Khan El-Khalili

Founded in the 14th century, Khan Khalil is the world's oldest bazaar market. Established shortly after the Black Death (bubonic plague), Sultan Barquq, the first ruler of the 14th century Mamluk empire, built the market as a part of his efforts to revive the city after the world witnessed one of its worst plagues. The bazaar is loud, crowded, colorful and exciting - for centuries traders and visitors came from around the world to buy spices, perfumes, oils, gold, carpets, antiques and more. Khan Khalil isn’t for the faint hearted - expect to bargain and negotiate like you have never. Enjoy the Mamluk architecture, archways, vaulted ceilings, through the various alleyways that can act as a maze. Once you are done negotiating and have bought your souvenirs, have a cup of tea and shisha (hookah) at Cairo’s oldest cafe, El Fishway, founded in 1773, it has served Napoleon's troops to more recent times the Nobel Prize winner Naguib Mahfouz.