2 Best Shopping in Old Cairo (Coptic Cairo), Cairo

Tucked in an alleyway, down a stairway near the Mar Girgis Metro station, this huge Old Cairo shop brims with merchandise; you’ll almost be overwhelmed by the many possible souvenirs. But the atmosphere is calm and quiet, so you can take your time sifting through the items. Though helpful, the owner is relaxed, letting customers make their rounds without pressuring them to buy.

When it comes to unique, handmade pottery, the Fokhareen Market will spoil you for choice. The ancient Egyptians were experts in working with clay, specifically Aswani clay—a product of the Nile’s silt—which doesn't secrete toxic substances. It's a tradition that continues today. From sculptures and tiles to bowls and utensils, this pottery village probably has something that will make a gift or a souvenir. Even if you're not looking for something to buy, it's interesting to walk around the village and watch artisans and artists at work.