Egypt Discovery
AttractionCairo

Al-Rifa'i Mosque & Sultan Hassan Mosque, Cairo

Admission to both mosque interiors and courtyard areas beside Cairo’s Citadel; opening hours vary seasonally, so check before visiting.

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

Sultan Hassan Mosque and Al-Rifa'i Mosque Entry Ticket grants admission to both historic mosques in Cairo, booked and arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
  • Cultural

Snapshot

Good to know

Time to allow
Self-paced
Travel style
Self-Guided Entry
Arranged by
Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt
Destinations
The Sultan Hassan Mosque · Al-Rifa'i Mosque
Includes
Entry to Sultan Hassan Mosque · Entry to Al-Rifa'i Mosque · Access to interior areas covered by the ticket · Access to courtyard areas covered by the ticket · PDF ticket delivered by email
Best for
Architecture enthusiasts · Mamluk history readers · Independent visitors · Cairo city-break travellers

Best time to go

October to April is generally more comfortable for walking between the mosques, with mild Cairo daytime conditions often around 18–28°C. Summer days can exceed 35°C, so an early visit is preferable; opening hours may also change during Ramadan and religious holidays, so check before travelling.

  • Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
  • The ticket covers admission to Sultan Hassan Mosque and Al-Rifa'i Mosque.
  • The entry ticket is sent by email as a PDF after booking confirmation.
  • Transport, photography permits where separately charged, meals and refreshments are not included.
  • The venues control access, opening hours and security procedures.

02Overview

A first look

Sultan Hassan Mosque (1356–1363) and Al‑Rifa'i Mosque (completed 1912) stand opposite one another beside Cairo's Citadel. Sultan Hassan is a major Mamluk funerary complex; Al‑Rifa'i served as a royal mausoleum.

Background

The facts

Sultan Hassan Mosque and Al-Rifa'i Mosque are adjacent religious monuments on the plaza below Cairo Citadel in Cairo, Egypt. This entry ticket grants admission to both sites, including interior and courtyard areas where access is allowed under current site rules.

Sultan Hassan Mosque was built in the mid-14th century under Mamluk rule. Its four-iwan plan, monumental entrance and large prayer hall reflect the scale of Mamluk religious architecture. Al-Rifa'i Mosque was completed in the early 20th century, designed in relation to the older mosque and used as a royal mausoleum.

Al-Rifa'i contains several royal tombs, linking the complex to Egypt’s late Ottoman and modern royal history. The two mosques are separate monuments but can be visited on foot from the shared plaza beside the Citadel.

Opening hours vary by season and public holiday, so check current hours before travelling or arrive early. Expect ticket checks and security screening at the entrance. Wear modest clothing for mosque interiors. Photography rules may vary; check at the entrance. A PDF ticket is emailed after booking. Print it if unsure whether screen display is accepted.

Named in this entry

The Sultan Hassan Mosque·Al-Rifa'i Mosque·Cairo Citadel·Cairo·Egypt·Mamluk Sultanate·Mamluk architecture·Ottoman Egypt

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This ticket suits independent visitors, couples and travellers aged 12 and over who are interested in Mamluk architecture and royal mausoleums. It works well for people comfortable with stairs, uneven stone floors and quiet religious settings.

Maybe not, if

  • Choose another visit if you need step-free access throughout or want transport and a guided visit included. Summer heat and variable opening hours also make a fixed-time plan less reliable.

What lingers

  • 01Visit side-by-side Sultan Hassan (14th century) and Al-Rifa'i (19th–20th century) mosques in Historic Cairo.
  • 02Includes entry to both monuments; our Egyptologist highlights Mamluk architectural features and inscriptions.
  • 03Sultan Hassan's madrasa-mosque layout dates from 1356–1363; original minarets and stone-carved muqarnas survive.
  • 04Al-Rifa'i serves as a royal mausoleum; expect funerary chambers and 19th–early 20th-century royal tombs.
  • 05Modest dress and quiet required; access may close briefly during the five daily prayers.
  • 06We avoid large coach visits; our private-guided entry slots reduce time spent queuing and crowding.

