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Old & Islamic Cairo Attractions

Discover the Attractions of Old Cairo & Islamic Cairo

For those who want to visit Cairo and who are searching for the landmarks of Islamic Cairo and Coptic Cairo. Here you will find a complete guide to the most famous Islamic and Christian monuments in Old Cairo.

Discover with us the most interesting and unmissable attractions during your trip to Cairo: starting from Coptic Cairo, the center of the Christian world in Egypt, which includes the Hanging Church, the Abu Surjeh Church, the Coptic Museum and the Ben Synagogue Ezra and other churches.

Then indulge in the history of Islamic civilization and its wonderful architectural civilization that will take your mind through walking and wandering in the streets and narrow alleys and visiting the most famous landmarks in Islamic Cairo such as Al-Azhar Mosque and Sultan Hassan and Hussein Mosque in addition to wandering in one of the most famous and most wonderful streets in Egypt which is Al Moez Street Rich with unparalleled Islamic landmarks.

Spend a great vacation in Egypt with Egypt Time Travel and discover the Old Cairo attractions.

Old Cairo

Old Cairo has a history that has been enriched by the oldest civilizations. From the time of the pharaohs to the present day, the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, and Ottomans have established themselves. Each of these groups contributed part of their culture and left a mark of their passage.

Islamic Cairo

Islamic Cairo is the historic heart of the city, dating back to before the architectural complex of Downtown, which occupies the center of the modern part of the city, the current extension that stretches north, south, and west towards the pyramids of Giza. When the Fatimid dynasty conquered Egypt in 969 BC, it built a new capital to the north of the existing city as a center for the administrative functions of the caliphate.

Coptic Cairo

Coptic Cairo is the only area of the city to have such a concentration of Christian churches and other sites dating back to the period between the decline of the Pharaonic religion and the advent of the Islamic religion when the country had a Christian majority. Coptic Cairo was built mainly around the fortress of Babylon above the remains of its walls.
Al Azhar Mosque

Al Azhar Mosque

None of the approximately three hundred mosques in Cairo can compete with the Al-Azhar mosque for influence in the history of Islam. Founded by the Fatimids in 970 A.D. as a place of worship and study, over the centuries the mosque became one of the main centers of Islamic theology and knowledge.
Egypt Travel Guide, mosque of mohamed ali

Mosque of Muhammad Ali

The mosque is located within the Citadel of Saladin, built by the Sultan of Egypt, its aim was to protect the city from attacks by the Crusaders. On top of Mount Muqatam, southeast of what was the ancient Fatimid capital, allowing it to be visible from anywhere in old Cairo and was the largest mosque built in the first half of the nineteenth century. What makes it a major visit during your stay in Cairo as the view you can have of the city from this point is something worthwhile.

Saladin Citadel in Cairo

Cairo Citadel is one of the world's greatest medieval attractions which houses the illustrious Khedive Muhammad Ali mosque, as well as numerous museums and sites. Among these are the National Police Museum and the Royal Carriage Museum.
Mosque of Ibn Tulun

Mosque of Ibn Tulun

The Ibn Tulun Mosque is one of the largest and oldest in Egypt. It was built between the years 876 and 879 AD by an Abbasid governor sent to Baghdad from Egypt. Called the "Friday mosque", its courtyard in an open arch is large enough to hold the entire male community gathered for prayers on the holiest day of the week.

Mosque of Sultan Hassan

The mosque of Sultan Hassan is the secret of the strangest Islamic culture in Islamic history and represented Islamic art and how it lasted during the Mamalek period and is considered the largest and most extraordinary mosque that was built in Islam.
Al Muizz street

Muizz Street

Al Muizz street, named after the first Fatimid caliph in Egypt, was built as the main street of the great Fatimid city, and while much of it was destroyed following the reconquest of the Sunni caliphate, Sharia el Muizz managed to preserve its importance.
The Hanging Church in Old Cairo

Hanging Church in Cairo

Officially called the Church of the Virgin Mary, the Hanging Church resides in the heart of Old Cairo. It is built on top of the southern entrance gate of the Babylon Fortress built in Rome and gets its name from the fact that its nave is suspended above a corridor.
Church of St Sergius and Bacchus

