Khan El Khalili

by **poulton01274** on Tue Jul 08, 2008 3:46 pm

I am visiting Cairo in july and would like some advice about the Khan El Khalili market. Is it worth visiting? How far is it from the airport and how much will taxi be? and is it only open certain days?

Thanks for your help

by **Sekhmet** on Wed Jul 09, 2008 12:11 am

Here's a link to one of the many websites available, I just googled the name:
http://arabnews.com/?page=21&section=0& ... =10&y=2007
It's open daily; it's known as the Old Bazar in Cairo & is amajor tourist attraction but you need to have your wits about you & to hone up your haggling skills!
I took my younger son there, 3 yrs ago, when he was 16, just so he could say he'd been, as his elder brother had been a few yrs earlier, but he didn't like it; it's very crowded, noisy, the vendors are "eager" & it's not for everyone. So long as you're prepared & aware that you must check your change, barter hard, don't fall for the entrapment ploys, you can have a bit of fun looking round & haggling.
Sorry, don't know how far it is from the airport or taxi prices.

by **poulton01274** on Wed Jul 09, 2008 1:13 pm

Thank you, another question, would you recommend visiting Cairo at the weekend or a weekday? or is there no significant difference? Is there plenty to do in Cairo in the evening? Thanks, your help is much appreciated.

by **Sekhmet** on Wed Jul 09, 2008 7:56 pm

Friday is said to be quieter.
It's a while since I stayed in Cairo overnight; from memory, hubby & I just went wandering, looking around, looking at the totally differnt culture! Hopefully, some others will be able to be a little more constructive for you.

by **poulton01274** on Thu Jul 10, 2008 4:38 pm

is everything open on a sunday in Cairo such as the pyramids and market place and city centre shops. Reply asap as booking is becoming limited!!! thanks

by **Sekhmet** on Thu Jul 10, 2008 5:14 pm

As far as I know! They don't have the same views about Sunday closing as we do! Egypt is also open all thru thr yr, incl Xmas & NY.

by **kazl** on Thu Jul 10, 2008 5:17 pm

Yes definitely agree about the market. Some shops are closed on a sunday but most of them are open. It is a very busy place with lots of people. I went last year and stayed there for a couple of hours and quite enjoyed it.

by **kazl** on Thu Jul 10, 2008 5:18 pm

should of added definitely try to go on a friday the traffic is a lot less..Cairo traffic has to be seen to be believed. We went on a monday (i think!) the first time and it was hectic...last years trip was on a friday and I noticed a BIG difference.