Souq Al-Khayamiya: Cairo’s Dazzling Tentmakers’ Market

Your Experience at the Tentmakers’ Market

A walk through Souq Al-Khayamiya is an experience for all the senses. Unlike the busy, open-air Khan El-Khalili, this market is a covered arcade, creating a focused and intimate atmosphere.

Here’s what you’ll see and do:

1. Watch the Masters at Work

This is the market’s greatest highlight. The souq is lined with small, open workshops. You can (and should) stop and watch the artisans themselves—traditionally men—sitting cross-legged, meticulously hand-stitching their complex designs. They are friendly, proud of their work, and often happy to show you their process.

2. Shop for Authentic, Handmade Art

This is the best place in Egypt to buy authentic, high-quality textile art. Forget mass-produced souvenirs; everything here is handmade. You will find:

• Stunning wall tapestries (both large and small)
• Unique cushion covers
• Colorful bedspreads
• Table runners, bags, and purses
• Vibrant decorations, especially for Ramadan

3. Capture Breathtaking Photos

The market is a photographer’s dream. The long, covered laneway, the hanging tapestries that form a “roof” of color, and the artisans at work create an incredibly atmospheric scene.

4. Explore the Historic Setting

The market sits at the foot of Bab Zuweila, one of the last remaining gates of medieval Cairo, built in the 11th century. We highly recommend climbing the gate’s two minarets! The rooftop offers a stunning, unrivaled view over the minarets and domes of Islamic Cairo, all the way to the Citadel.