Khan El-Khalili: How to Explore & Avoid Scams

If the ancient pyramids represent Egypt's long history, then Khan El-Khalili Bazaar is where Egyptian culture comes to life. With over 600 years of trading legacy, this historic market offers an authentic glimpse into local's life in old Cairo. Also, you can almost find everything you could imagine in this extensive market. Now, check out the practical tips on how to explore Khan El-Khalili smoothly: from what to buy and when to visit to how to avoid common tourist scams.

How to Get to Khan El-Khalili Bazaar

The Khan El-Khalili sits in the old Islamic Cairo. It is about 4 kilometers from Downtown Cairo, and about 5 kilometers from Saladin Citadel.

Map of How to Get to Khan El-Khalili (e.g., from Downtown Cairo)

By Private Car/Taxi

Getting to Khan El-Khalili is easiest by private car or taxi. A private car offers the most flexibility and comfort, but using ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem is also very convenient.

Simply enter "Khan El-Khalili" as your destination in the app. Then, most drivers will drop you off near Al-Azhar Mosque, which is just across from the market entrance. To reach the Khan El-Khalili bazaar, you will need to use the underground pedestrian passage to cross the road. Or, you can ask the driver to drop you off near Al-Hussein Mosque, where the entrance to Khan El-Khalili is easy to spot right on the square.

By Public Transportation

Cairo has a good metro system, so getting to Khan El-Khalili by metro is possible if you prefer public transport. The nearest stations are Ataba or Bab El Shaariya, and from there, it is about a 20-30 minute walk to the market.

That said, I would recommend taking a private car or taxi instead. It is much easier. Just save your time and energy for exploring the market itself, not on the way.

When to Visit Khan El-Khalili

Khan El-Khalili at Sunset

Most shops in Khan El-Khalili are open from around 9:00 am to 11:00 pm. If you are wondering about the best time to visit, here are my tips:

• For fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, plan your visit before 11:00 am.
• For a lively atmosphere and stunning photo ops, head there after 5:30 pm. The sunset view here is stunning. And the glowing lanterns light up the bazaar, giving it a magical feel, somehow like stepping into the world of 1001 Arabian Nights. BBy the way, it also makes it easy to combine with other daytime sightseeing, such as visiting the Giza Pyramids or the Grand Egyptian Museum.

• Avoid noon visits, especially from June to August! Khan El-Khalili is an open-air market, and Egypt's midday sun can make you feel like you are frying in a pan.
• Skip Friday mornings. It is a holy day, and many shops stay closed until around 3:00 pm.
• If you are going to visit Egypt in Ramadan, have a night tour in Khan El-Khalili is highly recommend. It has a special festive atmosphere, and you can see local people dancing and singing in the alleys.

What to Buy in Khan El-Khalili

Beautiful Egypt Souvenirs

You will find everything from brass lamps and hand-blown glassware to aromatic spices, perfumes, jewelry, traditional Egyptian clothes, and colorful textiles. For souvenirs to buy in Khan El-Khalili, the following are a few of my personal favorites:

Lamps and Lanterns

These are the stars of the market! The moment you walk into the bazaar, especially after dark, you will be drawn to the warm glow of colorful, hand-punched metal lanterns hanging everywhere. They are really beautiful and look cozy. Maybe you can put one in your dining room or bedroom.

Just a heads-up: if you are buying one with a plug, check whether it's compatible with your country's voltage and socket. If not, go for a decorative version without wiring!

Hand-Painted Egyptian Papyrus Arts

Papyrus is part of Egypt's ancient legacy. Used for writing and painting as far back as 3000 BC, real papyrus is incredibly durable (you will see ancient examples in museums still in great shape). For a meaningful keepsake, opt for hand-painted papyrus rather than mass-printed ones. The handmade ones often have richer colors and personal touches.

How to tell the difference? Use your phone's flashlight to shine through the back: if the colors and brush strokes are a bit uneven, it's probably hand-painted. Printed ones look more uniform. Also, watch out for fakes made from banana leaves or even plastic. They don't have the same texture or authenticity.

Egyptian Perfume Oils & Bottles

Perfume oils are another iconic buy in Khan El-Khalili. Unlike alcohol-based perfumes, these oils are long-lasting, natural, and often inspired by ancient Egyptian recipes.

Scents like lotus, sandalwood, musk, and jasmine are especially popular. You will often find them sold in beautiful hand-blown glass bottles, which can be souvenirs in themselves. Just make sure the lid is sealed tightly if you're packing it in your luggage, and ask for a small gift box or protective wrapping.

Tip: Don't feel pressured to buy immediately. Most sellers will offer to let you smell a dozen different oils. Take your time, and pick the one you genuinely like.

