Al-Suhaimi House, Cairo (Beit al-Suhaymi)
At a glance
- Departs
- Daily
The short answer
Al-Suhaimi House Entry Ticket is a 1-day admission covering the historic house, internal courtyard, and interior spaces in Cairo, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Destinations
- Cairo
Best time to go
The most comfortable time to visit Cairo heritage sites is usually from October to April, when daytime temperatures are generally milder and walking through the historic district is easier. Summer months can be hot, especially in the afternoon, so earlier visits are usually preferable. During Ramadan and major public holidays, opening hours and visitor flow may change, and some services may be reduced. Arriving early helps reduce waiting at the ticket window and improves the chance of a quieter visit.
02 Overview
A first look
Beit al-Suhaymi (Al-Suhaimi House) dates to the Ottoman period and demonstrates elite urban domestic architecture with multiple courtyards and ornate wooden screens. It sits along a former Nile watercourse in Cairo’s Historic District, within the area covered by UNESCO’s Historic Cairo designation.
Background
The facts
Al-Suhaimi House is an 18th–19th century residential complex in historic Cairo, in the Dar al-Ahmar area near the Citadel. It is known for its domestic Ottoman-era architecture, including carved wooden details, mashrabiya screens, internal courtyards, and room layouts that reflect elite urban living in Cairo’s historic quarters.
The house is part of Cairo’s dense medieval and early modern fabric, where narrow streets connect religious, residential, and commercial monuments. Its location near major landmarks in Old Cairo makes it a practical stop for visitors combining several heritage sites in one visit. As a domestic monument rather than a mosque or museum, it is especially useful for understanding everyday architecture, privacy, ventilation, and social space in historic Egyptian homes.
An entry ticket typically grants access to the house interior spaces and courtyard areas, subject to site management rules on the day of visit. Hours can vary seasonally or by local conditions, so visitors should check official opening times before arrival and go early if visiting during busy periods. Security screening, ticket inspection at the entrance gate, and on-site photography rules may apply and can change without notice.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This ticket suits travelers who want to see a historic Cairo residence rather than a large museum or religious monument. It is a good match for adults, students of architecture, and visitors with moderate walking tolerance who enjoy self-guided heritage visits.
- It also appeals to photographers and history-focused travelers interested in Ottoman domestic design, courtyard houses, and mashrabiya craftsmanship. Families with older children may find it manageable if they can navigate uneven surfaces and narrow historic passages.
What lingers
- 01 Al-Suhaimi House – an Ottoman-era house museum in Cairo's Islamic Quarter, near Khan al-Khalili bazaar.
- 02 Central courtyard and traditional mashrabiya screens display domestic architecture; several restored rooms are open for viewing.
- 03 Short walking route from Al-Azhar Mosque and Al-Hussein Mosque – easily combined with an Islamic Cairo half-day.
- 04 Unlike the Egyptian Museum, Al-Suhaimi House concentrates on urban domestic life and household architecture, not artefact galleries.
- 05 Entry requires climbing narrow stairs and passing low doorways – expect uneven stone floors and limited wheelchair access.
- 06 Late-afternoon visits give cooler light on the courtyard; midday offers limited shade and higher temperatures.
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Entry Ticket
Not included
- Professional Egyptologist guide (book separately if required)
- Transport to/from the site
- Meals and drinks
- Photography permit if required by the venue
- Printed ticket requirement, if the site does not accept mobile screens
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
-
01 Where is Al-Suhaimi House located in Cairo?
Al‑Suhaimi House sits on Al‑Muizz li‑Din Allah Street in Historic Cairo, near the Khan al‑Khalili bazaar. It is a 17th‑century Ottoman‑style town house with a small central courtyard and traditional wooden mashrabiyas. We usually visit it as part of a guided walking route along Al‑Muizz rather than as a separate transfer. -
02 What are the opening hours of Al‑Suhaimi House?
Opening hours vary; the house is commonly open mid‑morning to late afternoon but change seasonally. Local preservation work, national holidays and Friday prayer times can affect access. When we include the house on a private walk we confirm exact opening times and ticket arrangements before your visit. -
03 Is photography allowed inside Al‑Suhaimi House?
Photography is generally permitted inside, though flash and tripods may be restricted. Follow onsite signage and any requests from the custodian to protect textiles and finishes. If you plan professional or commercial photography we can request written permission in advance. -
04 Is Al‑Suhaimi House wheelchair accessible?
No – Al‑Suhaimi House has narrow staircases, low thresholds and uneven historic stone floors, so full wheelchair access is not available. Visitors with limited mobility can access selected ground‑floor rooms but will miss upper‑level views. Tell us your mobility needs in advance and we will plan the best accessible route and alternatives. -
05 How long should I allow to visit Al‑Suhaimi House?
Plan 30–45 minutes for a focused visit to the house. Allow extra time if you combine it with a guided walk along Al‑Muizz or a stop at Khan al‑Khalili. We prefer to include it within a short walking itinerary rather than as an isolated stop. -
06 Do I need an entrance ticket and is it included with private tours?
Yes – an entrance ticket is required; standard site fees apply unless a booking states otherwise. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, when we include Al‑Suhaimi on a private walk we normally book and include the ticket and confirm any costs in writing. If you plan to visit independently we will advise current fees and opening arrangements.
Last updated 18 May 2026 Product ID: TKT-CAI-761074
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