El Fishawi Café Cairo
A historic Cairo coffeehouse in Khan el-Khalili, offering traditional Turkish coffee, live music, and a vibrant cultural experience.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere, live music
El Fishawi Café Cairo
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere, live music

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Cairo coffeehouse in Khan el-Khalili, offering traditional Turkish coffee, live music, and a vibrant cultural experience.
"You truly feel the local culture 100% in this historic cafe."
🎯 Embrace the Bazaar
Vendors can be persistent, but it's part of the fun! Staff are professional; be clear with your order.
💰 No Fixed Prices
Prices can vary. Look for staff with red/blue logos. Avoid talking to strangers who approach you.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Ambiance
Step back in time in this iconic, centuries-old coffeehouse. Feel the pulse of Cairo's vibrant market.

Traditional Turkish Coffee
Savor a rich, authentic Turkish coffee, a quintessential Egyptian experience. Perfect for people-watching.

Live Traditional Music
Enjoy enchanting live performances of classic Arabic songs on Oud and tambourine.
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Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Hustle
Pricing & Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Embrace the Bazaar
Vendors can be persistent, but it's part of the fun! Staff are professional; be clear with your order.
💰 No Fixed Prices
Prices can vary. Look for staff with red/blue logos. Avoid talking to strangers who approach you.
☕ Authentic Turkish Coffee
Try the traditional Turkish coffee for an authentic taste of Cairo. LE 65 is a common price.
🎶 Enjoy the Music
Live Oud and tambourine music adds to the magical atmosphere, especially at night.
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Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Embrace the Bazaar
Vendors can be persistent, but it's part of the fun! Staff are professional; be clear with your order.
💰 No Fixed Prices
Prices can vary. Look for staff with red/blue logos. Avoid talking to strangers who approach you.
☕ Authentic Turkish Coffee
Try the traditional Turkish coffee for an authentic taste of Cairo. LE 65 is a common price.
🎶 Enjoy the Music
Live Oud and tambourine music adds to the magical atmosphere, especially at night.
📸 Capture the Moment
The cafe's historic setting is incredibly photogenic. Great for aesthetic shots.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
El Fishawi Cafe is a beloved historic spot in Cairo, praised for its authentic atmosphere, traditional Turkish coffee, and live Arabic music. Visitors appreciate the immersive cultural experience and the lively ambiance of Khan el-Khalili. However, some find the persistent street vendors and variable pricing to be drawbacks.
"A lovely place for coffee in the heart of the market after a walk.
This café has a long history and tradition—you truly feel the local culture 100%.
The coffee was quite good.
The only downside is the constant street vendors, who can be very persistent.
At one point, a musician expected to be paid just for playing on his own, but the café staff intervened and resolved the issue."
Konstantinos Gkezepis
"I’ve been there twice, and it’s a nice place to enjoy a classic aesthetic. However, they don’t have a menu or fixed prices, so you might get charged differently each time. Also, avoid talking to anyone who tries to approach you. If you don’t see staff wearing the brand’s red and blue logo, it’s best not to go in"
Lujeyn Alayed
"The atmosphere was great! We went there in the night after dinner for some local beverage. Unfortunately couldn’t try the famous coffee instead local tea we had as it was late in the night. There was live music and service was good. Staff were very friendly. Definitely you should visit this place if you are in Khan El Khalili"
Halide Vera
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
El Fishawi Cafe is located in the heart of the historic Khan el-Khalili bazaar. You can reach it by taxi or ride-sharing app (like Uber or Careem) to the bazaar entrance, then walk through the market. Be prepared for crowds and navigating narrow alleys.
While it's a famous spot, Khan el-Khalili can be a maze. Look for signs or ask locals for directions to 'El Fishawi' or 'Ahwa El Fishawi'. It's often described as being along one of the main alleys.
Many visitors arrive by taxi to the edge of the bazaar and then walk in. Some suggest using ride-sharing apps for convenience. Be aware that traffic can be heavy in downtown Cairo.
Parking directly at the cafe is not possible due to its location within the pedestrian-only bazaar. You'll need to find parking in a nearby public lot or garage and walk the rest of the way.
The nearest metro stations are typically a significant walk away. Taking a taxi or ride-sharing service directly to the Khan el-Khalili area is generally more convenient for reaching El Fishawi Cafe.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to enter El Fishawi Cafe. It operates as a traditional coffee shop where you pay for your consumption.
El Fishawi Cafe is generally open from morning until late at night, often past midnight, to accommodate evening visitors and those enjoying the bazaar after dark. It's best to check recent local listings for exact times.
