Al-Fishawi Cafe

Tucked into an alley of the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, this is among the oldest continuously operating coffeehouses in Cairo, traditionally said to have served customers for well over two centuries. Its narrow, mirror-lined spaces spill into the surrounding lanes, filled with brass tables, hanging lamps and the aroma of mint tea and shisha. It was a favored haunt of writers and intellectuals, including the Nobel laureate novelist associated with the district.