Things to Buy in Egypt

Egypt is famously known for its perfumes and essential oils. If you are visiting Egypt and thinking about what to buy in Cairo, then don't miss out on purchasing the perfumes. Egypt is one of the top manufacturers of authentic perfumes and essential oils. It also exports to the top French perfumeries and all over the world. Just be aware of the fake ones; due to their popularity, many shops are selling fake perfumes. To check its purity, rub it on your wrist, and if it leaves oil residue, then it's most probably the fake one. Some of the famous scents are Jasmine, sandalwood, lotus, amber, and musk.

Prices: The price totally depends on the brand, but approximately 150-200 EGP, you can get a decent perfume. 

Where to Buy From: You can purchase high-quality perfumes from Khan El Khalili Bazaar in Cairo and Zamalek Boutiques.

Egypt is the world's largest producer of dates. Someone can't travel to Egypt and miss out on dates. If you love sweets, then dates are the healthiest option. Egyptian dates are known for their sugary taste and are rich in vitamins and fiber. They are considered the best aphrodisiac by doctors. The country's saline soil and mineral-rich water produce uniquely flavored dates, which are exclusive to this region. Dates are honored in many local dishes here, like Tarrant, coffee, and alhaji. The chocolate-covered dates are highly loved by the children. Siwa dates and Medjool dates are the best types of dates in Egypt.

Price: Approx 200 EGP for 1kg

Where to Buy From: You can buy from local markets, grocers, and souks. Siwa Oasis is the best place to purchase them.

While shopping in Cairo, purchasing gold and silver jewelry is a must. Egyptian jewelry is the perfect example of exquisite craftsmanship and perfection. You can purchase different types of jewelry like gold cartouches, ankh rings, amulets, necklaces, and beetle bracelets. Jewelry is a must-buy on the list of things to buy in Egypt. There are famous designs of Egyptian jewelry boxes in which you can keep the jewelry secure. They have timeless allure, which means their charm can never fade away.

Price: For 24k carat gold, 1g is for approx. EGP 5263

Where to Buy From: The Best places to buy Jewellery are the markets of Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor.

Khayamiya is a textile craft that was used in ancient times to decorate tents. The artisans use bright colors and a special way of needlework to create an illusion of layered scenes. This technique is slowly disappearing due to the availability of cheaper options in imported fabrics. However, some people still use this ancient Khayamiya in Egypt, and you can find them on the streets of the tentmakers' district. This market works only to preserve the age-old craft of Khayamiya. You can also find this art in various items, such as cushions, bed sheets, bags, and many more. It is one of the best souvenirs to buy from Egypt.

Price: Approx. EGP 100 for smaller pieces

Where to Buy From: You can purchase them from the Tentmakers Bazaar near Khan el Khalili.

Papyrus is on the list of famous things in Egypt. If you are thinking of what to buy from Egypt, then it is the perfect pick. This is an art that is hand-painted on different things, depending on the Egyptian pounds. For cheaper prices, you can buy it on banana leaves, and for expensive ones are on big hand-painted scrolls. They depict scenes from Ancient Egypt, also representing the images of Egyptian gods. They are considered great gifts because they are easy to pack and light in weight.

Price: It can vary from EGP 20 to EGP 100

Where to Buy From: You can purchase it from The Papyrus Institute in Giza for high-quality products.

In ancient times, hand-blown glasswork was very famous in Egypt, and today, travelers purchase it as souvenirs from Egypt. These glassworks are famous for their tiny bubbles and gorgeous aquamarine and turquoise colors. You can purchase them in the form of perfume bottles, vases, lamps, ornaments, etc. There are many glassblowing workshops going on in different cities; you can go there to watch the artisans make these glassworks live. If you are confused about what to buy in Egypt, then handblown glassworks is the correct answer.

Price: Approx 79 to 89 EGP per square meter

Where to Buy From: You can purchase them from the City of the Dead.

The secret of the flavourful food of Egypt is its authentic and aromatic spices. Egypt is known for its herbs and spices all over the world. one of the topmost pure saffrons is sold in the markets of Egypt. You need to be careful while purchasing saffron because many cheaper versions are fake. Differentiate them with the color; the real one has fine red strands, and the fake one is generally dyed red. Spices like cumin, red chili, hibiscus, and cinnamon are excellent for culinary delights.

Price: The price for spices depends on which one you want to buy; for example, 100gm of ground cumin and black pepper costs around 50 EGP, 100gm of cloves costs around 98 EGP, and 100gm of Cardamom costs around 194 EGP. 

Where to Buy From: The best places for spice shopping in Egypt are the Luxor Spice Market and Aswan Souk.

When people are thinking of buying Egyptian souvenirs, they mostly think of rugs and carpets. They are widely available in Egypt and made by the locals who depict Egyptian culture on them. You can purchase stunning carpets and rugs at a very affordable price here. There is a whole range of varieties in rugs like Kilims, which are woven rugs; Bedouin rugs, which have geometric patterns on them; and there are knotted carpets. Nowadays, there is a trend going on of hanging tapestries in the rooms so that you can find good silk ones here.

Price: Approximately from 195-2000 EGP, depending on the quality and size

Where to Buy From: You can buy them from the local markets of Egypt, trade fairs, and the Khan el Khalili market.

There are different types of clothing in Egypt that represent its culture. You can purchase some good quality cotton clothes and scarves as Egyptian souvenirs from here. Some of the traditional garments, like Flowing Galabeyas, can be purchased in different clothing materials like silk and cotton. Patterned scarves are worn by women here; you should also buy handmade shawls from the workshops. They have different kinds of patterns; some have geometric patterns, while some have stripes. They are one of the cheapest Egyptian things to buy in Cairo, so don't miss them.

Price: The simpler ones start from 5 EGP, and the more elaborate ones with embroidery and embellishments are for 100 to 500 EGP

Where to Buy From: You can buy them from the markets of Luxor, Cairo, Aswan, and Siwa.