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

The short answer

Sultan Hassan School and Al-Rifa'i Mosque Entry Ticket is an entry ticket granting admission to the adjoining monuments 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

Sultan Hassan School · Al-Rifa'i Mosque

Includes

Entry to Sultan Hassan School complex · Entry to Al-Rifa'i Mosque complex · Access to visitor areas open at the time of visit · PDF entry ticket delivered by email

Best for

Architecture enthusiasts · Independent visitors · History-focused travellers · Visitors exploring Cairo's Citadel area

Background

The facts

Suited to

Is this for you?

What lingers

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

Worth knowing

How this compares

Many Cairo city packages bundle monument admission with wider sightseeing; this is a standalone entry ticket. It grants access to the areas open at both adjoining sites, but does not include transport or a live guide.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

1. 01

   Check current opening hours before setting out, as schedules vary by season and site management.

2. 02

   Ask at the entrance about photography rules before taking pictures inside either complex.

3. 03

   Allow time to compare Sultan Hassan’s courtyard plan with Al-Rifa'i’s later royal funerary architecture.

4. 04

   Check your PDF for any print requirement; take a paper copy if the venue’s policy is unclear.

5. 05

   Expect access to vary around prayer times or restoration work, particularly in interior spaces.

Tailor it

Make it yours

• The ticket is for self-paced admission to the two adjoining complexes
• no ticket customisation is specified. Transport and meals are not included, and any additional services would need to be arranged separately.

All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.

While you're here

Worth pairing

• Cairo Citadel0.0 km
• Mosque of Ibn Tulun0.0 km
• Al-Azhar Park0.0 km

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

1. 01

   One ticket covers two adjoining Cairo monuments

2. 02

   Standalone admission, not bundled into a coach package

3. 03

   PDF ticket sent by email after booking confirmation

·In summary

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

1. 01Are 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. 02Is 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. 03Can 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. 04How 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. 05Are 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. 06Can 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.