Khan El Khalili Bazaar
Open Every Day for Over 600 Years
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Lunch
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Transfer
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Staff Guide
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$120 pp
Adults ≥ 17 Yrs Group of 2
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$100 pp
Groups 3-5 adults
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$95 pp
Groups ≥ 6 adults
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$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 was 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 those who want to experience the heartbeat of Egypt. Located in the center of Islamic Cairo, the bazaar is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes selling everything from spices to jewelery to souvenirs.
A humorous and telling 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, past the Khan el Khalili market. This is the area where you will see historic mosques, palaces, and monuments that define Cairo.
Coffee at El-Fishawy Cafe and Then Lunch Is a Special Treat
El-Fishawy café has hosted many renowned figures through history, like the French Military leader Napoléon Bonaparte, the famous German leader Rommel, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Simone de Beauvoir, in addition to Arab princes and Empress Eugenie, who visited Egypt during the Suez Canal inauguration in 1869.
The Café has also hosted former president Gamal Abdul Nasser. So, you will be visiting a historic site which many internationally famous (and infamous) people frequented. El-Fishawy Café has unique antiques displayed all around its interior like the African crocodile hanging on the wall that was a gift from the Sudanese Prime Minister, and glass curtains made of gemstones.
As in all of 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 is where the locals go to shop.
- This is one of the largest bazaars in all of Africa and one you will explore for hours and never get bored.
- Of all the experiences you can have in Egypt, this is one you will remember for life. The humour of the local shop keepers will keep you smiling and you will delight in this most unusual day.
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. With 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. But 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 jewelry to souvenirs. It’s your time to wander through the alleyways and engage with the humour of the store holders with comments like “I don’t know what you are looking for, but I can sell it to you”.
Where the Senses Come Alive
The spice market within Khan El Khalili heightens the senses as the aromas of herbs and organic food waft through the air. It appears that time has stood still here, and you can appreciate why the bazaar has attracted people and merchants from all over the world. And 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. Visiting the bazaar brings together all the great elements of an amazing time – great people and colorful goods that will entice you to take home those last minute gifts.
About Lunch
We enjoy taking our guests 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 our 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 are our overriding priority.
Coffee at El-Fishawy Café and then Lunch
We will wander through the narrow alleyways to El- Fishawy Café. It is in this incredible café where we will enjoy our lunch. This famous dining spot started by Abdullah El-Fishawy, became a café in 1771. Its guests have included Napoleon Bonaparte, the German Field Marshal Rommel, and Egyptian President Abdul Nasser. It has long been the place to see and 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
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.
The Khan
The Fatimids were a dynasty that ruled over Egypt from 909 to the 1171. The Fatimid Caliphs’ mausoleum, known as Turbat az-Za\’faraan, was located in the area where Khan el-Khalili now stands. The Khan el-Khalili became the most famous market in the entire Middle East. It is named after Emir Dajaharks Al-Khalili who constructed it.
Few people realise that the Khan is built on the site of the Fatimid Caliphs’ burial ground, known as the “Saffron Tomb” This complex included the Fatimid Great Eastern Palace and the necropolis for Fatimid rulers. Khan el-Khalili stands as a testament to the history of Cairo, from its Fatimid beginnings to its later development under the Mamluks. The Aga Khan claims descent from the Fatimid dynasty and can trace their lineage back to a branch of the Fatimids
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