Islamic Cairo Walking Tour | Old Cairo & Khayamiya Workshop

Looking for the best Islamic Cairo walking tour? Explore Khan El Khalili, historic mosques, and enjoy a hands-on Khayamiya workshop—one of the top things to do in Cairo.

Tour Overview

  • time-icon 8 Hours   Duration
  • location-icon Cairo, Egypt
  • Times: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • running-icon Intermediate

Discover the rich heritage of Cairo with this immersive Islamic Cairo Walking Tour, designed as a complete Cairo walking tour through the city’s most iconic historic districts.

Explore Old Cairo’s architectural treasures, including the Citadel of Saladin, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, and the remarkable Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifa’i Mosques. Walk through centuries of history as your local guide shares stories that bring Islamic Cairo to life.

Continue your journey through the bustling streets of Khan El Khalili, one of the oldest markets in the Middle East. This vibrant Khan El Khalili tour lets you experience traditional crafts, local culture, and authentic Cairo street life.

A highlight of this experience is a unique Khayamiya workshop, where you’ll meet skilled artisans and learn about Egypt’s traditional appliqué textile art. You’ll even create your own handmade piece—making this more than just a tour, but a true cultural experience.

End your day like a local with tea at a traditional café in the heart of Islamic Cairo. This experience blends history, culture, and interaction, making it one of the top things to do in Cairo.

What’s Included, What’s Not

  • Intercity transportation between locations Local transportation (including tuk-tuk where needed)
  • A hands-on Khayamiya workshop with local artisans
  • Professional guided tour
  • Tea at a Historic Café in Khan El Khalili
  • Local snacks & Water
  • Entrance ticket to Citadel of Saladin – 550 EGP
  • Entrance ticket to Sultan Hassan Mosque & Al-Rifa'i Mosque – 220 EGP
  • Entrance ticket to Bab Zuweila – 100 EGP
  • Personal shopping and souvenirs
  • Additional food or drinks
  • Transportation from and to meeting point

Our Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

10:00 | Meeting at the Citadel of Cairo

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Begin your journey at the iconic Citadel of Saladin, one of Cairo’s most important historic fortresses built in the 12th century.
Explore the magnificent Mosque of Muhammad Ali, famous for its Ottoman architecture and panoramic views over Cairo.

11:45 | Sultan Hassan & Al-Rifa'i Mosques

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Explore the monumental complex of: Sultan Hassan Mosque and Al-Rifa'i Mosque
These two architectural masterpieces face each other and represent different eras of Egyptian Islamic architecture.

13:00 | Visit Ibn Tulun Mosque

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Head to the remarkable Mosque of Ibn Tulun, one of the oldest and largest mosques in Egypt. Its unique spiral minaret and vast courtyard make it one of the most impressive examples of early Islamic architecture.

13:30 | Visit the Historic Pigeon Tower

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Stop by a traditional pigeon tower, a historic structure once used in Egypt to house pigeons and produce natural fertilizer for agriculture. From here, enjoy a unique view of the surrounding historic neighborhoods while learning about this fascinating part of Egyptian architectural heritage.

14:00 | Visit Bab Zuweila

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Stop at the iconic Bab Zuweila, one of the last remaining gates of medieval Cairo, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich history and architecture.

14:30 | Arrival at Khayamiya Street

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We arrive at the famous Khayamiya Street, known for its stunning handmade textiles displayed like an open-air gallery. You’ll learn about the history of Khayamiya and how it once decorated royal tents, weddings, and celebrations.

14:35 | The Workshop Experience (Main Highlight)

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Step inside a historic Khayamiya workshop where tradition comes to life.
Meet a master artisan, learn the basics of this centuries-old craft, and watch a live demonstration of hand-stitching techniques. Then, create your own Khayamiya textile piece using traditional methods.
By the end, you’ll leave with a handmade souvenir crafted by you, and rooted in Egyptian heritage.

17:00 | Khan El Khalili Bazaar

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Explore the legendary Khan El Khalili, one of the oldest markets in the Middle East.
Enjoy free time to browse shops selling: Handmade crafts, Jewelry, Spices, Traditional souvenirs

17:15 | Tea at a Historic Café

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Relax with a cup of tea at the historic El Fishawy Cafe, a legendary café that has welcomed travelers and locals for centuries.

17:45 | Walk Through Al-Muizz Street

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End your journey with a stroll along Al-Muizz Street, one of the most beautiful open-air museums of Islamic architecture in the world. Try local street snacks and soak in the atmosphere of historic Cairo.

18:00 | Tour End

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Tour concludes in Islamic Cairo / Khan El Khalili area.

From

$68.44

Per Person

Karim Abdelhamid

YOUR LOCAL GUIDE

Karim Abdelhamid

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Karim Abdelhamid

YOUR LOCAL GUIDE

Karim Abdelhamid

Travelers

Please add at least 1 person

Max 10 Travelers

7+ Years Old $75

3 - 7 Years Old $55

0 - 2 Years old Free

Please select a date

Please select a time

Meeting Place

Any Place in: Cairo, Egypt

Al Abageyah, El Khalifa, Cairo Governorate 4252360, Egypt

Package #2

Price Breakdown

2 Adults * $75.00

$150.00

1 Child * $50.00

$50.00

1 Infant * Free

$0.00

Total Price

$58

Tour Packages

Package #1

Number Of Person

1 - 1

Price

141.6/pp

Package #2

Number Of Person

2 - 2

Price

88.5/pp

Package #3

Number Of Person

3 - 3

Price

70.8/pp

Package #4

Number Of Person

4 - 4

Price

68.44/pp

Things to know

Important Notes

  • Workshop availability must be confirmed in advance before booking to ensure the artisan is available

  • This is a small-group, intimate experience to preserve authenticity

  • This tour involves moderate walking through historic streets. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

  • Modest clothing is recommended when visiting mosques (shoulders and knees covered).

  • The itinerary may slightly adjust depending on traffic or mosque opening hours.

  • The Arabic calligraphy workshop is suitable for beginners and no prior experience is required.

  • The experience is designed for travelers interested in culture, architecture, and authentic local experiences in Cairo.