Three best cities in Africa & UAE for shopping

Cairo, Egypt - September 5, 2011: Scene from the busy Khan El Khalili bazaar in Cairo. Khan El Khalili is a major souk in the Islamic district of Cairo.

Africa and the Middle East are synonymous for their mystical landscapes, incredible safaris and cultural diversity.

Though, there is more than a handful of cities leading the way in global fashion and shopping.

These are cities which scream creativity, celebrate design and are being flocked to by tourists hoping to purchase items unable to be found anywhere else on the planet.

From homewares to clothing, art and musical instruments, the list is endless.

Though don’t take our word for it, read about these unique and buzzing cities yourself.

These are Travel Weekly’s Three best cities for shopping in Africa and the Middle East.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town has come a long way since the days of buying wooden carvings and beaded animal figures, now the city has fast become a must-visit place for bargain hunters.

The city’s centre, Green Market Square, is famed for its open-air market where travellers can pick up handmade fabrics, custom dresses and clothing and exquisite artworks.

Thanks to the Cape Town’s African and European population, the city also boasts several world-renowned furniture shops, with items which can be found in leading homewares shops in New York, London and Paris.

As well as Green Market Square, The Victoria Wharf is the place to be for avid shoppers.

Housing more than 150 stalls, this market offers everything from trinkets to tiaras, pants to pinafores.

Has all this got you a little bit excited to visit the seaside city?

Book a tour through Cape Town and its surrounds here.

V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Cairo, Egypt

With the Ancient Pyramids as your backdrop and the sounds of The Nile echoing through the streets, it’s not hard to understand why Cairo is a magical place to score a bargain.

The streets glitter with silverware and beaded clothing, though one of the city’s biggest hotspots for shoppers is the American University in Cairo Bookshop, where travellers can pick up ancient texts, novels, calendars and everything in between.

Next up, head to Oum El Dounia situated in the heart of the city and packed-to-the-brim with handicrafts, glassware, jewellery and cotton clothing.

Looking for a chair to rest yourself on, or purchase? A visit to Caravanserai will have you imagining an entire home redesign with the endless hangers, lamps, plates and furniture.

And if you’re still feeling energetic, visit Souq Al Fustat; a lesser-known market complex housing handicrafts, one-off pieces to be treasured for a lifetime.

Less talk, more action you say? Book a tour through Cairo here, immediately.

Khan El Khalili bazaar in Cairo

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

It would be remiss of us to write a story about shopping in Africa and the Middle East and omit Dubai.

Dubai has become the shining city when it comes to shopping in the Middle East for the past decade.

Thanks to the hugely diverse population, the city offers African, European, Asian, and of course, Middle Eastern clothing, homewares, trinkets and endless gifts for your friends and family.

While the entire city is essentially a giant marketplace, a must-visit spot has to be the Mall of Emirates.

As the name suggests, the Mall is the epicentre of fashion, shopping and bargain hunting in the region, and is visited by thousands each day.

Busting for a bargain and can’t wait any longer? Book a trip to Dubai here, now.

Variety of golden amber rings for sale at a store

Book tours through each of these cities and more click here.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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