Khan el-Khalili Bazaar Cairo

Khan el-Khalili has been a trading quarter since the 14th century, and its lanes still buzz with merchants selling brass lanterns, spices, perfume oils, papyrus, jewellery and cotton. It sits at the heart of historic Cairo, surrounded by medieval mosques and gates.

Stop for mint tea or fresh juice at one of the old coffee houses and watch the crowds, then walk along Al-Muizz Street, lined with some of the finest Islamic architecture in the city. The minarets of Al-Azhar and the Hussein Mosque are close by.

Bargaining is expected, so start low and keep it friendly. The bazaar is liveliest in the evening and is best explored with a guide who knows the lanes; ask them to point out shops selling good-quality lanterns and spices, which make light, easy souvenirs to carry home.