Manasterly Palace Cairo
Historic palace on Al Manial Island, home to an ancient Nilometer and offering serene Nile views. Occasionally hosts music events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Manasterly Palace Cairo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic palace on Al Manial Island, home to an ancient Nilometer and offering serene Nile views. Occasionally hosts music events.
"A brief but worthwhile stop for its ancient Nilometer and pleasant Nile views."
Confirm Opening Hours
Palace may be closed for renovations. Check status before visiting to avoid disappointment. :informationdeskperson:
Combine with Nilometer
Don't miss the ancient Nilometer, a key historical feature nearby. :ancient_roman:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Al-Roda Nilometer
Adjacent to Manasterly Palace
An ancient marvel used to measure the Nile's flood levels, showcasing Abbasid-era engineering.
Nile River Views
Palace grounds
Enjoy picturesque vistas of the Nile River from the palace gardens, perfect for a peaceful moment.
Umm Kulthum Museum
Within the Manasterly Palace complex
A tribute to the legendary Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum, featuring her personal artifacts and memorabilia.
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Planning Your Visit
Check for Renovations Before You Go
Combine with Nearby Attractions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Confirm Opening Hours
Palace may be closed for renovations. Check status before visiting to avoid disappointment. :informationdeskperson:
Combine with Nilometer
Don't miss the ancient Nilometer, a key historical feature nearby. :ancient_roman:
Budget-Friendly Visit
Affordable entry fee for tourists, especially when combined with nearby sites. :moneywithwings:
Photography Opportunities
Great spots for capturing Nile views and architectural details. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Confirm Opening Hours
Palace may be closed for renovations. Check status before visiting to avoid disappointment. :informationdeskperson:
Combine with Nilometer
Don't miss the ancient Nilometer, a key historical feature nearby. :ancient_roman:
Budget-Friendly Visit
Affordable entry fee for tourists, especially when combined with nearby sites. :moneywithwings:
Photography Opportunities
Great spots for capturing Nile views and architectural details. :camerawithflash:
Music Venue Potential
Occasionally hosts classical music concerts; check schedules for unique events. :musical_note:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Manasterly Palace offers a glimpse into history, particularly with its ancient Nilometer and Nile views. While some visitors find the palace itself sparse or closed for renovations, the adjacent Umm Kulthum Museum and the historical significance of the Nilometer are often highlighted as positives. It's a brief but worthwhile stop for those interested in Cairo's heritage.
"Beware that palace is closed for renovation. You can enjoy the small garden, take nice pictures of the nile and see the ancient water flow measurement of nile that dates back to around 8 or 9th century. But you will do that in 20 mins only so it might be better to save the visit to later time when the palace open its doors. Also it is a small palace so don't expect spending that long time when it is opened"
Sherif Moharam
"The palace is empty but you can visit the nilometer- a monument used to measure Nile river a long time ago (Abbasid era). This place overall is beautiful with Nile riverview. The ticket is LE40 for tourist and LE20 for international student. Nearby, you can visit The Umm Kulthum museum."
Hadi Muss
"Very huge with many arts on the ceiling. Quite empty. The Nile view is nice. There is toilet inside the palace."
Najihah
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Manasterly Palace is located on Al Manial Island. You can reach it by taxi or ride-sharing service. It's often visited in conjunction with the Prince Mohamed Ali Palace, which is a short drive away.
Public transport options might be less direct. Taxis or ride-sharing apps like Uber or Careem are generally recommended for ease of access to Al Manial Island.
For nearby sites like the Prince Mohamed Ali Palace or Umm Kulthum Museum, a short taxi or ride-sharing trip is convenient.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for tourists is typically around LE 40, with a reduced rate of LE 20 for international students. It's always a good idea to confirm current pricing upon arrival.
The palace has been subject to renovations, so it's crucial to check its current opening status before visiting. Some reviews mention it being closed for renovation, while others indicate access to the grounds and Nilometer.
Information on online ticket purchasing is limited. It's generally recommended to purchase tickets on-site upon arrival.
While specific combined tickets aren't widely advertised, visiting the adjacent Umm Kulthum Museum and Al-Roda Nilometer is common and can be done with a single entry fee for the palace grounds.
📸 📸 Photography
The palace grounds offer lovely views of the Nile River, making it a great spot for scenic photography. The architecture and any remaining interior details can also be photogenic.
Photography is generally permitted within the palace grounds and accessible areas. However, always be mindful of any posted restrictions, especially if parts of the palace are under renovation.
It's ideal for landscape photography with the Nile backdrop, architectural shots, and capturing the historical ambiance. Some have even used it for event photography.
🎫 🏛️ History & Culture
Manasterly Palace is part of a historic complex and is notable for housing the Al-Roda Nilometer, an ancient structure used to measure the Nile's flood levels dating back to the Abbasid era.+1
A Nilometer is a structure built to measure the water level of the Nile River. The one at Manasterly Palace is a significant historical artifact, crucial for ancient Egyptian agriculture and administration.+1
Yes, the Umm Kulthum Museum is located within the premises of the Manasterly Palace complex, honoring the iconic Egyptian singer.
The palace has been used as a venue for classical music concerts and other events, offering a unique historical backdrop.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Al-Roda Nilometer: A Glimpse into Ancient Engineering
While the palace itself may be undergoing renovations or appear sparse, the Nilometer remains an accessible and fascinating historical artifact. It offers a tangible connection to the past and a deeper appreciation for the civilization that thrived along the Nile. The views of the river from this area are also quite pleasant, making it a worthwhile stop even if the palace interiors are not fully accessible.
Manasterly Palace as a Cultural Venue
When planning a visit, it's worth checking local event listings to see if any performances are scheduled during your stay. This can transform a simple sightseeing trip into an immersive cultural encounter. Even without a concert, the palace grounds offer a tranquil escape with beautiful Nile views, making it a pleasant place to spend some time.
Exploring Manial Island: Beyond the Palace
For those interested in Egyptian music legends, the Umm Kulthum Museum is conveniently located within the Manasterly Palace complex itself.Exploring Al Manial Island provides a more rounded perspective on Cairo's historical and cultural landscape. It's a chance to see different facets of the city's heritage, from royal residences to tributes to iconic artists. The island offers a relatively peaceful environment compared to the bustling city center, making it a pleasant area for a leisurely exploration.
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