Egypt Discovery
From per personOn Request
Attraction Cairo

Sultan Hassan Mosque and Al‑Rifa'i Mosque, Cairo

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

Sultan Hassan School and Al-Rifa'i Mosque Entry Ticket is a 1-day attraction ticket covering the Sultan Hassan complex and the adjoining Al-Rifa'i Mosque in Cairo, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.

Snapshot

Good to know

Destinations
Cairo

Best time to go

The most comfortable months are usually October to April, when daytime temperatures in Cairo are milder and walking between monuments is easier. Summer visits can still work, but midday heat is stronger and sites may feel busier later in the day. Friday prayer times, Ramadan, and major Islamic holidays can affect access or slow entry, so checking the day’s conditions is advisable.

02 Overview

A first look

The Mosque‑Madrasa of Sultan Hassan was constructed 1356–1363 and is one of Cairo's principal Mamluk monuments. Al‑Rifa'i, completed in 1912, stands beside it as a modern royal mausoleum.

Background

The facts

The Sultan Hassan complex is one of Cairo’s major Mamluk monuments. Construction began in 1356 CE under Sultan al-Nasir Hasan and the building became known for its large scale, stone façades, and four-iwan plan arranged around a central courtyard. It stands near the Citadel area in historic Cairo and is visited for its madrasa, mosque, and funerary architecture.

The adjoining Al-Rifa'i Mosque was built much later, mainly in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and is associated with royal burials and modern ceremonial architecture. The two monuments sit next to each other on the Citadel plateau, which makes them easy to combine in a single self-paced visit. Visitors typically move between the courtyard spaces, prayer halls, and exterior façades to compare the Mamluk and later stylistic phases.

This entry ticket provides admission to the site spaces open to visitors, subject to local management and opening conditions. Ticket holders should expect standard entrance security checks, and access may vary inside each complex depending on prayer times, restoration work, or seasonal operating schedules. Photography rules are not fixed in advance, so visitors should verify the current policy at the entrance gate or on the official notice for the day.

For practical planning, the best approach is to arrive early in the day when crowds are usually lighter and temperatures are lower than in the afternoon. Cairo can be hot from May to September, while winter months from November to February are generally more comfortable for walking and sightseeing. Fridays, religious holidays, and Ramadan periods can affect access and crowd flow, especially around mosque spaces.

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This ticket suits travelers who are interested in Mamluk architecture, Islamic Cairo, and historic religious monuments. It is a good fit for adults, students, and older children who are comfortable with walking, stairs, and time spent in stone courtyards and interior halls.

What lingers

  • 01 Visit Sultan Hassan Mosque-Madrasa (built 1356–1363) and Al-Rifa'i Mosque (1869–1912) with a single entrance ticket.
  • 02 The two monuments stand opposite the Citadel; visit both on a 20-minute walking circuit.
  • 03 Sultan Hassan's interior features towering iwans and original Mamluk stonework; expect uneven thresholds and several steps.
  • 04 Al-Rifa'i contains tombs of the Muhammad Ali family and 20th-century royal burials; photography permitted without flash typically.
  • 05 Modest dress required for both sites; closures occur for prayer services–plan morning visits to avoid interruptions.
  • 06 Entry and guided visits arranged by our Cairo office, a licensed Egyptian tour operator; unlike hop-on circuits, no rushed exteriors.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Entry Ticket

Not included

  • Professional Egyptologist or live guide (book separately if required)
  • Transport to/from the Citadel
  • Meals and refreshments
  • Photography permit where applicable, check at the entrance
  • Some venues require a printed ticket, check the PDF and print if in doubt

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01 Are Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifa'i open to visitors every day?
    Both monuments are normally open most days, but access can be restricted for prayers or official ceremonies. Al-Rifa'i remains an active mosque and some areas close during worship; Sultan Hassan is primarily a historical monument but may be closed for conservation work. Hours change during Ramadan and national holidays, so check on the day. We confirm opening times for private groups and can request priority access where possible.
  2. 02 Is there a dress code for visiting Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifa'i Mosque?
    Yes – modest dress is required: shoulders and knees should be covered at both sites. Women may be asked to cover their hair in Al-Rifa'i when worshippers are present, so bring a scarf. Avoid shorts, sleeveless tops and see-through clothing; some prayer areas require footwear removal. Lightweight layers work well for temperature and respect.
  3. 03 Can I take photographs inside Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifa'i Mosque?
    Non-commercial photography is usually permitted but flash and tripods are often restricted. Restrictions tighten during prayers, official ceremonies, and within royal mausoleum chambers in Al-Rifa'i. Professional shoots or tripod use typically require prior written permission from site authorities. We can request photography permission in advance for guided or specialist shoots.
  4. 04 How long should I allow to visit both Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifa'i?
    Allow 45–75 minutes to visit both Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifa'i at a relaxed pace. Sultan Hassan's courtyard, mihrab and monumental portals reward close inspection; Al-Rifa'i's mausoleum chambers take time if they are open. If you combine this visit with the nearby Citadel and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, plan a half-day. We recommend an early start to avoid midday heat and daytime crowds.
  5. 05 Are the Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifa'i accessible for wheelchairs?
    Accessibility is limited: both sites have steps, uneven stone floors and narrow doorways. There are no continuous ramps or elevators; wheelchairs may manage some outdoor areas with assistance but interior access is often restricted. Our team can arrange door-to-door transfers and advise best viewing points from outside. For guests with reduced mobility we suggest a pre-visit assessment so we can plan alternatives.
  6. 06 Can I visit Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifa'i as part of a private Cairo morning itinerary?
    Yes – we can include both monuments in a private morning itinerary from central Cairo. They face each other on the Citadel plateau and are a two-minute walk apart; a typical private stop starts between 08:00 and 09:00. Unlike many packaged half-day tours that squeeze these monuments into longer excursions, we keep this visit separate so you get 45–75 minutes here. We provide hotel pickup, one of our Egyptologist guides and priority entry where available.

Last updated 18 May 2026 Product ID: TKT-CAI-413216

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