Islamic Cairo
Islamic Cairo
4.5
About
After the Muslims conquered Egypt in 641 AD, they built their city, Al-Fustat, on what is now the southern border of modern Cairo. Today, this section of the city contains many important sites including the Mosque of Sultan Hassan, Mosque of al-Azhar and the Khan al-Khalili market, which is considered the heart of this area.
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The area
Address
How to get there
- AlSayyeda Zeinab • 10 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
769 within 5 kms
Attractions
221 within 10 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
806 reviews
Excellent
542
Very good
198
Average
49
Poor
9
Terrible
8
LolaGo1
Washington DC, DC6,407 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Solo
My guide told me that there are more than 1000 mosques in Cairo itself. It is very evident as we drove around Cairo and Giza.
Due to time constraints, we visited the mosque at the Citadela, the Al Rifa Mosque and the Mosque and adrasa of Sultan Hassan. As expected, we had to take off our shoes and women have to cover up their heads.
These mosques are rich in History. Noted some tombs inside these mosques, tombs of royalties. They also have nice, beautiful ceilings, chandeliers, especially those of Mohammad Ali.
Due to time constraints, we visited the mosque at the Citadela, the Al Rifa Mosque and the Mosque and adrasa of Sultan Hassan. As expected, we had to take off our shoes and women have to cover up their heads.
These mosques are rich in History. Noted some tombs inside these mosques, tombs of royalties. They also have nice, beautiful ceilings, chandeliers, especially those of Mohammad Ali.
Written October 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Miranda M
Jersey Shore, NJ2 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
It was a wonderful day we did seen the old design of the building and famous Mosuqu there , really we enjoyed do much in this place
Written October 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Malik El Omry
Jordan9 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
I enjoyed it very much this historical plqce is just stunning and unforgettable, and I am planning for sure to visit it again in my next visit to this beautiful country Egypt is so much underrated in tourism, thank you so much!
Written September 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Global565418
Mumbai, India10 contributions
Apr. 2023 • Friends
Loved the silver dome of Mohammad Ali mosque ,with its exquisite paintings , inlay work , carving in gold against deep green , the ceiling of deep blue with red and gold work . The Red Mosque was a stark contrast to this opulence .. with its starkness and palpable spiritual energy .. Then there is the El Mouzz street with ancient brooding monuments on either sides as you walk through archways , get past hawkers , with tiny silver shops ,an ancient well and tall walls that are remains of an old structure.. It transports you to another time …
This street leads to the market .. Khan-e-Khalili .. market .. which is unbelievable … it is like a maze , crowded lanes criss crossing , small shops selling everything under the sun .. from papyrus , perfumes, artefacts , to stone statures of Egyptian Gods , to leather goods , brass boxes, silver jewellery , gelabia made of Egyptian cotton .. so much of colour , chaos , sounds , voices and bargaining … there amazing unusual things just waiting there to be discovered . It can be intimidating and exciting at the same time . U can get lost in one shop and forget time .. there is so much there to discover and know ..
There is a restaurant in Khan-e- Khalili named after the Literature Nobel prize winner from Egypt Mahfouz .. where he used sit and write his novels . The food here was outstanding .. the decor, the large coloured glass windows all around , the seating arrangement (divans ) , the lights and painted wooden tables all vibrant with warm colours. The place has a special atmosphere not to be missed ..
If you in Cairo u must visit Islamic Cairo to get the flavour of Arabian nights in 21 Century
This street leads to the market .. Khan-e-Khalili .. market .. which is unbelievable … it is like a maze , crowded lanes criss crossing , small shops selling everything under the sun .. from papyrus , perfumes, artefacts , to stone statures of Egyptian Gods , to leather goods , brass boxes, silver jewellery , gelabia made of Egyptian cotton .. so much of colour , chaos , sounds , voices and bargaining … there amazing unusual things just waiting there to be discovered . It can be intimidating and exciting at the same time . U can get lost in one shop and forget time .. there is so much there to discover and know ..
There is a restaurant in Khan-e- Khalili named after the Literature Nobel prize winner from Egypt Mahfouz .. where he used sit and write his novels . The food here was outstanding .. the decor, the large coloured glass windows all around , the seating arrangement (divans ) , the lights and painted wooden tables all vibrant with warm colours. The place has a special atmosphere not to be missed ..
