Thing to do
Khan el-Khalili
Cairo's great historic bazaar, a maze of lanes selling lanterns, spices, brass and jewellery around a khan founded in the 1380s.
Tannoura Show at Wekalet El Ghouri
An evening performance of Egyptian Sufi-inspired whirling dance and live music in the courtyard of a restored merchants' hall from 1505.
At a glance
- Type
- Traditional dance show
- Area
- Islamic Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
Good to know
- Live music
- Historic venue
- Tickets sold on site
Why we recommend it
Wekalet El Ghouri is a caravanserai built in 1504 and 1505 for Sultan al-Ghuri, one of the last Mamluk rulers, as a place where merchants could lodge and store goods. Its arcaded courtyard and upper rooms were restored in the early 2000s and the building now serves as a cultural centre with workshops and studios. Several evenings a week its courtyard hosts the Al Tannoura Egyptian Heritage Dance Troupe, one of the most popular cultural shows in Cairo.
The performance combines live music on traditional instruments with dance drawn from Egyptian folk and Sufi traditions. Its centrepiece is the tannoura dancer, who spins continuously for an astonishingly long time while manipulating layered, brightly coloured skirts that lift and change shape as he turns. Other sections feature drummers, flute and rababa players and group dances. The show is lively rather than solemn, and the setting in a Mamluk courtyard adds to the atmosphere.
The show suits almost everyone, including families with older children, couples and solo travellers, and you do not need any background knowledge to enjoy it. Seating is on benches around the courtyard, and the best places go to those who arrive early, so aim to be there 45 minutes to an hour before the start. Photography without flash is usually allowed, but be considerate of the performers and other guests.
According to the Cultural Development Fund listing reported in early 2026, performances take place on Saturday, Monday and Wednesday evenings, starting at 20:00, but schedules change and the troupe sometimes tours or pauses during Ramadan and holidays, so check before you go. Tickets are generally sold at the door in cash, so bring Egyptian pounds and be wary of unofficial resellers.
The wekala is in Al-Ghouriya, just south of Al-Azhar Street and a few minutes' walk from Al-Azhar Mosque and Khan el-Khalili. Taxis can drop you on Al-Azhar Street. Combine it with an afternoon on Al-Muizz Street and dinner in or near the bazaar for a full evening in the old city. Allow two to three hours in total for the evening, including arrival, queuing and getting home, and agree a taxi fare or book a ride-hailing car for the journey back, as the surrounding streets stay busy late into the night.
Tannoura Show at Wekalet El Ghouri FAQs
When are the shows?
Reported schedules are Saturday, Monday and Wednesday evenings at 20:00, but check locally as times change.
How do you buy tickets?
Tickets are usually sold at the venue in cash on the night.
How early should you arrive?
45 minutes to an hour before the start to get a good seat.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, older children usually enjoy the music and spinning dance.
What is a tannoura?
The layered skirt worn by the whirling dancer, and by extension the dance itself.
Can you take photos?
Usually yes, without flash, but be considerate of performers and other guests.
Where is it?
In Al-Ghouriya, just south of Al-Azhar Street near Khan el-Khalili.