Shopping for perfumes and essential oils in Egypt

If you have been on guided a tour to Egypt, you will know what I am talking about. Included in one of the day's travel schedule will be a visit to a perfume shop. Whether you like it or not - you will have to spend about an hour sitting in the shop. And at the end, you will feel a little pressure to buy something. While I am not discouragaing you, I just want you to be a little more aware and bargain if you are really interested to take back a scent as a souvenir.

There are numerous such perfume shops in most of the tourist areas of Egypt. So, if your guide tells you that you will not find the perfume/oil elsewhere or if the shopkeepers pressurise you, just refuse politely. From my experience, you will find the same kinds of oils and scents in almost all the shops. I spotted quite a handful of these shops within a small stretch while out on the streets of Cairo.

Most shops will stock base scents of popular brand perfumes. The shopkeeper will rattle off the name of well known brands and get you to smell the fragrance. Choose wisely and make sure that the price is reasonable. Its best to go prepared. Just research a little about the fragrance you like and its price. Be smart and shop wisely.

The Khan el Khalili market has numerous perfume and essential oil shops. Just browse around in a couple of shops to get a fair idea of the prices before you make the purchase.

The Mall of Arabia in Cairo

Mall of Arabia in Cairo is a huge shopping mall with a diverse selection of stores for all your shopping needs. It is called the largest mall in Cairo for a reason - it's huge and the mall is only half-way constructed. A must visit if you like shopping and eating out. You can do your shopping and grab your meal in one of the many restaurants in the open courtyard.

The mall has shops catering to fashion, electronics, cosmetics, jewellery, books, watches and accessories, home furnishings, gifts, luggage and bags, toys and a large Hyper market as well(Spinneys). Some of the cosmetic shops are L'occitane, Faces and Fortune. If fashion is what you are
after, you can choose from GAP, Salsa, Levi's, Zara, Tommy Hilfiger, U-Turn or Nike.

The mall is also an entertainment destination with 13 movie screens including high-impact silver screens. There is also an indoor play and entertainment area for children called as Billy Beez. There are loads of activities for kids and a Buzzy Cafe as well with a menu to suit the kids and adults alike.

One of the main attractions of the mall apart from the shopping is the musical dancing fountain. The fountain is located in the huge open area with restaurants on either side. You can have a lovely meal with family and friends in the evening while taking in the fountain show.

Address:
Mall of Arabia
6th of October City,
Juhaynah Square,
Cairo - Egypt
Phone: +202 38210500

Overall, its a modern happening mall with something for everyone's tastes. Do visit it. And if you like traditional markets more then head to the Khan el-Khalili market, which will transport you to an era back in time.

The Khan el-Khalili market in Cairo

The Khan el-Khalili market(bazaar) is a major tourist attraction in Cairo. Located in the heart of Islamic Cairo, the market is always busy and lively and very colourful. It is the best place to pick up souvenirs, jewellery, traditional clothing or perfumes.

Crowd and chaos are its trademarks and you will be hassled everywhere you go. The shopkeeprs will try to lure you into their shops and be aware that they do not give up easily. They will try to draw you into a conversation and tempt you to make a purchase. The best way to handle it is to be polite and keep moving on if you so wish. On the other hand if you are good at bargaining, then you will love this place. Bargaining is like a game - you vs the shopkeeper. Enjoy it and make a deal which will leave both of you happy.

Inspite of the hustle and bustle, the market is beautiful. I preferred it to the many luxury shopping malls that have sprung up in recent times. The narrow streets, the colourful merchandise and the scent of perfumes and incense was a lovely combination. It is easy to get lost in the alleyways, so keep an eye out. Nonetheless its fun. Its like you have been transported back in time. Enjoy the sights, the aromas and the noise as well. Overall, you can easily while away a good few hours just browing through the market.

There are lots of small cafes scattered all around Khan el-Khalili. These cater mainly for the tourists and some of them serve good food and drinks. The ambience is authentic and you can have your food/drink along with the Sheesha while taking in the spirit and the chaos of the market. Check the prices before you place your order because some of the cafes quote almost 3-4 times the normal price if you fail to check the prices before hand.

Address:
Khan el-Khalili,
Bab Al Louq, Abdin,
Cairo - Egypt

Note: While in Cairo, you could also visit the Mosque of Muhammad Ali or the Alabaster Mosque. It is one of the notable landmarks in Cairo.