Khan El Khalili Bazaar
Open Every Day for Over 600 Years
-
Hotel
-
Meals
-
Transfer
-
Staff Guide
-
$80 pp
Adults ≥ 17 Yrs Group of 2
-
$75 pp
Groups 3-5 adults
-
$70 pp
Groups ≥ 6 adults
-
$60 pp
Child 6 – 16.9 Yrs
Overview
An Amazing Cultural Experience
The market dates to the 14th century when Emir Dajaharks Al-Khalili built a large market complex on the site of the Za’afran Tomb, which had been the burial place of the Fatimid rulers of Egypt. It was a massive necropolis for the Fatimid princes and sultans who once ruled Egypt.
Today, the Khan El-Khalili Bazaar is a bustling, vibrant market that has been operating 24 hours a day for over 600 years. For travellers to Cairo, it’s a must-see for visitors who want to experience the heartbeat of Egypt. Located in the heart of Islamic Cairo, the bazaar is lined with shops, restaurants and cafes selling everything from spices to jewellery to souvenirs.
A common refrain from the shopkeepers is “I don’t know what you are looking for, but I can certainly sell it to you”. Moez Street is the main thoroughfare that runs through Islamic Cairo and past the Khan el Khalili market. And this area is where you will see the historic mosques, palaces and monuments that really define Cairo.
And Lunch at El-Fishawy Cafe Is a Special Treat
El-Fishawy café hosted many renowned figures like the French Military leader Napoléon Bonaparte, the famous German leader Rommel, Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir in addition to Arab princes and Empress Eugenie who visited Egypt during Suez Canal inauguration in 1869.
The Café also hosted former president Gamal Abdul Nasser. So, you will be in a cafe which many internationally famous (and infamous) people frequented. El-Fishawy Café has unique antiques displayed all around the café like the African crocodile hanging on the café’s wall that was a gift from Sudanese Prime Minister and the glass curtains made of gemstones.
As in all Egypt, you are surrounded by history and the legacies that are part of all our lives. A great place to finish the day.
Gallery
Ancient Egyptian Research Association
One Horizon Africa is a member of AERA. AERA brings together archaeologists and specialists from around the world to address questions regarding the origin, nature, and development of the Egyptian state. By becoming a member of AERA you support the training of young Egyptian archaeologists and the survey, mapping, excavation, and the analysis of archaeological sites. We encourage everyone to become a member and support the work of AERA.
Itinerary
What To Expect At Khan El Khalili Bazaar
- The bazaar is a great cultural experience because it is steeped in history and its where the locals go to shop.
- This is one of the largest bazaars in all of Africa and one where you will explore for hours and never get bored.
- Of all the experiences you can have in Egypt this is one that you will remember for life. The humour of the local shop keepers will keep you smiling and you will enjoy the day immensely.
The Most Amazing Cultural Experience in Old Cairo
The Khan El Khalili Bazaar is open 24 hours a day and has been since the 1400’s. And with the hundreds of store holders within its precincts, the winding alleys reveal something around each corner. It attracts a cross section of Egyptians and is a truly incredible cultural experience. And be warned, the allure of the bazaar and the friendliness of the locals will draw you back time and time again.
Where you Can Literally Buy Anything
The Khan El-Khalili is located in the heart of Islamic Cairo. This colourful bazaar is lined with shops, stalls, restaurants, and cafes selling everything from spices to jewellery to souvenirs. It’s your time to wander through the alleyways and engage with the humour of the store holders and comments like “I don’t know what you are looking for, but I can sell it to you”.
And Where the Senses Come Alive
The spice market within Khan El Khalili heightens the senses as the aromas of herbs and organic food additives waft through the air. It appears that time has stood still in the bazaar and you can appreciate why the bazaar has attracted people and merchants from all over the world. And it still does!
Shop Till You Drop
The bazaar is where over 1500 store holders ply their trade. And whilst you can buy almost anything you want it’s also the humour and good will of the locals that will leave a smile on your face. Haggle well and with courtesy and you will have a great time of it. And so, visiting the bazaar brings together all the great elements of an amazing time – great people and interesting stalls that will entice you to take home those last minute gifts.
About Lunch
We enjoy taking our guess out for lunch because it’s another way to experience Egyptian culture. We just want to make the following points. We only take our guests to the best restaurants. We place good hygiene and cleanliness as the number 1 priority. The restaurants offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. If you choose to pass on lunch, we won’t take it personally. But please be assured, your health and safety is our overriding priority.
Lunch at El-Fishawy Café
We will wander through the narrow alleyways to El-Fishway Café. It is in this incredible café where we will have lunch. This famous place started by Abdullah El-Fishawy became a café in 1771. It’s guests have included Napoleon Bonaparte, the German Field Marshal Rommel as well as the Egyptian President Abdul Nasser. It has been the place to be seen by the rich and famous.
Inclusions
This half day tour can be combined with other tours for a full day’s activities. The other tours include Khan El Khalili Bazaar, Old Cairo (Coptic and Islamic History), the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation, Stairways to Eternity (The Pyramids of Giza) and many others. Please enquire at One Horizon for your options.
- Pick up and return to your hotel
- Water
- Lunch
- All entrance fees, service charge, current taxes, and vat.
- Services of an English-speaking guide
- (Optional) Membership of the Ancient Egyptian Research Association (AERA) which supports the training of young Egyptian archaeologists and field work excavations in Egypt
Exclusions
- Personal expenditure of any kind
- Tips
- Alcoholic Drinks and extra meals (other than those stated in the itinerary)
videos
We would like to acknowledge Michael Jiroch for this video which is publicly available on You Tube.
ARCHAEOLOGY 2.0
Dr Mark Lehner ranks amongst the most outstanding Egyptologists of the modern era. Within a select group of Egyptologists such as Petrie, Carter, Hawass and others, Mark has earned his international reputation based on over 40 years of conducting research and excavations in Egypt. His discoveries, such as the workers village close to the Giza Pyramids, and his academic treatise and publications have contributed greatly to the world’s understanding of ancient Egypt. Mark is also the founder of the Ancient Egyptians Research Associates (AERA) whose work includes training the next generation of Egyptian Egyptologists.
Within One Horizon, training our tour guides so that they provide our clients with the most factual, up to date and insightful information draws heavily from Mark’s 40 years of research, analysis and dedication. And so, our guides remain at the forefront of current learnings and knowledge that enhances our guests Egyptian experience with us.
Subscribe To
Our Newsletter
To receive latest news & offers
Share your email ID below
- Facebook One Horizon Africa
- Twitter @onehorizonkenya
- Instagram onehorizonkenya
© One Horizon . All right reserved 2024