There is no entrance fee. You pay for the drinks and food you order. Be mindful that prices can vary.
Reservations are typically not taken at El Fishawi Cafe due to its traditional setup and high foot traffic. It's often a first-come, first-served basis, especially during peak hours.
There is no strict dress code, but dressing respectfully is advised, especially given its cultural significance. Casual attire is generally acceptable.
🎫 ☕ Onsite Experience
The atmosphere is historic and bustling, with a strong sense of local culture. You'll experience traditional decor, often live Arabic music, and the lively sounds of the surrounding bazaar.
The most famous drink is the traditional Turkish coffee. They also serve local teas, mint lemonade, and shisha (hookah).
While primarily known for its drinks, some reviews mention savory options. However, it's more of a place to enjoy beverages and soak in the ambiance rather than a full-service restaurant.
Service can be professional and sometimes described as a bit formal or 'Parisian stiff.' Staff wearing red and blue logos are official. Be clear with your order.
Absolutely! The cafe is situated along an alleyway, offering a prime spot to watch the vibrant activity of the Khan el-Khalili bazaar unfold.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged, as the cafe has a very historic and aesthetic appeal.
The interior with its traditional seating, ornate details, and the view of the bustling alleyway are great for photos. Capturing the coffee preparation or live musicians also makes for memorable shots.
While generally permitted, it's always polite to be mindful of other patrons' privacy. Avoid intrusive photography, especially of staff or other guests without their consent.
Lighting can vary. During the day, natural light filters in from the alley. In the evening, it's more atmospheric with ambient lighting, which can create beautiful, moody shots.
A versatile lens, like a 24-70mm equivalent, would be useful for capturing both the wider ambiance and details. A prime lens with a wide aperture can also be great for low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during less crowded times, perhaps earlier in the afternoon, to make the experience more manageable. The live music in the evenings can be a highlight. While the cafe isn't specifically a 'kid-friendly' venue with play areas, its historical significance and the sensory experience of the bazaar can be educational and memorable for older children who appreciate cultural immersion.
💰 Budget Travelers
The main cost-saving tip is to be aware that prices can fluctuate as there's no fixed menu. Stick to official staff for orders and be clear about what you want. Avoid purchasing items or services from unsolicited individuals. The experience of soaking in the historic ambiance and people-watching is free, making it a great value for money.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Focus on capturing the details: the intricate patterns on the coffee cups, the steam rising from a freshly brewed Turkish coffee, or the expressions of locals and tourists alike. The live musicians also offer fantastic subjects. Remember to be respectful of other patrons and their privacy while you capture the essence of this iconic Cairo spot.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Taste of History: El Fishawi's Legacy
The cafe's ambiance is a significant draw. Unlike modern establishments, El Fishawi retains its traditional character. The seating arrangements along the alleyway allow patrons to observe the vibrant street life of the bazaar, creating a unique and immersive experience. The air is often filled with the sounds of traditional Arabic music, typically performed live on instruments like the Oud and tambourine, further enhancing the authentic atmosphere.
While the coffee is a must-try, the experience is about more than just the beverage. It's about stepping into a space that has been a constant in a rapidly changing city. The persistent vendors outside are part of the Khan el-Khalili experience, and the cafe staff, while professional, are accustomed to managing the lively environment. It’s a place to slow down, observe, and absorb the rich cultural tapestry of Cairo.
Navigating Khan el-Khalili and El Fishawi
When you arrive at El Fishawi, you'll notice its unique positioning along an alleyway. This setup is characteristic of many traditional coffee houses in the area, offering a prime vantage point for people-watching. Be aware that vendors from surrounding stalls may approach you persistently. While this is common in the bazaar, the cafe staff are there to ensure a comfortable experience for their patrons. It's advisable to engage with official cafe staff, identifiable by their branded attire, for orders and assistance.
Getting to and from the cafe requires some planning. Taxis and ride-sharing services are the most convenient options for reaching the vicinity of Khan el-Khalili. Once you're dropped off, be prepared for a walk through the bustling market. While there's no direct public transport to the cafe itself, the journey through the souk is an integral part of the overall experience.
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