Historic Cairo is the medieval city that grew up around Al-Muizz Street, between the gates of Bab al-Futuh in the north and Bab Zuweila in the south. In one day you can walk Al-Muizz, climb Bab Zuweila, see the Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan and end at the Citadel. Foreign adults pay EGP 100 to EGP 550 per monument, and most open at 9:00 am.
Key Takeaways
- Historic Cairo was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
- The Al-Muizz Street monuments ticket costs EGP 220 for a foreign adult, the same as the Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan.
- Bab Zuweila and the Gayer-Anderson Museum cost EGP 100 each; the Citadel of Salah El-Din costs EGP 550.
- Most monuments open at 9:00 am with last entry at 4:00 pm; the Citadel opens at 8:00 am in winter.
- Mosques are working places of worship: dress modestly, cover shoulders and knees, and expect to take your shoes off.
What “Islamic Cairo” and “Historic Cairo” mean
“Islamic Cairo” is the everyday name for the old walled city founded by the Fatimids and rebuilt by later dynasties, with a dense web of mosques, madrasas (religious schools) and caravanserais. UNESCO lists it as “Historic Cairo”. It is different from Coptic Cairo, the older Christian quarter around the Roman fortress of Babylon, which lies to the south-west and is often visited the same day.
Tickets and opening hours
Official prices for foreign adults from Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. All prices are in Egyptian pounds; children under 6 enter free.
| Monument | Foreign adult | Hours (summer and winter) | Ramadan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al-Muizz Street monuments | EGP 220 | 9:00 am, last entry 4:00 pm | 9:00 am, last entry 3:00 pm |
| Bab Zuweila | EGP 100 | 9:00 am, last entry 4:00 pm | 9:00 am, last entry 3:00 pm |
| Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan | EGP 220 | 9:00 am, last entry 4:00 pm | 9:00 am, last entry 3:00 pm |
| Gayer-Anderson Museum | EGP 100 | 9:00 am, last entry 4:00 pm | 9:00 am, last entry 2:00 pm |
| Citadel of Salah El-Din | EGP 550 | Summer 9:00 am, winter 8:00 am; last entry 4:00 pm | 8:00 am, last entry 3:30 pm |
| Museum of Islamic Art | EGP 340 | 9:00 am to 5:00 pm | 9:00 am, last entry 2:30 pm |
| Coptic Museum | EGP 280 | 9:00 am to 5:00 pm | 9:00 am, last entry 2:00 pm |
Al-Muizz Street
Al-Muizz li-Din Allah Street is the spine of the old city and the best place to start. The northern half is pedestrian-friendly and lined with restored Mamluk and Fatimid buildings: the Qalawun complex with its hospital and mausoleum, the Madrasa of Sultan Barquq, and Beit El-Suhaymi, an Ottoman merchant’s house with a shaded courtyard and carved wooden screens. Walk it north to south and you will pass through the spice and copper sellers before reaching the area around Khan El-Khalili, Cairo’s best-known bazaar.
Bab Zuweila
Bab Zuweila is the southern gate of the Fatimid city. Its minarets belong to the neighboring Mosque of al-Mu’ayyad, and you can climb them for one of the best views over the rooftops and domes of old Cairo. The EGP 100 ticket makes it one of the cheapest stops of the day.
The Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan
Built in the Mamluk period, Sultan Hassan’s complex is known for its scale: a tall entrance portal and a central courtyard framed by great vaulted halls (iwans) built for teaching the schools of Sunni law. Across the square stands the Al-Rifa’i Mosque, and above both rises the Citadel. Together they make a natural afternoon loop.
The Citadel of Salah El-Din
The Citadel was the seat of Egypt’s rulers for centuries. Today most visitors come for the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, with its Ottoman domes and slender minarets, and for the view across the city from the terraces. At EGP 550 it is the most expensive ticket in Historic Cairo, and it is also included on many classic Cairo day tours.
A one-day route
| Time of day | Stop | Why then |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Al-Muizz Street, north to south | Cooler, and the street is quieter before the shops fill up |
| Late morning | Khan El-Khalili and Bab Zuweila | Climb the gate before lunch |
| Early afternoon | Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifa’i | Short drive from Bab Zuweila |
| Afternoon | The Citadel | Last entry is 4:00 pm; arrive at least an hour before closing |
If you would rather add the churches of Coptic Cairo, swap the Citadel for the Coptic quarter, or take our day tour to Islamic and Coptic Cairo, which covers both. To pair the Citadel and Khan El-Khalili with the Egyptian Museum instead, see the Egyptian Museum, Citadel and Khan El-Khalili tour, or browse all our Cairo day tours.
Practical tips
- Dress: modest clothing is expected in mosques and souqs (markets). Women may be asked to cover their hair inside mosques, so carry a scarf.
- Prayer times: mosques can close to visitors during prayers, especially at Friday midday prayer. Plan the mosque visits for weekday mornings or afternoons.
- Photos: photography with a mobile phone is free at the monuments, but ask before photographing people in the market.
- Cash and cards: ticket prices are set in Egyptian pounds; carry small notes for the shoe-keepers at mosque entrances and for drinks along the way.
FAQ
Is Islamic Cairo the same as Coptic Cairo?
No. Islamic Cairo, listed by UNESCO as Historic Cairo, is the medieval walled city around Al-Muizz Street. Coptic Cairo is the old Christian quarter further south-west, around the Coptic Museum and the Hanging Church.
How much does a day in Historic Cairo cost in tickets?
For a foreign adult, Al-Muizz Street (EGP 220), Bab Zuweila (EGP 100), Sultan Hassan (EGP 220) and the Citadel (EGP 550) add up to EGP 1,090 before transport and guide fees.
What time do the monuments close?
Last entry at most Historic Cairo monuments is 4:00 pm, or 3:00 pm during Ramadan. The Museum of Islamic Art and the Coptic Museum open until 5:00 pm outside Ramadan.