Saladin Citadel: tickets and basics
The Saladin Citadel, also called the Cairo Citadel, is a fortress on the Muqattam heights above the old city. Building began on Saladin's order in 1176 and was completed under al-Kamil in 1207. It gives wide views over Cairo, and the Muhammad Ali Mosque with its domes and minarets dominates the skyline.
One ticket covers the grounds. To fit the Citadel into a day with the bazaar and Islamic Cairo, book a Cairo tour that includes the Citadel.
Our pick: the Citadel in a full day
The Saladin Citadel is the first stop on this private route, followed by Coptic Cairo and the bazaar.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Saladin Citadel and Islamic Cairo tours
Guided visits to the Citadel, combinations with Islamic Cairo and the bazaar, with live prices and availability.
Citadel tickets and hours 2026
Prices are for the grounds. Extras such as the internal cart are listed below the table.
| Visitor | Adult | Student |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign visitors | EGP 550 | EGP 275 |
| Egyptians | EGP 60 | EGP 30 |
The internal cart inside the grounds costs EGP 10 for foreign adults and EGP 5 for foreign students; Egyptians and Arabs pay EGP 5. Children under 6 enter free. Students need a valid student card and must be 24 or younger. Vehicles driving in pay EGP 25 for a car or taxi, EGP 75 for a minibus and EGP 100 for a bus. For most visitors, one adult ticket and a taxi or a tour is the simplest plan.
Opening hours
The Citadel is open daily until 17:00, and the last entry is at 16:00. The morning start is 08:00 in winter and 08:00 or 09:00 in summer, so check the start time before you leave. In Ramadan the Citadel opens at 08:00 and the last entry is at 15:30.
Mosque of Muhammad Ali and the other buildings
The Mosque of Muhammad Ali is the building most people come for. Its domes and minarets rise above the Citadel walls. Dress as for any mosque: shoulders and legs covered, and a headscarf with you.
The Citadel also holds the al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque and the Sulayman Pasha Mosque, together with the Military Museum, the Police Museum and the al-Gawhara Palace Museum. The list tells you what exists, not what is open. Not every gallery is available on every day, so treat the museums as a bonus and ask at the gate.
Planning your Citadel visit
Buy tickets once
You can buy online, in the Experience Egypt app or at the site, with Visa or Mastercard. Paid tickets cannot be refunded or cancelled and lost tickets are not replaced.
Photos
Smartphone photography is free. For other cameras, tripods or professional shooting, ask first.
Combine with the old city
Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifai face each other on Salah al-Din Square, which makes them an easy addition to the same trip.
Islamic Cairo →Go for the view
Plan a stop at the viewing side for the panorama, and bring water in warm months.
Cairo weather →Other Cairo days out
If your list also includes the pyramids, plan them as a separate day. The things to do in Cairo page sets out how the main sights fit together, and a Giza day is covered in the guide to the Cairo day tour with the pyramids.
Saladin Citadel: frequently asked questions
How much is the Saladin Citadel ticket?
EGP 550 for foreign adults and EGP 275 for foreign students in 2026. Egyptians pay EGP 60 and EGP 30.
What time does the Citadel open and close?
It is open daily until 17:00 with last entry at 16:00. It opens at 08:00 in winter and at 08:00 or 09:00 in summer. In Ramadan it opens at 08:00 and the last entry is at 15:30.
Is the Muhammad Ali Mosque included in the ticket?
It stands inside the Citadel grounds. Dress modestly and ask at the gate whether any extra fee or entry rule applies on the day.
Are children free?
Children under 6 enter free. Students up to 24 with a valid card pay the student rate. The internal cart inside the grounds costs EGP 10 for foreign adults and EGP 5 for foreign students; Egyptians and Arabs pay EGP 5.
Can I take photos?
Smartphone photography is free. For other cameras, tripods or commercial filming, ask before you start.
How long should I plan?
Allow enough time for the main mosque, the views and any museum you choose. Add time for the walk between the sights inside the grounds.