7 Best Shopping in Gezira Island and Zamalek, Cairo

Although it's tucked away on a side street and has no sign, it's worth making the effort to find this rustic shop that's full to bursting with handcrafted ceramics. It feels like it's from another era—in all the best ways. Its owner is pleasant and helpful but gives you the space to explore the vast selection of unique and colorful items on your own, browsing as long as it takes to find the perfect piece.

Heritage and craftsmanship are the founding pillars of Caravanserai, a store that celebrates both local artistry and cultural fusion in merchandise that ranges from small, minimalistic decorative items to large, elaborate pieces of furniture.

Taking the record store experience a step beyond, Retrograde sells art (including pieces by local artists), used books, and vintage goods—from typewriters to turntables—in addition to vinyl. Note the table in the middle of the shop: many patrons have marked it with messages of love and appreciation.

Established in 1968, Safarkhan exhibits, collects, and deals in modern and contemporary Egyptian fine art. The curators highlight the works of some of the country’s premier artists, often with an emphasis on up-and-coming talent. The gallery also carries a collection of rare pieces dating back to 1920.

This store successfully combines high-end fashion concepts with traditional styles in its versatile collections for men and women. What's more, the clothes are locally made and  ethically sourced. The same is true of the accessories, which are produced by the brand’s sister company, Nomad.

Like the colorful and ever-evolving culture of Egypt, Sami Amin's handbags, wallets, jewelry, and other accessories have just the right mix of tradition and modernity. The self-taught designer founded his brand in 1997 and channels his artistic sensibilities into every piece in this endearing little shop.

Vintage English and Arabic records feature greatly here, with some French, Russian, and other recordings occasionally finding their way into the mix. Don’t know what to look for? Ask the store manager, who has been a collector himself since 1997.  You’ll also find yourself taken in by the vintage items on display, from gramophones and turntables to off-brand but collectible comic books. Just leave the action figures alone—they’re not for sale no matter how hard you try. And be sure to ask for the soup of the day (hint: it’s coffee).