The Half-Day Tour From Bab El-Foutouh to Khan El-Khalili Bazaar is a transformative expedition through the vibrant tapestry of Cairo’s rich history and bustling culture. Setting foot at Bab El-Foutouh, you embark on a journey through time. A passage that transcends mere sightseeing and becomes an odyssey of discovery. The gates open to reveal the secrets and stories etched in the walls and streets of Cairo. Painting a picture of the city’s evolution across centuries.
Cairo, a city steeped in history and culture, offers a wealth of experiences for those willing to explore its vibrant streets. One of the most captivating routes to take is the journey from Bab El-Foutouh to Khan El-Khalili Bazaar. This path not only showcases the architectural beauty of Islamic Cairo but also immerses visitors in the bustling atmosphere of one of the oldest markets in the world. This exploration delves into the historical significance of Bab El-Foutouh, the cultural richness of the surrounding area, and the vibrant experience of Khan El-Khalili Bazaar.
Bab El-Foutouh, meaning “Gate of Conquest,” is one of the oldest and most significant gates in Cairo’s historic city walls. Built in the 11th century during the Fatimid period, it served as a key entry point into the city and played a crucial role in its defense. The gate is characterized by its impressive architecture, featuring a large archway flanked by two towers, which were once used for military purposes.
Bab El-Foutouh is not only a historical landmark but also a symbol of Cairo’s rich Islamic heritage. It has witnessed the city’s growth and transformation over the centuries, serving as a gateway for traders, pilgrims, and travelers entering the bustling heart of Cairo.
The architecture of Bab El-Foutouh reflects the Islamic design principles of the time, with intricate stonework and decorative elements. The gate’s imposing structure is adorned with beautiful carvings and inscriptions, showcasing the craftsmanship of the era. Visitors can admire the details of the gate as they pass through, feeling the weight of history that surrounds them.
Leaving Bab El-Foutouh, visitors can embark on a leisurely walk through the historic streets of Islamic Cairo. The area is filled with narrow alleyways, ancient mosques, and traditional buildings that transport you back in time. As you stroll, take the opportunity to explore the local shops, cafes, and street vendors that line the streets, offering a glimpse into daily life in Cairo.
As you make your way to Khan El-Khalili, several notable landmarks can be found along the route:
Al-Hussein Mosque: Located nearby, this mosque is one of the most important religious sites in Cairo. It is dedicated to Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, and attracts many visitors and worshippers.
Al-Azhar Mosque: One of the oldest universities in the world, Al-Azhar Mosque is a center of Islamic scholarship and education. Its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere make it a must-visit site.
Street of the Tentmakers (Sharia al-Khayamiya): This vibrant street is known for its colorful textiles and traditional crafts. Visitors can watch artisans at work, creating beautiful handmade items, including tents, cushions, and decorative fabrics.
Khan El-Khalili Bazaar is one of the oldest and most famous markets in the Middle East, dating back to the 14th century. Originally established as a caravanserai for traders, the bazaar has evolved into a bustling marketplace that attracts both locals and tourists. It is a vibrant hub of commerce, culture, and social interaction, offering a unique shopping experience.
As you enter Khan El-Khalili, you are greeted by a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. The narrow alleyways are lined with shops selling a wide variety of goods, including:
Handcrafted Jewelry: The bazaar is famous for its intricate silver and gold jewelry, often featuring traditional designs and gemstones.
Textiles and Fabrics: Colorful scarves, shawls, and traditional garments can be found throughout the market, showcasing the rich textile heritage of Egypt.
Spices and Herbs: The aromatic scents of spices fill the air, with vendors offering a wide range of herbs, teas, and culinary delights.
Souvenirs and Handicrafts: Visitors can find a plethora of souvenirs, including papyrus art, decorative items, and traditional crafts that reflect Egypt’s rich cultural heritage.
Khan El-Khalili is also home to numerous cafes and restaurants where visitors can take a break and enjoy traditional Egyptian cuisine. Popular dishes include:
Koshari: A hearty mix of rice, lentils, pasta, and tomato sauce, often topped with fried onions.
Falafel: Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas, served in pita bread with tahini sauce and vegetables.
Mint Tea: A refreshing beverage that is a staple in Egyptian culture, often enjoyed while relaxing in one of the market’s cafes.
