Shopping in Egypt: What to Buy and Where to Find It
Planning to bring something back from Egypt, but not sure what to look for? Egypt has a lot to offer when it comes to souvenirs, and it can feel overwhelming once you are standing in a busy market with sellers calling you from every direction.
The good news is that shopping in Egypt is affordable, and I am sure you will find plenty of things you like. The tricky part is knowing what is worth buying, where to find it, and how to avoid overpaying as a tourist.
I have shopped in Egyptian markets, shops, and malls more than once, and I know what to look for. Here is what I found worth buying and where to go.
1. Jewelry
Egyptian jewellery is one of the best things to buy, especially if you are a woman. The choice is enormous. Necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, cartouches, and ornaments in all kinds of shapes and colours.
If you are in Cairo, I recommend heading to Khan El Khalili Bazaar in Islamic Cairo. It is the best souk in Egypt for jewellery, and the variety is hard to beat.
2. Sculptures
Sculptures are a great souvenir from Egypt. You will find figures of pharaohs, the Sphinx, pyramids, and more in various sizes. I picked up a few over the years, and they still decorate my room at home.
You can find sculptures in Khan El Khalili and in most souks and souvenir shops across Egypt. Just keep size in mind when you are shopping, as you will need to fit them in your suitcase.
3. Spices
Egyptian and Arabic food is so delicious partly because of the spices. The markets here are full of colourful displays of cinnamon, turmeric, pepper, cumin, ginger, cardamom, saffron, hibiscus, and much more.
You can buy spices anywhere in Egypt, but the spice market in Luxor is particularly good. I used to buy hibiscus from small shops.
Hibiscus tea has a lot of health benefits, including helping with digestion and blood pressure. It is a lovely thing to bring back home.
4. Pottery
Egyptian pottery has a long history, and you can see it in the quality and colour of the pieces. Vases, bowls, cups, plates, and ashtrays all come in beautiful designs.
They work both as practical items and as decorations at home. You will find pottery in souks all over Egypt.
5. Perfumes
Perfumes in Middle Eastern countries are something special. The scents are strong and distinct, and you can also buy oils that you apply to your wrists and neck, and they last for a very long time.
I personally buy my perfumes in Dubai, but Egypt has a good selection too. If you are buying perfume, I would recommend going to a proper shop rather than a market stall, just to be sure of the quality.
6. Belly dancing costumes
Belly dancing is part of Arabic culture, and Egypt has some of the most beautiful costumes you will find anywhere.
They come in all sizes and colours, for girls and women, and you can find them in markets and shops across the country.
7. Rugs and carpets
Middle Eastern countries are known for their beautiful carpets and rugs, and Egypt is no exception.
You obviously cannot take a large carpet home in your luggage, but smaller rugs are very doable, and they look great in any room. Khan El Khalili has a good selection.
8. Clothes
Galabeyas are the traditional garment in Egypt, worn by both men and women. You can buy one as a souvenir to wear at home. Women’s galabeyas come in many colours and are very comfortable. You will also find scarves and other items made from silk, cotton, and wool.
One thing you should know is that Egyptian cotton is known worldwide for its quality, but the cotton sold in markets is often of lower quality. For the best cotton products, it is better to shop in proper stores.
9. Dates and Arabic sweets
Egypt is one of the world’s largest producers of dates. They are delicious, healthy, and easy to pack.
Arabic sweets are another must. You will find them in supermarkets and dedicated sweet shops, either pre-packed in boxes or sold by weight, so you can mix and choose.
They come beautifully packaged, which makes them a nice gift option too. Every time I visit Egypt, I bring both back home.
10. Glasswork
Hand-blown glassware is a traditional craft in Egypt. You can find lamps, vases, glasses, plates, and perfume bottles in beautiful colours.
They are a lovely, slightly unusual souvenir and widely available in souks across the country.
11. Papyrus
Papyrus is one of the most typical Egyptian souvenirs you can buy. It is also very practical to travel with as it is light and can be rolled up and packed in a suitcase.
You can choose from small cards to larger paintings. Once you are home, you frame it, and you have a piece of Egypt on your wall.
12. Shisha
Shisha is a big part of everyday life in Egypt. You can buy one as a souvenir, use it as a decoration at home, or actually smoke it.
They come in different sizes and are available in most souks. You can also pick up fruity tobacco and charcoals at the same time.
13. Cosmetics
Egyptian cosmetics are worth looking at. There is a good range of creams and body lotions made with camel milk, olive oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, or argan oil. Massage oils are also available.
I bought a face cream with collagen and was very happy with it. You can find cosmetics in souks or in small shops with fixed prices.
Where To Shop In Egypt
Souks
Souks are the best places for souvenirs. You will find almost everything there, and bargaining is expected. If you enjoy haggling and want the best prices, souks are the place to go.
Small shops
If bargaining is not your thing, look for small shops with fixed prices. In Hurghada, there are several of these opposite the hotels, which makes them very convenient when you are on a beach holiday.
We visited a shop called Kleopatra in two different locations in Hurghada. They had a wide range of souvenirs with prices clearly labelled, and you could browse without any pressure. We liked it a lot.
Shopping Malls
Egypt has some large, modern shopping malls with international brands like Zara, H&M, and Debenhams. Most of them are in Cairo, for example, Cairo Festival City Mall, Citystars, and City Centre Maadi, but you will also find malls in Giza and Alexandria.
They are also great for a meal or a coffee if you need a break from the heat.
Shopping In Egypt: FAQs
Is Egypt cheap for shopping?
Yes, Egypt is an affordable destination, and shopping is generally cheaper than in Western countries. The lowest prices are in the souks, where you can haggle, but even fixed-price shops are very reasonable.
What is the shopping like in Egypt?
In the markets, it is a very lively experience. Sellers will call out to you, invite you into their shops, and want to talk. Once you start a conversation, it can be hard to walk away, but sometimes it is fun.
Shops and malls are much more relaxed and similar to anywhere else in the world.
How to haggle in Egypt?
Ask for the price, then offer roughly half. The seller will come back with another number, and you negotiate from there until you reach something you are both happy with.
The most important thing is to stay friendly. Smile, joke, and be relaxed. Egyptian people are very talkative and sociable, and they respond much better when you make it a conversation rather than a battle. It always worked for me.
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