Cairo Citadel
Cairo Citadel
Cairo Citadel
4.5
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
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8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
This massive stone fortress, built by Salah ad-Din in the 12th century, was crowned with the Mosque of Mohammed Ali 700 years later.
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Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
898 within 5 kms
El Fishawi
519
0.8 km$ • Cafe • Egyptian
Citadel View Alain Le Notre
60
0.1 km$$ - $$$ • Middle Eastern • Egyptian
Naguib Mahfouz Cafe
482
0.8 km$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Middle Eastern • Egyptian
Studio Misr Al-Azhar Park
59
0.2 km$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • Barbecue • Middle Eastern
Khan El Khalili
236
0.7 km$$ - $$$ • Middle Eastern • Egyptian • Vegetarian Friendly
Gad Restaurants
120
0.7 km$ • Fast food • Middle Eastern • Egyptian
Kababgy El Azhar Farahat
82
0.7 km$$ - $$$ • Middle Eastern • Egyptian • Halal
Egyptian Pancake House
61
0.7 km$ • Egyptian
Khan El Khalili Restaurant
83
0.8 km$$$$ • Middle Eastern • Egyptian • Vegetarian Friendly
Nagib Mafouz
132
0.8 km$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Middle Eastern • Egyptian
Attractions
191 within 10 kms
Al-Azhar Park
930
17 mParks
Al-Azhar Mosque
366
0.6 kmReligious Sites
Sharia Al Mu'izz Li-Din Allah
271
1 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Manzil Zienab Khatoon
17
0.4 kmHistoric Sites
Wekalet El Ghouri Arts Center
111
0.7 kmConvention Centres
El Set Wasela House
1
0.4 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Khan Al-Khalili
3,976
0.8 kmFlea & Street Markets
The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities
12,557
3.1 kmSpeciality Museums
Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan
440
1.3 kmHistoric Sites • Religious Sites
Midan Hussein
107
0.7 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
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Popular mentions
4.5
1,223 reviews
Excellent
629
Very good
414
Average
136
Poor
33
Terrible
11
Myo M
Coquitlam, Canada20,917 contributions
Nov. 2021
Really a "big sprawling" site with the Muhammad Ali Mosque as its "main feature" but which is not the only one to visit at this site, I made a total of "four stops" each at a smaller site within this big site (but all four just pretty close to one another): the first stop at the "smaller mosque" which is just quite a plain one with its own "interior square" to walk around along the corridors on four sides (with just some specific item of a sundial or such where I was taken to by the caretaker gentleman); the second stop at the "main mosque" Muhammad Ali with some round-shaped pavilion-like structure in the middle of its "interior square" and where on one side of the square is a small-but-glittering clock tower and where on another side of the square by "looking up above" is really a great view of the "grand architecture" of the Mosque seen almost in its entirety with the main dome & the two tall minarets (with the only parts not seen from that square being the two smaller domes on the opposite side of the Mosque); the third stop at the viewpoint (actually located right on the back side of Muhammad Ali after going through its square) for a "nice panorama" of the city although the skyline with modern buildings is not nearby but kind of a distant view; and finally the fourth stop at the National Military Museum which is a "pretty sizeable" outdoor area with plenty of miscellaneous military hardware items on display (such as old cannons, modern artillery guns, tanks, armored vehicles some of which with rockets mounted on them & actually also 2 or 3 small planes) and where apart from those various armaments are also a number of stone busts of some great "warrior pharaohs" from the times past & also standing statues (somewhat larger than life-sized) of Egypt's "first two presidents".
After about a half-day of about 3.5 hours, I headed from here to the Mosque of Ibn Tulun at just a short 10-to-15-minute taxi ride away (not a great architectural-styled mosque as the Muhammad Ali Mosque at this site, but actually one with an "interior square" larger than that at Muhammad Ali and above all with a minaret "for going up" where from the top are nice views all around including that of this great citadel).
After about a half-day of about 3.5 hours, I headed from here to the Mosque of Ibn Tulun at just a short 10-to-15-minute taxi ride away (not a great architectural-styled mosque as the Muhammad Ali Mosque at this site, but actually one with an "interior square" larger than that at Muhammad Ali and above all with a minaret "for going up" where from the top are nice views all around including that of this great citadel).
Written 9 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
TTOverseas
Cairo, Egypt206 contributions
Apr. 2022
The Cairo Citadel towers over the city and is an absolute Must Visit. Yes, as with most Egypt sights, this is a very different experience for those with Mobility Issues or on large tours. The way to see all the sights in Egypt is with a small group and planning around known busy periods, But This is Not Always Possible.
We planned the visit for early (The light behind us looking towards the Nile and the Pyramids AND small crowds) and we enjoy walking and a little outside time. It was an exceptionally clear day, but this is also because of the lower pollution on Fridays. We spent around an hour wandering around the grounds and some more time in the Mosque.
We planned the visit for early (The light behind us looking towards the Nile and the Pyramids AND small crowds) and we enjoy walking and a little outside time. It was an exceptionally clear day, but this is also because of the lower pollution on Fridays. We spent around an hour wandering around the grounds and some more time in the Mosque.
