From Copies to Street Food: The 5 Most Special Markets in Cairo - Walla! Tourism

2022-06-29T05:50:22.310Z

Not just breathtaking historical sites: in the Egyptian capital, which is a flight of about an hour and a half from Israel, there are some lively and colorful markets. Details at Walla! Tourism

From Copies to Street Food: The 5 Most Special Markets in Cairo

Not just breathtaking historical sites: In the Egyptian capital, which is a flight of about an hour and a half from Israel, there are some very lively and colorful markets, which are a must visit.

In collaboration with Pegasus

29/06/2022

Wednesday, 29 June 2022, 08:00 Updated: 08:32

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Within touching distance of Israel (a little less than an hour and a half by flight), is one of the most special cities in the world - Cairo, the capital of Egypt, which is considered a real gem, in so many respects - cultural, culinary, historical and more.

Cairo has a population of about 10 million and you can find countless tourist sites, monuments, historical buildings, pyramids, mummies and of course lively markets, which should not be missed when visiting the Egyptian capital.

But how do you know which market is worth seeing and what can be found in them?

Get the 5 most special markets in Cairo.

One of the oldest and most famous markets not only in Egypt but in the whole of Africa.

Khan al-Khalili (Photo: ShutterStock)

Khan al-Khalili

is one of the most ancient and famous markets not only in Egypt but in the whole of Africa.

The beginning of this vibrant market in the 14th century, when it served as a meeting place for local caravans.

It is located on the inner side of the Old City, and is considered a must-visit in the Egyptian capital, and not just for lovers of antiquities or art.

Apart from various antiques, the market has a wide variety of stalls offering various souvenirs, jewelry, copperware, clothing and even furniture.

Apart from that, you can find dozens of street food stalls offering local delicacies as well as a particularly famous cafe where Nagib Mahfouz used to sit, who had previously won the Nobel Prize for Literature.

In case you were wondering, it is possible and even advisable to argue with the various hawkers.

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Mostly popular with locals.

Ataba Market (Photo: ShutterStock)

Attaba

Close to the famous Azbekia Garden, which serves as a leading tourist attraction in its own right, is the Meidan Attaba Market, adjacent to the famous Ataba Square.

The Ataba market is especially popular with locals and less so with tourists, making it even more special.

You will find dozens of food stalls on the one hand and clothing and fabric stores on the other.

The northern area of the market is dedicated to art and books, and can be found there, in addition to old books, paper materials for creation and a wide variety of special items.

One of the largest markets in Egypt.

Al Juma (Photo: ShutterStock)

El Juma'a El Juma'a

Market (Friday market in Hebrew) - one of the largest markets in Egypt - operates, unsurprisingly, only on Fridays.

It is located under the Al-Tonsi Bridge, in the heart of the City of the Dead, and is considered a particularly busy market so it is important to pay close attention to your belongings, and keep them close to you.

Locals claim that its prices are cheaper than any other market, and you can also find everything from everything, from clothing, through antiques to furniture and street food.

It was established in the 19th century.

Vukalat al-Balah market (Photo: ShutterStock)

Vukalat al-Balah

A market established in the 19th century, where you can find mainly old clothes and second-hand items, such as shoes, shirts, bags, fabrics and even furniture.

The goods sold in the market are mainly produced in Egypt, but some are imported from other countries like China and Turkey.

Visiting Valkat al-Balah is considered an extraordinary experience, due to the heavy traffic, the many stalls and the possibility to bargain with the local merchants.

Top view of the Zamalek market (Photo: ShutterStock)

Zamalek

In one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in all of Cairo, Zamalek, there is a local market, a visit to which feels a little different compared to the other markets in the city.

It is more modern, more inviting and you can find in addition to fruits and vegetables, art and clothing items, also handmade ceramics, granite and expensive jewelry.

In addition, throughout the market quite a few small galleries, displaying breathtaking works of art by local artists as well as cafes and even boutique hotels.

Article sponsored by Pegasus Organized trips abroad - as part of its goal to promote acquaintance with world cultures and enrichment of knowledge