The Egyptian Antiquities Museum, popularly known as the Egyptian Museum is a repository of the largest collection of ancient Egyptian objects in the world. It is located to the north of Tahrir Square next to the Nile Hilton hotel.

The Egyptian Museum was established to prevent the removal of Egyptian treasures by foreigners in the 1830s. It first occupied a building in Bulaq on the banks of the River Nile in 1863. After many objects were damaged when the building was flooded, a new museum was built. The present building was designed by French architect, Marcel Dourgnon and inaugurated in 1902.

The Egyptian Museum has a collection of over 120,000 items. Notable exhibits are objects from Pharaoh Tutankhamen’s tomb displayed on the second floor including a gold funerary mask and sarcophagus. The second floor also has a Mummy room with the mummified remains of 11 kings and queens. One room on the same floor displays mummified birds and animals found in royal tombs. The ground floor has a collection of papyrus and coins. The collection not only has papyrus and coins from the age of the Pharaohs but also from the Greek and Roman civilizations. There is also a collection of coins minted under Islamic rule. Other objects displayed on the ground floor are tablets, statues and coffins from the age of the Pharaohs.

Why You Should Visit:
Great location in the heart of the city and the place to visit for a unique and famous Egyptian antiquities collection.
You can get a lot closer to the exhibits than you'd expect and see some amazing history up close.

Tip:
Try to visit with a professional guide, preferably a trained Egyptologist. Do not hire a random person outside.
If you can plan your visit on a day that they are open in the evening, you'll be rewarded with a smaller crowd of people.
Make sure you download/screenshot a map of each floor onto your device. Mark the items you don't want to miss before you go. A little research will save a lot of time!

In the heart of Old Cairo's ancient quarters, lies one of the prettiest cemeteries in Egypt. Picturesque and serene, the Old Coptic Cemetery is a poignant testament to the eternal journey of the soul.

This burial ground is believed to have been in use since the early centuries of Christianity, around the early medieval period. As such, this is one of Egypt's oldest continuously used cemeteries, with some graves dating back more than a thousand years. Many a prominent Coptic figure has been laid to rest here.

Coptic Christians have unique burial practices, including specific rituals and ceremonies conducted by the church clergy. If you happen to be here when a funeral takes place, you may witness the ancient Egyptian custom of wailing at funerals. Oftentimes, women cry so loud that the entire compound learns of the departure of their loved one.

The cemetery is known for its collection of unique and intricately carved tombstones and mausoleums. Many graves display Coptic artwork and inscriptions, wonderfully ornate with statues of angels, saints, doves, crosses, and the like.

Echoing with whispered echoes of countless generations, this ancient necropolis carries the weight of centuries, embracing the serenity of eternity amid the delicate dance of fading light and somber shadows...

The Babylon Fortress is often called the birthplace of Cairo. It is the oldest part of the city and dates back to the Bronze Age.

The Babylon Fortress gets its name from Babylon in Mesopotamia. It is believed that the area was once ruled by the Mesopotamian King, Nebuchadnezzar. It was later the site where the Roman Emperor Trajan placed his legions to subjugate the people of Egypt. At the time it marked the boundary between Middle and Lower Egypt. Today it is part of Coptic Cairo where the Christian population of the city lives. When the Arabs invaded Egypt, the fortress defended the city for seven months before falling to the army led by General Amr Ibn Al As.

Today the Babylon Fortress has several Coptic structures built into its walls. The towers are 10 meters high and have a diameter of 31 meters. It has a pattern typical of Roman fortresses with five blocks of limestone and three blocks of brick. There are six Coptic churches, a convent and the Coptic Museum within the walls. It is also called the Qasr el Shamee or the Palace of Candles because candles illuminated the towers on the first of every month.

The Hanging Church gets its name from being located above an old Roman Gatehouse in Cairo. Its nave hangs over a passage. The real name of the Church is Sitt Mariam or Saint Mary’s Church.

