4. Khan El Khalili (Cairo, Egypt)
Photo credit: Nairaland
The Khan el Khalili market traces its history to the 14th century, when Emir Dajaharks Al-Khalili built a large market complex on the site of the Za’afran Tomb, a burial place of the Fatimid rulers of Egypt.
Khan el Khalili is a shopper’s paradise. Like any Middle Eastern souks (market), there are merchants selling all kinds of colorful, shiny trinkets popular with tourists. There is also a spice market, where traditional aromatic spices are sold side by side with western perfumery.
The market also boasts an array of fabric and carpet shops in addition to antique shops and vendors offering timeless Middle Eastern pieces. Local tour guides insist no trip to Cairo is complete without a visit to Khan El-Khalili.
