Excursion to Islamic Cairo: Top 10 Attractions in 2026

The magic of Islamic Cairo: the medieval heart of Egypt in 2026

Historic Cairo is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. It is the largest ensemble of medieval Islamic architecture in the world, with hundreds of minarets, domes and ancient caravanserais.

10 jewels of Islamic Cairo

• The Citadel of Saladin: A mighty 12th-century medieval fortress on the Mokattam hill that defended the city against the Crusaders. It features on our private day trip to Cairo.
• The alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali: A majestic symbol of Cairo with tall minarets and a sumptuous interior.
• The Mosque of Sultan Hassan: A masterpiece of 14th-century Mamluk architecture with gigantic arches and portals.
• The Khan el-Khalili bazaar: The most famous oriental market in the Middle East, founded in 1382.
• Al-Muizz Street: A pedestrian open-air museum with the most beautiful palaces, madrasas and mausoleums.
• The Bab Zuweila gate: The surviving massive southern gate of the 11th-century Fatimid city wall, with a panoramic viewing platform.
• The Al-Azhar Mosque: One of the oldest universities in the world, founded in 970.
• The complex of Sultan Qalawun: A remarkable ensemble of hospital, madrasa and mausoleum with masterly carving in stone and wood.
• El Fishawy café: The legendary mirrored coffee house, open without interruption for more than 200 years.
• Dress code: When visiting working mosques, shoulders and knees must be covered and women need a headscarf. For a longer stay, consider our two-day private Cairo tour.