Bab Zuwayla Travel Guide: Top Sights in Egypt, Tours & Travel Advice

⁰

Bab Zuwayla- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Historical & Cultural; Egypt; 8 Reviews

Suggested Duration: 2 hours

Bab Zuwayla, also called Bab Zuweila, is one of three surviving gates from the fortified walls of medieval Cairo, built in 1092 by Fatimid vizier Badr al-Jamali. The structure features two imposing minarets added in the 15th century as part of Sultan al-Muayyad’s adjacent mosque. Its name derives from a Berber tribe stationed here during the city's founding. The gate once served as a site for public executions and ceremonial observances, with remnants of its original Shi'a inscriptions still visible. Restorations, including recent efforts by the American Research Center in Egypt, have preserved its stone towers, arched passage, and historic wooden doors. Surrounding the gate are remnants of markets, mosques, and structures from different eras.

Operators offering tours in Egypt

Attractions in Cairo

Khan el-Khalili

Egyptian Museum

4.4

Al-Azhar Mosque

4.6

Citadel Saladin

4.8

Ibn Tulun Mosque

4.2

Coptic Museum

Al-Mu'izz Street

4.8

Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan

Reviews of Bab Zuwayla

bogdan alexandru bola

5
Reviewed: 2025-03-25

This is one of three remaining gates in the city walls of historic Cairo in Egypt. The two minaret towers were added between 1415 and 1422 as part of the construction of the adjacent Mosque of Sultan al-Muayyad. It is a safe part of Cairo, cleamer than others and very safe. It was a pleasure walking around this part of town
Chun Sing TEH

5
Reviewed: 2025-01-26

You have to enter from the busy street markets. Nice photo taking scenic on top but Becareful of fall.
Jess

5
Reviewed: 2025-01-19

One of the highlights from our trip to Cairo. The views from the minaret are stunning, well worth the adrenalin rush if you’re able to tackle the steep climb to get to the top (including up a thin and wobbly steel “ladder”). Even the climb to the first level before the minarets had a tricky spiral staircase that was dark and narrow — definitely not for the mobility impaired.
Mohamed Fathy

5
Reviewed: 2024-12-31

Very nice and beautiful.. parking is difficult there.. tickets for entrance is 10 LE for Egyptians.. view from the top is amazing as you can see old Cairo and the many minarets there..
By. Anilsah AA

4
Reviewed: 2024-12-22

We visited Bab Zuwayla in mid-December. We came with a tour guide. Parking is difficult to get. We have to pay by cash, no credit card payments. We paid E£100/pax. No discount for students. It is a small area; there are some old plates, vases & pots from the era kept inside the cabinets. The climb to the 2nd top layer of the tower is easy & you get to see the beautiful view of the old Cairo.
Seokjin Ham

5
Reviewed: 2024-08-12

It is the last remaining southern gate from the walls of Cairo during the Fatimid period in the 11th and 12th centuries. You can climb up the tower and see a panoramic view of Cairo's old city. There are many different types of transportation on the narrow road, so be careful when walking.
Shane Kennedy

5
Reviewed: 2024-06-13

Cairo gate and tent street where you find hand sown Egyptian applique. You can still climb the minaret at the gate. One of the oldest part's of Cairo
Khaled Diab

5
Reviewed: 2024-05-12

Very nice to climb the minaret to have a better experience and view of Cairo