Khan el-Khalili at Sunset: A Magical Summer Evening in Cairo’s Timeless Bazaar

#summervacay
**Why Visit in Summer?**
As daytime temperatures cool, the **700-year-old market** comes alive with twinkling lanterns, storytellers, and the scent of hibiscus tea. Perfect for families who want the bazaar experience *without* the midday heat!

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### **🌙 Your Perfect Evening Itinerary**

#### **5:00 PM - Golden Hour Exploration**
- **Start at El-Fishawi Café** (since 1773): Sip *mint lemonade* while kids watch artisans hand-paint glass lamps.
- **Treasure Hunt:** Challenge kids to find:
- The **"hidden lion"** carving near the gold souk
- The **oldest spice shop** (look for the giant saffron scales!)

#### **7:00 PM - Dinner Like a Local**
- **Naguib Mahfouz Café:** Try *koshari* (Egypt’s national dish) in a courtyard lit by lanterns.
- **Sweet Stop:** *Umm Ali* bread pudding at **El Abd Patisserie**—best shared!

#### **8:30 PM - Night Market Magic**
- **Watch:** Coppersmiths hammering under fairy lights
- **Bargain For:**
- Glow-in-the-dark pyramids (50 EGP)
- Personalized cartouche necklaces (start at 200 EGP)

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### **💡 Pro Tips for Summer Nights**
- **Best Days:** Tuesday/Thursday (fewer crowds)
- **Dress:** Light cotton + comfy sandals (stone floors stay warm)
- **Safety:** Stay in the main alleys; the market is well-lit until 11 PM

**Why Families Love It?**
✅ **Cooler temps** after 6 PM
✅ **No pressure buying** (shopkeepers are night-owl friendly!)
✅ **Free entertainment** from henna artists & oud players

**Tag your adventure #caironights!** 🪔🌆

*(Pair with a **moonlit Al-Azhar Park visit**—just 10 mins by taxi!)*