Shopping in Egypt is an adventure in itself. The country has a rich tradition of handicrafts, and the bazaars of Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan are filled with beautiful, authentic items. But tourist markets also abound with fakes and overpriced goods. Here's how to shop smart.
Top Souvenirs Worth Buying
Papyrus: Real papyrus is made from the papyrus plant and has visible fibers when held up to light. It's durable, doesn't crack when rolled, and has a distinctive texture. Fakes (made from banana leaf or sugar cane) are smooth, brittle, and crack when bent. Buy from reputable papyrus institutes where you can watch the production process.
Egyptian Cotton Products: Egypt produces some of the world's finest cotton. Bedsheets, towels, and clothing made from genuine Egyptian cotton (look for the "Egyptian Cotton" trademark) are excellent value. The best shops are in Cairo — avoid buying cotton at tourist bazaars where quality is inconsistent.
Spices: Cumin, coriander, saffron, hibiscus, dried mint, and specialty blends are colorful and fragrant souvenirs. Buy from established spice shops rather than tourist-oriented stalls. The Spice Bazaar section of Khan el-Khalili in Cairo is the traditional source, but prices require negotiation.
Alabaster: The area around the Valley of the Kings in Luxor is famous for alabaster workshops. Vases, canopic jars, and decorative items carved from translucent alabaster are beautiful when backlit. Watch artisans at work and buy directly from workshops for better prices and authenticity.
Perfume and Essential Oils: Egypt has been producing perfumes for thousands of years. Essence shops sell concentrated perfume oils (no alcohol) in beautiful glass bottles. Popular scents include lotus, jasmine, sandalwood, and musk. The oils are significantly cheaper than branded perfumes and make excellent gifts.
Silver and Gold Jewelry: Egyptian gold and silver jewelry featuring pharaonic designs — cartouches with your name in hieroglyphics, Eye of Horus pendants, scarab brooches — are popular souvenirs. Buy from established jewelers who stamp their metal with purity marks. Khan el-Khalili has entire streets dedicated to gold and silver.
Handmade Textiles: Nubian textiles from Aswan feature bold geometric patterns and bright colors. Tentmaker applique from Cairo's Tentmakers' Bazaar (Souk al-Khayamiya) is a centuries-old craft producing stunning cushion covers and wall hangings.
Where to Shop
Khan el-Khalili (Cairo): Egypt's most famous bazaar, operating since the 14th century. A labyrinth of narrow alleys packed with shops selling everything from antiques to kitsch. Visit during our Cairo Night City Tour for the most atmospheric shopping experience.
Luxor Souks: The tourist bazaar between Luxor Temple and the train station is convenient but heavily touristic. For better prices, explore the market streets behind the bazaar where locals shop.
Aswan Souk: More relaxed than Cairo's markets, Aswan's souk stretches along several blocks near the corniche. Nubian crafts, spices, henna, and hibiscus are specialties. Prices are generally lower than in Cairo.
Negotiating Tips
Bargaining is expected and even enjoyed in Egyptian markets. Start at 40-50% of the asking price and work toward a fair middle ground. Be friendly and patient — negotiating is a social ritual, not a confrontation. If the seller's lowest price isn't acceptable, politely walk away — you'll often be called back with a better offer.
Never feel pressured to buy. "Just looking" is perfectly acceptable. Tea will be offered — accepting doesn't obligate you to purchase.
What to Avoid
- Mass-produced "Made in China" souvenirs disguised as Egyptian handcrafts
- "Antique" artifacts — anything genuinely ancient is illegal to export and likely fake
- Expensive gemstones and jewelry from unlicensed sellers
- Leather goods that may be mislabeled (camel leather vs. synthetic)