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Temples & religious sites

Mosque of Ibn Tulun

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Mosque of Ibn Tulun

The Mosque of Ibn Tulun

This structure is the oldest surviving mosque in Cairo. Travelers visit this site to see early Islamic architecture and experience a quieter environment compared to the busier districts of the city. The site is noted for its historical preservation and its distinct atmosphere.

Getting There

The mosque is located in the Sayyida Zeinab district. From Cairo city centre, most visitors use taxis or ride-sharing apps. Depending on the city's heavy traffic, the journey typically takes between 20 and 40 minutes.

Duration of Visit

Allow approximately 1 to 2 hours to walk through the courtyard and examine the architectural details of the prayer hall and the minaret.

When to Visit

Visiting during the early morning is recommended to avoid the midday heat and the largest crowds. During peak tourist seasons, the site can become crowded. Visitors should be mindful of prayer times, as the atmosphere changes when the mosque is used for active worship.

Nearby Attractions

Because of its location, this site can be combined with other historical religious structures in the vicinity:

  • Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan (0.8km)
  • Al-Rifa'i Mosque (0.8km)
  • Muhammad Ali Mosque (1km)
  • Al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque (1.1km)

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

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Stays near Mosque of Ibn Tulun

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Itineraries including this place

2 nights, 3 days

Cairo 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)

A 3-day route through Cairo grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

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Cairo 4-Day Itinerary (3 Nights)

A 4-day route through Cairo grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan

Temples & religious sites

Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan

A grand mosque and madrasa on Salah al-Din Square in old Cairo. Its original 14th-century architecture can still be admired up close today.

0.8 km away
Al-Rifa'i Mosque

Temples & religious sites

Al-Rifa'i Mosque

A mosque near the Cairo Citadel that also serves as the royal mausoleum of the Muhammad Ali dynasty. It was designed to mirror the Sultan Hassan Mosque across the street, making the two a natural pair to visit together.

0.8 km away
Muhammad Ali Mosque

Temples & religious sites

Muhammad Ali Mosque

The Mosque of Muhammad Ali stands within the Cairo Citadel, built in the 19th century on the order of Muhammad Ali. It is an Islamic landmark you can explore while touring the Citadel grounds.

1.0 km away
Al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque

Temples & religious sites

Al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque

A mosque inside the Cairo Citadel, built in 1318 as a royal chapel by a Mamluk sultan. It stands close to the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, making it easy to visit both together.

1.1 km away
Cairo Citadel

Castles & palaces

Cairo Citadel

An old fortress in Cairo, built by Saladin in the 12th century and expanded by later rulers. Perched on a hill overlooking the city, it served as the residence and seat of government for Egypt's rulers for nearly 700 years.

1.1 km away
Aqsunqur Mosque

Temples & religious sites

Aqsunqur Mosque

A mosque in Darb al-Ahmar, in Cairo's Islamic district, also known as the "Blue Mosque" for its blue tile decorations. It sits between Bab Zuweila and the Cairo Citadel, making it a convenient base for exploring the old city.

1.3 km away