Cairo’s legendary Khan El-Khalili has been the beating commercial heart of the city since the 14th century, when it was established as a caravanserai during the Mamluk era. Today, this sprawling maze of narrow alleyways and covered passages overflows with the sights, sounds, and scents of traditional Egyptian commerce — brass lanterns cast intricate shadow patterns from every shop front, mountains of colorful spices perfume the air, and skilled craftsmen hammer ornate trays, blow glass perfume bottles, and stitch leather goods right before your eyes. Beyond the tourist-facing stalls, deeper lanes reveal workshops where metalworkers, woodcarvers, and textile artisans practice trades that have been passed down through families for generations. At the heart of it all sits Fishawi’s Cafe, a legendary coffeehouse that has served mint tea and shisha to merchants, artists, and travelers without closing for over 200 years.

Pro tip: Wander beyond the main tourist lanes around Al-Muizz Street to find the artisan workshops where prices are fairer, craftsmanship is more authentic, and you can watch masters at work creating traditional Egyptian handicrafts.