Question 1

How should I dress for entering a mosque (male)?

Accepted Answer

The protocol does ask for men to wear long trousers as opposed to shorts, though Egyptians are used to the latter being worn and so say nothing, or little if it occurs.

Question 2

How should I dress for entering a mosque (female)?

Accepted Answer

The protocol does ask for women to cover bare skin as much as possible and so shoulders, especially, should be covered and a simple scarf will suffice. Again, it is advised to wear long trousers, or skirts, as legs should also be covered. Heads do not need to be covered, despite what some tourist books say, though it is a sign of respect if you do this.

Question 3

How do I get my tourist visa?

Accepted Answer

Usually, you need to apply to your local Egyptian Embassy or Consulate-General for a pre-entry tourist visa but if you are from North America, Western Europe, Australia/New Zealand, Brazil/Argentina or Hong Kong/Japan/Macau/Malaysia or Singapore you can get your tourist visa upon arrival in Egypt.

Question 4

Why am I being advised to stay in a hotel close to the pyramids rather than in Downtown?

Accepted Answer

Cost also comes into the equation as a simple 4-star Hotel in the Downtown area is more than often more expensive than a 5-star resort in the Pyramids area. Cairo is like most major cities in the world in this regard as city center property is a lot more expensive. Though it may appear that Downtown hotels do afford the luxury of being able to wander around the area for shopping and restaurants, etc. most of the Pyramid hotels offer free shuttle buses to allow you to do the same, plus taxis are not expensive and will still work out cheaper in the end.

Islamic Cairo Attractions

The Citadel of Saladin

Mosque of Mohammad Ali

Mosque of al-Azhar

Mosque of Sultan Hassan

Al-Rifa’i Mosque

Mosque of Ibn Tulun

Gayer-Anderson Museum

Muizz Street

Wikala of al-Ghouri

Khan el-Khalili

Muski Street

Al-Hussein Mosque

Beit Zeinab Khatoun

Al-Ghouri Complex

Whirling Dervishes

Sabil-Kuttab of Katkhuda

Aqmar Mosque

Bayt Al-Suhaymi

Amr ibn al-Aas Mosque

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