Historic Sites in Cairo, Egypt
Cairo Historic Sites
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Types of Attractions
Sights & Landmarks
Sights & Landmarks
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37 places sorted by traveler favorites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
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Historic Sites • Religious Sites
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Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
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Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Open now
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Open now
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Showing results 1-30 of 37
What travelers are saying
- cdandoyGilbert, AZ923 contributionsHad a great time seeing this mosque. It helped that our guide explained what I was seeing and more about Islam. You need to take off shoes (or wear provided covers). You don't need to cover your head.Written March 18, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- cdandoyGilbert, AZ923 contributionsSo excited to see the Citadel after driving by it so many times. Nice! You can get a great view of the entire city from here.Written March 18, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- betteskidBoston, MA1,356 contributionsWe enjoyed our visit to this 14th century mosque in Cairo. As an older structure, it was interesting to compare the architecture to two others we have visited - built much later. This mosque was hauntingly beautiful and is definitely worth visiting.Written February 25, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- O M E RGreater London, UK1,710 contributionsBuilt by Ahmed Ibn Tulun(the Abbasid governor of Egypt) in 876-79, mosque of Ibn Tulun is one of very few mosques in Egypt that still retains most of it's original form even after over 1100 years, with stunning Samarran(Samarra, Iraq) architecture, a huge inner courtyard, a mineret with an external spiral staircase and original inscriptions still on it's walls.Written November 26, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- cdandoyGilbert, AZ923 contributionsWent inside but they said no photos allowed. Small but nice to see due to all the different details. Doesn't take much time to see.Written March 18, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- O M E RGreater London, UK1,710 contributionsConstructed in 1285 AD, Qalawun complex is one of the fine examples of Mamluk architectecture, which is also regarded as a major structure in the very heart of Old Cairo on city's famous and historic Al-Muizz street. As a complex, Qalawun complex has a mosque, a religious school, a hospital and moseleum of Mamluk Sultan Qalawun, who commissioned this complex.Written September 30, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- badraxFort Lauderdale, FL1,443 contributionsThis is a great example of the richness of this incredible country
A Roman fortress in the middle of Cairo
Highly recommendedWritten October 17, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - sgusa2Fremont, CA9 contributionsWe have climbed to the top of the Bab Zuweila! Both towers were open so 4 of us split into 2 groups, each climbed one and took pictures of the other on the top. Despite of the awesome height, there were only 150 or so steps to reach the top. The last segment of the stairs, however, were bare metal bars of a hanging ladder in the air, not for the fainthearted. Once on the top, you’d have the best view of the authentic Old Cairo. You can see many towers among the endless buildings, 360 degrees at your foot.Written February 5, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ivan KinsmamKielce, Poland824 contributionsThis is a simple coptic church. Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus took shelter here for 3 years from Herod and the church is built on the site of the well they drank water from.
Very simple brick with no plaster overlay as yhe religious practitioners were poor.Written February 24, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - sakkara11Cairo, Egypt599 contributionsThe most original Pyramids! Ok, they might not look like we have pyramids in mind. We always think, all pyramids must look like the Pyramids of Giza. But the "perfect shape" is not preserved in most of the almost 100 pyramids, still to be seen in Egypt. Abusir Pyramids are halfway between Giza and Sakkara. And you litterally pass by them. Its a huge field, the significant onces are (like in Giza) 3 greater pyramids. But if you have time, go to walk some 400 meters to the sun temple of Niuserre and feel the atmosphere. You will not regret and you will tell your folks back home: "I have been an archeologist in Egypt"!Written February 2, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Aisha YCairo, Egypt51 contributionsThe palace is a historical attraction that is known for its wonderful architecture and rich cultural heritage. The Palace offers a unique opportunity to explore the opulent lifestyle of the Egyptian aristocracy. The palace's well-preserved interiors, beautiful gardens, and artistic exhibits. It is a perfect setting for a memorable outing with friends, combining education, aesthetics, and leisure.Written July 15, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Alice RHobart, Australia8,217 contributionsUnlike any other building around this place stands out amongst this busy area. We didn't get to enter here but visit if you're in the area.Written March 25, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Alice RHobart, Australia8,217 contributionsWhat a way to start a tour, this majestic entrance has many things of note, notably the massive doors which were a stronghold point in ancient times. It's free to enter.Written April 8, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TJim602,947 contributionsThis is another modern history site in Egypt. Worth a visit if you're interested in the Shah or others buried here.
After the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi eventually found sanctuary in Egypt where he died 27 July 1980
After his death he was accorded a state military funeral by Egyptian President Anwar As-Sadat and then interred here.
The mosque was built to replace a more informal shrine to Sufi "Saint" Ahmed Al-Rifai and as well as tombs for some members of the Royal Family.
At times during the last 200 or so years, Egypt and Iran had good relations.
Iran was one of the first countries to recognize Egypt's independence and open an Embassy.
In 1939 King Farouk's sister Fawzia married Mohammed while he was Crown Prince.
King Farouk is accused of using his ambassador in Tehran to communicate with the Axis Powers during WWII according to some historical reports.
Mohammed Reza's father--Shah Reza was deposed by the British and USSR 1941 invasion on charges of collaborating with the Axis Powers.
Mohammed then became Shah.
Shah Reza died in 1944 in South Africa and was buried in Al Rifai Mosque. His body was returned to Iran after WWII.
Some historic accounts blame the 1952 Egyptian Revolution for a deterioration in Iranian/Egyptian relations but the break in relations occurred in 1960 after Iran recognized Israel.
During the Nasser era, there were positive steps not only between Iran and Egypt on a state to state level, but also on a religious level.
In 1959 the Sheikh of Al Azhar Mahmud Shaltut issued a legal opinion "fatwa" that there were five permissible legal schools in Islam: the four traditional Sunni schools plus the Jaafari (Shi'ah) school.Written December 30, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - macedonboyGlasgow, UK179,694 contributionsMosque of Sultan Al-Ashraf Barsbay is a historic mosque in Islamic Cairo that was a historical complex of mosque, madrasa, a Sufi lodgings. Built during the Mamluk period, the architecture with characteristic minaret leitmotifs, geometric carved surface and interleaving of coloured stones.
It’s free to enter and is worth a quick detour if in Islamic Cairo.Written November 7, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cairo
- These places are best for historic sites in Cairo:
- Mosque of Muhammad Ali
- Cairo Citadel
- Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan
- Mosque of Ibn Tulun
- Synagogue Ben Ezra
- These are the best places for kid-friendly historic sites in Cairo:See more historic sites for kids in Cairo on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for groups seeking historic sites in Cairo:
- Mosque of Ibn Tulun
- Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan
- Mosque of Muhammad Ali
- Cairo Citadel
- Qalawun Complex
- These are the best places for budget-friendly historic sites in Cairo:
- Mosque of Ibn Tulun
- Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan
- Mosque of Muhammad Ali
- Cairo Citadel
- Synagogue Ben Ezra