Midan Al-Hussein Cairo
Midan Al-Hussein is Cairo's historic heart, home to the bustling Khan el-Khalili bazaar and the revered Al-Hussein Mosque. A sensory explosion of sigh...

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Bazaar comes alive at night
Midan Al-Hussein Cairo
Best Time
Bazaar comes alive at night

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Midan Al-Hussein is Cairo's historic heart, home to the bustling Khan el-Khalili bazaar and the revered Al-Hussein Mosque. A sensory explosion of sights, sounds, and smells.
"A vibrant and historically rich area offering a unique shopping and cultural experience."
🎯 Haggle Like a Pro
Tourist prices are common. Negotiate firmly but politely for the best deals at Khan el-Khalili. :moneybag:
🚗 Use Ride-Sharing Apps
Uber and Careem are reliable and cheaper than taxis. Always verify driver and car details. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
Midan Al-Hussein
A labyrinth of stalls selling everything from spices to souvenirs. Get ready to haggle!

Al-Hussein Mosque
Midan Al-Hussein
A stunning architectural gem and a significant religious site for Shia Muslims.
Cresta Rooftop
Mokattam (nearby)
Offers incredible panoramic views of Cairo, especially at sunset.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigate the Bustling Souk
Respectful Attire & Tipping Culture
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Haggle Like a Pro
Tourist prices are common. Negotiate firmly but politely for the best deals at Khan el-Khalili. :moneybag:
🚗 Use Ride-Sharing Apps
Uber and Careem are reliable and cheaper than taxis. Always verify driver and car details. :car:
🧥 Dress Modestly
Cover knees and shoulders, especially for religious sites. :womaninturban:
💰 Carry Small Bills
Tipping is expected for many services. Have plenty of small denominations. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Haggle Like a Pro
Tourist prices are common. Negotiate firmly but politely for the best deals at Khan el-Khalili. :moneybag:
🚗 Use Ride-Sharing Apps
Uber and Careem are reliable and cheaper than taxis. Always verify driver and car details. :car:
🧥 Dress Modestly
Cover knees and shoulders, especially for religious sites. :womaninturban:
💰 Carry Small Bills
Tipping is expected for many services. Have plenty of small denominations. :moneywithwings:
🚶 Park & Walk
Street traffic can be intense. Park nearby and explore the area on foot. :walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Midan Al-Hussein, particularly Khan el-Khalili, is a vibrant and historically rich area offering a unique shopping and cultural experience. Visitors praise the lively atmosphere, colorful souvenirs, and the architectural beauty of Al-Hussein Mosque. However, the intense crowds, aggressive vendors, and the need for constant bargaining can be overwhelming for some.
"Islamic cairo in one spot
Perfect for pictures
Friday’s and Saturdays are really crowded
Don’t get into the street with the car
Park outside and walk around the area"
Mena Fanous
"The Imam Husayn Mausoleum in Cairo is a site of immense religious and historical significance, especially for Shia Muslims. Believed to house the head of Imam Husayn, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, this mausoleum is a masterpiece of Islamic art and architecture. Its intricate design features a stunning facade, detailed minarets, and a richly decorated interior, with latticework and Arabic calligraphy that evoke a deep sense of reverence and awe. The atmosphere inside is one of solemnity and devotion, often bustling with pilgrims and visitors who come to pay their respects. This mausoleum is not just a religious landmark but also a cultural treasure, representing the rich history and spiritual depth of Islamic Cairo."
Husayn Kopty
"Crazy shopping experience, you have to negotiate hard because lots of places give you a tourist price"
The Hot Chef
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Midan Al-Hussein is best accessed by ride-sharing apps like Uber or Careem, as street traffic can be overwhelming. Many visitors recommend parking in a designated lot near Al-Azhar Park and walking to the square to avoid congestion.
Yes, ride-sharing apps are readily available in this area. It's advisable to have a local SIM card or ensure your international roaming is active for seamless booking.
Cairo is notorious for its heavy traffic, and Midan Al-Hussein is no exception, especially during peak hours and weekends. Planning your visit during off-peak times or being prepared for delays is recommended.
While street parking is difficult, there are larger car parking areas available, such as the one near Al-Azhar Park, which is a good option for visitors planning to explore the area on foot.
While taxis are available, it's generally recommended to use ride-sharing services like Uber or Careem for better pricing and reliability.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Midan Al-Hussein and the Al-Hussein Mosque is generally free. However, there might be specific areas or events within the mosque that require a small fee or donation.
Khan el-Khalili bazaar is typically open from morning until late at night, with the atmosphere becoming particularly vibrant in the evenings. Some shops may close for prayer times.
No, there is no entrance fee for the Al-Hussein Mosque. Visitors are welcome to enter and explore the sacred space.
Photography inside the mosque may be restricted in certain areas or during prayer times. It's always best to be respectful and ask permission if unsure. Some visitors have noted being restricted from professional photography.
To avoid the biggest crowds, try visiting on weekdays rather than Fridays and Saturdays, and consider going earlier in the day before the evening rush.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
Khan el-Khalili offers a vast array of souvenirs, including traditional clothing, handicrafts, spices, perfumes, lamps, jewelry, and intricate metalwork.
