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Spending a day in Old Cairo is like walking through a living museum where history, culture, and religion meet. This area is home to some of Cairo’s most fascinating landmarks, from grand Islamic mosques to centuries-old Coptic churches. Exploring these sites offers a deeper understanding of the city’s past and shows how different faiths have coexisted side by side. In this blog, I’ll share the must-visit Islamic and Coptic sites in Old Cairo and explain why exploring this part of the city is the perfect way to experience Cairo’s rich heritage in just one day.

How to Get to Old Cairo

If you’re staying in Cairo or Giza, getting to Old Cairo is simple by taxi, Uber, or with a tour guide that provides transportation. I stayed in Zamalek, a neighborhood in Cairo, and it only took about 15–20 minutes by car, though traffic can sometimes add a little extra time. I chose to go with a tour guide that included transportation, which made the day so much easier — I didn’t have to worry about the logistics, and I also got to learn even more about the incredible history and religious sites from a local perspective. If you’re interested, you can also book a tour through Klook, which is the platform I used and recommend.

Start Your Morning in Islamic Cairo at the Citadel

Begin your day by diving into Cairo’s Islamic heritage, starting with the impressive Citadel of Salah al-Din. This area is home to some of the city’s most beautiful mosques and offers stunning views over Cairo, making it the perfect place to start your morning. I found the Citadel absolutely gorgeous, and standing on its hilltop gave me such a unique perspective of the city (more on that soon). Exploring the history and architecture of the mosques here was fascinating and a wonderful introduction to Cairo’s rich Islamic culture.

The Citadel requires a ticket, costing around EGP 550 (about $12 USD) for foreign visitors. This single ticket covers entry to all the main sites inside, including the Mosque of Muhammad Ali and the Sultan al-Nasir Mosque.

Here are the sites you’ll want to explore inside the Citadel:

1. Sultan Al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque

When I visited this mosque, there were hardly any other tourists around, which made it a peaceful way to start the morning before the crowds arrived. Compared to the grander mosques inside the Citadel, Sultan Al-Nasir Mosque is smaller in size but still incredibly beautiful. Before entering, you’ll need to remove your shoes, as is customary in mosques. What stood out to me most was the beautifully carved wooden ceiling, designed in a geometric honeycomb pattern. It gives the space an elegant charm and highlights the artistry of Islamic architecture during the Mamluk period.

Here’s the map to Sultan Al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque:

2. Muhammad Ali Mosque

The most famous landmark inside the Citadel is the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, also known as the Alabaster Mosque. Its massive domes, tall minarets, and Ottoman-style design make it one of Cairo’s most recognizable sites. To enter, you’ll need to remove your shoes, or you can pay a small fee (around 5 EGP) for a pair of disposable shoe covers if you prefer to keep them on. Inside, the mosque feels truly majestic, with grand chandeliers hanging above and richly decorated details.

Here’s the map to Muhammad Ali Mosque:

3. Citadel Viewpoint

Just outside the Muhammad Ali Mosque, you’ll find the Citadel Viewpoint, one of the best spots in Cairo for sweeping views of the city. From this terrace, you can see the skyline filled with minarets and, on a clear day, even spot the Pyramids of Giza in the distance. It’s a beautiful place to pause, take in the scenery, and snap some photos before continuing your exploration of the Citadel.

Here’s the map to Citadel Viewpoint:

Average Time to Spend at the Citadel

Plan to spend about 2–3 hours here exploring the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, the Sultan Al-Nasir Mosque, and the Citadel Viewpoint. It’s the perfect amount of time to take in the history, admire the architecture, and enjoy the sweeping views before moving on to Coptic Cairo.

Spend Midday in Coptic Cairo’s Historic Churches and Synagogue

After exploring the Citadel, head over to Coptic Cairo, one of the oldest parts of the city and home to some of its most important Christian and Jewish landmarks. The narrow lanes here lead you to ancient churches and the historic Ben Ezra Synagogue. I loved the atmosphere in this area — you’ll pass by small shops, bookstalls, and even local artwork displayed along the way, which adds to the charm. It’s the perfect midday stop to step inside these sacred spaces and connect with another side of Cairo’s heritage.