Written 30 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hyoga83
Bordeaux, France657 contributions
Mar. 2022
Please note it is extremely annoying and long to reach by foot, the entrance is far from everything. And to leave the area taxis just propose rip-off prices, and Uber drivers have it difficult to stop by...
So surprised with the reviews of this place! It feels almost like a tourist trap, extremely expensive for what it is. Thankfully it was included in the Cairo Pass we had, as the only worthwhile thing is the view. The mosque is nice, but not worth the price or hussle.
So surprised with the reviews of this place! It feels almost like a tourist trap, extremely expensive for what it is. Thankfully it was included in the Cairo Pass we had, as the only worthwhile thing is the view. The mosque is nice, but not worth the price or hussle.
Written 19 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Musicians Mum
175 contributions
Mar. 2022
Visited as optional add on "Islamic Cairo and Citadel of Saladin" to Small group uk tour.
Parked up,through the security gate,hussled by local uguide allocated by tour operator ,who took us to the mosque and gave lecture.
Yes Mosque is pretty. Inside and out.
The clock in the courtyard is of French origin and swapped for an obelisk(Now in Paris).The view from the courtyard is panoramic .BUT ..citadel means to me towers /walls / turrets / battlements / guns /arrow slits / palace complex etc.During the 20 mins free time allowed I found an entrance gate looking very"castle like" .,another mosque entrance .I asked whether we get to see the citadel proper and no.The Military museum (thrilling) was closed and nothing in the rest of the citadel is apparently open to look at.
Very dissapointing.
Parked up,through the security gate,hussled by local uguide allocated by tour operator ,who took us to the mosque and gave lecture.
Yes Mosque is pretty. Inside and out.
The clock in the courtyard is of French origin and swapped for an obelisk(Now in Paris).The view from the courtyard is panoramic .BUT ..citadel means to me towers /walls / turrets / battlements / guns /arrow slits / palace complex etc.During the 20 mins free time allowed I found an entrance gate looking very"castle like" .,another mosque entrance .I asked whether we get to see the citadel proper and no.The Military museum (thrilling) was closed and nothing in the rest of the citadel is apparently open to look at.
Very dissapointing.
Written 12 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
SidSne
Dundee, UK156 contributions
Feb. 2022 • Family
The Mosque and the whole Citadel was a great visit.
The place is so quiet and beautiful
Must fit in Cairo Visit.
Very safe to visit and peaceful to spend some time. Also the panoramic views from this are great
Our EMO tour Guide Ahmed Jackson made this trip memorable as a part of Coptic and Islamic Cairo day
The place is so quiet and beautiful
Must fit in Cairo Visit.
Very safe to visit and peaceful to spend some time. Also the panoramic views from this are great
Our EMO tour Guide Ahmed Jackson made this trip memorable as a part of Coptic and Islamic Cairo day
Written 27 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
leiaevans13
California42 contributions
Feb. 2022 • Family
Amazing mosque. The architecture is breathtaking. I love how we get to see the whole Cairo from the top. A lot of beautiful spots to take photo
Written 14 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
PavelKram
Prague, Czech Republic22 contributions
Feb. 2022 • Family
The only entrance (and exit) to the Cairo Saladin Citadel is from the Salah Salem street. We visited charming Al-Nasser Mohammed Ibn Kalawoun mosque, huge Muhammad Ali mosque, prison. View on Cairo with sun going down was magnificent. We were guided by Mahmoud +20 122 8232071 who provided us with many details from Ayubin, Mamluk and Otoman era.
Written 8 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
podrozniczka60
New Jersey14,334 contributions
Dec. 2021
The Citadel area is on a high elevation point towering over Cairo. Medieval Islamic-era fortification was built to protect against the invading Crusaders.
Mohammed Ali's Alabaster Mosque - a 19th century imposing magnificent mosque - defines the area. We did not get a chance to visit the museums clustered here but Citadel itself is a remarkable landmark.
Mohammed Ali's Alabaster Mosque - a 19th century imposing magnificent mosque - defines the area. We did not get a chance to visit the museums clustered here but Citadel itself is a remarkable landmark.
Written 5 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Michael W
Redding, CT947 contributions
Dec. 2021 • Solo
I didn’t find a great deal to see in the Citadel itself, other than the views over Cairo, since you’re high up and looking down on it and the large mosque, but this is a part of the same complex as the Military Museum so worth a visit for that reason alone. The Military Museum is not to be missed.
Written 2 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Abeer H
Dubai, United Arab Emirates1,160 contributions
Dec. 2021 • Family
Like a typical Cairo place, inconvenient for tourists. Guards didnt let careem car to go to next gate although taxis and cars were going. It was a slope of a kilometer and we had to drag a baby stroller to the entrance. Guards and everyone were looking and like typical Egyptian hospitality, nobody bothered or offered to help or allowed car to go.
Cairo is generally a very tourist inconvenient place. We got the same experience here. Nobody knew English. Not mush written for tourists, no guidelines. Even when you are inside there are no directions that where is the exit. There is no place to find out which parts you should visit in Citadel and where are those. Nobody helps or tells you. We visited 2 mosques and then got out. We opted not to see military and police museums. We have no idea if anything else was there. I guess we should've hired a guide for it.
