Islamic Cairo

One of the most sacred Islamic sites in the country and the Middle East, the mosque hosts the shrine in which the head of Ibn al-Hussein, the grandson of Muhammed the Prophet, is alleged to have been buried. The present building dates to 1870 and replaces a much earlier 12th century mosque. The Midan (square) before the mosque forms one of the most convenient access points to the Khan el-Khalili.

Founded in 970, al-Azhar is one of Cairo's oldest mosques and the world's oldest operating university.

The Al-Azhar Park is overlooking Darb al-Ahmar and the Citadel. Built on a garbage dump, it's today a green lung of Cairo and a pleasant area to stroll around and enjoy magnificent views of the city. It hosts a restaurant in a modern castle-style building and several good cafes. The theater has musical events almost every evening.

Finished in 1363, this mosque was raised by the Mamluk Sultan Hassan and lying below the citadel and next to the much more recent rifaii mosque, it's maybe the primary example of the Islamic Mamluk dynasty. One of the largest mosques in Egypt and the Arab world, it was used as a school for different Islamic (Sunni) schools of thought and also contains a mausoleum.

Built in 1911, this mosque holds the tombs of a great number of Egyptian aristocrat families and also the last Shah of Iran, who retreated to Cairo after being ousted from power in his country.

Raised in 877 by the Abbasid governor, this mosque has a style reminiscent of the Samarra mosque in Iraq, quite different from other Egyptian mosques. Built on a six-acre site, the mosque was large enough to accommodate all of the city's males for Friday prayer. The mosque has an open interior, and the minaret, the oldest in Egypt, is climbable for a panorama.

The mansion of the British Egyptologist R.G. Gayer-Anderson has a large and fascinating number of rooms displaying artifacts from the traditional life of the Egyptian elites.

Built in 1475.

Palace dating back to 1352.

Built inside the Citadel by the famous Egyptian regent Mohammed Ali between 1830 and 1848, and site of his tomb.

The palace of Egyptian ruler Mohammad Ali, built in 1814. The architecture is a mixture of European and Ottoman influences. Closed for renovation as of 2026.

An exhibition of royal horse carriages, mostly from the 19th century.

The official museum of the Egyptian military. Contains a separate display for each war fought by modern Egypt. Airplanes and vehicles can be seen outside the museum. The architecture and design of the building might be more impressive than the exhibits themselves.

This neighborhood is home to large numbers of Coptic Christians. It is Cairo's largest enclave of Zabbaleen (garbage people) - Orthodox Christians who collect garbage throughout Cairo, sort through the garbage in their enclave, and sell the recyclables to earn their living. Being non-Muslim, they historically fed the garbage to pigs they owned, however in 2009 all pigs were killed by the government due to fear of "swine flu". Because of the Zabbaleen, Cairo has a recycling rate higher than North America despite the lack an effective state funded recycling system. This enclave is not used to strangers, thus the community may have concerns with pictures being taken. Due to the garbage processing, the presence and smell of garbage is more prevalent than elsewhere in Cairo. The walk through Garbage City is alone worth the trip, as you get to see real life Cairo for many of its residents. Being a Christian neighborhood, there is also a beautiful monastery carved into a mountain side, the largest monastery in the Middle East by seating capacity.

This is one of several decorated Coptic Christian churches, built inside caves, that were enlarged by the Zabbaleen where the Zabbaleen (garbage people) live and work.

A Islamic necropolis and cemetery made of regular houses and wall but without roofs, inside of which and between still people are living.

Contains the tomb of Aisha bint Ja'far al-Sadiq, an early female Islamic scholar.

The Church of Saint Simeon the Tanner is located at the foot of the hills, which Pope Shenuda III has visited several times. On a cliff wall is a depiction of prayers of Saint Simeon the Tanner and Pope Abraham. Muqattam Hills also provides a spectacular view of Cairo.