Khan El-Khalili is not just a market; it is a cultural landmark that embodies the spirit of Cairo. The bazaar has been a gathering place for generations, where locals and visitors come together to shop, socialize, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the city. It is a testament to the enduring traditions of trade and craftsmanship in Egypt.
Khan El-Khalili is easily accessible from Bab El-Foutouh and other central locations in Cairo. Visitors can walk to the bazaar, enjoying the sights and sounds of the historic streets along the way. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available for those who prefer not to walk.
Khan El-Khalili is generally open daily, with most shops operating from morning until late evening. However, it is advisable to visit during the day to fully experience the market’s vibrant atmosphere. Some shops may close earlier during the holy month of Ramadan.
When visiting Khan El-Khalili and the surrounding areas, it is recommended to dress modestly, respecting local customs and traditions. Comfortable shoes are advisable, as visitors will likely be walking on uneven surfaces and navigating narrow alleyways.
Bargaining is a common practice in Khan El-Khalili, and visitors are encouraged to negotiate prices with vendors. It is part of the shopping experience and can be a fun way to engage with local culture. Start by offering a lower price than what is initially quoted, and be prepared for a friendly back-and-forth.
The journey from Bab El-Foutouh to Khan El-Khalili Bazaar offers a captivating exploration of Cairo’s rich history and vibrant culture. From the historical significance of Bab El-Foutouh to the bustling atmosphere of Khan El-Khalili, this route showcases the essence of Islamic Cairo.
Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and flavors of this remarkable city, experiencing the warmth of its people and the richness of its heritage. Whether you are shopping for unique souvenirs, savoring traditional cuisine, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, this journey through Cairo promises to be an unforgettable adventure that highlights the beauty and diversity of Egypt’s capital.
Ultimately, the Half-Day Tour From Bab El-Foutouh to Khan El-Khalili Bazaar isn’t just a walk through historic sites and bustling markets. It’s an immersion into the spirit of Cairo. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the resilience of human endeavor. A reminder that history isn’t confined to the past but lives and breathes in the fabric of our present. Shaping the tapestry of our shared tomorrow.
Ancient Egypt Tours representative pick you up from your hotel in Cairo, start one of our Cairo; Giza Tours, transferred to visit Once you exit the mosque of Al-Hakim, continue north and walk through one of the Northern gates of the citadel, Bab al-Futuh. When you reach the other side, turn right and follow the city wall for just a few minutes until you reach the second gate called Bab El Nasr. Walk through it to re-enter Islamic Cairo.
Spend the next 30 or so minutes walking south down El-Gamaleya Street and Khan Gaafar Street and witness a more genuine side of Islamic Cairo with fewer tourists around. Trays of freshly baked bread being carried upon heads, donkey’s pulling carts and authentic street food stalls can all be seen here.
Mausoleum of Sidi Zou It is a mausoleum dating back to the Mamluk era, and it was famous for an Egyptian saying that says, “Taste is the only way out of Egypt.” The stories about the owner of the shrine are limited to 3 stories, between a merchant and a fatwa from the guarded fatwa, or a blessed person or a man of Moroccan origin. To bury him where he fell.
Also known as Muizz Street, this is one of Cairo’s oldest streets. At approximately one kilometer long, this beautiful street features all kinds of colourful shops selling African spices, old antiques, clothing and perfumes to name a few. Feel free to wander into one or two of the side streets to find more interesting shops.
This is the most touristy street in Islamic Cairo but it’s extremely pretty and as it continues north on our Islamic Cairo walking tour map; it contains a number of interesting sites.
Turn back onto El Moez Street and continue walking north on our Islamic Cairo walking tour map. As you reach the most Northern point of El Moez Street, you’ll see the impressive mosque of Al-Hakim on the right. The mosque, which was started in 990 and completed in 1013, is the second largest Fatimid Mosque in Cairo.
Like all mosques in Cairo, it’s free to go inside, but if you want to head up one of the tall minarets then you’ll need one of the key keepers to take you up for a small tip. This is worth doing as the views up there are pretty impressive.
Qorkamas dome It is an ancient tall mausoleum dome of unknown origin, whose location was next to the main door of the Al-Hakim Mosque, in a place that blocks the entrance to the mosque.
