4 Tips to Prep Yourself for a Book Haul at Cairo International Book Fair

What a wonderful time it is for every bookworm out there! Cairo International Book Fair is in full swing and readers of different age groups keep flocking from everywhere to explore what it has for us this year. As always, the Cairo International Book Fair is a real treasure hunt not only for readers and writers, but also for everyone who is into culture and arts, especially with this year’s focus on bringing forth a comprehensive experience with a roundup of panel talks, seminars, and many other activities. Whether you haven’t paid a visit yet, or planning a second one, here are some tips to prepare you to make the best of your book-shopping experience.

 

1. Make a List

You definitely have an eye on some books whether recommended by a friend, book bloggers, or those you come across as best-sellers. With the variety of options available there, in addition to what you already have in mind, you might miss asking about a book or two of what you originally wanted to buy. So, before you head to the fair, make a list of all the books you wanted to buy or check so that you keep a good record and don’t forget anything.

 

2. Get Familiar with the Venue

Being held at Egypt’s International Exhibition Center, Cairo International Book Fair spans a massive area with 918 pavilions across 5 halls so, expect a big tour. It is better if you visit the website to check a map of the fair and to know where your favorite bookstores and publishers will be located. This will make the touring and the shopping experience easier and more enjoyable.

 

3. Take a Good Tour before You Buy

As we said earlier, it is a real treasure trove of books, with 1047 publishing houses. Can you even imagine how many books you will find there and how many you will want to buy. Firstly, start by buying the must-haves you had on your list, and as you continue to explore the rest, don’t buy on an impulse. Instead, walk around with a small notebook and pen, or even use your mobile, to list down the book name, the book shop name, and the pavilion number. By doing so you are giving yourself the time to explore more before you buy and at the same time easily relocate a book you liked earlier.

 

4. Go with a Mini Suitcase or a Large and Durable Tote Bag

If you are relying on plastic shopping bags, let us give you a heads up, you will have trouble walking around with all these. We know there will be too many tempting options and that probably you will end up buying a lot more than you planned. So, to feel comfortable throughout your tour, it is better to go either with a mini suitcase or a very durable tote bag.

 

Now that you know all the important tips, we’d like to add that you can shop for the books through the Cairo International Book Fair website and have it delivered to you by Egypt Post. You can also buy the tickets through the website. The fair is open until February 6th, 2024 daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm and till 9:00 pm on Thursday and Friday.