To-GoFamous Places to go in Egypt
Updated: Jul 24, 2021
Home> Countries> Africa> Egypt> Famous places
Places you should visit in Egypt.
Part 1- Cairo & Giza.
When people hear the word "Egypt", they think of the Pyramids, the Sphinx, and the Nile.
However, for more than 7,000 years of unique history, heritage and culture, there are many other fantastic attractions in Egypt to visit.
Here are the most famous attraction places you should visit or know about...
**ALL PRICES ARE BASED ON THE PRICES FROM THE MINISTRY OF ANTIQUITIES AND TOURISM OF EGYPT**
Cairo
Cairo Opera House
The Cairo Opera House or "Egyptian Opera House", part of Cairo's National Cultural Centre, is the main performing arts venue in the Egyptian capital. The opera house was inaugurated on 10 October 1988. It was the first time for Japan to stage a Kabuki show, (a traditional popular drama with singing and dancing), in Africa or the Arab World.
The London Royal Philharmonic Orchestra chose it as a venue for their first performance in the Middle East and Africa in January 2007.
Cairo Tower
Due to its height of 187 meters, the Cairo tower offers the most amazing panoramic views of Cairo.
It is a free-standing concrete tower in Cairo, located on Gezira Island in River Nile, Zamalek District.
It has been the tallest structure in Egypt and North Africa for many years.
It is considered one of the major tourist attractions in Cairo.
Built from 1954 to 1961, and was designed by the Egyptian architect Naoum Shebib.
Its design looks like the pharaonic lotus plant,
The tower is crowned by a circular observation deck and a rotating restaurant with a view over greater Cairo. One rotation takes approximately 70 minutes.
The Tower and its various restaurants were fully renovated in 2009.
Opening Hours: From 8:00 am to midnight.
Tickets: 60 EGP per person (while children under 6 years old go free).
Baron Empain Palace
The Baron Empain Palace, "Qasr el Baron", is a historic and luxurious palace inspired by Indian architecture built by the Belgian millionaire
Baron decided to establish a palace, which was a legendary palace, and it was designed as that all the rooms and the lobbies don't miss the sun.
The palace was designed by French architect Alexandre Marcel and decorated by Georges-Louis Claude. Inspired by the Hindu temple of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, it was built between 1907 and 1911, in reinforced concrete.
Opening Hours : 09:00AM to 03:00 PM
Tickets: Foreigners: Adult: EGP 100 / Student: EGP 50
Egyptians/Arabs: Adult: EGP 20 / Student: EGP 10 -
The Roof Foreigners: EGP 50 Egyptians: EGP 20 -Photo shot tickets (by camera ) : Camera:EGP 50 \ Camera Stand: EGP 20 - Photo Session:EGP 800.
Islamic & Coptic Monuments
Khan Al Khalily
Khan El-Khalily souk in Cairo's biggest open-air market that was built in 1382.
Khan El-Khalily is today the heart of Islamic Cairo, found to the west of the El Hussien square.
This bazaar is famous for its unusual souvenirs and handmade crafts.
The bazaar has beautiful cafes, restaurants, shops, plus a large number of vendors and buyers.
The most famous cafe there is Al Fishawi Cafe.
You can buy anything from spices, food, lamps, gold, silver, and copper goods and souvenirs as shoes, clothes, chess sets, cushions, ceramics, rugs, and fabrics in its narrow streets.
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
El Moez Street
It is one of the oldest streets in Cairo, its length is approximately one kilometer long.
The street is named for Al-Moez li-Din Allah, the fourth caliph of the Fatimid dynasty. Today, it is the largest open-air museum for Islamic monuments in the world, and a unique heritage site that was added to The UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979.
The historical street stretches between two of the gates of Cairo’s old city walls, from Bab al-Futuh in the north to Bab Zuwayla in the south, passing along many of the significant and uniquely preserved ancient alleys and streets, such as Amir al-Juyush Street, Darb al-Asfar and Bergowan Alley, Khan al-Khalili and al-Ghuriyya.
The northern part of the street extends from the Al-Hakim Mosque in the north to the Spice Market at Al-Azhar Street and includes the antique markets section, Al-Aqmar Mosque (one of the few extant Fatimid mosques), the Qalawun complex, and several well preserved medieval mansions and palaces.
Here Are some places in Al Moez street:
Bab Zuwayla
It is one of Cairo’s most iconic monuments. It is the only remaining gate of the southern wall of the city’s Fatimid phase. It opens onto the historical‑Mu’izz Street, which leads to Bab al‑Futuh at its northern end. Built by the Fatimid vizier and commander‑in‑chief, Badr al‑Jamali, in 480 AH/1092 AD.