Church of St Sergius & Bacchus

The church of Abu Serga, this is the name of St. Sergius in Arabic, is located in Cairo, the historical part, also called "Old Cairo", a part of Cairo, Egypt, which was built in a period before the Fatimid city of Cairo, founded in 969 AD.
Ben Ezra Synagogue

Ben Ezra Synagogue

In the heart of old Cairo stands a splendid little synagogue, known as Ben Ezra, a rabbi from Jerusalem, who renovated the building in the early 12th century. The building belonged to the Copts until the 9th century as a church dedicated to the Archangel Michael.
Wadi El Natrun

Wadi El Natrun Monasteries

Wadi El-Natrun is a desert depression (about 23 meters below sea level) about 60 kilometers long located in the governorate of Al Buhayrah (Egypt), about 90 kilometers northwest of Cairo. In Arabic, its name means "Valley of Nitrates", due to the presence of eight different lakes containing nitrates in the surrounding area. In Coptic, the region is also known as Shi-Hyt, which can be translated as "balance of the heart" or "measure of hearts".
Al Aqmar Mosque

Al Aqmar Mosque

The Aqmar Mosque situated on al-Muizz li Din Allah Street, in the Jamaliyya area, and accessible by car or foot. It constructed to the north of the Eastern Fatimid Palace, which was no longer standing in Cairo, Egypt, during its construction.

Al Rifa’i Mosque

Al Rifa'i Mosque is a magnificent Muslim mosque located in Cairo, Egypt. It is also referred to as the Royal Mosque because it is the last resting place of various members of the Egyptian royal family.
Al Hakim Mosque

Al Hakim Mosque

Al-Hakim Mosque, built outside the city walls in 990 by Caliph Al-Aziz, was initially known as Al-Anwar, which means "shining," a term associated with the symbolism of light, which is notable. In Shiite philosophy is Al-Azhar, which means "glorious."

Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque

The Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque, erected by Amr Ibn Al-Aas in 642 AD, is the first mosque built in Egypt and Africa. It is one of the oldest mosques in the world.

Bayt Al Suhaymi in Cairo

Bayt Al Suhaymi in Cairo among the diverse building types in Islamic architecture, the house constantly changes and is eventually rebuilt in a relatively short cycle.

Egypt at a glance

Sail in the Nile River in a felucca, marvel at the pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, explore the Valley of the Kings where Egypt’s pharaohs were buried, most famously King Tutankhamun in gold. Join your expert Egypt Time Travel on the journey back in time to one of the first civilizations in the world.

What will you like there?

  • Your Truly One Stop ShopFrom monuments to flowing rivers, vast deserts, world-famous coral reef sites, beaches, world cities, and monuments, everything can be found in Egypt. This means you'll never have to browse hundreds of potential destinations around the world for the perfect vacation.
  • Home of the Great Pyramids… and Much MoreAlthough different tourist attractions all over the world provide only a glimpse of the past, only in Egypt can you really stand on the display platform on the Pyramids plateau and have a good look at the solo that has been excluded from the ancient wonders of the world. Tourists who come here for sightseeing discover that these legendary pyramids are only the tip of the huge icebergs.
  • Hospitality, Egyptian-StyleEgypt is said to be the most travel-friendly North African and Middle Eastern country. The people here are friendly and welcome and treat everyone in a way that makes them part of their family.
  • Budget-FriendlyCompared to other destinations in the world, Egypt is definitely one of the best places to guarantee real value for money. You can book a tour package according to your needs and budget, and you are categorized.

What to pack for Egypt?

  • Adaptor plugIn Egypt, the standard voltage is 220 V and the power plugs and sockets are of type C and F. The standard frequency is 50 Hz.
  • Comfortable shoesFrom exploring the Great Pyramids of Giza to wandering the Botanical Gardens, you’ll need a comfortable pair of shoes on your Egypt holiday.
  • Light clothingEgypt is known for its blazing heat, so it’s best to wear light, loose-fit clothing. Since Egypt is a Muslim country, you’ll need to ensure your shoulders and knees are covered.
  • SunglassesThe sunshine can be blinding in Egypt, so bring a pair of sunglasses to protect you from the sun rays and the sandy desert.
  • SunscreenProtect yourself from the sun with SPF 30 or higher and be sure to apply it regularly. It’s also advised to bring a hat and a light scarf to shield your skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa for Egypt? How does one get an Egypt visa?

