Al-Azhar Mosque
Al-Azhar Mosque
4.5
About
The oldest university in the world is built around this ancient mosque, which has been the center of Islamic scholarship since 975 AD.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Plan your visit
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
728 within 5 kms
Attractions
235 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
386 reviews
Excellent
245
Very good
106
Average
25
Poor
6
Terrible
5
elidezz
Brussels, Belgium11 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
This is indeed a very beautiful mosque and well worth seeing. Not only is the inside beautiful, but you have a great view of all of Cairo. My only reason for giving it 4 iso 5 stars is because Cairo is so polluted, the views are just so hazy. Also, for a mosque, and the citadel itself, I think 450 EGP is rather steep. But if you have 3 or more days to spend in Cairo , then it's a must see. And it's not far from the Khan El-Khalili market if that's your thing.
Written January 20, 2024
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.
Aisha Y
Cairo, Egypt51 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
Al-Azhar Mosque has historical and cultural significance as it is one of the oldest Islamic universities in the world. The intricate architectural design of the mosque and the peaceful ambiance create a serene atmosphere for spiritual reflection. However, visitors should be mindful of the mosque's religious significance and adhere to appropriate dress codes and respectful behavior to maintain the sanctity of the place.
Written July 17, 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.
Sarah L
London, UK3,054 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
Came all the way here only to find that on a Friday, until 3pm, the mosque is only open to people participating in the Friday Jummah prayers.
Written June 12, 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.
Madan Gopal M
Bengaluru, India4,629 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
Oldest Mosque in Cairo, imposing architecture, unique style of pillars inside, spacious and impressive. As this is a place of worship it's necessary to wear proper dress and maintain decorum, this Sheikh here is respected as the highest theological authority for Egyptian muslims. Entry is free.
Written May 12, 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
19 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
Lovely architecture, must visit and you can enjoy khan al khalili bazaar and the Al Azhar park or the citadel of Salahuddin with it (recommend the citadel all morning and afternoon and then maybe a sunset Prayer (Maghrib) here with dinner in the khan el khalili bazaar opposite it). Ask for feteer restaurants in the bazaar or have roasted corn or roasted sweet potato from the carts. We stayed healthy and happy in our food adventure of Cairo (alcohol gel all the way)
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.
Muhammad Hilmi M
19 contributions
Sep 2022 • Friends
Gand Mosque adjacent to Al Azhar University.
Good place for Muslims to perform their prayers though the ablution area is approx 50m from the prayer hall.
Nearby Souk, walking distance and plenty to buy and see. Typical Arabian bazaar.
Good place for Muslims to perform their prayers though the ablution area is approx 50m from the prayer hall.
Nearby Souk, walking distance and plenty to buy and see. Typical Arabian bazaar.
Written October 2, 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.
Jazzumbo
Romania1,775 contributions
May 2022
For those passionate about the Islamic architecture, the Mosque of al-Azhar is a must see. Founded by the Fatimid conqueror Gawhar al-Siqilli in 970, it is currently a great mixture of styles and periods. For example, the qibla wall dates from the 14th century, Sultan Quaytbay added one of the minarets in 1475 and the main façade is from 19th century, while the double arched gate of the main façade belongs to the mid-18th century.
Briefly, the visitors can admire the Fatimid, Mameluke and Ottoman architectural features blended together in majestic building.
It is important to mention that the mosque-madrasa complex of al-Azhar is one of the oldest universities in the world.
Another detail that makes al-Azhar so unique: it was a Shiite theological center until the 1260s when the mosque was re-inaugurated as a Sunni institution.
Briefly, the visitors can admire the Fatimid, Mameluke and Ottoman architectural features blended together in majestic building.
It is important to mention that the mosque-madrasa complex of al-Azhar is one of the oldest universities in the world.
Another detail that makes al-Azhar so unique: it was a Shiite theological center until the 1260s when the mosque was re-inaugurated as a Sunni institution.
Written May 29, 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.
scotdoc2015
Birmingham, UK204 contributions
Mar 2022
Worth a visit. Library there but no access for visitors. Shame.
No photos inside the main covered mosque area. Admire the architecture.
No photos inside the main covered mosque area. Admire the architecture.
Written April 13, 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.
SidSne
Scotland, UK204 contributions
Feb 2022
This is a must visit Mosque in a trip to Cairo. Our Guide from Emo tours Ahmed Jackson was very helpful and explained everything very well.
The history, the construction and the place were magnificent. The panoramic view of city from top including pyramids are great Plan a day when there is no clouds to see this panoramic view. If time does not permit still worth a visit.
If you are in Cairo for 72 hours plus please fit this in.
The history, the construction and the place were magnificent. The panoramic view of city from top including pyramids are great Plan a day when there is no clouds to see this panoramic view. If time does not permit still worth a visit.
If you are in Cairo for 72 hours plus please fit this in.
Written February 27, 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.
podrozniczka60
New Jersey14,840 contributions
Dec 2021
Amazing structure going back to 10th century. It was the first mosque established in Cairo. Doubles up as an Islamic religious university. We were grateful to be able to see it at least externally.
Written January 12, 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.
MICHY
Slovenia4 contributions
Hi, can muslim have baby using ivf way with doners egg for his wife?
Can you tell me the opening and closing hours? When do the 5 prayers take place during the day?
Helen P
3 contributions
Hi
What times are foreigners able to visit on Fridays please?
DOUG and NIKI
Long Island, NY282 contributions
We went with a private guide so I don't know exactly what the rules are. It's an amazing place and worth finding out so you can go. Our videos from Egypt start to go on our YouTube page on Oct. 1 search for DOUGandNIKI and you'll find them. I think they'll be helpful for you.
salam,please how can I contact the staff of Al Azhar
Mayur S
Mumbai, India917 contributions
A personal visit during the day would ensure you meet someone who can help you.
have no place to live in Egypt need help from the mosque of All Azhar
Ereca V
18 contributions
As a tourist, you need to go to your embassy, otherwise I can advice you to go to see my friends at the Paris Hotel, 15 Talaat harb, and ask for Walid and say Nefertiti sent you, am very postive he shall be able to advice you on what to do, and might let you stay for a night or so.
security atmosphere in Egypt is it save for especially foreign students
Aziz N
78 contributions
yes. it's save
Lionheart32
United Kingdom304 contributions
How does a person get an (Certificate of faith of Islam) Shahada Certificate) from Al Azhar. It would be good if someone can give me correct email address - correct department I can speak to.
I'm doing this for a friend of mines - who
has learning difficulties.
Even if some in Egypt if can call Al- Azhar.
Many thanks all
LH
how can I contact the college
Amir Rafique
Wilmington, DE43 contributions
The place we visited is the old college. The new college has moved to another place and I'm not sure how to get in touch with them
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingAl-Azhar Mosque, Cairo
Frequently Asked Questions about Al-Azhar Mosque
- Hotels near Al-Azhar Mosque:
- (0.28 km) El Malky Hotel
- (0.73 km) Le Riad Hotel de Charme
- (0.55 km) Arabian Nights
- (1.94 km) Freedom Hostel
- (2.07 km) The Australian Hostel
- Restaurants near Al-Azhar Mosque:
- (0.15 km) Gad Restaurants
- (0.15 km) Egyptian Pancake House
- (0.18 km) Khan El Khalili
- (0.14 km) Kababgy El Azhar Farahat
- (0.20 km) El Fishawi