The Hanging Church is the best-known Coptic Church in Cairo. The Coptic church is one of the early Eastern Orthodox Churches which once had its seat in Alexandria. Today, the Hanging Church is the official residence of the Coptic Pope. It was built in the 7th century and it is believed that there were churches on the site from the 3rd or 4th centuries. It has been rebuilt several times in particular in the 10th century by the Patriarch Abraham.

The Hanging Church has a beautiful courtyard flanked by religious mosaics. The marble pulpit has thirteen pillars representing Jesus and the 12 apostles. It is famous for its icons and the oldest one is from the 8th century. The eastern end has three sanctuaries dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Saint George and Saint John the Baptist. The sanctuary screen dates back to the 12th or 13th centuries and is made of ebony inlaid with ivory. It has a row of seven large icons. The left screen has 17 icons and the right screen has 7 small icons on the top. The church is a thriving place of worship and important celebrations like the enthronement of patriarchs take place here.

Tip:
Go through the door in the wall on the right to enter a half-round part of the church built directly over one of the Roman gate's defensive towers, and from which a window allows you to look down sideways at the gate itself (which is fairly impressive). You can also catch another outside glimpse of the gate and the church on top of it if you walk past the street entrance to the south-west corner of the compound.

The Mosque of Amr Ibn el-As is the first Mosque in Egypt and the African continent. It was built by the Arab general who conquered Egypt on the site where he pitched his tent. At the time, it was at the center of the Capital of Egypt called Fustat.

The Mosque of Amr Ibn el-As was constructed first in 642 AD. The tomb of his son, 'Abd Allah ibn 'Amr ibn al-'As is located at one corner of the building. Successive rulers and governors of Egypt expanded and rebuilt the Mosque and very little of the original structure remains today. The architraves on the southern wall are the only remaining parts of the building constructed by General Amr Ibn el-As. In 1875 Muhammad Ali rebuilt the mosque and it was further expanded in the 20th century by Abbas Helmi II.

The Mosque of Amr Ibn el-As today, has an architectural style that incorporates Greek and Roman design. It has 150 marble columns and three minarets. It has an open courtyard surrounded by four Riwaqs or colonnades. The largest Riwaq is the Quibla Riwaq. The Mosque is an active place of worship and tourists are allowed to view the building when prayer is not in session.

The Mosque of Ibn Tulun is one of the largest, oldest and best-preserved mosques in Egypt. Some scenes of the James Bond movie, 'The Spy Who Loved Me', were filmed here.

The mosque was built between 870 and 879 by the Abbasid Governor Ahmad Ibn Tulun. He was a slave who founded the Tulunid Dynasty that ruled Egypt between 868 and 905. After the fall of the dynasty, the mosque was neglected for many years. It was restored in 1296 by the Mamluk Sultan Lajin. A recent major restoration was carried out in 1999 and the courtyard was paved and the fountain was covered with black marble.

Ibn Tulun Mosque covers an area of 6 acres. It is the third largest Mosque in the world. The galleries have intricately carved stucco arches. It was the first time that stucco was used in Egypt. The unique feature of the building is the minaret. Unlike other minarets, it has a spiral structure. The model is from the minarets found in Samarra, Iraq. A spiral staircase is found on the outside. The minaret arches have a horseshoe shape resembling the type of arches found in Spain and showing the influence of Muslim refugees who fled here after the re-conquest of Spain from the Moors.

Why You Should Visit:
To see what many people agree is one of the most beautiful mosques in Cairo, besides being the oldest intact mosque in the whole of Egypt.
You can enter the mosque to soak in the atmosphere or you can ask the people working there if you could just climb the minaret (me'zana) to get an amazing view of the old city.

Tip:
Before climbing the stairs to the minaret, you can go to the top of the mosque (one set of stairs leads to both) and see the whole place from above.
If you do go inside, don't forget to tip the guy that's going to cover your shoes with pieces of cloth, so that you don't have to take your shoes off.

Constructed in the mid-14th century, the Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan stands as one of the world's largest mosques, boasting impressive architectural feats given its historical context.

