☰Khan-el Khalili

An absolute must-see in the city of Cairo itself is the Khan-el Khalili Bazaar, a warren of winding streets and twisting alleyways with an amazing number of shops stalls and carts. In many ways, the bazaar is the heart of the city. You could easily spend a day (preferably two half days) taking it all in. If you’re planning on doing any shopping, be prepared to bargain shamelessly. There are wonderful brass ornaments and fixtures for sale as well as some of the loveliest mosaics you’ll find anywhere. Though Friday is the Muslim holy day, many shops are open (Sundays see a lot of closings however). The perfume shops of the bazaar are particularly memorable; suffused with spice and floral scents and decorated with plush Oriental carpets and beautiful crystal chandeliers they’re run by clerks who can mix any fragrance you desire.