Bab Zuwayla witnessed the end of Mamluk rule when the Ottoman Sultan, Selim I, hanged the last Mamluk Sultan, Tumanbay in 922 AH/1517 AD.
Opening Hours: From 09:00 AM To 04:00 PM.
Tickets: Foreigners: Adult: EGP 40 / Student: EGP 20 .
Egyptians/Arabs: Adult: EGP 10 / Student: EGP 5.
Bab Al Futuh & Bab AL Nasr
Bab al Futuh & Bab Al Nasr are one of three remaining gates in the walls of the old city of Cairo. It was finished in the year 1087 and faces north. The other remaining gate is Bab Zuwayla in the south. Bab al-Nasr is in the north and Bab Al Futuh is in the north. Bab al-Zuwayla, Bab al-Futuh & Bab Al Nasr are located on Muizz Street in Cairo. It was built by the vizier and commander‑in‑chief, Badr al‑Jamali, during the reign of the Fatimid Caliph al‑Mustansir Billah.
Mosque of al‑Hakim bi‑Amr Allah
The Mosque of al‑Hakim bi‑Amr Allah is the fourth oldest mosque in Egypt and the second largest after the Mosque of Ibn Tulun. It is named after Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah (985–1021), the sixth Fatimid caliph, and 16th Ismaili Imam. The mosque is located at the end of al‑Mu’izz Street in the al‑Jamaliya district, between Bab al‑Futuh and Bab al‑Nasr.
Al Aqmar Mosque
Al-Aqmar mosque is located on al‑Mu’izz Street. Similar to the mosque of al-Azhar (970) and the mosque of al-Hakim (990-1013).
Beit Al suheymi
It is an old Ottoman house museum in Cairo.
It was originally built in 1648 by Abdel Wahab el Tablawy and in 1796 it was purchased by Sheikh Ahmed as-Suheymi whose family held it for several generations.
The Sheikh greatly extended the house from its original by incorporating neighboring houses into its structure.
A family mansion is famous for its unique mashrabiyya—wooden-lattice screens.
The house is built around a courtyard in the center of which there is a small garden with plants and palm trees.
Today the house is a museum you can find the beautiful marble floor work, wooden furniture, and ceiling decor is still intact.
Opening Hours: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm.
Tickets: Foreigners: Adults: EGP 80 / Student: EGP 40
Egyptians/Arabs: Adults: EGP 10 / Student: EGP 5.
Sultan al-Mu'ayyad Mosque
The mosque is located in al-Mu’iz Street, adjacent to Bab Zuwaila. Sultan Al-Mu’ayyad Sheikh founded it in 818 AH / 1415 AD. The mosque was characterized by its unique construction, as its two minarets were built over another monument, Bab Zuweila. This gate dates to the Fatimid period and is adjacent to the mosque. Both structures were integrated to create the mosque. Together, they formed a wonderful architectural unit. The western minaret bears the name of the mosque’s founder, Sultan Al-Mu’ayyad. The other records the name Muhammad ibn al-Qazzaz, a minaret’s employee.
Mausoleum of al-Saleh Najm al-Din Ayyub
The Mausoleum of al-Saleh Najm al-Din Ayyub is located between al-Qasrayn (the two palaces) in al-Mu’izz Street and dates to 648 AH / 1250 AD. The complex was founded by the AyyubsultanAs-Salih Ayyub in 1242 and his mausoleum was added to it by Shajarr ad-Durr upon his death in 1249. It was one of the most prominent centers of Islamic learning in the Ayyubid and Mamluk eras in the 13th–14th centuries CE. Its remains are located on al-Muizz Street in the historic district of Cairo across from the Complex of Sultan Qalawun.
Sabil-Kuttab of Abd al-Rahman Katkhuda
This Sabil is located at the intersection of Al-Mu’iz and Tambakshiya streets. Prince Abd al-Rahman Katkhuda al-Qazdagli, an Ottoman military man, established it in 1157 AH / 1744 AD. Sabils are charitable institutions built to provide clean and fresh water to people away from the Nile.
Al Sultan Barquq
This building is considered one of the largest multi-purpose complexes to be erected in the cemeteries of Egypt, for it consists of a mosque, a khanqah for Sufi residents, a madrasa for religious learning, two mausoleums, two sabils (water dispensaries), and on top of each sabil, a kuttab, a Qur'anic school for children.
Its inauguration took place two years later, in 788 AH / 1386 AD.
Opening Hours: From 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM.