People were confused about its origin, some of them said that it belongs to Prince Muhammad Qurqamas, or that it belongs to the sheikh seeking to be adjacent to his soil, which is now known by his name, or that it is the soil of the emir of the armies, Badr al-Jamali, due to the splendor of its construction and height, or that it is a cemetery that the ruler built for himself and was not buried in it, and later became known as the cemetery of the courier.
As for the Egyptian Antiquities Authority, it registered it in the name of the Qerqamas Dome, although Karkamas is buried in his tomb located in the cemetery east of Cairo, next to the Khanqah of Sultan Faraj bin Barquq. Since this dome is alien to the construction of the Al-Hakim Mosque and its entrance is distorted, it was dismantled in October 1980 as part of the project to renovate the Al-Hakim Mosque, and was transferred to the Al-Ghafir cemetery, where it was rebuilt between the Sultan Al-Ashraf Barsbay Mosque and the tomb of Jani Bey Al-Ashrafy.
Mosque, Sabil and Book of Suleiman Agha Al-Silahdar The main facade of the mosque is located on the western side of it, and it contains the entrance to the mosque and its annexes.
It ascends to the mosque by several stairs. It is rectangular in shape and divided into two squares. The outer western square includes a courtyard surrounded by four porticos on its four sides covered by small domes based on marble columns.
The courtyard is covered with a wooden roof in the middle with a rattle for ventilation. The eastern square is the qibla iwan covered by a wooden ceiling with simple decorations. In the middle of this iwan is a hollow mihrab carved entirely of marble, and next to it is a wooden pulpit.
The bench of the amount occupies the entire western wall facing the qibla wall, and it is made of wood. As for the minaret, it is located on the main facade next to the door of the mosque. It is cylindrical in the Ottoman style and consists of two floors. The facade of the sabil is round, covered with gilded marble, and has four copper windows
It was established by Prince Mustafa Jaafar al-Silhdar, who is the chief dignitary of the coffee merchants in the Dhi al-Fiqar Katkhuda Agency.
The house was built in the place of a coffee house called “Al-Mawardi Coffee”, which was within the endowments of Al-Khawaja Shehab Atta, so Haji Mustafa Jaafar and its surroundings bought it to build his house, and the house is currently used as an administrative headquarters for the North Cairo area for Islamic and Coptic antiquities.
Aqmar Mosque The building was not at first a comprehensive mosque, and the Friday sermon was not delivered on its pulpit except in Ramadan in the year 799 AH / 1396 AD after it was repaired and renovated by Prince Yalbugha al-Salmi in the year 1396 AD by the order of Sultan Barquq.
Ali Pasha, and at the end of the 19th century it was in a dilapidated state. The Committee for the Preservation of Arab Antiquities restored and renovated the mosque and preserved its decorations in 1928.
The Supreme Council of Antiquities also renovated it and removed the buildings in front of its facade so that the decorations of the facade appeared completely. Al-Aqmar is one of the suspended mosques. When it was built, there were shops under it, and it is located in the Al-Nahhasin area on Al-Moez Street.
From the Qalawun Complex, continue north on El Moez Street until the street forks. In the middle of the forked road is Sabil-Kuttab of Katkhuda, an interesting looking building containing a public fountain, an elementary Quran school, and an adjoining residential wing.
Built in 1744 by a forward-thinking Egyptian architect, Sabil-Kuttab of Katkhuda is an excellent example of the Ottoman and Mamluk style of architecture. The narrow structure has been described by some architects as “The treasure of Ottoman architecture“.
This building’s exterior is more impressive than from the inside, so save some time by not going in.
From the courtyard, walk West along Sidi Al Dardirai Street and Al Kahkeen Street until you reach Al Motaz Ldin Allah Street which runs north to south. Follow it south and simply enjoy a more local and authentic side to Islamic Cairo.
It’s along here where you’ll be greeted by more genuine welcoming smiles and hellos. There’s nothing really of interest to tourist shoppers here so there is less hassle than the previously visited market streets further north. The area is a real feast for the senses and a photographers playground.
Hamam of Inal ” Inal bath The bathroom is built in the style of Islamic public baths in the Middle Ages. It consists of a simple entrance that leads to a broken corridor that leads to the cold room, where the dressing is taken to prepare for bathing, and there are seating and lockers for keeping personal belongings, and that room leads to another corridor that leads to the warm room.
