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Cairo Tower
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Landmark
The Cairo Tower (Burj al-Qahira) is one of Egypt's most recognizable modern landmarks, situated on Gezira Island in the Zamalek district. Built between 1956 and 1961 under the direction of architect Naoum Shebib, the tower stands 187 meters tall, making it 43 meters higher than the Great Pyramid of Giza. Its design is inspired by the lotus plant, an ancient Egyptian symbol of purity, and features a distinctive latticework exterior made of reinforced concrete. The project was completed during the presidency of Gamal Abdel Nasser and served as a symbol of Egyptian national pride and modernization. Visitors can access an observation deck at the top, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the vast Cairo metropolis, including the Nile River and the Giza pyramids on the horizon. The tower also features a revolving restaurant that completes a full rotation every 70 minutes, providing diners with a changing view of the city.
- Location: Egypt
- Top sights: Zamalek tree · Messi Market · Zamalek Theater
- Nearby: Shubra El Kheima (8 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
Cairo Tower is a 187-meter freestanding concrete tower on Gezira Island, open daily to visitors. You can take the elevator to the observation deck and visit the revolving restaurant for a panoramic view of the city.
Typical hours
The tower is typically open daily from 9 AM to 11 PM, with the last elevator ride about 30 minutes before closing. In summer months, hours may extend until midnight.
Photography
From the observation deck, photos without flash are allowed, and the revolving restaurant also has great shots. Use a telephoto lens to capture city details, but tripods are only allowed with permission.
Time needed
Allow about 30 minutes for the ride up, the panoramic view, and the descent. If you plan to dine at the restaurant, add another 1-2 hours for a relaxed meal.
Combine with
The tower is on Gezira Island, which also houses Cairo Opera House and the Andalusian Garden. Combine your visit with a Nile walk or a trip to the nearby zoo.
Getting there
Cairo Tower is conveniently reachable by metro (Gezira station) and taxi. Parking is scarce in the area, so public transport is recommended.
Insider tip
Visit the tower just before sunset to experience the daylight and the city's evening lights. The revolving restaurant gives a fixed-price menu that includes entry - ask about the combo deal.
Geography
Facts
- The tower was officially inaugurated on April 11, 1961.
- At 187 meters, it was the tallest structure in Africa until 1971.
- The lattice façade is decorated with roughly 8 million mosaic pieces.
- Architect Naoum Shebib was a pioneer of reinforced concrete design.
- The revolving restaurant takes 70 minutes to complete a full turn.
- The construction was partially funded by money provided by the US government.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Cairo Tower (9)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How high is the Cairo Tower?
It is 187 meters high.
Is there a restaurant there?
Yes, a revolving restaurant at the top.
When is the best time to visit?
Just before sunset.
On which island is it located?
On Gezira Island in the Nile.
Are there often queues?
Yes, especially on weekends in the evening.
Cairo Tower: where is it located?
Cairo Tower is located in Egypt.
Cairo Tower: what is there to see?
Highlights include Zamalek tree, Messi Market, Zamalek Theater.
Cairo Tower: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.
Cairo Tower: why is it worth visiting?
The Cairo Tower (Burj al-Qahira) is one of Egypt's most recognizable modern landmarks, situated on Gezira Island in the Zamalek district.
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Nearby cities
History & landmarks
Cairo Opera House
The primary venue for performing arts in the Egyptian capital, located on the southern portion of Gezira Island.
Qasr el-Nil Bridge
A historic structure dating back to 1931, linking Tahrir Square to Gezira Island over the Nile River.
Egyptian Museum
One of the most important museums of ancient history, situated in Tahrir Square, holding an extensive collection of antiquities.
Manial Palace
A historic art and history museum situated in the El Manial district of southern Cairo, built by Prince Mohammed Ali Tewfik.
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.
Sultan Hassan Mosque
A monumental mosque and madrasa located in the historic district of Cairo, known for its massive scale.
Hanging Church
One of the oldest churches in Egypt, located in Coptic Cairo, uniquely built suspended over the gatehouse of a Roman fortress.
Nature
More places
Gezira Island
An island in the Nile in the middle of Cairo.
Coptic Cairo
A part of Old Cairo which encompasses the Babylon Fortress, the Coptic Museum, and numerous ancient churches.
Al-Azhar Park
A green oasis in Cairo's old city.
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.
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.
Heliopolis Park
Large city park with recreational opportunities.