If you in Cairo u must visit Islamic Cairo to get the flavour of Arabian nights in 21 Century
Written April 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Meredith
Lodz, Poland3 contributions
Feb. 2023 • Friends
Do nice Nd great tour yo the islamk Cairo, we had a great day visited the old Musque , it was a wonderful day visited, we like the beautiful design
Written February 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ama
18 contributions
Jan. 2023 • Family
Citadel of salahuddin, Al Azhar Mosque, khan Al khalili bazaar and the mosque with the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad grandson right opposite Al Azhar. Just incredible incredible places
Written January 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Juliana M
7 contributions
Oct. 2022 • Couples
This area consists of Khankhalili , Moez street and some old mosques around most famous comes Refae and Sultan Hassan, they could be covered all in 5 hours, start by mosques ( keep Egy money with you small notes for tickets) then go to Khankhalili it's very big tourist market full of shops that sells souvenirs, the latter you go the better because they don't open early so after 2 or 3pm until 10pm, when you get there ask anyone how to find Moez street. It was very special evening but full of tourist scams, we were scammed at the cafe and by one of vendors who sold us magnets, my most authentic experience in Cairo though a tour called "Food tours by Mila" search it here on Tripadvisor, true local experience that I will never forget
Written October 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TTOverseas
Cairo, Egypt206 contributions
Apr. 2022
Islamic Cairo has long been a center of religion and learning- It is worth the visit, but there are lots of ways to experience this. We combined Islamic Cairo with the Citadel/Muhammad Ali Mosque, so we were able to discuss a lot of the history while overlooking from the Citadel.
Walking tours are popular, but we chose to only walk at the more popular locations and use a van to take us around, while getting more history about the areas. We also took the tour guides recommendation for a local Egyptian restaurant (yes, we are aware how this normally works, but we were very happy with the recommendation and value- Have the discussion on value and expectations before you agree!).
It is difficult to get an understanding of the Egyptian people and experience without discussing the history of Islam in Egypt, this is the best place to have that discussion.
Walking tours are popular, but we chose to only walk at the more popular locations and use a van to take us around, while getting more history about the areas. We also took the tour guides recommendation for a local Egyptian restaurant (yes, we are aware how this normally works, but we were very happy with the recommendation and value- Have the discussion on value and expectations before you agree!).
It is difficult to get an understanding of the Egyptian people and experience without discussing the history of Islam in Egypt, this is the best place to have that discussion.
Written April 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Johannes Nemela
Munich, Germany10 contributions
Mar. 2022 • Solo
Lots of historic buildings like Qalawun Complex and mosques. Entrance fee is 100 EGP for many buildings (one ticket for all).
Written March 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Colette B
Devon, UK33 contributions
Mar. 2022
Our great guide took us to this welcoming religious centre, The citadel goes back to 'Salladin' as we know him and the crusades, but the beautiful mosque is 19th century. Very beautiful interior
Written March 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gimmy2303
Assago, Italy144 contributions
Ciao.
Potresti indicarmi il sito della compagnia di BUS?
ViaggiaViaggiaViaggi
Noto1,539 contributions
Il taxi è il miglior mezzo per girare il Cairo, costano pochissimo.
Brent D
Dublin, OH54 contributions
Islamic Cairo interests me a great deal and I will be there in February. I'm a little confused though, is this something folks are just doing on their own or is it a facilitated activity?
vagabond8486
Sweden199 contributions
Hello,
I would recommend a guide. First of all, Islamic Cairo covers a huge area and is best explored if you have a guide who could give you the background of different historical places. Also, a local guide is to recommend in the somewhat worried times, because, after all Cairo is not entirely recovered after the Arabic Spring and many happenings which followed after that in Egypt. BUT, you should absolutely visit that part since it gives you a good idea how most of common egyptian people live their every day life. You will, also, find them very warm and simple. In my personal opinion you have not seen Cairo if you have not seen Islamic Cairo.
Enjoy your visit.
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Claim your listingISLAMIC CAIRO - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Islamic Cairo
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Islamic Cairo:
- Cairo City Tour ( Coptic, Islamic Cairo and Khan El Khalili Market ) (From C$48.92)
- Cairo Day Trip Coptic Orthodox Church Islamic Cairo old mosques (From C$29.90)
- 3 Days Cairo Tour Package exploring Cairo Top attractions and best things to do (From C$258.20)
- Tour to Islamic Cairo -Ahmed ibn Tulun- Gayer Anderson Museum-Sultan hassan (From C$116.49)
- 4-Hour Islamic Cairo Private Tour with Al-Azhar, Khan Al-Khalili (From C$29.90)
- Hotels near Islamic Cairo:
- (2.27 km) Kempinski Nile Hotel Cairo
- (2.10 km) Freedom Hostel
- (2.35 km) Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo
- (2.36 km) The Australian Hostel
- (2.47 km) Le Riad Hotel de Charme
- Restaurants near Islamic Cairo:
- (0.20 km) Papadino's Cafe & Restaurant
- (0.43 km) El Tahra
- (2.28 km) The Blue Restaurant & Grill
- (2.27 km) Osmanly Restaurant
- (2.52 km) Lobby Lounge
- Attractions near Islamic Cairo:
- (0.19 km) Mosque of Ibn Tulun
- (0.11 km) El Amir Taz Palace
- (0.39 km) Let's Tour Egypt
- (0.36 km) Gayer-Anderson Museum (Bayt al-Kiritliya)
- (0.36 km) Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan