subject: Alabaster Pyramids, Carpets And Camels - Souvenir Shopping In Sharm El Sheikh [print this page] Forget miniature sphinxes and replica tombs of Tutankhamen, there are better and more unique souvenirs to be had from your visit to Sharm el Sheikh. It"s a country famed for traditional arts and crafts, pop culture reproductions and fascinating artefacts. Here"s a quick how-to of what to buy, where to look and what to pay; prepare to haggle.
Chic Cairo
For the most unusual and unexpected gifts you should head to Cairo. You"ll find the biggest selection of items, with stores stocking trinkets taken from all across Egypt. Cairo is a shopper"s paradise and an incredible sensory experience. You"ll be able to pick up carpets, leather shoes, antique books and veils. You might even be tempted to snap up your very own camel at the camel bazaar, held every Friday in Sharia Sudan, to the west of the city. Most tourists head to Khan Al-Khalili, one of the planet"s oldest bazaars, for an exotic array of gold, silver, copper, spices and perfumes. It"s advisable to get there early in the morning to snap up the best bargains. For contemporary presents head to Zamalek, one of the city"s most upscale areas where you"ll find a mix of cool antiques and high fashion.
Shopping in Sharm
With its plethora of all inclusive hotels and vibrant tourist scene, shopping in Sharm is, as you"d expect, more focused on the traditional holiday souvenir market. But that doesn"t mean you have to settle for over-priced tat. Old Sharm is often cheaper than Na"ma and there"s great shopping to be had in Nabq, an up and coming area with three large retail centres. Plus you"re not too far from Alexandria and Dahub, both of which are generally considered to be cheaper than Sharm el Sheikh and offer a better variety of presents.
Gold and silver
If you do decide to go for the obvious gift, make it a gold cartouche. These date back to the days of the pharaohs and are oval-shaped pendants, usually made of gold, with the name of the owner written in hieroglyphics inside. Prices vary wildly, starting as low as 20 Euros and going all the way up to the thousands. The best way to make sure you"re getting a good deal is to check the price of gold in the newspaper that morning. You can expect to pay the current price plus a little extra for labour. It"s worth noting that the papers will usually quote in ounces but stores will price by the gram "" be sure to factor this into your calculations. You"ll find plenty of good jewellery stores in Sharm el Sheikh, though you may get better deals if you buy yours in Cairo.
Fashionable finds
Avoid the temptation to stock up on fake designer sunglasses and shop for a traditional hijab instead. These beautiful scarves can be worn a variety of ways "" ask your vendor for a demonstration "" and they come in every conceivable fabric and pattern. For a more modern souvenir, check out Mobaco. This chain of stores has been transforming traditional Egyptian cotton into high quality clothing for over 35 years. They even make their own version of the polo shirt, complete with an embroidered camel in the place of a polo pony.
