5 Local (Sha3by) Marketplaces Cheaper than the Internet

Have you ever been to a local (sha3by) marketplace? Here are 5 sha3by marketplaces that provide almost anything you may need at very cheap prices and all of them are located in the Downtown and Azhar areas:

1- Khan Al Khalili: gifts and souvenirs

Located in Cairo, Khan Al Khalili is considered one of its main touristic areas. The Khan goes all the way back to the era of the Mamluks. It is full of small shops that sell pharaonic and Islamic themed gifts and souvenirs and is famous for silver jewelry.

2- The Alley of the Jews: children’s toys

Located in the Downtown area the alley is famous for being one of the best places to buy toys. You will find all types of toys for different prices, brands, material, and quality both local and imported. Wholesale prices are also available.

3- Al Ghuriya Marketplace: clothes and fabrics

A very old and well known street in Gamaliya area in Cairo, it was established by Sultan Al-Ashraf Qansuh al Ghuri and used to specialize in the manufacturing and tailoring of the sultan’s clothes. Al Ghuriya is famous for the “Wekala” system of selling and buying ever since its inception where travelling merchants would bring their goods from all over the region and beyond to the Wekala and set up shop to sell wholesale to smaller merchants or retail. 

Al Ghuriya is also where Egyptian novelist Naguib Mahfouz based his famous Cairo trilogy: Bayn al Qasrayn (Between the 2 Palaces), Qasr al Sahwq (The Palace of Longing), and Sukkariya (Sugarhome).

4- Darb Al Barabra: baby showers and birthday supplies

Everything you need for a baby shower “Soboo3” (traditionally held one week after the baby is born hence the name) as well as many household items in general. Egyptian brides like to shop there before their weddings as they are able to find almost all they need for their new homes.

Seasonal items that you can find in Darb Al Barabra include: birthday supplies, baby supplies, seasonal candies in all shapes, sizes and prices such as Mawled Al Naby’s candy, or Eid Kahk. 

5- Souq Al Khayamiya: carpets and tents

Al Khayamiya marketplace (Tentmakers’ Marketplace/Bazaar) is located near Bab Zuwails in al Ghuriya. It is a 100m long street that was originally used as a horse stabling area. It became famous for the making of carpets, tents, and colored fabrics for tents and pavilions. The souq was also famous for making the Kiswa (the cloth that covers the Kaaba in Mecca) every year. The Kiswa used to be hand made in al Khayamiya marketplace every year and sent to Mecca in a grand caravan called Mahmal that also doubled as a parade.