Experience firsthand artistic creations :
To have more appreciation for the originality of the crafts you see along your walk, it is recommended to visit the coppersmiths or “Suq Al Nahhasin”, where you can watch skilled artisans at work. Don’t be surprised by their over friendliness, nor their fair command of English, and prepare to be invited to sip mint tea, and chit chat just about anything, as you watch them work. Such conversations can give you a deep insight of life in the bustling city of Cairo.

Payment methods in Al Khan:
Most shops prefer cash; Pounds, Dollars, or Euros are accepted , however, if you decide to pay in Dollars (which continually has a changing rate) check its rate in your hotel before heading to Al Khan. You can also use your credit card in some shops, but note that traveler cheques are not accepted. Beware that temptations can make you run out of money easily, even if you are the most careful shopper, don’t worry; head to Midan El Husayn, where you’ll find Banque Misr and Faisal Islamic Bank open 7days a week, or head to Naguib Mahfouz Café where you’ll find an ATM machine; anyone would be glad to show you the way.

Spice up your walk in Al Khan:
As you approach Al Azhar street, the scent of incense and exotic aromas will fill the air, assuring you that you have reached the Spice Market or “Suq Al Attareen”. Choose what you like from the colorful displays of canvas bags filled with spices, leaves and powders or even order your own prescription to treat different diseases. From this market, many commodities have been traded to the West for centuries, due to their high quality and scarcity. Check Saffron threads (relatively cheap compared to the West).Also purchase Hibiscus leaves to make your own refreshing, traditional drink, when you go back home.

Rest and Reflect :
When its time to sit and reflect on what you have seen, visit El Fishawi, which is the most interesting coffee shop in Al Khan. With its small brass tables, heritage, and overview of a busy alley, you can enjoy a water pipe, fresh mint tea or Turkish coffee, while gazing at tourists and Cairenes as they walk by, giving you a true understanding of a traditional Egyptian Coffee Shop. A couple of drinks and water pipe "Shisha" would not cost you more than L.E 10. Recommended: For an unforgetable dining experience, visit "Al Halwagy" -located next to the pedestrian tunnel of Al Azhar street- and enjoy watching Egyptian Pancakes or "fiteer" being flipped in the air, as you sit outside waiting for a mouth watering salty/sweet pancake of your choice.

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