The heated room, w]hich was used in both the cold and hot rooms shallow domes to maintain the circulation of hot air. The heated room is characterized by an octagonal area in the middle of the basin and perpendicular to it are four iwans for sitting and four entrances in the corners that lead to khans, each with basins and terraces.
Take the left fork on the road passing Sabil-Kuttab of Katkhuda on your right and continue walking north on El Moez Street. Look out for Al Dabeeba Street on the right where you’ll clearly notice an interesting looking cafe named Cafe al-Lord.
A well-known cafe in Islamic Cairo, Cafe al-Lord is only frequented by tourists so is not the most authentic Egyptian experience you’ll find in the area.
But if pictures of Egyptian movie stars and life-size statues of famous figures is your thing, then feel free to rest your feet and drink tea or Turkish coffee at this overpriced but popular cafe.
It’s a stunning building with such amazing attention to detail and reminiscent of the Gothic style. This is definitely a highlight on our Islamic Cairo walking tour map.
The Textile Musem The only one of its kind in the Middle East, this interesting museum features textiles from ancient Egypt and the Roman, Coptic and Islamic eras.
The collection starts at the very beginning, with Pharaonic diapers, and moves on through beautifully embroidered Coptic tunics and great embroidered Kiswat (the panels that adorn the Kaaba in Mecca). It’s a small museum, but well worth a peek for anyone with an affinity for weaving and fabric.
Al-Hussein Mosque, Square and Coffee Shops At the most southern end of Mashhad Al Husseini Street is a great spot to sit down for a relaxing drink. The line of inexpensive coffee shops on the west-side of the open square is great for people watching and views of the impressive Al-Hussein Mosque.
Unfortunately, tourists are not allowed to enter this mosque but it’s still photo worthy from the outside. There are around 8 coffee shops, one after the other, but they’re all similar and offer pretty much the same menu of juices, soft drinks, teas and coffees.
The highlight here is the ground floor hall and rooms which have been historically preserved and include some elegant wall paintings of travels and pilgrimages. The hall now houses a number of cultural events throughout the year with poetry being most popular.
Follow their lead to reach Al-Azhar Mosque on the other side, this is the last of the mosques on our Islamic Cairo walking tour map. Commissioned in 970, it was the first mosque erected in Cairo, a city that has now gained the nickname “the City of a Thousand Minarets”. It’s free to wander and explore inside and stairs to the minarets were open to the public during our visit.
At the end of Khan Gaafar Street, the road bends left until it joins Al Mashhad Al Husseini Street. Continue South along Al Mashhad Al Husseini Street and you’ll soon reach the major souk area of Khan el-Khalili.
This market might be the most touristy attraction on our Islamic Cairo walking tour map, but it’s still a great place to buy your Egyptian souvenirs. Back to Hotel. Market traders work hard to grab your attention and lure you into their shops but some good deals are to be had with a bit of haggling.
In addition to shops, there are several coffee shops, eateries, and street food vendors scattered throughout the market.
| Adults Numbers | Price/Person |
|---|---|
| Single | 60 $ |
| 2 -3 | 40 $ |
| 4 – 6 | 35 $ |
| 7 – 10 | 30 $ |
| 11 – 15 | 25 $ |
Tour price currency is set to USD but you can pay in Euro or British pound. The prices quoted per person per tour all-inclusive of tax and prices are always updated to ensure you receive the lowest price possible. Once your tour is confirmed we guarantee the price will not be changed.
0 – 05.99 free of Charge.
6 – 11.99 pay 50% of tour price.
12+ pay full tour price as per adult person.
Children policy is not applied on all kinds of transportation (Flight, train or bus) full ticket payment is required
We are offering a considerable down payment of just 25% to secure your spaces on the tour including domestic flight ticket, and other travel-related services. The remaining balance can be paid up to two days prior to your arrival date or in cash upon arrival at the destination. Therefore, making your booking a risk-free investment.
Ancient Egypt Tours does not charge a cancellation fee for tours and excursions canceled for ‘force measures reasons such as volcanoes, earthquakes, or reasons beyond control. If cancellation happens due to personal or business reasons and Ancient Egypt Tours has already incurred costs on your behalf, these costs will not be refunded to you.
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