Visiting Mosques in Egypt
14 Sep 11 Filed in: Tips & Advice
Major mosques, especially those amenable to tourism, are open to the public unless services are in progress (the main service is on Friday at noon). Some other mosques are never open at all to the public.
Please keep in mind that a mosque differs from a western church in that Christian churches are considered houses of God, while mosques are more a gathering place for the faithful of Islam.
Unless otherwise posted, some mosques that have been restored have tickets being sold by the caretaker for about LE 3-6.
Importantly, all visitors to mosques, mausoleums, and madrasas must remove their shoes. Hence, most Muslims walk around in their socks - but those mosques that are major tourist attractions usually have canvas overshoes available. (You should tip those who help you put them on about LE 1 to LE 5.)
Also, women must cover their bare arms and also wear a hat.