Islamic Cairo & Khan el-Khalili

Where it is & how to get there

• Taxi: Ask for Al-Hussein Mosque; 15–20 minutes from downtown.
• Metro: Line 3 to Bab El Shaaria, then a 10-minute walk.
• On foot: Al-Muizz Street runs north from the bazaar to Bab al-Futuh.

The story of Khan el-Khalili

The Fatimids founded Al-Qahira (Cairo) in 969, and Al-Azhar Mosque, opened in 972, became one of the oldest universities in the world. Khan el-Khalili grew as a caravanserai in the 14th century and became the heart of the city's trade.

Al-Muizz Street, once the main avenue of the walled city, has one of the richest concentrations of medieval Islamic architecture in the world, with mosques, madrasas, sabils and palaces. Historic Cairo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Best time to visit

Tips before you go

• Have tea at El Fishawy café.
• Have mint tea at El Fishawy café, open for over two centuries.
• Bargain with a smile; start well below the first price.

What's around Khan el-Khalili

• Al-Azhar MosqueFounded in 972, one of the oldest universities.
• Al-Hussein MosqueBeloved mosque at the edge of the bazaar.
• Al-Muizz StreetOpen-air museum of Islamic architecture.
• Bab ZuweilaMedieval gate with views from its minarets.

Questions travellers ask