Al-Azhar Mosque, Cairo - Cairo Citadel, Cairo
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Al-Azhar Mosque

4.8
·18k reviews·, Egypt

Cairo's historic Al-Azhar Mosque, a 10th-century marvel and one of the world's oldest universities, blending faith and learning.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Al-Azhar Mosque, Cairo - Cairo Citadel, Cairo

Al-Azhar Mosque

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Cairo's historic Al-Azhar Mosque, a 10th-century marvel and one of the world's oldest universities, blending faith and learning.

4.8
(18k reviews)

"A must visit historical mosque at the heart Cairo, combining spiritual importance with stunning architecture."

Vertical photo
TIP

🧥 Modesty Garments Provided

Don't worry about attire; outer garments for modesty are often provided free near the entrance.

🕌 Friday Prayer Closure

The mosque closes for Friday prayers around 12-2 PM. Plan your visit outside these hours.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Grand Courtyard

Grand Courtyard

Central area

Experience the vastness and tranquility of this historic space, a hub for prayer and learning.

Intricate Architecture

Intricate Architecture

Throughout the mosque

Admire elegant arches, white marble floors, and the stunning historical Islamic design.

Center of Islamic Learning

Center of Islamic Learning

University grounds

Feel the legacy of one of the world's oldest universities, a beacon of Islamic knowledge.

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Planning Your Visit

Dress Modestly, Respectfully

As a place of worship, modest dress is essential. Cover shoulders and knees. Many mosques provide outer garments for visitors if needed, making it accessible for all faiths. Reddit

Friday Prayer Closures

Al-Azhar Mosque is a functioning place of worship. It will be closed for Friday prayers from approximately 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Plan your visit accordingly. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Ramadan evenings
Why
Experience large iftar meals
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Membalas @Lia Gibran kasih kita tips dong bu biar bisa sekolahin anak yg sebulan 6jt mesti kerja apaan hehe
@anggiarf
105.8K likes • 5.9M views

🧥 Modesty Garments Provided

Don't worry about attire; outer garments for modesty are often provided free near the entrance. Reddit

🕌 Friday Prayer Closure

The mosque closes for Friday prayers around 12-2 PM. Plan your visit outside these hours. Reddit

Kemarin saat aku menghadiri wisuda mahasiswa/i Indonesia dari universitas Al-Azhar Kairo, mesir melihat ke uwuan pasangan suami istri yang lulus bareng🤩😂 Mereka bertemu di Mekkah ketika sedang umroh😍 masya Allah. Ayo yg mau umroh di @marine.tourtravel Kali aja ketemu jodoh 😆🤣 Ada pepatah berkata :” saat kuliah kejar lah cita2 bukan kejar yang ngga cinta. Eh salah maksudnya kejar cinta 🤣 “ tapi me...
@liefta25
82.6K likes • 1.1M views
Iftar at Al-Azhar Mosque. You’re a foreign student experiencing iftar at Al-Azhar Mosque, surrounded by history, spirituality, and the warmth of Ramadan in Cairo. One of the largest iftars in Egypt, over 4,000 iftar meals are distributed daily throughout Ramadan for foreign students at Al-Azhar. 📍Al-Azhar Mosque, Cairo #azhar #iftar #ramadan #cairo #egypt
sergiosyamil
71.9K likes • 1.2M views

🚶‍♀️ Guided Tours Available

Many visitors find helpful guides within the mosque who can show you around. Reddit

📹 Video Restrictions

Be aware that security may restrict video recording inside the mosque. TikTok

Al-Azhar Mosque Cairo Egypt 🇪🇬 Siapa nih yang mau belajar dan berkunjung ke sini? Semoga Allah mudahkan ya. _____________ #alazharmesir #infoalazhar #alazharcairo #alazharmosque #mahadalazhar #cairo #egyp
aslimamesir
0 likes • 7.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🧥 Modesty Garments Provided

Don't worry about attire; outer garments for modesty are often provided free near the entrance. Reddit

🕌 Friday Prayer Closure

The mosque closes for Friday prayers around 12-2 PM. Plan your visit outside these hours. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Guided Tours Available

Many visitors find helpful guides within the mosque who can show you around. Reddit

📹 Video Restrictions

Be aware that security may restrict video recording inside the mosque. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.8
(18k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Al-Azhar Mosque is lauded as a must-visit historical and spiritual gem in Cairo, praised for its stunning Islamic architecture and its role as a center of learning. Visitors appreciate the free modesty garments and the welcoming atmosphere for all faiths. However, some note that bathroom facilities could be better maintained and video recording may be restricted.

"Mosque located in old part of cairo, across from market.
Easy to get too, lots of hustle n bustle.
Outer garments for mosque modesty provided free of charge near entrance.
Must visit"

Sadi A

"The mosque’s ambiance is truly incredible. It’s beautifully designed, spacious, and serves its purpose throughout the day with various gatherings and events. May Allah bless everyone who contributed to making this possible."

Bayram Ayyildiz

"It’s historical and islamic place and university
The mosque is a true gem in the heart of Islamic Cairo, Al-Azhar Mosque is not only one of the city’s most beautiful mosques but also one of the oldest universities in the world. Built in 970 AD.