Cairo Citadel
The Citadel of Sultan Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi (Saladin) is one of the most iconic monuments in Islamic Cairo, and among the most impressive defensive fortresses dating to the Middle Ages. Built by ruler Salah Al-din Al Ayouby between 1176 and 1183, The Citadel has witnessed numerous historical events throughout Egyptian history. For many centuries, it was the seat of the king and his government in Egypt.
The Citadel has defended Egypt against many violent attacks throughout time. And the reason for the Citadel’s construction was the risk posed to Cairo by the crusaders.
Its strategic location on the Muqattam Hills gave it a formidable defensive position, and offered, as it still does today, an unrestricted panoramic view of Cairo.
The citadel includes the marvelous Mosque of Mohamed Ali Pasha, which dominates the citadel & shown the best example of Ottoman architecture in Egypt.
Also, it includes the Mamluk Mosque of Al Nasser Mohamed Ibn Qalawun (718AH/1318 AD), the Ottoman-era Sulayman Pasha al-Khadim Mosque (built 935 AH / c.1528 AD), as well as several museums such as the Police Museum, Al-Jawhara Palace Museum, the Royal Vehicle Museum, and the Military Museum.
In 1976, it was listed by UNESCO as a part of the World Heritage Site Historic Cairo (Islamic Cairo).
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Tickets: For foreigners 100 EGP/ Students 5 EGP
Egyptian/Arab 30 EGP/ Students 10 EGP.
Al Fustat (Old Cairo)
Amr Ibn Al Aas Mosque
Amr Ibn Al A'as mosque also called the Mosque of Amr, was originally built in 641–642 AD, as the center of the newly founded capital of Egypt, Fustat. It was the first mosque built in both Egypt and Africa.
Due to extensive reconstruction over the centuries, nothing of the original building remains, but the rebuilt Mosque is an outstanding landmark.
It is an active mosque till now, when prayers are not taking place, it is open to visitors and tourists.
The mosque of Amr Ibn Al 'As is part of what is commonly known today as the "Multi-Religious Compound" in Cairo, an area that is home to very old places of worship attaching to the three religions: Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.
Church of Saint Sergius and Bacchus
Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church, also known as Abu Serga, in Coptic Cairo is one of the oldest Coptic churches in Egypt, dating back to the 4th century.
This church has acquired a special religious status among Coptic churches because it is associated with the Holy Family's journey through Egypt.
Opening Hours: 08:00 Am to 05:00 PM.
Ben ‘Ezra Synagogue
Ben ‘Ezra Synagogue is the oldest in Egypt. It was once the center of many celebrations, congregations, and prayers, but is no longer in use today.
The Ben Ezra Synagogue is situated in the Fustat part of Old Cairo, Egypt. According to local folklore, it is located on the site where baby Moses was found.
Opening Hours: 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM.
Imam AL Shafi' Mosque
It was built by Abd al-Rahman Katkhuda in the year ( 1176 AH / 1762-1763 AD ) and remained unchanged until Khedive Tawfiq Pasha ordered to renewal it in the year ( 1309-1310 AH / 1891-1892 AD ).
Al-Azhar Mosque
Al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo it Founded in 970 AD and completed in 972 AD.
After 972, and with the hiring by mosque authorities of 35 scholars in 989, the mosque slowly developed into what is today the second oldest continuous university in the world.
Al-Azhar University has long been regarded as the first institution in the Islamic world for the study of sharia, or "Islamic law".
From the courtyard, three of the mosque’s minarets are visible.
Visitors are allowed to enter the prayer hall, which is home to a very fine mihrab, the semi-circular niche carved into the wall of every mosque to indicate the direction of Mecca.
Much of the mosque is closed to tourists, including its magnificent library, which houses volumes dating back to the 8th century.
Zainab Khatoun House
It is an ancient archaeological house located behind the Al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo. With its beautiful design and splendid construction, the house-made it a destination for filming movies and television series. A beautiful house was built by Princess Shaqra Hanim, the granddaughter of Sultan Al-Nasir Hassan bin Qalawun who was one of the Mamluk sultans in 1486 AD, and this house remained her possession until 1517 AD and the Ottomans entered Egypt.
The new arrivals began to occupy the house and added their touches to it, then it became the property of Muhammad al-Alfi, one of the Mamluk princes, who gave it to his servant Zainab and freed her then she married one of the princes, so her name became Zeinab Khatoon.
Ibn Tulun Mosque
The second oldest mosque still standing in Cairo, Ibn Tulun Mosque, was built between AD 876 and 879 and modeled on the Kaaba in Mecca (Saudi Arabia).
