Sharm El Sheikh: Old Market Shopping & Spice Bazaar Tour

Sharm El Sheikh's Old Market, known locally as the Sharm El Maya souq, is one of the most atmospheric and colourful traditional marketplaces on the Sinai Peninsula. This guided walking tour immerses you in the sights, sounds, and aromas of a genuine Egyptian bazaar, far removed from the air-conditioned shopping malls that line the resort strip. Your knowledgeable local guide leads you through narrow alleyways and bustling lanes crowded with stalls selling everything from hand-ground spice blends and cold-pressed essential oils to hand-painted papyrus, alabaster statues, hand-embroidered textiles, and ornate silver jewellery. The guide explains the history and traditional uses of dozens of exotic spices including ras el hanout, nigella seeds, dried hibiscus flowers, and saffron. You will learn to distinguish genuine hand-crafted goods from mass-produced imitations, and your guide will coach you in the ancient art of Egyptian-style bargaining, ensuring you get the best prices without causing offence. The tour includes a stop at a traditional ahwa, or Egyptian coffee house, where you can sample freshly brewed cardamom coffee and sweet mint tea while watching locals play backgammon. A visit to a centuries-old mosque and a perfume oil workshop rounds out the experience. This tour is ideal for those who want to shop smart, learn about Egyptian urban culture, and return home with genuinely meaningful souvenirs.