Worth knowing

How this compares

Many single-site tickets cover one monument; this ticket covers admission to both neighbouring mosques. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the ticket, while the venues set opening hours, security procedures and photography rules.

The fine print

What's included – and what is left out

Included

  • Entry ticket for Sultan Hassan Mosque and Al-Rifa'i Mosque

Not included

  • Transport to and from the mosques
  • Audio commentary or a printed guidebook
  • Photography permit, if charged separately; check at the entrance
  • Food and drinks
  • Printed ticket copy, if required by the venue; the PDF is sent by email, so print it if unsure

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

  1. 01

    Check opening hours close to your visit, as seasonal schedules and public holidays can affect access.

  2. 02

    Arrive early to allow time for ticket checks and security screening at the entrance.

  3. 03

    Print the emailed PDF if you cannot confirm that the entrance accepts tickets displayed on a phone.

  4. 04

    Wear modest clothing for entry to the mosque interiors.

  5. 05

    Ask at the entrance about current photography rules before taking pictures.

Tailor it

Make it yours

The ticket is for admission to the two mosques; transport, refreshments and an audio guide are not included. You can plan a separate visit to the nearby Citadel, but its admission is not part of this ticket.

Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.

Where it fits

Add both mosques to a Cairo sightseeing day alongside the Citadel of Saladin or the Mosque of Ibn Tulun. Their shared plaza makes it easy to visit the two complexes on foot.

While you're here

Worth pairing

  • Citadel of Saladin10 min walk
  • Mosque of Ibn Tulun20 min walk
  • Gayer-Anderson Museum22 min walk
  • Museum of Islamic Art, Cairo3 km

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

  1. 01

    One ticket covers two neighbouring mosque complexes

  2. 02

    Visit Mamluk architecture beside Cairo Citadel

  3. 03

    Receive your ticket as a PDF by email

·In summary

Sultan Hassan Mosque dates to the mid-14th century, while neighbouring Al-Rifa'i Mosque was completed in the early 20th century. Both stand on the plaza below Cairo Citadel and the ticket grants admission to the two mosque complexes, subject to site rules and opening hours.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01Are Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifa'i mosques open to tourists?
    Both Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifa'i mosques are generally open to visitors outside formal prayer times. They close for Jumu'ah (Friday) prayers and may change access during Ramadan or special ceremonies. We can schedule visits to avoid closures and prayer times if you book a guided visit.
  2. 02Do I need to pay to enter Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifa'i mosques?
    There is usually a modest entrance fee for visiting Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifa'i for tourism. Tickets are normally bought at the site and some areas may have separate photography or permission fees. Standard entry fees are handled on-site unless we state otherwise when arranging a private visit.
  3. 03What clothing is suitable for a visit to Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifa'i mosques?
    Modest dress is required: cover shoulders and knees; women should carry a headscarf. You may be asked to remove shoes for interior access and avoid shorts or sleeveless tops. Bring sun protection – courtyards have limited shade at midday and stone floors reflect heat.
  4. 04Can I take photographs inside Al-Rifa'i and Sultan Hassan mosques?
    Personal photography is usually permitted inside Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifa'i, but rules vary and can change without notice. Tripods, flash or commercial shoots often require prior permission or a fee; never photograph worshippers during prayers. If photography is important to you, we can request permissions in advance.
  5. 05Can wheelchair users access the mosques?
    Both mosque complexes have uneven stone floors and steps; full wheelchair access is limited. Courtyards and thresholds present obstacles and ramps are not consistently available. We can arrange assistance, choose a shorter route, or offer an alternative viewpoint if mobility is restricted.
  6. 06When is the best time of day to visit Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifa'i mosques?
    Early morning or late afternoon avoids the hottest hours and the busiest visitor periods. Friday midday is busiest because of Jumu'ah prayers; light in late afternoon gives better photography but check closing times. Unlike mass coach itineraries, we can time a private visit to coincide with quieter periods.

Editorial review

Reviewed by Khaled Mansour·Last reviewed 8 March 2025

Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: TKT-CAI-904445

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