Ancient Egyptian Figurines

From miniature pyramids and scarabs to replicas of gods like Anubis and Bastet, you will find plenty of figurines here. These make great shelf decorations or gifts for your family and friends.

Many are made from alabaster, basalt, or resin. Just be sure to check the quality. Some cheap versions are mass-produced plastic. Besides, if you are buying several, you can often get a better discount.

Handmade Jewelry

You will come across all kinds of jewelry in Khan El-Khalili, from opal and silver pieces to more affordable handmade bracelets, rings, and necklaces.

Most of them are designed into semi-precious stones or ancient Egyptian motifs like the Eye of Horus or cartouches with hieroglyphic inscriptions. Some of the vendors offer personalized service so that you can get your name written on the jewelry you buy.

If you are interested in real silver or gold, look for certified sellers or ask a local guide for a trustworthy recommendation.

How to Avoid Scams in Khan El-Khalili

An Alley in Khan El-Khalili

Always Bargain, But Politely

Prices are almost never fixed in the bazaar. In fact, many vendors expect you to haggle. It's part of the culture!

A good rule of thumb is to start by offering around 30%-50% of the initial price. If they don't agree, just thank them and walk away. Often, they will call you back with a better deal. If they don't call you back and you really want to buy it, you can go back and raise the price a little bit, which will usually seal the deal. Well, personally, I will move to another shop. The goods here are quite similar, and the next one might be better.

Always be friendly and light-hearted, and smiles go a long way here.

Check the Quality Before and After You Pay

Don't hesitate to inspect the items. For things like jewelry, papyrus, spices, or glassware, look closely at craftsmanship and materials. If you're buying something labeled as "real silver" or "handmade," it is okay to ask questions. Trust your instincts. If it feels cheap or mass-produced, it probably is.

And it is important to check if the goods they packed for you are the ones you picked. Not many, but some vendors may change the things you buy into cheaper versions.

Clarify the Unit Price, Total Cost & Currency

Always ask for the unit price before you start picking out items. If a vendor tells you to choose first and they'll give you the total afterward, that is a red flag. It is best to politely walk away. This trick is often used to overcharge unsuspecting shoppers.

Also, confirm the final price in Egyptian pounds (EGP) before making any payment, especially if you are paying by card or buying several items at once. Some sellers may sneak in hidden fees or change the price at the last minute. So, don't hesitate to double-check what is included. If you are paying by card, ask for a receipt and make sure the total matches what you agreed on.

Use Egyptian Pounds for Payments

Around 90% of the shops in Khan El-Khalili only accept cash, so the best way to pay is in Egyptian pounds (EGP). While some vendors may accept US dollars, the exchange rate is often unfavorable, and you might not get the correct change.

Make sure to prepare enough Egyptian pounds before your visit. Most hotels have ATMs or currency exchange services. You will also find ATMs around Khan El-Khalili, but withdrawing or exchanging money in the bazaar may attract unnecessary attention.

Watch Out for the "Free Gift" or "Free Drinks"

You know, sometimes "free things are actually quite expensive." Some vendors will offer you a "free gift" or a "free drink" while you are browsing. Sounds generous, but it is often a hook. Once you accept it, they may pressure you to buy something quite expensive or directly demand payment for the gift or drink.

Avoid Pushy "Helpers"

You might meet people offering to "show you around" or take you to find some specific items or shops. These unofficial guides may ask for payback and often lead you to overpriced stores where they get a commission. It would be better to ask staff at a nearby café or restaurant instead if you need help.

FAQ

Bustling Khan El-Khalili

Is it safe to go to Khan El-Khalili?

Yes, Khan El-Khalili is generally safe for tourists. While I mentioned some common scams earlier, those are more about avoiding overpaying than actual safety concerns.

There is a regular police presence patrolling the area to maintain order and assist visitors if needed. Sometimes, it is our own assumptions that make a place feel "unsafe." In reality, most locals are kind and welcoming.

I once had a vendor run after me. I thought he was trying to hard-sell something, so I sped up. Turns out, he just wanted to return the hat I left behind!

That said, as in any busy market, keep an eye on your belongings and avoid carrying valuables. Better yet, leave them in your hotel safe.

How much time do I need to explore Khan El-Khalili?

It depends on whether you enjoy shopping and haggling in the market. Generally, you may need 1-2 hours to walk around the market. If you plan to have some food or coffee there, you will need 1 or 2 hours more.

Do I need a guide while visiting Khan El-Khalili?

You don't need a guide, but having one can make your visit more enjoyable, especially if it is your first time. If you are anxious about lost direction in the maze-like alleys, not confident in haggling, or want to learn more about the history and culture of the area, hiring a local guide might be worth it.