Shopping in Egypt: Best Souks & Markets for Authentic Finds
Want to get a taste of the Mediterranean and the Middle East? What's better than Egypt? Sketched with illustrious history and a rich cultural tapestry, every nook and corner of the country has something to offer. One of the primary attractions of Egypt (besides the pyramids, of course!) is its markets, also known as souks.
From eclectic offerings to a lively ambience to one-of-a-kind souvenirs, there is no dearth of surprises in the souks. Seems tempting? But wait! As you gear up to travel to the land that is a Gift of the Nile, the first thing you need is to fill out an Egypt visa form and apply for a visa!
If you are a resident of the USA, you can consider applying for an Egypt eVisa for US citizens. This is much more convenient, as you do not have to endure the hassle of visiting the Embassy and standing in long queues. Once done with the visa application procedure, you can now travel to Egypt and shop to your heart’s content!
How to Apply for an eVisa to Egypt?
An Egypt eVisa for US citizens is the fastest and easiest way for you to obtain entry into the country. Considering you are planning to go exploring the souks, apply for a Tourism visa, either single entry or multiple entry. While the single-entry visa will let you stay in the country for 30 days, the multiple-entry visa will also let you plan each visit for 30 days. The single-entry option's validity is 90 days from issue, and the multiple-entry option 180 days from issue. Plan your itinerary first to decide which type you should get.
Come to our online portal for the Egypt visa form and to make the application. For that, you need to:
- Hold a passport with validity for the next 6 months after departure.
- A digital copy of your passport-sized photograph
- A credit or debit card to pay the application fee
Fill in the details in the Egypt visa form and upload the photograph and other necessary documents. Make the payment and you are done. You will receive the Egypt eVisa for US citizens in your email ID within the next few days. Remember to get a printed version of the eVisa, as it needs to be shown to the immigration officers upon your arrival at the airport.
Now that you have the eVisa, ready to explore the magical markets of Egypt?
Navigating through Egypt’s Historic Markets: A Delightful Shopper’s Guide!
Egypt still retains old shopping habits, with 93% of people willing to shop the traditional way rather than going online. Whether your first destination is in the bustling city of Cairo or you prefer a smaller quaint town, Egyptian souks are in every corner. Visiting these bazaars will let you have an immersive experience that goes way beyond shopping! But always remember to carry a printed copy of the Egypt eVisa for US citizens wherever you go.
Khan El Khalili Bazaar, Cairo
Nestled in the heart of Cairo, this souk is one of the oldest and arguably one of the most popular markets in the Middle East. It was established back in the 14th century, and every corner of the narrow alleys is filled with shops selling unique artefacts.
What to buy?
Gold and silver jewelry: You will marvel at the jewelry sold here, often featuring ancient Egyptian designs.
Perfumes and oils: How about purchasing little ornate glass bottles filled with essential oils or traditional Egyptian perfumes?
Spices: Middle Eastern spices are to die for, and Khan El Khalili sells exquisite spices like cumin, saffron, and hibiscus.
Handcrafted souvenirs: Impress friends and family members back at home by bringing them colorful glassware or intricately designed lamps.
But travelers need to be mindful of:
- Bargaining expertly, as the shopkeepers sell the artefacts at quite a higher price
- Fixing the visit time in the morning or late afternoon so as to avoid the midday heat
Luxor Souks
If you wish to explore Egypt’s ancient temples and do some shopping afterwards, Luxor is the place to go! Luxor’s vibrant markets have shops filled with amazing souvenirs and local crafts. While souks in Cairo can be a tad bit more chaotic, Luxor souks are filled with serenity and more on the quieter side.
What to buy?
Alabaster statues: Luxor is home to local artisans crafting beautiful statues and vases out of alabaster.
Papyrus scrolls: A trip to Egypt remains incomplete if you do not purchase scrolls with Hieroglyphic motifs!
Traditional clothing: Want to donne Egypt’s traditional attire? Consider purchasing scarves and galabiyas from here.
But as you make a purchase, remember to:
- Check the quality of alabaster items by measuring their weight and translucency
- Dress modestly and remain aware of cultural sensitivity, especially in such local markets
El Dahar Souk, Hurghada
Tourists get a mix of unique souvenirs and local items in this traditional market. If you want an authentic shopping experience in Egypt, visit this marketplace, as it is less likely for a flock of travelers to come here.
What to buy?
Leather goods: El Dahar souk offers quality leather products, such as bags and sandals, at an affordable price point.
Local spices: The market is a paradise for chefs! They can purchase a range of exotic spices, from the likes of cumin, red chili, black seeds, etc.
Traditional Egyptian robes: Go sightseeing around Egypt wearing a kaftan or a galabiya purchased from here; the airy garments are suitable for Egypt’s warm climate.
But travelers can make their experience better by:
- Venturing beyond the main market to find better products at more reasonable prices
- Going to the old town of El Dahar and getting a glimpse of local life
Aswan Souk
Stretched along Sharia as-Souq, this lively market greatly exhibits the Nubian influence. If you desire to find items that are a true reflection of Egyptian culture, Aswan souk is the place where you come.
What to buy?
Nubian handicrafts: How amazing your trip is going to be as you find pottery, handwoven baskets, and beadwork, all reflecting the Nubian culture!
Natural products: Take a piece of Egypt back to your homeland as you purchase natural products like henna, loofah, and species from here.
Textiles: Nubian textiles are known for their vibrant color texture and work as the perfect home decor or even souvenirs for loved ones.
But you can take the shopping experience a notch higher by:
- Getting a taste of local delicacies like traditional Nubian bread and karkade (hibiscus tea)
- Chatting with local vendors and shopkeepers to get a cultural insight into Nubian heritage
Ready to Explore Egypt’s Bazaars?
Making a travel itinerary for Egypt remains incomplete without taking a trip around the local bazaars and purchasing local stuff. But as you plan to go, remember to apply for the visa first. Come to our online portal and fill out the Egypt visa form well in advance before the scheduled traveling date. Once you have received the approval for the Egypt eVisa for US citizens, you can now make a note of the souks you want to visit and explore Egyptian culture at its best!
For queries about the Egyptian eVisa, contact us right away!
Securing an Egypt e-Visa is important before planning an international trip. Check your eligibility for Online Egypt Visa and apply for Egypt e-Visa 5 (five) days in advance of your flight.