Citadel of Qaitbay
Quick Facts
- Location
- Egypt
- Category
- Castle & Fortress
- Duration
- About 1 hour
- Opening Hours
- Daily 09:00-20:00 · The ministry monument page lists 09:00-20:00 for all seven days. Its ticketing page adds last-entry bands instead: summer opens 09:00 with the gate shut to new visitors at 19:00, winter at 17:00 and Ramadan at 15:00, and none of the three gives a separate closing hour; the visit rules ask you to arrive at least an hour before closing.
- Ticket Price
- Adult: Foreign adult 200 Egyptian pounds, Egyptian adult 60 · Student: Foreign student 100 Egyptian pounds, Egyptian student 30 · All prices are in Egyptian pounds and sold through the ministry ticketing platform; keep the ticket on you during the visit.
- Address
- Citadel of Qaitbay, Alexandria, Egypt
- Coordinates
- 31.2140, 29.8850
Introduction
The Citadel of Qaitbay rises on a reef off Alexandria harbour, built in 1480 by Sultan Qaitbay upon the ruins of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse. The square fortress meets the sea breeze; from its walls you overlook the Mediterranean and the port — Alexandria's sturdiest yet most romantic sea-defence landmark.
✨ Highlights
🛈 Practical Info
Opening Hours
| Monday | 09:00-20:00 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 09:00-20:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:00-20:00 |
| Thursday | 09:00-20:00 |
| Friday | 09:00-20:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00-20:00 |
| Sunday | 09:00-20:00 |
The ministry monument page lists 09:00-20:00 for all seven days. Its ticketing page adds last-entry bands instead: summer opens 09:00 with the gate shut to new visitors at 19:00, winter at 17:00 and Ramadan at 15:00, and none of the three gives a separate closing hour; the visit rules ask you to arrive at least an hour before closing.
Ticket Information
| Adult | Foreign adult 200 Egyptian pounds, Egyptian adult 60 |
|---|---|
| Student | Foreign student 100 Egyptian pounds, Egyptian student 30 |
| Senior | Egyptians over 60 free |
| Free Admission | Children under 6 free, Egyptians with special needs free, mobile-phone photography free |
All prices are in Egyptian pounds and sold through the ministry ticketing platform; keep the ticket on you during the visit.
💡 Tips
FAQ
What are the opening hours of Citadel of Qaitbay?
Monday: 09:00-20:00; Tuesday: 09:00-20:00; Wednesday: 09:00-20:00; Thursday: 09:00-20:00; Friday: 09:00-20:00; Saturday: 09:00-20:00; Sunday: 09:00-20:00; The ministry monument page lists 09:00-20:00 for all seven days. Its ticketing page adds last-entry bands instead: summer opens 09:00 with the gate shut to new visitors at 19:00, winter at 17:00 and Ramadan at 15:00, and none of the three gives a separate closing hour; the visit rules ask you to arrive at least an hour before closing.
How much is the admission for Citadel of Qaitbay?
Adult: Foreign adult 200 Egyptian pounds, Egyptian adult 60; Student: Foreign student 100 Egyptian pounds, Egyptian student 30; Senior: Egyptians over 60 free; Free Admission: Children under 6 free, Egyptians with special needs free, mobile-phone photography free; All prices are in Egyptian pounds and sold through the ministry ticketing platform; keep the ticket on you during the visit.
Any practical tips for visiting Citadel of Qaitbay?
Allow About 1 hour for the visit and try to avoid peak hours. Opening ~9:00–17:00 (reference; subject to official notice); do verify the latest schedule before you set out.
How long should I spend at Citadel of Qaitbay?
A typical visit takes About 1 hour.