Here are the sites you’ll want to explore in Coptic Cairo:

1. The Hanging Church (Saint Virgin Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church, also called Al-Muallaqa)

The Hanging Church is one of the most famous Coptic churches in Cairo, built above a Roman gatehouse which gives it the impression of “hanging” over the ground. Inside, you’ll see a glass section in the floor where you can look down at the remains of the ancient Roman structures beneath. Another highlight is the colorful religious icons displayed along the walls before you climb the staircase into the church.

Here’s the map to The Hanging Church:

2. The Church of Abu Serga (Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church)

Known locally as Abu Serga, this church is believed to stand on the spot where the Holy Family stayed during their journey into Egypt. Inside, you can find original Coptic manuscripts and Bibles on display. A highlight is descending the stairs to the crypt below, where tradition says the Holy Family once took refuge.

Here’s the map to The Church of Abu Serga:

3. Ben Ezra Synagogue

The Ben Ezra Synagogue is one of the oldest and most significant synagogues in Cairo, with a history dating back to the 9th century. Though it no longer serves as an active place of worship, the synagogue is beautifully preserved and offers a fascinating look at the Jewish heritage of Egypt. Do note that photography and videos are not allowed inside, so you’ll need to take in the details with your own eyes.

Here’s the map to Ben Ezra Synagogue:

Average Time to Spend in Coptic Cairo

Plan to spend about 2 hours exploring the Hanging Church, Church of Abu Serga, and the Ben Ezra Synagogue. This gives you enough time to walk through the narrow lanes, step inside each site, and take in the atmosphere at a relaxed pace.

End Your Afternoon at Khan el-Khalili Bazaar (Optional: Cave Church of Saint Simon)

After exploring Old Cairo’s Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish landmarks, head to Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, Cairo’s most famous market. If you have extra time, consider adding the Cave Church of Saint Simon to your itinerary — while not located in Old Cairo, its massive rock-carved interior makes it a memorable way to end your day.

Here’s more info on these sites:

1. Khan el-Khalili Bazaar

Khan el-Khalili is Cairo’s most famous market, offering everything from perfumes and lamps to jewelry, spices, and souvenirs. You’ll also find plenty of stalls and cafés where you can try local snacks and drinks as you wander through the bustling alleys. Bargaining is part of the experience here, and it’s worth negotiating since initial prices are often set much higher for tourists.

Here’s the map to Khan el-Khalili Bazaar:

2. Cave Church of Saint Simon

Located in the Mokattam Hills (often called Garbage City), the Cave Church of Saint Simon is the largest church in the Middle East, carved directly into the rock. Its massive size, detailed carvings, and murals make it a truly unique place to visit. While not part of Old Cairo, it’s a great addition to your itinerary if you have extra time. The easiest way to get here is by Uber or with a tour guide, though be aware that some drivers may decline the trip since it requires passing through narrow roads. To make things easier, you can also book a tour through Viator, which often includes transportation.

Here’s the map to Cave Church of Saint Simon:

Average Time to Spend in the Afternoon

Plan to spend about 2–3 hours wandering through Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, shopping for souvenirs, enjoying the cafés, and soaking in the lively atmosphere. If you decide to add the Cave Church of Saint Simon, allow another 1–1.5 hours for exploring the site itself, plus extra travel time since it’s located in the Mokattam Hills.

Tips for Visiting Old Cairo

Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind before visiting these sites:

• Dress modestly when visiting mosques and churches
• Bring small cash for tickets, tips, and small purchases
• Stay hydrated and wear comfortable shoes since you’ll be walking a lot between sites

Final Thoughts

If you want to see a different side of Cairo, this is definitely an area to visit. Exploring Old Cairo gave me a deeper understanding of the three Abrahamic religions, along with the stunning architecture and rich history that bring this neighborhood to life. Add this itinerary to your Cairo trip, and you’ll experience a side of the city that’s as meaningful as it is unforgettable.