Khan el-Khalili Market

Visit the bustling market of Khan el-Khalili, not for the shopping, but for the atmosphere. Most of the shops in the labyrinthine souk sell the same tourist souvenirs: ceramics, copper ware, carpets, leather, gold jewelry and lots of cotton goods, from tablecloths to galabiyyas (kaftans). For serious shoppers, the two stores worth seeking out are Atlas Silks and, across the street from it, Atlas Jewelry. Tip: If you get hungry while shopping, stop at Naguib Mahfouz Café, which retains an antiquated atmosphere and serves great coffee, snacks and lunch.