MissGreen

I have some spare time on my personal tour and was thinking about going to an Egyptian Mall. I just wonder if there is any real value to going there. Are the stores just versions of brand name or designer stores that we can get here in the West?

I did find a website about a really nice mall, can't remember how I found it but it wasn't easy....

Thanks

PamR

I've been to Egypt a number of times and the only mall I know of is CityStars, in Nasr City (near Heliopolis). It's different from any mall I've ever been to. But could you mean an Egyptian bazaar? They are well worth a visit and unlike anything you'll see in the U.S. The big one in Cairo is the Khan Khalili. It's in the old section of Cairo. There are also bazaars in Luxor and Aswan that are worth a visit. If it is a modern mall you are thinking of, then you might mean CityStars. It is upscale, but the stores are largely jewelry, CDs and electronics. The clothing stores seem to sell either flashy sequin stuff or modest robes. I didn't see anything I'd wear as a Westerner. There are also fast food restaurants and coffee shops and a very large interesting grocery shop called Spinney's. It's interesting to see upscale Egyptians shopping in the mall. And there is a touristic section with items to buy, but they are pretty much the same you see all over Egypt. Hope this helps.

Grcxx3

As someone who lived in Cairo for a few years before CityStars opened....let me tell you - that placed ROCKED!!! Compared to the other "malls" we had to choose from - it was great!

But to the OP - I'm with Pam - what is it that you are looking for?

For us - as expats - CityStars gave us a little bit of "home" (okay -that's really pitiful, but true!). But I'm not sure why visitors would want to go there.

Casual_Cairo

I'm with Grcxx3 - City Stars Rocks - but then I live here and feel civilization came to Cairo when Starbucks opened up 3 outlets JUST in City Stars!

Grcxx3

Oh, I WISH Starbucks had been around when we lived there!!!!

MissGreen

I'm "just looking".... I would like to see where the locals shop. I do mean the malls and not the Khan Khalli bazar.

Pam... so the mall has flashy sequin stuff.. wahoo, I can get an outfit before I go to Vegas! lol

Thanks everyone for the help.

Grcxx3

Just keep in mind that CityStars is NOT where most of the locals shop. It's where the well-to-do Egyptians (and expats) shop. To get an idea of how the locals shop......hit some of the side streets around the Khan.

Xari

And speaking of how the locals shop (per Grcxx3's post above), has anyone been to the Souk al-Goma'a (Friday market)? Both my guidebook and touregypt.net mention it and it does sound quite interesting (albeit quite crowded!) and a place where one can buy almost anything under the sun.

As to the question of why would visitors go to such places -- well, for me, at least, ancient Egypt is not my primary area of study. So while I certainly dream of seeing many of the beautiful ancient sites, I am even more interested in Coptic and Fatimid history, and Egypt as a modern country. So I hope, while there, to be able to see and learn about as many aspects as possible.

Grcxx3

While I've never "been" to the Friday market....I've sure driven past it many times. Not something I would really want to do.....but it could be interesting. Just keep an open mind and a sense of humor!

Casual_Cairo

DO NOT go to the Friday market without a trustworthy Egyptian by your side. The bottom feeders of Egypt frequent that market and while I doubt it would become dangerous, it might become unpleasant. Xari, I don't know from your name if you are a man or woman, but if woman, the Friday market is so crowded with so many people that have stereotypical ideas about Westerners, that you are almost begging to be groped at least once there. That and the public bus system are the worst areas for that sort of nonsence.
I have been there twice - escaped groping, but partially because I was there EARLY before the major crowds showed up.

Xari

Thank you, Casual_Cairo -- that's exactly the sort of information that's so helpful for newcomers like me! Yes, I'm a female in my 30s, and information about the atmosphere and cautions of the Friday souk is good to know. If I do go, I'll certainly heed your advice (go early and with trusted Egyptian friends). Grcxx3's advice about the sense of humor seems wise, too, though I guess it's pretty much applicable to travel anywhere, or indeed to life in general.

MissGreen, City Stars has its own Web site, which you might find interesting. There's a photo gallery and some information about the stores and whatnot:

http://www.citystars.com.eg/citystars/index.asp

MissGreen

thanks for the website Xari

koryn

I just recently stayed at the Four Seasons First Residence and they have a mall attached to the hotel. Quite lovely.

davecutter73

There are shopping malls opening up in Cairo as there is a lot of new housing complexes being built. They are pretty much the same as the malls at home and I feel that the prices are on par with England.