5 Best Shopping in Cairo, Egypt

It's hard not to be impressed by the colorful, floor-to-ceiling displays of carpets at this store, which was founded in 1870 by a young Syrian immigrant who originally set up shop in Cairo's famous market, Khan el-Khalili. Run by the fifth generation of the same family, it's now one of the city's oldest carpet manufacturers, with a wide collection of silk, Persian Heriz, Azerbaijani Shirvan, and modern designs, as well as custom-made carpets, kilims, and tapestries. If you have the time, book the shop's two-hour tour (pick-up and drop-off service from/to anywhere in Cairo can be arranged), which walks you through the history of carpets and enables you to see craftsmen expertly weaving carpets by hand.

With the goal of promoting Egyptian craftsmanship, this boutique offers more than 1,000 products, from leather goods to home accessories, that make fantastic souvenirs. It’s the first fair trade–certified organization in Egypt, and it works with more than 2,000 artisans across the country.

One of the newest entertainment complexes in Heliopolis is an all-round crowd-pleaser, with a 16-screen cineplex, a plethora of stores selling regional as well as international brands, a large food court, more than 20 casual sit-down restaurants, and a family entertainment center.

This massive mall has more than 750 stores selling local and international brands, numerous dining options, and its own version of the Khan el-Khalili bazaar (although prices at this one are higher).

Concealed on one of El-Korba’s sunny side streets, this nook brims with traditional well-crafted items, including hand-painted plates, meticulous copper-work pieces, and marvelous light fixtures.