwide for its enormous assortment of authentic Egyptian products, with entire streets devoted to particular businesses and goods. Spices, fragrances, jewelry, and leather goods are just a few of the rare and exotic items that may be found in this bustling, vibrant outdoor bazaar. This market has a large number of sellers of brass, copper, and silverware. There are also many options for fresh fruit, bread, tea, and coffee, as well as street food vendors. Browse around Egypt's most renowned market, which includes the Spice Market, the Gold Market, the Street of Tailors, and more.

2. Souk Al khayamiya Tentmakers Bazaar

Take an Uber for the 10-minute drive south of the Khan el-Khalili towards Souk Al Khiyyamia for another truly Egyptian shopping experience. This little souk is devoted to the fine Cairene technique of making gorgeous tapestries employing vibrant appliqué stitching (originally used to adorn the inside of Bedouin desert tents). These panels' geometric patterns were influenced by historical aspects of Egypt, such as the Islamic calligraphy and tilework found inside the city's mosques and numerous older scenes from the Pharaohs' tombs. You may shop for finely crafted goods on the Street of the Tentmakers and see the craftspeople at work as they employ techniques that have been handed down from generation to generation. Using Google Maps, locate the street using the phrase "Al Khayama".

3. Souk El-Fustat

If the prospect of haggling over pricing exhausts you before you've even begun, skip the typical souk experience and buy your mementos at Souk al-Fustat. This contemporary bazaar, located in the center of Coptic Cairo, is the perfect complement to a trip to the Hanging Church, one of Egypt's oldest Christian churches. It is housed in a stunning stone structure with some architectural interest and features a variety of boutiques offering contemporary Egyptian handicrafts from around the nation. Look for local designers' clothing, jewelry, and updated versions of traditional artisanal goods like paintings, sculptures, embroidery, porcelain, and metalwork. Best of all, shopping is much more relaxed (though somewhat less atmospheric) when prices are typically fixed and there are substantially fewer throngs of people.

4. Suuq el Ataba 

Suuq el Ataba is a vast local market with a pleasant vibe. This is a great spot for clothing and footwear shopping in Cairo. To properly tour the market, you need to arrive early. This souk is among the most popular and most frequented in the city. Everything from clothing to handmade goods to jewelry and antiques may be found here. One of its biggest draws is the chaotic and busy atmosphere that permeates the area. However, contrary to other bazaars, rates at the Suuq el Ataba market are generally quite reasonable, so you don't even need to bargain.

5. Wekalet el Balah

El Wekala, often referred to as "Wekalet el Balah" (the market of dates), is a notable landmark in Egyptian fashion history. El Wekala, located in Bulaq, has always been a favorite for affordable clothes. In recent times, with thrifting coming into a trend, environmentalists have started heading to El Wekala to overcome their greatest demon, fast fashion.

Wekalet El Balah has been giving Cairo residents used imported clothing, shoes, purses, and furniture since the 19th century. Although the quality of the products can be subpar, the market is recognized for offering an exciting shopping experience that's crammed with confusion and bargaining. If you’re looking for an authentic cultural experience, this is a fantastic spot to soak in the vibe of a modern Egyptian bazaar, and the cheap rates add to the allure.

6. El Azbakeya Wall

One of Cairo’s more remarkable shopping oases is Egypt’s popular second-hand book market, El Azbakeya Wall. It is a haven for all ages, from young readers to comic books and antiques fans. The El-Azbakeya Wall is known for offering low prices on rare books. If you're looking for a rare book, this book sanctuary is your best chance because it has over 130 stalls offering books from the 1800s. The market is only accessible on foot and is situated in the center of Downtown. Egypt's devoted and long-standing love of books is evident in the short street's dense concentration of vendors.

7. Cairo Festival City Mall

Make your way to Cairo Festival City Mall in New Cairo for a modern spin on retail therapy. More than 300 stores and restaurants can be found in Festival City Mall, which offers a pleasant escape from the sweltering Cairo heat. Look into domestic and foreign brand names in home furnishings, technology, and fashion. Or plan a trip to the arcade, trampoline park, or climbing wall at the mall to make it a family day out. Plus, there is also a Galaxy Cinema. This vast mixed-use complex includes residences, workplaces, and entertainment hubs (including The Marquee Theatre and KidZania Cairo). 

8. Citystars Heliopolis

Citystars Heliopolis tend to be well worth the 30-minute taxi or Uber ride to the Nasr City neighborhood from downtown Cairo. More than 750 shops in this ultra-sleek mega mall, including well-known brands like Hugo Boss, Hackett London, and Versace Collection. After donning the newest styles, you can fuel up at any of the numerous eateries. There is a vast selection of international cuisines to choose from. The mall's attractions include a 22-screen movie theatre and two indoor theme parks. Find it impossible to leave? The five-star InterContinental Cairo Citystars is just one of the three most opulent international hotels in the Citystars complex.

9. Mall of Arabia

The Mall of Arabia offers an unparalleled shopping experience for anyone with the time to travel to the 6th of October (not a date) City, a satellite city conveniently located near the Giza pyramids. One of the most well-known malls in the nation, it features more than 400 stores, a 21-screen movie theatre, a family entertainment complex called Magic Planet, and a laser tag stadium. Do you feel like strapping on skis in the midst of an Egyptian heatwave? Visit Ski Egypt, the continent's first indoor ski hill. The mall's merchandise selection spans many Egyptian and worldwide commodities, from clothing and gadgets to books, jewelry, and home furnishings. The dining choices are equally diverse whether you're in the mood for steak, sushi, or Beiruti street food.

10. Tiba Outlet Mall

Having a primary catchment population of more than 800,000 and a great communication link to Nasr City and Downtown Cairo, Tiba Outlet Mall is the very first outlet mall in Egypt, situated in the center of Nasr City adjacent to one of the most consumer-frequented roads. It is the first store in Egypt and offers some of the best brands for customers to purchase. More than 40 national and international brands are housed under one roof. 

Without a satisfying shopping spree at one of Cairo's souks, bazaars, or shopping centres, no trip is complete. It's a chance to purchase a high-quality Egyptian memento to bring back home.  Shopping at Cairo's marketplaces also gives you a chance to soak in the lively atmosphere of the city's souks and bazaars, where locals and tourists mix amid noise, aromas, and bustle.