At the time it was built, it was the largest mosque in existence.
It was commissioned by Ahmad ibn Tulun, Founder of the Tulunian state.
The mosque was constructed around a courtyard, with one covered hall on each of the four sides.
The minaret, which features a helical outer staircase similar to that of the famous minaret in Samarra.
Parts of the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me were filmed at the Mosque of Ibn Tulun.
Tickets: Area entry: Foreigners: Adults: EGP 60 / Student: EGP 30,
Egyptians/Arabs: Adults: EGP 10 / Student: EGP 5
Inclusive tickets allowing entry into Ahmad ibn tulun Mosque and Gayer Anderson Museum.
Salah Al-Din Square
Aِl‑Rifa’i Mosque
Al-Rifa'i Mosque is located in Midan al-Qal'a, adjacent to the Cairo Citadel. Now, it is also the royal mausoleum of Muhammad Ali's family. The building is located opposite the Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan, which dates from around 1361, and was architecturally conceived as a complement to the older structure.
Tickets: Foreigners: Adult: EGP 80 / Student: EGP 40
Egyptians/Arabs: Adult: EGP 0 / Student: EGP 0.
Inclusive tickets allowing entry into Sultan Hassan Mosque and Madrassa.
Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hasan
The Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan is a monumental mosque and madrasa located in the historic district of Cairo. It was built between 1356 and 1363 during the Bahri Mamluk period, commissioned by Sultan an-Nasir Hasan. The mosque is considered to be one of the largest mosques in the world, it covers a space of 7,906 square meters.
It consists of a mosque as well as an educational institution, one of the finest pieces of the Mamluk architecture era in Cairo and the world.
Sultan Hassan's madrassa-mosque was built out of huge blocks of stone.
Tickets: Foreigners: Adult: EGP 80 / Student: EGP 40
Egyptians/Arabs: Adult: EGP 0 / Student: EGP 0
Inclusive tickets allowing entry into Al-Rifa'i Mosque.
Manasterly Palace
It is an archaeological palace that is considered an architectural masterpiece, it is located on the island of Rawda in Cairo, and it is part of a group established by Hassan Fouad Pasha Al-Manasterly and includes a museum of Umm Kulthum and a Nilometer.
It is an archaeological palace that is considered an architectural masterpiece, it is located on the island of Rawda in Cairo, and it is part of a group established by Hassan Fouad Pasha Al-Manasterly and includes a museum of Umm Kulthum and a Nilometer.
Tickets: Foreigners: Adult: EGP 40 / Student: EGP 20
Egyptians/Arabs: Adult: EGP 10 / Student: EGP 5
Opening Hours: 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM.
Museums
The Egyptian Museum
Located in Al Tahrir Square in downtown Cairo.
It is known to be one of the oldest, largest, and most famous museums in the world. It was established in 1902. The museum consists of two floors.
The Ground floor consists of coffins and statues, and is organized by the historical periods;
The Old Kingdom--> the Intermediate Period--> the New Kingdom--> the Late Period--> and the Greek-Roman Period; each period leading to the next one.
The second floor has delicate items such as papyrus papers, jewelry, gadgets, and tools, It also displays Tut Ankh Amun's tomb and his golden mask which is composed of 11 kilograms of solid gold, and also the mummy of Queen Hatshepsut and other royal mummy rooms for an additional fee.
Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM.
Tickets: For Foerigner: Adult: EGP 200\ Student: EGP 100
Photography: (Personal Use –without Flash): EGP 50.
Video: (Personal Use –without Flash): EGP 300
For Egyptians\ Arabs: Adult: EGP 30\ Student: EGP 10
Photography: (Personal Use –without Flash): EGP 20
Video: (Personal Use –without Flash): EGP 300
Free entrance for children under 6 years.
National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) is located in Fustat, the museum is home to The Royal Mummies Hall that houses 22 mummies of the kings and queens of ancient Egypt.
The royal mummies had earlier been transported in a majestic procession from the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir to its new and permanent resting place in the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Fustat.
The permanent collection is divided into two separate regions, one chronological the other thematic.
The chronological area will be the following archaic: Archaic, Pharaonic, Greco-roman, Coptic, Medieval, Islamic, modern, and contemporary.
The thematic areas will be the following: Down of civilization, the Nile, writing, state and society, material culture, Beliefs & thinking, and the gallery of royal mummies.
Opening Hours: SAT-THU: 9:00 AM- 05:00 PM
Tickets: ForVisitor - Egyptian/Arab 60
Student - Egyptian/Arab 30
Foreigners Visitor & Students 200/100.