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Al-Azhar Park
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Al-Azhar Park in the heart of Cairo is considered one of the most significant urban planning achievements in modern city history. The approximately 30-hectare facility was built on the site of a former landfill and was funded by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. The park not only provides much-needed green space in the densely populated metropolis but also gives expansive views of the Saladin Citadel and the minarets of the old city. During construction, a significant section of the 12th-century Ayyubid city wall was uncovered and restored. The garden design combines traditional Islamic landscape architecture with modern elements and uses a sophisticated irrigation system. Today, the park is a popular meeting point for families and a center for cultural events and educational initiatives. It stands as a symbol of the revitalization of historic Cairo.
- Location: Egypt
- Top sights: Mosque of Inal al-Yusufi · Qogmas Al-Ishaqi Mosue · Zawiya-Sabil Faraj Ibn Barquq
- Nearby: Giza (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 12 | 14 | 17 | 21 | 25 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 28 | 24 | 19 | 14 |
| Rain mm | 8 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 17 | 7 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Al-Azhar Park is a public park in Cairo, freely accessible to all visitors. The park features green spaces, walking paths, and a lovely view of the old city.
Typical hours
The park is typically open daily from 8:00 to 22:00. Hours may vary slightly by season.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the park. Commercial shoots require permission from park management.
Time needed
Allow at least 1 to 2 hours for a leisurely stroll. Families with children can easily spend half a day here.
Combine with
Combine a park visit with the Saladin Citadel or the Sultan Hassan Mosque complex. The old city of Cairo starts right at the park.
Getting there
The park is on the edge of Cairo's old city, near the Darb al-Ahmar district. Easily reached by taxi or Uber.
Insider tip
Visit the park in the late afternoon to enjoy the sunlight on the old city. The park café has local snacks and drinks.
Geography
Facts
- The park was built atop 500 years of accumulated debris.
- The inauguration took place in 2005 by the Aga Khan.
- Over 650,000 plants were planted within the park.
- The Ayyubid wall is approximately 1.5 kilometers long.
- The park received the 'Aga Khan Award for Architecture'.
- Three large reservoirs supply the park with water.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
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Sights in the town Al-Azhar Park (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Al-Azhar Park?
The park is open daily from 09:00 to 22:00. Convenient for evening walks.
Is there a good view from the park?
Yes, it features a fantastic panoramic view of the Citadel and historic Cairo.
Are there restaurants available?
Yes, there are several upscale restaurants and cafes with city views.
How much is the entrance fee?
Entrance costs about 40-50 EGP for tourists. A fair price for this green oasis.
Is picnicking allowed in the park?
Officially, bringing large meals is not allowed, but small snacks are often tolerated.
Al-Azhar Park: where is it located?
Al-Azhar Park is located in Egypt.
Al-Azhar Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Mosque of Inal al-Yusufi, Qogmas Al-Ishaqi Mosue, Zawiya-Sabil Faraj Ibn Barquq.
Al-Azhar Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.
Al-Azhar Park: why is it worth visiting?
Al-Azhar Park in the heart of Cairo is considered one of the most significant urban planning achievements in modern city history.
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Nearby cities
History & landmarks
Al-Azhar Mosque
A historic Islamic mosque in Islamic Cairo, established in 972 and renowned as a center for Islamic learning.
Al-Rifa'i Mosque
A massive mosque in Cairo located next to the Sultan Hassan Mosque, serving as the royal mausoleum for the Egyptian royal family.
Sultan Hassan Mosque
A monumental mosque and madrasa located in the historic district of Cairo, known for its massive scale.
Qalawun Complex
A massive architectural complex in Islamic Cairo, including a hospital, madrasa, and mausoleum built by Sultan Qalawun.
Mosque of Muhammad Ali
A grand Ottoman mosque situated in the Citadel of Cairo, visible from across the city.
Abdeen Palace
A historic Cairo palace serving as one of the official residences and principal workplaces of the President of Egypt.
Mosque of Ibn Tulun
The oldest mosque in Cairo surviving in its original form, renowned for its massive size and unique spiral minaret.
Egyptian Museum
One of the most important museums of ancient history, situated in Tahrir Square, holding an extensive collection of antiquities.
Nature
More places
Islamic Cairo
The historic core area of Cairo containing a wealth of Islamic architecture covering hundreds of years.
Citadel of Saladin
A medieval Islamic-era fortification in Cairo, built by Saladin to protect it from the Crusaders.
Coptic Cairo
A part of Old Cairo which encompasses the Babylon Fortress, the Coptic Museum, and numerous ancient churches.
Gezira Island
An island in the Nile in the middle of Cairo.
Heliopolis Park
Large city park with recreational opportunities.
🗺️
Gabal el-Asfar
An isolated mountain east of the Nile Delta.
Great Sphinx of Giza
A massive limestone statue with the body of a lion and the head of a human, likely Pharaoh Khafre.
Giza Pyramid Complex
Egypt's most famous pyramids, built for the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure.