Muizz Street, Cairo (must see)

Al-Muizz Street holds a significant place in the ancient walled city of historic Cairo, running from north to south. It's considered one of Cairo's oldest thoroughfares, dating back to the 10th century when the Fatimid dynasty established the city, under their fourth caliph, Al-Mu'izz li-Din Allah, after whom the street is named.

Throughout history, this street was the lifeline of the city and often referred to as the Qasaba. It served as the primary economic hub, hosting bustling markets. The street's importance led to the construction of numerous grand religious and charitable structures, commissioned by Egypt's rulers and elites. As a result, Al-Muizz Street has become a treasure trove of historic Islamic architecture in Cairo, particularly in the Bayn al-Qasrayn area, where you'll find some of Islamic Cairo's most significant monuments.

In 1997, the national government embarked on an extensive renovation project for the historical buildings, modern structures, pavement, and sewer system with the aim of transforming the street into an "open-air museum."

The renovations sought to restore the street's original appearance. Taller buildings that obscured the view of monuments were reduced in height and painted in suitable colors, while the street was repaved in its original style. Furthermore, the street's nighttime ambiance was updated through the installation of advanced exterior lighting systems on buildings.

Why You Should Visit:
There are more sites and attractions than you can count on Muizz Street. A UN study found that this one street has the most fantastic collection of medieval architectural treasures in the Islamic world. You'll find dozens of mosques, madrasas, and hamams, along with shops, restaurants, and markets.
Nearby Khan Al-Khalili Bazaar is a major souq (market) and is popular with locals and tourists. It's a great place to enjoy dinner or lunch and buy some souvenirs.
While all of the buildings along Muizz Street are architectural treasures, don't miss the Azhar Mosque, Cairo's first mosque built in 970. Also, visit Bab Zuweila, the medieval gate into the walled city, and one of Cairo's most important landmarks.

Tips:

Visit the street in the evening to see the buildings illuminated with special lighting. The vibe at night is entirely different, with lots of street food and people enjoying the cooler air.
Many attractions and monuments charge an extra fee for bringing your camera.
Remember that weekends here are Friday and Saturday, and that's when you'll find Muizz Street and all of its attractions the busiest.