Sustainable Shopping: Cairo’s Best Vintage, Thrift and Antique Shops
This city is absolutely full of amazing shops carrying beautiful antique and vintage collections, but it’s not always easy to find them among the crowds and chaos, most are tucked away in the many hidden corners of the city. But fret not! We’ve put together a few of our favorites, from thrift and second hand stores to some of the city’s most interesting antique shops. You can find pretty much anything here, you just need to know where to look.
We’ve been talking a lot about sustainability and ethical consumption lately and we’re not done just yet. It’s no surprise that industries like fashion and furniture have a significant negative effect on the environment as well as many of the world’s underprivileged communities. Thankfully, in response to this realization, a whole movement has emerged that is trying to encourage people to buy pre-loved instead of new.
L’Orientaliste - Downtown
L’Orientaliste is a quaint little bookstore in Downtown Cairo, its facade unimposing and easy to miss. But take one step inside and you’ll immediately realize that you’ve stepped into sacred space. More a museum than a bookstore, l’Orientaliste holds one of the most impressive collections of rare books and antique lithographs in the region, all stacked from floor to ceiling and just dusty enough to express their age and value. Prices here are rarely affordable, but it is still well worth a visit, even if just to browse a collection such as this one, collections usually found only in private estate libraries.
Morgana Gallery - Maadi
Morgana, originally located in a ground floor apartment on Rd. 9, has been a Maadi staple for decades. The gallery always has a beautiful collection of antique and vintage furniture, including some special bentwood pieces, as well as a variety of unusual collectables. It’s a beautiful and very calming space, and it makes it easy to get inspired. The shop is now on St. 7 and has a great little extension displaying locally made lighting and home décor.
Anni Z – Maadi
Open since 1973, Anni Z is another of Maadi’s iconic landmarks. Named after one of its founders, now the sole proprietor, Anni Z Antiques is one of those places you can easily get lost in. They also carry a great collection of antique and mid-century furniture, and like Morgana, they also specialize in Thonet and other bentwood pieces. But what sets this place apart is their collection of original antique maps and lithographs of the region, some of which are over 500 years old; they are one of only two shops in Cairo that you can reliably purchase authentic antique maps and prints from, including the highly sought after David Roberts lithographs. Anni Z also collects all sorts of odd and unique trinkets and collectables, things you won’t find anywhere else. They open by appointment so make sure to get in touch before you pass by.
Retrograde Records – Zamalek
Retrograde entered the scene quite recently, starting as a way for its founder, Clint, to sell his artwork, as well as used books and vinyl records. It has since flourished and has become one of Cairo’s number one spots for records, books, film cameras, typewriters and record players. It’s a super funky space and a lot of fun to explore, with many of Clint’s artworks still being displayed, along with other local artists. Prices are reasonable, although not particularly cheap, but they carry pieces that you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else, least of all in such good condition.
Wekalet el Balah – Bulaq
More market than shop, Wekalet el Balah (Market of Dates) is Cairo’s biggest and most popular fabrics and clothing market. The wekala, originally a small cluster of shops, has been around since the late-1800s. It was established by a group of merchants from around the region, later passed onto a group of Jewish merchants before finally being sold to a family from Upper Egypt who turned it into the market we know today. Most of the wekala is occupied by shops selling fabric and sewing supplies, but there is a whole section for second hand clothes that is surprisingly well-stocked and prices are unbelievably low; definitely worth a visit. Best time to go is on a Friday morning.
The Space – Maadi
This adorable little shop has become a Maadi favorite over since its opening in 2016. Created out of an awareness of the damage mass production and consumption have on the environment, and a desire to contribute to a more sustainable way of living, The Space is a beautiful example of the positive impact businesses can have on the community. The shop carries a lovely selection of second hand women’s clothes and accessories, all incredibly well-priced, as well as a whole collection of beautiful, locally produced products, from home décor to soaps and jams. The Space is also perfect for gifts, with plenty of options that are both special and affordable.
Vintage Lane Jewelry - Online
Founded in 2018, Vintage Lane is an online store that specializes in vintage and antique jewelry, with some pieces dating back to the 1920s. They carry some really gorgeous pieces, everything from gold-tone earring and brooches to dainty little rings and even old coins, with a good number of pieces by European designers. The store became popular in no time, filling a major gap in the local market with relatively affordable vintage jewelry, they even decked out the stars at last year’s El Gouna Film Festival.