Cairo is generally a very tourist inconvenient place. We got the same experience here. Nobody knew English. Not mush written for tourists, no guidelines. Even when you are inside there are no directions that where is the exit. There is no place to find out which parts you should visit in Citadel and where are those. Nobody helps or tells you. We visited 2 mosques and then got out. We opted not to see military and police museums. We have no idea if anything else was there. I guess we should've hired a guide for it.
Written 10 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hello. My name is Amr, a local guide, and I have a car. I can go anywhere in Egypt and organize the days and places of the visit for you, Alexandria, Cairo, Giza, the desert, the pyramids of Giza, Saqqara, Dahshur, the Egyptian Museum and the Museum of Ancient Civilization. . The old church, Memphis Museum, Salah El-Din Citadel or Muhammad Ali Mosque, Old Cairo, Ibn Tulun Mosque, Amr Ibn Al-Aas, There is also a pick-up service at the airport. boarding a large boat wandering the Nile River with a meal and watching the artistic performances in the boat, and visiting any place in Cairo, Giza, Alexandria and anywhere In Egypt, there is also camping in the desert, entering the desert in a 4x4 vehicle, as well as climbing sandy mountains by car, skiing on sand and swimming in a lake within the desert and waterfalls. And visit nature reserves inside the desert so that you can see my Facebook page, and I will send you photos of places and any other details you want as well. I will make you try Egyptian food, grills and Egyptian sweets and try everything and I will also protect you from exploiting the sellers when buying anything to get the cheapest prices. I will accompany you in all places and make you live an unforgettable travel experience with me. This is the name of the Facebook page / Step by step for tourism
vincenzo c
Messina, Italy341 contributions
Salve desideravo sapere se l ingresso alla Cittadella è libero o si paga grazie
waywardpines
Naples, Italy1,432 contributions
Ingresso a pagamento circa 3 euro a persona
Dimitris375
Athens, Greece450 contributions
The military museum inside the citade seems to be closed for renovation? Anyway you can surely see some exhibits in the yard(tanks etc) but do we know certainly if the entrance to museum interior is open or when it is programed to open again?
Thanks
AleidaWilhelmina
The Hague, The Netherlands75 contributions
I really have no idea! The citadel and the mosques are worth visiting anyhow..
I'd just like to ask how much is for a guide? Do they provide services for a guided tour ?
Dorothy S
24 contributions
We booked a tour of "Islamic Cairo" through EMO tours for about $25 each.(there were only two of us). Pick up and drop off at our hotel. All entrance fees and shoe storage. Well worth the money. We spent over six hours visiting the Citadel and about five mosques. Having a guide who is Islamic gives you great insight into the history, traditions and culture. Never felt like I was being lead around like in a big group. He actually helped us push off the regular hustlers around the mosques. The tour include the market Khan al Khalili where we spent as much time as we wanted. Had Turkish coffee at the old Fishawi's Sheesha shop and falafel there. There is a rich history in Cairo to be discovered. Made the reservations on line before arrival. Excellent company and guide. We covered a lot of territory in a short time. Had we went on our own we would have missed a lot. We were also allowed into some areas inside mosques that were "locked" to see special tombs which I don't think we would have been able to do on our own. Our guide obviously knew the caretakers. We meet several Imams who were eager to talk to us. One actually sang a moving prayer that echoed inside the dome. Great stuff.
Bernardetematos
Sao Paulo, SP552 contributions
Citadela e Mesquita são próximos? Paga se para entrar ?
Como é o lugar em termos de segurança ? Vou em novembro? O calor é muito grande?
Jacqueline L
South Africa7 contributions
Hi, Jacqueline. What would you like to know about this attraction? Could I visit the Citadel on my own and buy a ticket at the door?
Mikeh53
San Diego, CA51 contributions
As you can tell from the others it is very easy to get around the citadel. I would do some research as there is interesting history surrounding the structure.
Mike
TiffanydeKlerk
Johannesburg, South Africa
Hi, my name is Tiffany. I am looking to travel to Cairo in late February, early March 2017. I am putting together a budget so I would like to find out what the entrance costs are for various sights. I prefer to do certain monuments on my own and not go with a tour. What is the cost of entrance to this site?
MontherYASEEN
Amman, Jordan1,702 contributions
I can't remember Almost 5 $ or very close to this price
Frequently Asked Questions about Cairo Citadel
- Cairo Citadel is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- We recommend booking Cairo Citadel tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 717 Cairo Citadel tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Cairo Citadel:
- (2.14 km) The St. Regis Cairo
- (2.30 km) Freedom Hostel
- (1.27 km) Le Riad Hotel de Charme
- (3.35 km) Kempinski Nile Hotel Garden City Cairo
- (0.84 km) Arabian Nights
- Restaurants near Cairo Citadel:
- (0.14 km) Citadel View Alain Le Notre
- (0.15 km) Studio Misr Al-Azhar Park
- (0.75 km) El Fishawi
- (0.83 km) Naguib Mahfouz Cafe
- (0.73 km) Khan El Khalili