Is City of the Dead Worth Visiting in Cairo?

Prices, Entry, and Travel Tips

City of the Dead is a fairly well-known attraction in Cairo, and is known for its combination of ancient Islamic tombs and mausoleums with active residential life within a vast necropolis.

This is one of the more popular attractions in Cairo. If you have time, it's worth seeing. The crowds here are not as busy as with other attractions, but it still sees quite a few visitors. The crowds tend to get larger duing the peak travel season, too.

What is City of the Dead?

The City of the Dead in Cairo is a unique necropolis that doubles as a living urban quarter where thousands of Egyptians live among ancient tombs and mausoleums. Travelers are often fascinated by the blend of history and modern life, as families inhabit small homes built within the vast cemetery grounds. It is an intriguing cultural experience and offers a glimpse into local traditions and survival in an unusual setting. Visitors can explore the ornate Islamic mausoleums and admire the intricate architecture that dates back centuries. While it is less of a typical tourist attraction and more of a cultural immersion, it requires respectful behavior due to its residential nature. The site can be accessed via guided tours, providing informative insights into the history and lifestyle of the area. It's a compelling experience for those interested in history, anthropology, or unique urban environments.

This might not be the best for kids, as it's more oriented towards adults. This isn't the most romantic spot to visit as a couple. This place is not the best spot for budget travelers and backpackers, though.

Visiting City of the Dead

How much does City of the Dead cost?

Entry to City of the Dead costs it costs around 150 Egyptian Pounds for a guided tour, with no official admission fee but some tours may charge extra for special sites or experiences.

Do I need a tour for City of the Dead?

While not required, a tour is suggested. It's entirely possible to visit on your own and see everything. However, tours often provide for a more efficient visit along with interesting insights and stories surrounding the neighborhood. Tours of the neighborhood can give you a detailed overview with a knowledgable guide, so consider it if you want a more in-depth experience.

Do I need to book in advance?

Booking in advance is not required, but it is highly recommended to reserve your place. Entry tickets cost it costs around 150 Egyptian Pounds for a guided tour, with no official admission fee but some tours may charge extra for special sites or experiences. Also, if you don't want to go inside, it's possible to see the neighborhood from the outside for free if you just want to walk by. In fact, many tours in Cairo will pass by the outside while giving you an overview.

How long does it take to visit City of the Dead?

Many people will spend around 2 hours during their visit. Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll probably be doing a lot of walking. Also, this is mostly an outdoor attraction, so you might need to plan for the weather.

When is the best time to visit City of the Dead?

As for the time of year, City of the Dead is equally busy year-round. To avoid the crowds, try to arrive early or later in the day. Visit on weekdays, and avoid the high season if possible. It's only possible to visit during the day.

More things to do around Cairo

For even more trip ideas, check out these other articles about Cairo.

• Is Egyptian Museum Worth Visiting?
• Is Great Pyramid of Giza Worth Visiting?
• Is Sphinx of Giza Worth Visiting?
• Is Mosque of Muhammad Ali Worth Visiting?
• Is Pharaonic Village Worth Visiting?
• Is Bab Zuweila Worth Visiting?
• Cairo Travel Costs