Citystars Mall

Located near the airport, Citystars is one of Cairo’s biggest malls. It’s a typical modern setup with international brands, local shops, a big food court, and cinemas. Not much in the way of local character, but it’s a convenient stop if you’ve just landed or need a break from the heat.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/citystars.official

• Address:

  2 Omar Ibn El-Khattab, Masaken Al Mohandesin, Nasr City, Cairo

• Phone:

  +20 2 24800800

• Opening hours:

  Sat–Wed 10am–10pm, Thu & Fri 10am–11pm

Khan el-Khalili Bazaar

Khan el-Khalili Bazaar is Cairo’s most famous market, and probably the most chaotic one. This centuries-old souk is a labyrinth of alleyways packed with spices, silver, perfumes, traditional lamps, and handmade souvenirs. It’s noisy, crowded, a bit overwhelming—but completely worth a wander, even if you’re not planning to buy anything. Haggling is expected, and some vendors can be persistent, but that’s part of the experience. If you need a break, grab a mint tea at El Fishawy, one of the oldest cafés in the city, open all night.

• Address:

  El-Gamaleya, El Gamaliya, Cairo

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9:30am–midnight

Mall of Arabia

Mall of Arabia is a massive shopping centre featuring a wide mix of international and local brands, a big food court, a movie theatre, and regular fountain shows in the open-air plaza.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/mallofarabiacairo

• Address:

  First 6th of October, Giza

• Phone:

  +20 2 35353121

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Thu 9am–10pm, Fri & Sat 9am–11pm

Mall of Egypt

Mall of Egypt is a sprawling indoor complex — the first shopping destination of its kind in Egypt — housing department stores, global fashion brands, electronics, a decent food court, plus a large VOX cinema and an indoor ski slope.

• Web:

  www.mallofegypt.com

• Address:

  El Wahat Road, First 6th of October, Giza

• Phone:

  +20 2 36120084

• Opening hours:

  Sat–Wed 10am–11pm, Thu & Fri 10am–midnight

Oum El Dounia Gallery

Just off Tahrir Square, this charming little shop is a good stop if you’re after something more thoughtful than a mass-produced souvenir. It’s got a well-curated mix of handmade crafts, homewares, textiles, and local artwork, along with a small book section focused on Egypt and the Arab world.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/oumeldounia

• Address:

  3 Talaat Harb, El-Tahrir Square, Cairo

• Phone:

  +20 2 23938273

• Opening hours:

  Daily 10am–9pm

Shops in Zamalek

Set on an island in the Nile, Zamalek is one of Cairo’s calmer, more walkable neighbourhoods—leafy, residential, and full of small surprises. It’s home to a handful of boutiques worth checking out if you’re into local design with a modern edge. Fair Trade Egypt stocks over a thousand ethically made handicrafts, Loft Gallery is an antique shop that mixes art with home décor, and Nefertari sells natural body products and Egyptian cotton.