As you enter the Al-Mubarakiya area, you find yourself walking down cobblestone paths from days of a bygone era, into a partially covered space full of currency exchange kiosks. Past the kiosks on either side of the main road, little passages take you to all the different Souqs or markets, where they effortlessly blur into one giant celebration of texture, culture, and color.

Seamlessly moving from one market road to the other, you can easily find yourself lost amidst goody-filled stalls. From bags to carpets and even traditional dress, there’s always something for everyone. If you’re in the market for some really cool Klim or even Sadu fabric merchandise, you’re in luck! Cushions, vests, bags, and even carpets are sold in this fabric for a fraction of the price of the same traditional wares in the States! Walk through the Bisht Souq and Gharabally Souq for incredible bargains.

Souk Al Gharbally is well known for its traditional items at a fraction of the cost.

While in the Bisht Souq, make sure you stop and look into the little shops for a chance to see the traditional over-coats – the Bisht – hand sewn by the old men that own the shop. An incredible sight and interesting way to learn about how they’re made. If you’re really lucky, you might even see them make the E’egal – traditional headpieces made of black rope-like strings. Past all this, you can see old men hard at work stringing prayer beads with precious and semi-precious stones and adorned with silver pieces. The beauty in these Souqs is that everything is made by hand, with extra care put into every piece.

Handmade traditional clothing is one of the most popular shopping attractions at the Souq. Whether you need something to keep you warm in the winter or something light for summer, you are sure to find what you are looking for, at incredible prices.

 

If you’re looking for a vintage feel but with a modern twist, be sure to pay Bait Ahmad a visit. Full of trendy knick-knacks, home-wear, bags, and even clothes – Bait Ahmad is a haven for all things kitschy-chic. Thrift store galore, the Wholesale Thrift Market – Souq Al Magasees – has everything from cheap sunglasses, watches, and general accessories to colorful scarves and keffiyehs. Further still, you can stumble upon a figurative gold mine – the Gold Souq. Buy a pair of gold earrings, commission a bracelet design of your choosing, and find the highest of GIA grade diamonds; it’s a gold fanatic’s dream.

At Beit Ahmed nicknacks like this multilayered old school lunch box, perfect for carrying a full meal in vintage style.

As you keep walking around, you reach the Artillery Souq – Souq Al Silah. Once a “one-stop-shop” for bird hunters and general weaponry enthusiasts, Artillery Souq is currently home for any and all perfumes you can possibly require. Traditional scents, imported perfumes, and essential scented oils can be found all around this Souq. At the end of the Artillery Souq, you’ll also be able to buy suitcases of all shapes and sizes! Random – true – but super useful if you’re in the market for new luggage at bargain prices.

Then there’s the mystical Souq Al Hareem – Women’s Souq. Past New Street, and deeper into the market’s welcoming nooks and crannies, you come across a market so interesting you can’t help but roam. Traditionally run by women, this market is full of everything – makeup, pantyhose, delicates, creams, soaps, and homemade potions, yes potions – Souq Al Hareem has it all! Traditional cover-ups and henna heaven, the women there know what they’re doing and can help you pin-point your needs in a snap. Previously, virtually void of men, but rarely anymore, the women are the bosses there, and they’ll be calling the shots. So always remember that from the Gold Souq to Bait Ahmad and around to Souq Al Hareem, you can practically get anything you can possibly need!