Nightlife & Local Food in El Moez Street and Khan El Khalili

Nightlife & Local Food in El Moez Street and Khan El Khalili

There are markets and nightlife places, and then there are Khan El Khalili and El Moez Street. Lying in the heart of the bustling city of Cairo, Khan El Khalili and El Moez Street are not just tourist places but significantly unique and important historic and cultural places. Crowded, exciting, loud, and colorful, with shops selling souvenirs, handicrafts, jewelry, accessories, and spices. The shops are in narrow alleys surrounded by historic places and Mamluk architecture. Visiting Khan El Khalili and El Moez Street feels like taking a trip back to the medieval historic dates of Egypt.

1. A Night Stroll Through History

• Exploring Al-Hussein Mosque

Begin your journey by visiting Al-Hussein Mosque. The place is lit up at night as families gather around to spend time there. You will get a glimpse of the Egyptian lifestyle and outings as well, and you can bring your friends and family to spend time together there. The mosque is dedicated to the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and it is thought to be where he is buried. The mosque's architecture from the inside is also unique and amazing. The interior and exterior of the mosque are a prime example of the model that Islamic architecture takes. The mosque welcomes everybody, no matter what their religion is.

2. Naguib Mahfouz Restaurant and Café

• A Tribute to Naguib Mahfouz

I am sure you are tired after your night at Al-Hussein Mosque and need to fill your empty stomach. That is why I am taking you to a famous and unique café and restaurant: Naguib Mahfouz Restaurant, a tribute to the famous Egyptian writer who won a Nobel Prize for Literature in 1988. If you are a literature fan, the place is going to be perfect as it contains portraits of Naguib Mahfouz and his books on the walls. From the moment you enter the café, you feel like you have entered another era, from the amazing decor aesthetic that is inspired by the golden era of Islam, reflecting Khan El Khalili and El Moez Street's architecture, inspired by Mamluk and Ottoman styles. You can try traditional dishes such as molokhia, grilled meats, pigeon, or stuffed vine leaves (warak enab).

3. Egypt’s Most Iconic Café: El Fishawy Café

• What to expect at Egypt’s oldest cafe

Chill after your delicious dinner and spend time at Egypt’s most iconic café, El Fishawy Café, which dates back 200 years. It is located in a chaotic and busy Cairo market, but with all the magic and charm, multicultural clientele, the possibility to shop nearby, typical drinks, music, people, and local life. Order a mint tea, Turkish coffee, and enjoy the old iconic Egyptian music.

4. Bazar Time at Khan El Khalili

• What to buy at Khan El Khalili

You cannot go to Khan El Khalili without wandering around bazaars and shops where they sell everything from souvenirs, handicrafts, traditional clothes, to spices. And don’t forget to negotiate with the owners, it’s part of the experience.

5. Cultural Walk: El Moez Street by Night

• Discover El Hakim Mosque

Very close to Khan El Khalili, just a 5-minute walk from Khan El Khalili, a mix of medieval mosques and buildings alongside modern vendors and shops is found in an Old Cairo neighborhood called Gamaleya. Visit the Hakim Mosque, the fourth-oldest mosque in Egypt, an amazing architectural building. Recently, it has become a trend for tourists to visit. Known for its unique and breathtaking courtyard and glowing minarets, whether you are a history lover or a spiritual seeker, the mosque is definitely worth visiting.

As the blog comes to an end, don’t forget to bring a camera or a good phone to capture all the amazing scenes and places. Depending on the season, you might need something like a jacket to wear, as well as comfortable shoes, as you have read, you are going to walk a lot.