Skip the papyrus workshop detour
- Cairo, Egypt
- Posted on
- 1 photo
Photo: Unknown · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
About this trap
Taxi drivers, hotel staff or friendly strangers may steer you to a papyrus gallery or workshop for a demonstration, followed by discounts that are not really discounts. Some sheets sold this way are banana leaf, and whoever brought you often earns a commission. Say you prefer to keep your own plan, and if you do want papyrus, compare a few shops on your own before buying.
Where
Skip the papyrus workshop detourPapyrus galleries and workshops pushed by drivers and guides
Open in Google Maps(opens in a new tab)More Tips & Traps in Cairo
22 posts from Local Friends and travelers who know the city.CC TipSleepChoose Maadi for a leafy, slower base in Cairo
Cairo, EgyptMaadi is a green southern suburb of colonial villas, regarded as one of Cairo's most walkable residential areas, with restaurants along Road 9. It has no major sights of its own, and central attractions are about 30 to 45 minutes away by car, so use a ride-hailing app. It suits travelers who want a relaxed pace, and…
SN TipSleepStay in Garden City for calm near the Nile
Cairo, EgyptGarden City is a quiet Nile-side district of tree-lined lanes and early 20th-century buildings, a short walk from Downtown and Tahrir. Embassies keep it calm and orderly, but it has few restaurants or bars outside the hotels, so plan to walk to Downtown or Zamalek for dinner. It suits first-timers who want a peaceful…
CA TipEventsCairo International Jazz Festival downtown each autumn
Cairo, EgyptThe Cairo International Jazz Festival takes over downtown Cairo each late October or early November, with nine days of concerts across Cairo and Alexandria in recent editions. The main stages have been at the AUC Tahrir Square campus, and local bands share the programme with international names. Tickets sell through…
AO TipEventsArab Music Festival at the Cairo Opera every October
Cairo, EgyptEvery October the Cairo Opera House hosts its Arab Music Festival, about ten days of concerts by Egyptian and Arab singers, with competitions for young singers and oud players and an academic conference. The Grand Theatre carries the main nights, with other concerts across Cairo and Alexandria. Check the official…
HA TipMusic & NightlifeHear live bands at Cairo Jazz Club in Agouza
Cairo, EgyptCairo Jazz Club on 26th of July Corridor in Agouza runs a different night almost every day, mixing live bands, tribute shows, jam sessions and DJ sets. Ticketed nights are for guests 23 and over, and staff check a physical ID at the door, so carry your passport or a copy. Check the club's lineup before going to pick a…
TipMusic & NightlifeCatch an Arabic or symphonic night at the Cairo Opera House
Cairo, EgyptThe Cairo Opera House on Gezira island has several stages, including a Grand Theatre for opera, ballet and orchestra, and its weekly programme also covers Arabic music ensembles and jazz nights. Many concerts sell through an online ticketing platform, while a few have no booking link. Look at the programme a few days…
WH TipPhotography & ViewsWatch Cairo's sunset from the Mokattam hilltop
Cairo, EgyptThe Mokattam hills sit just beyond the Citadel and give a wide view over Cairo's rooftops and minarets. Sunset is the favored hour, and locals gather there in the evening as the city lights come on. Weekdays are quieter than weekends. Allow extra time on the way up, since rush hour traffic is heavy around sunset.
BS TipShopBuy hand-stitched khayamiya on Tentmakers Street
Cairo, EgyptJust south of Bab Zuweila, the covered Street of the Tentmakers has about two dozen workshops where artisans hand-stitch cotton appliqué called khayamiya, from cushion covers to large wall hangings. Ask whether a piece is hand-stitched or machine-printed, because cheaper printed cloth competes with the real craft…
Know Cairo well?
Share a tip, or warn travelers about a trap. It only takes a few minutes.