The bazaar is also home to a number of famous cafés, including Faharat, which is known for its pigeon dishes, and El Fishawy, one of Cairo’s oldest, which reportedly opened more than 250 years ago.

El Fishawy Cafe is a historic cafe and one of the best restaurants in Cairo that started in 1797 when Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Egypt that still holds the early vigor. Located in the bustling Khan El Khalili market of Cairo, it is still known for retaining the classic ambience that transports visitors back in time and for the authentic Egyptian experience with features classic decor, including ornate lanterns, arabesque furniture meshes with dark mashrabiya paneling and yellow ochre walls, colorful textiles, old copper chandeliers creating a cozy and a soulful aura. Moreover, it's a 24/7 social space to unwind with your closed ones with a sip of sweet mint tea for refreshment and never forget to try out sheesha available in different fruit flavors.

One of Cairo’s oldest cafes can be found in the labyrinth alleyways of Khan El Khalili, the teeming marketplace in the old Islamic quarter that is a popular attraction for tourists. El Fishawy Cafe has been serving tea, coffee and argileh since it was established in the 18th century in the far older souk. While the cafe is a rare place within Khan El Khalili for shoppers to rest their legs, don’t expect a relaxing break from the onslaught of the bazaar – touts will continually come up with creative attempts to sell a variety of unwanted goods, ranging from cheap trinkets to on-the-spot henna paintings.

Tired from all the shopping, I stopped for some gahwa (coffee) at El Fishawy, the former hangout of one of my favorite authors, the late Naguib Mahfouz. El Fishawy is a family-owned café that is over 200 years old, with beautiful interiors and the constant aroma of coffee mixed with diverse shisha flavors. I asked the waiter about Naguib Mahfouz and he showed me the room in which the famous Egyptian author would hang out whenever he was there. It was nice to imagine that, while there, he may have drawn inspiration for his book – Palace Walk – one of my favorites.

Al-Fishawi cafe is one of the famous and historic cafes located in one of the narrow alleys adjacent to the Imam Hussein Mosque in the Al-Azhar district, in the heart of Fatimid Cairo, in the Khan Al-Khalili area. It is frequented by a mix of Egyptian, Arab and foreign tourists of all nationalities who are dazzled by the oriental ambiance of the cafe, with its wooden tables and chairs known for its Arab-loaded sofas, and mirrors and wooden-backed frames scattered on the sides.

Found in the world-famous Khan el Khalili bazaar (read our full guide to the market here) you’ll find Egypt’s most iconic ahwa (a small outdoor Egyptian cafe serving shisha), El Fishawy. Over 240 years ago a man named El Fishawy started offering coffee to his friends after evening prayers in a small alley in Khan el Khalili. The tradition was continued by his descendants, adding shisha and other hot and cold drinks to their repertoire.

A Cairo institution for over 250 years, El Fishawy sits in the historic Khan El Khalili area and has been frequented by artists, musicians, and intellectuals, including Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz. From time to time you may find oud players or poetry readings, adding to the traditional atmosphere. It’s open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is located just a few streets below the Hussein mosque.

El Fishawy first opened its doors just one year before Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Egypt, in 1797. Located in the world-famous Khan el Khalili bazaar, the café is one of Egypt’s most famous ahwas, and claims to be one of the oldest cafés in Cairo. Over 240 years ago, a man called El Fishawy began serving his friends coffee after evening prayers in a small alleyway in the same place.

The oldest cafe in Cairo and a well-known hangout spot for intellectuals, the El Fishawy Cafe is located within the Khan el-Khalili bazaar. It opened before Napoleon invaded Egypt and is known for its old-school interiors. The cafe features dark mashrabiya panelling, Moorish tiles, old copper chandeliers, handmade arabesque furniture, yellow ochre walls, and many mirrors.

El Fishawy, a renowned café situated in the iconic Khan El Khalili Bazaar, has a rich history that dates back to the late 18th century. Surpassing the test of time, El Fishawy proudly holds the title of being one of the oldest cafés in Cairo. Just a year prior to Napoleon Bonaparte’s conquest of Egypt, in 1797, this establishment first opened its doors to the public.

For a taste of Cairo’s traditional street food and a true local experience, visit El Fishawy. Situated in the heart of the Khan El Khalili market, this historic café has been serving customers since 1773. Known for its delicious shawarma and falafel, it’s the perfect spot to grab a quick and tasty bite while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the market.

El Fishawy is a historical café in the bustling heart of Khan El Khalili bazaar. This spot has served guests for over a century, making it a must-visit for those exploring Egypt. The café’s interior exudes old-world charm, featuring large mirrors and exquisite chandeliers that reflect its long history.

It is located in the historic area and has long been known for its strong Egyptian coffee, traditional tea, light snacks, and desserts. With the charming ambiance stuffed to the brim with traditional decor, this is the spot to sit back and absorb all of the cultures you can.

After all that walking, head to El Fishawy Cafe, hidden in the middle of the market, for a coffee or mint tea, soak up the atmosphere and listen to the musicians liven up the crowd. It’s especially great at night, around 9PM. That’s when most of the locals come out to play.

If you're looking to dive into the historical locations of Cairo and stock up on a few souvenirs, then this is the cafe to visit. Located in El Khan el Khaleeli, El Fishawy Cafe is one of the oldest in town; it has been hosting customers for decades.

As dear as we hold pink coffees and pistachio-infused concoctions to our hearts, there is an ever-present yearning in the heart of the cool girl for a classic Turkish to side cross-legged debates, and El-Fishawy is just the (historic) spot for that.

You can follow in Mahfouz’s footsteps by visiting Cafe El-Fishawy, one of the author’s favourite cafes in the area. As an added bonus, it’s also one of the oldest in Cairo, dating back to 1797.

The Cafe indeed is the most renowned cafe in the Arab world. It is a monument to the traditional Egyptian social style. The Cafe Cairo is popular for relaxing with friends and colleagues.

El Fishawy in Khan El Khalili is one of Cairo’s oldest cafes, offering traditional Egyptian tea and shisha. The historic setting and lively atmosphere make it a unique experience.

Café El Fishawi: located in the famous Khan Al-Khalili market, it’s a local institution that must feature in your plans.