Cairo Citadel tickets and tours
The Cairo Citadel is Saladin’s hilltop fortress, crowned by the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Here are the main ways to visit and what to know before you choose.
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Ticket options compared
What each kind of ticket lets you see, and how the options differ in price and cancellation terms.
| Option | What’s included | Good for | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry ticket to Cairo Citadel | A ticket lets you walk through the fortress grounds, the mosques and the viewpoints at your own pace. | Visitors who like to explore freely | Book now |
| Guided tour of Cairo Citadel | A guide explains the history of the fortress and its mosques, and points out the best places for views over the city. | First-time visitors who want the history explained | Book now |
Check live prices
Open each option to see the price and the cancellation terms for your date.
About Cairo Citadel
Saladin began the Citadel in the twelfth century as a fortress for the city. Later rulers added palaces and mosques. The Mosque of Muhammad Ali, built in the nineteenth century, stands on the highest point and is the best-known landmark.
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Good to know
Dress and shoes at Cairo CitadelCover your shoulders and knees when you enter a mosque. You will be asked to take your shoes off or cover them, so wear socks.
Opening times at Cairo CitadelOpening days and hours can change, and some areas may be closed. Check before you go or book ahead.
Nearby
Sultan Hassan Mosque
A large fourteenth-century mosque and madrasa just below the Citadel.
Islamic Cairo and Khan el-Khalili
The medieval quarter and its great bazaar, a short drive from the Citadel.
Also in Cairo
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book Cairo Citadel in advance?
Not always, but a booked tour saves time at the ticket office and gives you a guide.
How long does a visit to Cairo Citadel take?
About two hours, longer if you stop at every mosque and viewpoint.