Aleppo’s labyrinthine souqs – or rather souqs within a souq – have long been one of our favorites in the Middle East, mainly because it has remained relatively untouched by tourism up until recent years – especially compared to Istanbul’s Grand Bazzar and Cairo’s Khan el Khalili. The medieval souqs are where locals shop for … Read more about Aleppo’s labyrinthine souqs
You’re browsing a souq in the Middle East and a stunning carpet catches your eye. It would look very cool in your place back home, wouldn’t it? You catch the carpet salesman’s eye: “How much you want to pay?” he asks you. What do you say? Do you offer the first price that comes to … Read more about To haggle or not to haggle?
When you think of shopping in Cyprus, Lefkara lace is probably about all that comes to mind. As lovely as it is, if you know where to look and what to buy, Cyprus has some gorgeous surprises in store, in both the North and the South. While Larnaka and Nicosia have some fabulous boutiques and … Read more about Shopping Cyprus
Oh yes, there are more exotic goodies to buy in Dubai…6. Carpets and kilims – the UAE has a reputation for having the finest quality carpets in the region at the lowest prices. This is because there is a discerning audience of locals and expats who know their carpets (and know how to bargain!), there’s … Read more about Top 10 things to buy in Dubai, pt 2
Here’s a rundown of my Dubai shopping list, and I have to admit it’s the same one I usually gave to guests who came to stay:1. Silver Bedouin jewellery, khanjars and other trinkets – most of the beautiful Bedouin jewellery you’ll see in Dubai comes from the UAE and Arabian Peninsula, although some also comes … Read more about Top 10 things to buy in Dubai, pt 1