Ibn Tulun Mosque, built in 876 AD, is the oldest and most beautiful mosque in Egypt which you might recognise as its scenes from the Bond movie The Spy Who Loved Me were shot. Built between 876 and 878, it’s the oldest mosque in Egypt and one of the standout monuments dedicated to Islamic architecture. Wander through its vast open courtyard towards the minaret and climb up its narrow winding staircase, and imagine living in another time.

As one of the largest mosques in the world and home to the finest example of Mamluk architecture in Cairo, this is a beautiful sight to behold. 

Just left of Al-Azhar Park’s entrance, a grand palm-lined avenue leads to Al Khan by Granita, where Egypt’s once-cosmopolitan spirit meets Islamic-inspired interiors. The picture-perfect setting pairs classic Egyptian dishes with flavours from further afield, while the park’s entry fee keeps the crowds at bay. 

As with many of the galleries and the museums in Cairo, the sheer size of their collections is pretty jaw dropping. The Museum of Islamic Art is no exception. Gaze at the magnificent façade before exploring inside; there is good reason why this is considered to be one of the greatest museums in the world.