This Muslim place of worship, colossal in size, also exhibits an exquisite sense of elegance. It was commissioned by An-Nasir Hassan, the Mamluk Sultan of Egypt, and completed in 1359, representing a remarkable achievement in architecture for its era. Stretching 150 meters (492 feet) in length, with its tallest minaret soaring 68 meters (223 feet) above Cairo's ancient city, it ranks among the largest mosques globally.

The grandeur of this mosque-madrassa reflects the tumultuous life of its patron, Sultan Hassan. Ascending to power at the tender age of 13, he experienced multiple periods of deposition and reinstatement. Furthermore, tragedy struck during construction when one of the four planned minarets collapsed, resulting in the loss of three hundred lives. Sadly, the Sultan never lived to witness the completion of the building that bears his name, as he was assassinated.

The mosque's layout includes an open courtyard with a central fountain, enclosed by four iwans (rectangular spaces open on one side). Doorways at each corner of the courtyard provide access to four madrasas, educational institutions where the teachings of the four Sunni schools of Islamic jurisprudence were disseminated. Each madrasa comprises a courtyard, an iwan, as well as student quarters and adjacent service facilities. The mosque features two minarets constructed in the Mamluk architectural style.

Why You Should Visit:
A great monument representing the climax of Islamic architecture in Egypt.
The intricate building and its understated decorations are lovely to see from the inside and impressive from the outside.
Despite the thick walls, the racket of Cairo traffic still penetrates a bit, but this is likely among the coolest & quietest spots you'll visit in the whole city.

Tip:
Leave your shoes at the entrance and prepare for white socks to turn black, even though the interior looks/feels clean.
Entry is free, but give the man who looks after your shoes a tip.
Ladies, ideally you cover your head.

The Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha is located at the top of the Salah-ad-Din Citadel in Cairo. It is one of the most visited sites in Cairo.

The mosque was commissioned by the founder of modern Egypt and the last dynasty that ruled Egypt. It is also called the alabaster mosque because of the extensive use of the material in the structure. Unlike other mosques in Egypt that were built in the Mamluk architectural style, it had the style of Turkish Mosques especially the Yeni Mosque in Istanbul. It was designed by the Turkish architect, Yusuf Bushnak.

The Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha has a central dome surrounded by four small domes and four semicircular domes. The slender minarets have a Turkish architectural style and are 82 meters high. The tomb of Muhammad Ali Pasha is located at the center of the courtyard and is made of Carrara marble. The arcaded courtyard offers a spectacular view of the city across to the pyramids at Giza. The large prayer hall is covered by a large Turkish-style dome. The Southwestern parapet offers views of Cairo, the Sultan Hassan Mosque and the Ibn Tulun Mosque.

Why You Should Visit:
As part of the Citadel that you get to explore, this mosque stands out the most, especially at night with its beautiful illumination.
Add to this the design and intricacy of the mosaic inside, which truly makes it a great antiquity.
Because it sits on top of a mountain, you can also take in expansive views of the city and the pyramids.

Tip:
Try to go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and go on a sunny day as well – makes a lot of difference when enjoying the view!
Be sure to ask the cost of the "tour guide" assistance before you agree to hear more about the mosque.

The Cairo Citadel on Mokattam Hill is a large Islamic fortification commanding spectacular views of the city. Many landmark Mosques and museums are located here today.

The Cairo Citadel served as a place where Sultans from the Mamluk Dynasties came for the cool air and to enjoy the spectacular views. It was the Ayyubid Ruler Salah-ad-Din who realized the strategic advantage of fortifying the citadel to protect the city from the crusaders. The wall around the citadel was constructed between 1176 and 1183. It served both as a fortress and a Royal City at the time. The Mamluk Sultan, Al Nasir Muhammad regained power in the 1330s and destroyed most of the Ayyubid structures. Later the Ottoman rulers, tore down most of the Mamluk buildings in the 1800s.

Today, only the walls of the Ayyubid fortress and the Bir Yusuf or Saint Josephs Well remain from the original structure. The green domed Mosque of Al Nasir Muhammad and a portion of his striped palace remain from the Mamluk era. All other structures are built by the Ottoman Rulers, in particular Muhammad Ali Pasha the founder of the last dynasty that ruled Egypt. The four museums that are now located within the Citadel are the Police Museum, the National Military Museum, the Carriage Museum and the Al-Gawhara Palace museum.

