Islamic Cairo

Islamic Cairo (also Fatimid Cairo or Old City) is the largest contiguous medieval old city in the Islamic world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over 800 listed mosques, madrasas, mausoleums, and palaces are packed into a few square kilometers — a living open-air museum that is also a vibrant residential area.

Al-Muizz Street (Sharia al-Muizz li-Din Allah)

The grand street of Islamic Cairo stretches over 1 km from Bab al-Futuh (Gate of Conquest) in the north to Bab Zuweila in the south. It is the densest concentration of medieval Islamic architecture in the world. Every building tells a story: mosques from the 10th century, Mamluk madrasas, Ottoman fountains, caravanserais.

Sultan Hassan Mosque

One of the largest and most impressive mosques in the Islamic world, built 1356–1363 by Sultan an-Nasir Hasan. The facade is 36 m high, the minaret at 81.6 m is one of the tallest in Cairo. The courtyard with the four iwans (vaulted halls, one for each Sunni school of law) is of overwhelming size and harmony.

Al-Azhar Mosque & University

Founded 970 AD — the oldest university in the world (even before Oxford and Bologna). The al-Azhar Mosque is the spiritual center of Sunni Islam. The courtyard with its marble floors and minarets from various eras is a place of tranquility amidst the chaos.

Khan el-Khalili Bazaar

The most famous bazaar in Egypt and one of the oldest in the world — a trading place since the 14th century. Narrow alleys full of spice merchants, gold and silversmiths, perfume makers, alabaster and papyrus traders. Yes, it's touristy and the touts can be annoying, but the atmosphere is unique. Haggling is a must — start at 20–30% of the initial price.

Insider Tip: The historic Fishawi Café (allegedly open since 1773, 24/7) is the place for a mint tea or Turkish coffee amidst the bazaar hustle. Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz also sat here.