Claire Dubois
May 3, 2026, 9:37 a.m.J'ai adoré cette visite! Les cimetières islamiques au Caire sont pleins de mystère et de beauté. C'est une expérience qui mélange l'étrange avec l'incroyable richesse culturelle de l'Égypte. À ne pas manquer!
Tour to the dead city of cairo
Description
The City of the Dead, or Cairo Necropolis, also named as the Qarafa al-Qarafa; locally pronounced as al-'arafa) is a series of vast Islamic necropolises and cemeteries in Cairo, Egypt. The City of the Dead moves away from the sepulchral silence characteristic of other cemeteries. Some of the inhabitants of the City of the Dead are proud to have the opportunity to share accommodation with the graves of their relatives. Marsa Alam Tours will let you exprience this journey of Pleasure and weirdness. Lets go
Included
Bottled water
Qualified Egyptologist guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Private tour
Transport by air-conditioned
Excluded
Gratuities
Food and drinks, unless specified Personal Items
any Optional Tours
Remember to bring
Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
Comfortable shoes
Sunglasses
Your Itinerary
Frequently Asked Questions
The City of the Dead (Al-Qarafa) is a vast historic necropolis in Cairo that stretches for several kilometers. It dates back to the 7th century and contains elaborate mausoleums, tombs, and mosques of sultans, caliphs, and ordinary Egyptians. Uniquely, many living families have made their homes among the tombs, creating a functioning community within this ancient cemetery.
Yes, visiting the City of the Dead with a reputable guided tour is safe. The area is inhabited by local residents who are accustomed to respectful tourists. Our guides know the area well and navigate you through the most historically significant sections. As with any urban area, we recommend following your guide's advice and staying with the group.
Key highlights include the Mausoleum of Sultan Barquq, one of the grandest medieval Islamic monuments in Cairo, the Mausoleum of Sultan Qaitbay with its exquisite stone carving, the Tomb of Imam Shafi'i (the largest Islamic mausoleum in Egypt), and the Mausoleum of Princess Tughay. Each structure reveals centuries of Islamic funerary architecture.
Photography is generally allowed in outdoor areas of the City of the Dead. Inside some mosques and mausoleums, photography may be restricted or require a fee. Always ask your guide or the resident caretaker before taking photographs inside any religious structure. Photographing local residents without permission is considered disrespectful.
Reviews
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John Smith
April 21, 2026, 5:58 p.m.This tour was a fascinating journey into history. Visiting the City of the Dead in Cairo was both eerie and enlightening. The tombs and architecture are unlike anything I've ever seen. Highly recommend this unique experience!
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Luis García
March 11, 2026, 3:26 p.m.An amazing tour that offers a unique perspective on Cairo's rich history. The necropolises were both beautiful and intriguing, offering insights into Islamic traditions. Highly recommend for history buffs!
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Heike Müller
Feb. 27, 2026, 9:52 a.m.Ein unvergessliches Erlebnis! Die Kairo-Nekropole beeindruckt mit ihrer Geschichte und ihrer mystischen Atmosphäre. Eine wirklich faszinierende Reise in die Vergangenheit, die ich jedem ans Herz legen kann.
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Olivier Martin
Feb. 20, 2026, 2:17 a.m.Visiter la nécropole du Caire était une expérience incroyable! L'atmosphère mystique et la profondeur historique des lieux offrent une perspective unique sur l'Égypte. C'est un must pour tous les amateurs d'histoire.
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Emily Johnson
Dec. 9, 2025, 4:25 a.m.I was blown away by the City of the Dead! It's a must-see in Cairo. The guide was knowledgeable, and the entire tour was organized perfectly. The history and architecture was mesmerizing. An unforgettable experience!
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Mario Rossi
Nov. 26, 2025, 6:27 a.m.Esperienza incredibile! La città dei morti a Il Cairo è un luogo magico e sorprendente. Le necropoli islamiche sono un tesoro di storia e arte. Consiglio vivamente questo tour a chiunque visiti l'Egitto.
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Анна Иванова
Nov. 19, 2025, 12:49 a.m.Это было захватывающее путешествие! Город мертвых в Каире поражает своей атмосферой и историей. Очень рекомендую этот тур всем, кто интересуется культурой и историей Египта.
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Sophie Fischer
Nov. 15, 2025, 2:03 p.m.Absolutely loved this tour! Walking through the Cairo Necropolis was like stepping back in time. The stories and artifacts we encountered were simply astonishing. A great insight into a lesser-known side of Egyptian history.
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Jessica Brown
Dec. 17, 2023, 6:41 a.m.What a remarkable tour! The City of the Dead offers so much more than meets the eye. The guides were fantastic, and it was a great way to experience a different aspect of Cairo. Highly recommend!
All tours are operated by licensed Egyptian travel companies under the supervision of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
1) The dead city of Cairo
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel in Cairo or Giza and travel to the City of the Dead in an air-conditioned car with bottled water.
You will Visit the neighborhood on foot with a local guide, and learn the history of the cemetery, which has been used for more than 1,000 years. Experience a unique part of Cairo with a guided tour of the City of the Dead, an ancient cemetery that’s alive with life.
The tombs have been transformed into houses for the living, valuable real estate in a crowded, growing city.
Continue to the Mosque of Ibn Tulun, a historic mosque that was commissioned by Ahmad Ibn Tulun in the 9th century.
According to local legend, the mosque is built on the site that Noah’s ark was grounded after a historic flood, and even the mosque’s minarets and architecture are surrounded by local myths and stories.
The City of the Dead, or Cairo Necropolis, also referred to as the Qarafa (Arabic: القرافة , romanized: al-Qarafa; locally pronounced as al-'arafa),[1] is a series of vast Islamic-era necropolises and cemeteries in Cairo, Egypt.