Al-Azhar Mosque, commonly known as al-Azhar in Egypt, is a mosque situated in Cairo's historic Islamic center. It was commissioned by Jawhar al-Siqilli shortly after Cairo became the new capital of the Fatimid Caliphate in 970. This mosque holds the distinction of being the first mosque established in a city that would eventually be nicknamed "the City of a Thousand Minarets." Its name is generally believed to be derived from "az-Zahrāʾ," which means "the shining one," a title given to Fatimah, the daughter of Muhammad.

After its completion in 972, and the appointment of 35 scholars by the mosque authorities in 989, the mosque gradually evolved into what it is today. It is the second oldest continuously operating university globally, following Al-Qarawiyyin in Idrisid Fes. Al-Azhar University has always been recognized as the primary institution in the Islamic world for studying Sunni theology and Islamic law, known as sharia. In 1961, the university, which had been an integral part of the mosque school since its inception, was nationalized and officially designated as an independent university, Al-Azhar Al Sharif, after the Egyptian Revolution of 1952.

Throughout its more than a millennium-long history, the mosque has experienced periods of neglect and periods of high esteem. Initially established as a Shiite Ismaili institution, it fell out of favor with Saladin and the Sunni Ayyubid dynasty that he founded. They removed its status as a congregational mosque and discontinued stipends to students and teachers at the school. These actions were reversed during the Mamluk Sultanate, which oversaw numerous expansions and renovations. Subsequent rulers of Egypt displayed varying degrees of respect for the mosque and provided differing levels of financial support, both for the school and the upkeep of the mosque. Today, al-Azhar remains a profoundly influential institution in Egyptian society, held in high esteem within the Sunni Muslim world, and serves as a symbol of Islamic Egypt.

The Khan Al-Khalili Bazaar popularly called the Khan is one of the oldest markets in Egypt. This open-air market retains the medieval ambience of a traditional Arab market till today.

The Khan Al-Khalili Bazaar was established as a large caravanserai by Emir Jaharks al Khalili in 1382 during the reign of the Burji Mamluk Sultan, Barkuk. It was rebuilt many times after its establishment. It was called the Turkish Bazaar under the rule of the Ottoman Turks. Its popularity among foreign tourists looking for bargains has also made it the target of terrorist attacks.

The Khan Al-Khalili Bazaar has shops selling textiles, spices, traditional arts and crafts, jewelry and perfumes. There are also several street hawkers selling small souvenirs at bargain prices for visitors to take home as mementos. Egyptians prefer shopping at the west of the market where gold and silver objects and jewelry are available. Beyond the gold and silver market are canvas covered shops selling bronze and copper artifacts. There are also many restaurants, hookah bars (called Shisha bars) and coffee houses serving traditional Arabian coffee. The El-Fishawi Café or café of mirrors is a favorite among local artists and writers and is frequented by the Nobel Prize-winning writer Naguib Mahfouz. The bazaar is the setting of his novel, 'Midaq Alley'.

Tip:
Prepare to have your haggling skills challenged! Entertain only if you wish to buy something specific and never accept the first price.
Don't stray too far off the main shopping street because of pickpockets and other dangers.
Visit in the day as well as the night – completely different vibes!

Khan el-Khalili stands as a renowned marketplace situated in the historical heart of Cairo. It originated during the Mamluk era, serving as a hub for trade and derived its name from one of the numerous ancient caravanserais that dotted the area-these were essentially roadside inns. Over time, this bazaar district has evolved into a significant attraction, drawing both tourists and Egyptians alike. Moreover, it serves as the domicile for numerous Egyptian artisans and workshops, specializing in the creation of traditional crafts and souvenirs.

Presently, Khan el-Khalili predominantly houses local vendors and traders with a considerable emphasis on catering to tourists. Typical items found in its shops include souvenirs, antiques, and jewelry. The adjacent goldsmiths' souq still retains its significance among the local population. While not as prevalent as in the past, many craft workshops continue to operate within the bazaar, primarily located in courtyards or upper floors of buildings, contributing to the creation of products sold here or exported elsewhere.

