Tired of the mainstream souvenirs? Defeat stereotypes, globalization and false authenticity.
Based on global trade data, 8 out of every 10 souvenirs sold in souvenir shops originate from export hubs abroad. Countries such as China (≈ 42 %), Vietnam (≈ 35 %) and Indonesia (≈ 7 %) together account for around 84 % of all documented global souvenir exports.
Even in major tourist cities, such as Prague and Istanbul a significant proportion of souvenirs are imported and of course Cairo and Giza are no exception.
There is nothing wrong with wanting to remind yourself you’ve been somewhere. Whether you have a collection of magnets, postcards, bookmarks, pens or even rocks, know that it is perfectly valid to want to purchase those things.
This Cairo Souvenir Shopping Guide’s purpose is not to stop you from purchasing “mainstream” souvenirs, but to help you make informed decisions and, why not, meet cool, local and artisanal brands on the way.
These are 7+ recommendations for Cairo souvenirs only a local would tell you:
Table of Contents
1. Markaz | @markazegypt
When it comes to Markaz, and I can’t play impartial, this might just be the souvenir store I visit the most often and the one I recommend to all my friends.
Whether you are visiting Egypt for the first time or the hundredth time, you will always find something you want to take home at Markaz.
Their quality is superb and the designs are a perfect mix of contemporary elements and millennia old techniques, most importantly: everything is hand-made. Now, price-wise?
You can get keychains, earrings and coin-purses for as cheap as 300 EGP (5ish euros) and high-end cotton, heavily embroider shawls for around 3,500 EGP (50ish euros).
For more information about their prices and items available please visit their website. (As with many other local brands, you can have their products delivered to your hotel/airbnb and pay cash on arrival)
Although quite affordable, I would be lying, if I told you this is the cheapest option available. But, one thing I can say for sure: these are designs you won’t find at the markets and the added perks of not having to haggle for your life and having everything priced with a tag absolutely justify the extra 20 Egyptian pounds.
Markaz has two branches: Maadi and Downtown Cairo. I prefer their branch at the Cinema Radio building, conveniently located 11 min walking from the Egyptian Museum and Tahrir Square and perfect if you’re planning to hit more stores while visiting Downtown Cairo (please do).
Pro tips: If you get tired of walking, grab a coffee at SIP Specialty Coffee located in the same complex or visit Diwan Bookstore next door.
Not too far from Markaz, you can find…
2. The Factory/ Townhouse Art Gallery | @downtowncairo
Great exhibitions, the home of Cairo’s Design week and simply one of the coolest places to visit. You can usually find affordable activities and handcrafts made by local artists. Follow The Factory / Townhouse Art Gallery on Instagram, they usually post every week or so a calendar with their activities.
Near their location you will also find vintage stores and local designer shops worth browsing around such as…
3. Laboga Leather Goods | @shoplaboga
Tote bags are amazing but sometimes you need a bit more than a canva print of a pharaoh that reminds you of Egypt. On those occasions you should check out Laboga.
At Laboga, you will find unique, locally crafted, high quality leather goods. Belts, cuffs, handbags and some textile made items like, kimonos, skirts and pashminas. Not precisely cheap but hey… not all souvenirs should be 2 euros!
No longer downtown, but still hand-made are the souvenirs at…
4. Kom el Dikka Shop
As much as I would love everyone to visit Tunis Village, not everyone is a fan of driving all the way to Fayoum to get pottery.
Luckily for us, you can always visit Kom el Dikka in Zamalek.
Kom El Dikka usually does not have a big inventory, but everything they have in stock you will find at double the price (to say the least) somewhere else. Quality, price and community is what they offer – and a very convenient location.
If you are looking for something specific, talk to them. Their customer service is great and they are always willing to go the extra mile to help out.
Bonus points: Kom El Tikka also has local jams, honey and even frozen food for sale.
5. Abdelzaher’s Atelier (Book Binding and Book Store) مكتبة عبد الظاهر
Abdelzaher’s Atelier is by far the best not-so-hidden-gem I have for you. Located in Al-Darb Al-Ahmar near Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, one of the oldest neighborhoods of Cairo, Abdelzaher’s family has been working in this 400+ old building since 1936.
When you visit Abdelzaher’s Atelier, you are not only in for a custom-made reminder that you’ve been to the land of papyrus, but you will also take a piece of history with you.
Think those viral French leather-covered-journals, just way more affordable. And just in case you are not familiar with this reference, think about coming home with a leather notebook with your name stamped on it by the kindest Arab uncles you can find.
Price? Last time I visited, I paid around 7 euros for my journal, embossing included.
Just in case you want to add and extra level of cool to your souvenir game, they also have Arab calligraphy frames, passport covers, jewellery boxes, photo albums and guest books are also for sale.
Talking about Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, let’s talk perfumes…
6. Perfume Oils in Khan El-Khalili
Egypt is considered one of the birthplaces of perfumery. Ancient Egyptians used perfumes in religious rituals and burial ceremonies. To this day, many people still go to perfume shops (attar) to have their custom blends of Egyptian perfume oils made for them.
If you love side-quests and hunting for souvenirs, I highly recommend visiting a perfume shop in Khan El-Khalili and get a custom perfume mixed. Be aware you will need the help of a local and/or bring a lot of patience and haggling skills.
This is the location of a perfume shop near Khan el Khalili Bazar, but there are also many others in this area. As a tourist, Khan El-Khalili can be an overwhelming area and, while it’s not dangerous, I suggest exploring it with a group of adults and/or with a local guide.
More Boutique Perfumeries in Cairo
Alternatively to hitting the chaotic souqs of Cairo, here’s a list of amazing affordable Cairo perfume brands that might be of your interest:
- Nuit fragrances @nuitfragrances
- Myst fragrances @mystfragances_
- NutShell Care @nutshellcare
- Almah @almah.official
- Ode @odefragrances_
- LeScribe @lescribeofficiel
- RelaxScent @relaxscentstudio
Most of them you can purchase online and have delivered cash on arrival. If you’d like to try any perfume before buying, I highly recommend going to Beauts by Maison 69 located in New Cairo since most reputable local brands showcase their products there.
Or consider locating one of the local pop-up markets…
7. Egyptian Markets in Cairo (Pop-Ups and Flea Markets)
Visit some of the more modern Egyptian markets in Cairo is by far the best way of getting familiar and keeping track of local brands. In my experience, there’s always someone willing to help with any language barriers and you might be able to pay electronically, cash is highly advised nonetheless.
Here’s a list with a few of the most well-known ones and their social media presence so you can keep track of when/where to join:
- CairoFlea Market | @cairofleamarket
- Redefine Flea Market | @redefinefleamarket
- Zamalek Market | @treasures.zm
Hey! We are glad you are curious about travelling the Middle East.
We are Nancy & Elias.
Over four years of backpacking and digital nomading made us fall in love with the Middle East. We have lived on the Red Sea coast in Egypt, lived in a Bedouin Camp in Jordan and travelled 6+ Middle Eastern countries overland.
As we continue to travel, we share our battle-tested travels advice on this blog, from travel reports and transfer guides to accommodation recs and saving hacks.
