Best Landmarks in Islamic Cairo
Planning a trip to Islamic Cairo? Discover the best landmarks in Islamic Cairo with history, expert tips, and routes. Free on web or the Evendo app.
The best landmarks in Islamic Cairo
- Top rated
- Closest to the centre
- A–Z
18 landmarks
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Bazar4.4★62,706 reviews
Khan el-Khalili
Khan el-Khalili, established in 1382, is one of the Middle East's oldest and most famous bazaars, located in the heart of Islamic Cairo. This vibrant souk offers a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells, with its labyrinthine alleyways filled with shops selling everything from spices and perfumes to jewelry and handicrafts.
Daily 9:30–24:00
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Park4.5★34,962 reviews
Al-Azhar Park
Escape the Cairo bustle in Al-Azhar Park, a stunning green space offering panoramic city views, historic architecture, and tranquil gardens. Built on a former landfill, this park is a testament to urban renewal and sustainable development.
Daily 9:00–22:00
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Tourist attraction4.6★26,933 reviews
قلعة صلاح الدين الأيوبي
The Cairo Citadel, also known as the Citadel of Saladin, is a medieval Islamic fortification built in the 12th century by Salah al-Din to protect Cairo from Crusader attacks. For 700 years, it served as the seat of government and residence of Egypt's rulers. Today, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering stunning views and a glimpse into Egypt's rich history.
Daily 8:00–16:30
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Mosque4.8★15,594 reviews
Al-Azhar Mosque
Al-Azhar Mosque, one of Cairo's oldest and most important mosques, has been a center for Islamic learning since its founding in 970 AD. Its rich history is reflected in its diverse architectural styles, a testament to the various dynasties that have shaped it over the centuries.
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Mosque4.7★9,346 reviews
Al-Hakim Mosque
The Al-Hakim Mosque, also known as Al-Anwar, is a historic mosque in Cairo, dating back to the Fatimid caliphate. Named after Caliph al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah, its unique architecture and historical significance make it a must-see landmark in Islamic Cairo.
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Historical landmark4.6★7,484 reviews
Bab al-Futuh
Bab al-Futuh, or the 'Gate of Conquest,' is one of the three remaining gates of the old city walls of Cairo, Egypt. Built in 1087 during the Fatimid period, it stands as a remarkable example of Islamic military architecture.
Open 24 hours
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Tourist attraction4.6★5,784 reviews
شارع المعز لدين الله الفاطمي
Al-Muizz Street, in the heart of Islamic Cairo, is a one-kilometer stretch showcasing Egypt's rich Islamic history and architecture. Named after the Fatimid caliph who founded Cairo, it's a pedestrian-friendly open-air museum, boasting mosques, madrasas, mausoleums, and vibrant markets.
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Museum4.6★4,830 reviews
Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo
The Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo, one of the world's greatest museums of its kind, showcases a vast collection of Islamic art from across the globe, spanning various periods and styles. Visitors can explore rare woodwork, textiles, ceramics, and manuscripts, offering a glimpse into the rich artistic heritage of Islamic culture.
Daily 9:00–17:00
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Mosque4.7★4,054 reviews
Ibn Tulun Mosque
The Ibn Tulun Mosque, built in the 9th century by Ahmad Ibn Tulun, is Cairo's oldest mosque that remains in its original form and is among the largest. Its Abbasid architectural style, featuring a unique spiral minaret, makes it a significant historical and cultural landmark.
Daily 9:00–16:00
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Historical place4.2★3,729 reviews
Zeinab Khatoon
Explore the historic Zeinab Khatoon House, a beautifully preserved Mamluk-era house in Cairo's Al-Darb Al-Ahmar district, offering a glimpse into traditional Islamic architecture and a tranquil escape in its courtyard cafe. Once a refuge for wounded fighters, it now stands as a cultural center.
Daily 9:00–17:00
Bab El Nasr
Bab El Nasr, or the Gate of Victory, is one of the three remaining gates of the historic city wall of Cairo. Constructed in 1087 by Fatimid vizier Badr al-Jamali, it stands as a testament to the city's rich Islamic history and military architecture.
Open 24 hours
Bab Zuweila
Bab Zuweila, also known as Bab al-Mitwali, is one of the last remaining gates of medieval Cairo, dating back to 1092 AD. This Fatimid-era gate offers a glimpse into the city's rich history, with its towering minarets and intricate Islamic architecture. Visitors can climb the gate for panoramic views of Islamic Cairo and explore the adjacent Al-Muayyad Mosque.
Open 24 hours
Al-Aqmar Mosque
The Al-Aqmar Mosque, or 'Moonlight Mosque,' is a stunning example of Fatimid architecture in Cairo, dating back to 1125 AD. Known for its unique offset façade and intricate carvings, it's a must-see landmark on Al-Muizz Street.
Daily 9:00–17:00
Sulayman Agha al-Silahdar Mosque
The Sulayman Agha al-Silahdar Mosque, dating back to 1839, stands as a testament to Ottoman architectural influence in Cairo. Founded by Sulayman Agha al-Silahdar, a prince of Muhammad Ali Pasha, the mosque features a unique blend of Ottoman and local Cairene styles, making it a notable landmark on Al-Muizz Street.
Daily 9:00–17:00
Sabil-Kuttab of Abdel Rahman Katkhuda
The Sabil-Kuttab of Abdel Rahman Katkhuda, built in 1744, is a historical landmark in Cairo, Egypt, featuring a public fountain (sabil) and a Quran school (kuttab). This beautiful building showcases a blend of Mamluk and Ottoman architectural styles and stands as a testament to Cairo's rich history and culture.
Mon–Thu 8:00–16:00 · Sat–Sun 8:00–16:00
Old historic mosque
The Old Historic Mosque in El-Gamaleya, Cairo, stands as a testament to the city's rich Islamic heritage. With its traditional architecture and serene atmosphere, it offers a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural life of the area, inviting visitors to explore its historical significance and admire its timeless beauty.
Open 24 hours
Mosque Qalawun
The Mosque of Qalawun, a part of the larger Qalawun Complex, stands as a stunning example of Mamluk architecture in Cairo. Built in the 13th century by Sultan Al-Mansur Qalawun, the complex originally included a mosque, madrasa (Islamic school), mausoleum, and a hospital, showcasing the sultan's power and devotion.
Daily 11:00–19:00
سكة النبوية
Sekat Al Nabawia, located in the Al-Darb Al-Ahmar district of Cairo, is a historical landmark offering a glimpse into the city's rich past. This area, though lesser-known than other parts of Islamic Cairo, retains its historical atmosphere and is filled with interesting mosques and architecture.
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Islamic Cairo travel guide
Islamic Cairo in Cairo leads visitors through Mamluk monuments, medieval lanes, Khan el-Khalili markets, historic mosques and traditional Egyptian cafés.
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Cairo reveals pharaonic wonders, medieval mosques, Coptic heritage, Nile landscapes and lively markets through centuries of Egyptian history, and daily life.
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