Islamic Cairo
The medieval heart of the city - a UNESCO quarter of magnificent mosques, madrasas and gates, crowned by the Citadel of Saladin, one of the great treasuries of Islamic architecture.
Saved in this browser only - no account, nothing sent anywhere. See your map
Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.
UNESCO World Heritage
Islamic Cairo is the medieval heart of the city and one of the world's great treasuries of Islamic architecture, a UNESCO quarter dense with magnificent mosques, madrasas, mausoleums, fountains and gates spanning a thousand years. Crowned by the hilltop Citadel of Saladin and its great alabaster mosque, and threaded by the bustling Khan el-Khalili bazaar, it is the atmospheric, living old city.
What you actually see
- The Citadel of Saladin - the hilltop fortress and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali.
- The great mosques - Sultan Hassan, Ibn Tulun and Al-Azhar.
- The medieval gates and streets - Bab Zuweila and the old walls.
- Khan el-Khalili - the great bazaar at its heart.
When to go
October to April for cooler weather for walking the quarter; go early or late to avoid the midday heat. Dress modestly for the mosques, with covered shoulders and legs, and women should bring a headscarf.
Honest expectations
The mosques are working places of worship, so dress modestly, remove shoes and avoid prayer times, and women should cover their hair. The quarter is dense, busy and can be chaotic, best with a guide or a plan. It is dusty and crowded, but the architecture is superb.
Nearby
Khan el-Khalili is in its heart; the Egyptian Museum and the pyramids are elsewhere in greater Cairo.
What to pack for Islamic Cairo
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
