Islamic Cairo

Islamic Cairo, also known as Medieval Cairo, is a large area that houses most of the Islamic monuments. It is a UNESCO site and a labyrinthine district with centuries of Islamic heritage and cultural richness. In addition to shopping and enjoying Islamic architecture, strolling down the ecstatic streets of medieval Cairo is one of the best things to do in this part of the city.

As visitors wander through the narrow alleyways of Islamic Cairo, they'll encounter various architectural gems. Some of the most important sites in this historic area are Midan Hussein and Sayyidna al-Hussein Mosque (not accessible to non-Muslims), Cairo Citadel, Sultan Hassan Mosque, Al-Azhar Park, and Bayt al Suhaymi. Visitors can immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and scents of traditional Egyptian souks, haggling over spices, textiles, and intricate handicrafts. Many poor residents of Islamic Cairo occupy some of the old buildings right next to some of the popular and important historical mosques and monuments. The area is a unique blend of poverty and antiquity that gives it a charm all its own.