Beyond shopping, the market features various coffeehouses, restaurants, and street food stalls scattered throughout its premises. These coffeehouses are often characterized by their modest size and adherence to traditional practices, offering Arabic coffee and frequently providing shisha (hookah). Among these establishments, El Fishawi's, founded in 1773, stands out as one of the oldest and most renowned coffeehouses in the area.

Al-Muizz Street holds a significant place in the ancient walled city of historic Cairo, running from north to south. It's considered one of Cairo's oldest thoroughfares, dating back to the 10th century when the Fatimid dynasty established the city, under their fourth caliph, Al-Mu'izz li-Din Allah, after whom the street is named.

Throughout history, this street was the lifeline of the city and often referred to as the Qasaba. It served as the primary economic hub, hosting bustling markets. The street's importance led to the construction of numerous grand religious and charitable structures, commissioned by Egypt's rulers and elites. As a result, Al-Muizz Street has become a treasure trove of historic Islamic architecture in Cairo, particularly in the Bayn al-Qasrayn area, where you'll find some of Islamic Cairo's most significant monuments.

In 1997, the national government embarked on an extensive renovation project for the historical buildings, modern structures, pavement, and sewer system with the aim of transforming the street into an "open-air museum."

The renovations sought to restore the street's original appearance. Taller buildings that obscured the view of monuments were reduced in height and painted in suitable colors, while the street was repaved in its original style. Furthermore, the street's nighttime ambiance was updated through the installation of advanced exterior lighting systems on buildings.

Why You Should Visit:
There are more sites and attractions than you can count on Muizz Street. A UN study found that this one street has the most fantastic collection of medieval architectural treasures in the Islamic world. You'll find dozens of mosques, madrasas, and hamams, along with shops, restaurants, and markets.
Nearby Khan Al-Khalili Bazaar is a major souq (market) and is popular with locals and tourists. It's a great place to enjoy dinner or lunch and buy some souvenirs.
While all of the buildings along Muizz Street are architectural treasures, don't miss the Azhar Mosque, Cairo's first mosque built in 970. Also, visit Bab Zuweila, the medieval gate into the walled city, and one of Cairo's most important landmarks.

Tips:

Visit the street in the evening to see the buildings illuminated with special lighting. The vibe at night is entirely different, with lots of street food and people enjoying the cooler air.
Many attractions and monuments charge an extra fee for bringing your camera.
Remember that weekends here are Friday and Saturday, and that's when you'll find Muizz Street and all of its attractions the busiest.

The Abdeen Palace is a large ornate building that is one of the official residences and the main office of the President of Egypt. A portion of the palace is now a museum.

The Abdeen Palace was built on the ruins of an old house belonging to Abdeen Bay, a commander of Mohamed Ali Pasha the Wali of Egypt. In 1872, Khedive Ismail, the then ruler of Egypt moved to the palace from the citadel and made it his official residence. The present building was constructed between 1863 and 1874. It was designed by the French architect Rousseau and Egyptian, Turkish, French and Italian decorators worked on its ornate interiors. It was the scene of the Abdeen Palace incident of 1942 when King Farouk I was forced to abdicate by the British.

The Abdeen Palace has lavish interiors with sculpture, paintings and clocks decorated with pure gold in its parlors and wings. The first floor is now used for visiting foreign dignitaries and the lower floors have museums including the Arms Museum, the Royal Family Museum, the Historical Documents Museum that was recently inaugurated in 2005 and the Presidential Gifts Museum displaying gifts given to the former Egyptian President, Hosni Mubarak.

Why You Should Visit:
One of the few places in Cairo that are nicely maintained – fantastic for fans of historic and ornamental weapons.
The grounds of the compound are lovely. There are a few tables to relax with coffee/tea or a small snack.

Tip:
The ticket counter is not at the entrance to the museum but across the street.
There is an additional fee if you want to take photos inside.