It also combines spiritual importance with stunning architecture—courtyards, white marble floors, elegant arches"

Didi Ibrahim

What People Like

Incredible ambiance
Stunning architecture
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Bathroom maintenance
Video restrictions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Al-Azhar Mosque is located in the historic Islamic core of Cairo. It's easily accessible by taxi or ride-sharing services. Many visitors combine a trip here with nearby attractions like Khan el-Khalili bazaar. Reddit

Yes, it's a prominent landmark in old Cairo. You'll find it across from a market, and the hustle and bustle of the area make it noticeable. Reddit

Absolutely! Al-Azhar Mosque welcomes visitors of all faiths. They provide outer garments for modesty if needed, ensuring everyone can visit respectfully. Reddit

Weekday mornings are generally less crowded, offering a more peaceful experience. Avoid Friday prayer times (around 12-2 PM) as the mosque will be closed. Reddit

Parking in the historic center of Cairo can be challenging. It's often easier to use taxis or ride-sharing services and be dropped off nearby. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Al-Azhar Mosque is generally free for prayer and visiting. However, donations are appreciated to help with its upkeep. Reddit

Al-Azhar Mosque is open for visitors outside of prayer times. It's important to note it will be closed for Friday prayers from approximately 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Reddit

Yes, modest dress is required. This means covering shoulders and knees. Outer garments are provided for visitors who need them. Reddit

While non-Muslims are welcome to visit and observe, participating in prayer services is typically reserved for Muslims. You can still experience the spiritual atmosphere. Reddit

There isn't a specific 'tourist time,' but visiting during non-prayer hours on weekdays will offer the best experience. Reddit

🎫 🕌 Onsite Experience

You can admire the grand courtyard, intricate Islamic architecture with elegant arches and marble floors, and feel the historical significance as one of the world's oldest universities. TikTokInstagram

The mosque's architecture and historical ambiance make it very photogenic. However, be mindful of potential restrictions on video recording. Instagram+1

Photography is generally allowed, but some visitors have reported being stopped by security from making videos. It's best to be discreet and respectful. TikTok

It's one of the oldest mosques in the Islamic world, founded in 970 AD, and has been a major center for Islamic learning and jurisprudence for centuries. Instagram

Yes, there are facilities available. Some reviews mention that the bathroom areas can be wet due to wudu (ablution) practices. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the mosque is located in an area with many food stalls and restaurants, especially near the Khan el-Khalili bazaar. Reddit

Eating is generally not permitted inside the prayer halls. However, during Ramadan, large iftar meals are distributed for foreign students. Instagram

You'll find traditional Egyptian street food and local cuisine in the surrounding markets and eateries. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The grand courtyard, intricate archways, and the minarets offer excellent photographic opportunities. Capture the scale and the details. Instagram

While photos are generally allowed, some visitors have encountered restrictions on video recording. Be mindful of security personnel and their instructions. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive courtyards, while a prime lens can be useful for details. Consider a camera that performs well in low light for interior shots. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Al-Azhar Mosque offers a glimpse into a significant historical and religious site. While children can visit, ensure they are dressed modestly and understand the need for quiet and respectful behavior. The vast courtyards might offer some space for them to move, but the primary focus should be on observing and learning. TikTok Consider visiting during less crowded weekday mornings to make the experience more manageable for younger ones. Reddit

🕌 Religious Visitors

For Muslims, Al-Azhar Mosque is a deeply spiritual place and a center for prayer and Islamic learning. You can attend prayer services and immerse yourself in the vibrant religious atmosphere. Instagram For non-Muslims, it's an opportunity to witness the beauty of Islamic architecture and understand the historical significance of one of the world's most important Islamic institutions. Reddit Remember to adhere to dress codes and be mindful of prayer times. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Al-Azhar Mosque is a photographer's dream with its stunning Islamic architecture, grand courtyards, and historical ambiance. Instagram+1 Capture the intricate details of the arches, the expansive prayer halls, and the overall grandeur. Be aware that while photography is generally permitted, video recording might be restricted by security. TikTok Visit during the golden hours for softer light and fewer crowds. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Legacy of Islamic Scholarship

Al-Azhar Mosque is more than just a place of worship; it's the heart of Al-Azhar University, one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world. Commissioned in 970 AD, it was established to be a center for Islamic learning and jurisprudence. Instagram For centuries, it has attracted scholars and students from across the globe, making it a pivotal institution in Islamic intellectual history. The mosque itself is a testament to this legacy, with its grand architecture reflecting its historical importance. TikTok

Visiting Al-Azhar offers a unique opportunity to feel the weight of history and witness a living tradition of scholarship. You can observe students attending classes and immerse yourself in an atmosphere dedicated to knowledge and faith. The sheer scale and enduring presence of Al-Azhar underscore its role as a global center for Islamic studies. TikTok

Many students dream of studying here, drawn by its prestigious reputation and the opportunity to learn in a historically rich environment. TikTokInstagram The university continues to play a significant role in shaping Islamic thought and education today, making a visit to the mosque a journey into a profound cultural and religious heritage.

Navigating Al-Azhar Mosque as a Visitor

When visiting Al-Azhar Mosque, modest dress is paramount. Ensure your clothing covers your shoulders and knees. For non-Muslim visitors, this is a sign of respect for the sacred space. Many mosques, including Al-Azhar, provide outer garments near the entrance if you need them, making it accessible for everyone. Reddit

Be aware of Friday prayer times. The mosque will be closed to visitors from approximately 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Fridays for Jumu'ah prayers. Planning your visit outside these hours is crucial to avoid disappointment. Reddit While the mosque is generally welcoming, some visitors have noted that security may restrict video recording, so it's advisable to be discreet with your camera. TikTok

Many visitors find that local guides or mosque attendees are happy to offer assistance and guidance, helping you navigate the complex and understand its significance. Reddit The mosque grounds are clean, and the ambiance is described as incredible and spiritual, making it a must-visit historical site in Cairo. Instagram

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