Bargaining is expected and part of the experience. Start by offering about half of the asking price and negotiate respectfully. Having cash makes transactions smoother.
Items like spices, handmade crafts, and traditional Egyptian cotton products are often considered good value. Be mindful of authenticity for items like jewelry.
While some larger shops might accept credit cards, it's highly recommended to carry cash, as many vendors primarily deal in Egyptian Pounds.
While Midan Al-Hussein is known for its traditional bazaar, modern shopping malls like Cairo Festival City Mall or Mall of Arabia are located in other parts of Cairo.
🎫 🕌 Religious & Cultural Sites
The Al-Hussein Mosque is a highly revered site for Shia Muslims, believed to house the head of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. It's a place of deep spiritual significance and architectural beauty.
Imam Hussein Square is a vibrant cultural hub centered around the Al-Hussein Mosque, known for its bustling bazaars, street performers, and lively atmosphere, especially during festivals.
Yes, the area is part of Islamic Cairo and is close to other significant mosques and historical sites. Old Cairo and Coptic Cairo are also nearby and worth exploring.
Immerse yourself by wandering through the bazaar, enjoying street food, visiting local coffee shops, and observing the daily life and interactions.
The Imam Husayn Mausoleum is open for visitors, except during Ashura. It's a significant pilgrimage site for many.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The narrow alleyways of Khan el-Khalili, the intricate details of Al-Hussein Mosque, and the bustling street scenes offer fantastic photographic opportunities. Rooftop cafes provide great city views.
Be mindful of privacy and ask permission before photographing individuals. Photography inside some religious sites might be restricted. Avoid photographing government buildings.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting. Evenings in Khan el-Khalili are also very photogenic with the vibrant lights.
A versatile camera, whether a smartphone or a DSLR, will work well. Consider a wide-angle lens for the bustling market scenes and a prime lens for low-light conditions.
Capture the vibrant colors of spices, the detailed craftsmanship of souvenirs, and the lively interactions between vendors and shoppers for unique shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more relaxed family outing, consider visiting Al-Azhar Park, which is near Midan Al-Hussein and offers green spaces, playgrounds, and stunning city views. The Al-Hussein Mosque itself can be a place for quiet reflection, but ensure children are supervised and respectful of the religious environment. Using ride-sharing apps for transport will make navigating the city with kids much easier.
💰 Budget Travelers
Eating at local street food stalls or smaller, less tourist-oriented eateries in the surrounding areas will be much cheaper than restaurants directly within the bazaar. Utilizing ride-sharing apps like Uber or Careem instead of taxis will also save considerable money on transportation. Many of the cultural experiences, like exploring the square and the mosque's exterior, are free.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For the best light, aim for the golden hours around sunrise and sunset. Evenings are particularly atmospheric with the market lights. Be mindful of privacy and always ask permission before photographing individuals. While professional photography might be restricted in some sensitive areas, your smartphone or a compact camera will capture the essence of this lively district.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Khan el-Khalili: A Shopper's Paradise
Bargaining is an essential part of the shopping experience here. Don't be afraid to negotiate, but do so respectfully. Vendors often start with a 'tourist price,' so be prepared to offer a lower figure and meet somewhere in the middle. Having cash in small denominations will make transactions smoother. While credit cards are accepted in some larger establishments, most vendors prefer cash.
Beyond shopping, Khan el-Khalili is a fantastic place to soak in the local culture. Stop at a traditional coffee shop, like El Fishawy, for a mint tea and people-watch. The vibrant energy, the calls of the vendors, and the sheer variety of goods make it an unforgettable sensory journey.
The Spiritual Heart: Al-Hussein Mosque and Imam Hussein Square
The square surrounding the mosque, Imam Hussein Square, is a vibrant hub that encapsulates Cairo's rich heritage. It comes alive with a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds, especially during religious festivals. The atmosphere is electric, with street performers and vendors adding to the lively ambiance. Visiting this area offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the spiritual and cultural fabric of Cairo, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with the modern pulse of the city.
Visitors are welcome to explore the mosque, but it's important to dress modestly, covering knees and shoulders. While entry is free, maintaining a respectful demeanor is paramount. Photography may be restricted in certain areas, so always be mindful of your surroundings and any posted guidelines.
Experiencing Cairo's Views: Rooftop Dining
These elevated spots provide a unique vantage point to appreciate the vastness of Cairo, especially during sunset when the city lights begin to twinkle. Many offer a blend of traditional Egyptian and international cuisine, making them perfect for a relaxed evening. It's a great way to see the city from above and capture some memorable photos.
While not directly in Midan Al-Hussein, these rooftop experiences are easily accessible and offer a refreshing contrast to the dense urban environment. They are a popular choice for both locals and tourists looking for a memorable dining or relaxation experience with a view.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit