4 Best Shopping in Luxor and the Nile Valley, Egypt

Behind the old-fashioned painted signage, Gaddis & Co. is a treasure trove of books and maps, but the black-and-white mounted photos make excellent souvenirs. Attiya Gaddis was one of Egypt's first local photographers, and he opened this studio in 1907. His photos document the changing scene of Luxor at the turn of the 20th century, as Europeans began excavations around the Valley of the Kings. The Gaddis family still runs this shop, as well as the budget Gaddis Hotel on the southern end of Luxor's hotel strip.

One street and a world away from the tourist market, Habiba Gallery is a peaceful little shopping oasis. This no-hassle store sells beautifully made handicrafts from around Egypt at fixed prices, a relief if you're tired of bargaining.

Running for several pedestrianized blocks and covered with sun-shading lattices, Luxor's main tourist market is a cacophony of catcalling. It's the most overwhelming shopping experience this side of Cairo's Khan el-Khalili. The wares—brass trays, buckets of spices, leather poufs, jewelry, and racks of brightly colored cotton scarves—are pretty much the same as what you'll see at tourist attractions the country over. There is nothing local about this market, but if you've had your eye on a specific souvenir, this place is as good as any to pick it up.

On a quiet West Bank backstreet, Shop Sandouk is a hassle-free spot to shop for fair-trade handicrafts—from clothing and hand-woven fabrics to alabaster pottery and wooden jewelry boxes. The owner will likely offer you a hot or cold drink before leaving you to browse in peace.