Tourists going to Egypt need to obtain a visa from one of the Egyptian diplomatic missions. There are several countries that are exempted from countries or countries that are eligible for visas on arrival but India is not one for them. So for Indian citizens, holding passports that are valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival to Egypt is a necessity in order to get a visa.

The application process for obtaining an Egypt visa can be done online by submitting necessary documents. The entire procedure is listed on the Egyptian government official website and is easy to understand.

When is the best time to visit Egypt?

Egypt can be visited anytime in the year. However, the months of summer can be particularly hot, dry, and sunny; especially in regions like Luxor and Aswan that are towards the south of Egypt. The best time to visit Egypt can be claimed from September through to April when the weather is rather pleasant and bearable to tourists belonging to cold regions.

What are the best things to do in Egypt?

Egypt is the home to ancient Pharaohs, vast tracts of desert, superb scuba diving, the famed Nile River and so many more things. There are several places to be visited and many activities to indulge in. So to choose a few activities amongst so many options becomes a task. However, we are ready with our homework and our top things to do in Egypt are-

  • Get amazed by the Pyramids of Giza
  • Visit Luxor’s Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings
  • Visit Islamic Cairo
  • Explore Aswan
  • Spend time at Abu Simbel
  • Visit Egyptian Museum
  • Discover the White Desert
  • Visit Siwa Oasis
  • Visit Alexandria
  • Explore St. Catherine’s Monastery
  • Relax at South Sinai
  • Pray at Abydos Temple

What is the local food in Egypt? Which are the best places to taste this food?

Egyptian cuisine makes it a blend of a lot of legumes, vegetables and fruits. Since Egypt’s rich Nile Valley along with the delta produces large quantities of these crops, all in high quality; people of the country consume the same in great numbers. Here are some dishes you must try on your visit to the country. You may not remember the names of every dish, so you can take note of them or refer to us whenever needed-

  • Ful we Ta’meya
  • Kushari
  • Kabab we kofta
  • Hawawshi (Egyptian meat pie)
  • Shawerma
  • Fattah
  • Sayadeya
  • Besarah
  • Baladi Bread

Which are the best shopping places in Egypt and what are they famous for?

The Souks, or the local markets, and the larger bazaars are among the most remarkable attractions of Egypt. The markets of Egypt are famous for selling The Shisha, the traditional Egyptian waterpipes, a large collection of backgammon boards, decorative boxes, and many other handicrafts, Sandals, bags, and shoes, marvelous pottery products, etc.

  • Aswan touristic market
  • Khan El Khalili Market in the Hussein District in Cairo
  • Cairo Festival City Mall. Ring Road
  • Emerald Empire (Twin Plaza)
  • Citystars (Stars Centre) Mall of Arabia
  • Downtown Mall.
  • Arkan Plaza
  • Dandy Mega Mall
  • San Stefano Mall

Which are some famous archaeological sites in Egypt?

Egypt is home to numerous archaeological sites. Each one depicts the history and culture of this land. A lot of them are in Cairo alone but exploring and visiting each one of these sites is not possible. So here are the best ones-

  • Giza Pyramid
  • Saqqara
  • Dhahshur
  • Memphis
  • Egyptian Museum
  • Mohmmad Ali Mosque
  • Khan El Khalili
  • Aswan – Temple of Hathor
  • Kartak Temple
  • Luxor Temple
  • Kom Elshuqafa
  • Roman Amphitheatre
  • Graeco Museum

Which are some romantic places in Egypt for a honeymoon?

While not everybody will consider Egypt to be a honeymoon destination, the uninterrupted and lesser crowded places are actually great to be at with your partner. In case you still can’t imagine where to go for your honeymoon in Egypt, trust us, the below places are the ideal choice.

  • Cairo
  • Sharm-El-Sheikh
  • Alexandria
  • Aswan
  • Luxor
  • El Gouna
  • Dahab

Why Egypt Time Travel!

Egypt Time Travel offers hundreds of tours and activities for travelers around all Egypt. Experience everything Egypt has to offer! Choose from sightseeing tours to spa escapes to interactive cultural programs and so much more. With new destinations added daily and an easy way to manage your fun.

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