City of the Dead: A Heritage Walk Through Cairo’s Living Necropolis
Join me in a place full of life, art, and history as we explore the unique heritage of Cairo’s Necropolis. Known as the City of the Dead, this area defies its name—it is very much alive. Families live among the tombs, creating a rare landscape where daily life and memory coexist. Also called El Qarafa by Cairenes and the Mamluk Desert, it reflects one of Cairo’s most powerful eras.
I call it "Game of Thrones" era as it's the bloodiest one. also it was the peak of art and architecture.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Mosque and Khanqah of Faraj Ibn Barquq
- This is a complex and considered the first tomb created in the city of the dead. the dome for burial is inside the mosque.
Funerary Complex of Sultan al-Ashraf Barsbay
Complex of Sultan al-Ashraf Qaitbay
Ending Point
Mausoleum of Khedive Tawfik, also known as Qubbat Afandina
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fee
Transportation
Tips inside the area
Tour Important Information
* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* I recommend women to not wear anything too revealing or short, as it's local neighborhood that people are more conservative.
* We don't have to cover our hair inside every mosque, but if it's a prayer time, we will have to so make sure to bring a scarf or shawl just in case.
* We will take off our shoes inside mosques, I recommend wearing socks as it's dusty at some places.
*There is a lot of small supermarkets, so water is no problem .
*No clean toilets.
Last time to start this tour will be 14:00
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Maryem H.
Hi there! My name is Maryem, and I am a licensed tour guide, certified by the Egyptian Tourism Authority. Guiding is my passion. From a very young age, I have loved stories and languages the way they connect people across time and place, and Egypt is gladly full of those.
I believe that knowledge and storytelling have the power to bring life back to silent stones and ancient buildings. They can transport us through time and, more importantly, connect people on a deeper level. At the end of the day, whether ancient or modern, we as people are not so different. No matter where you come from or what you believe, you can always find a part of yourself in these stories. That is what storytelling does—it gives history a heartbeat and makes it live again.
Meeting people from different cultures and learning about their perspectives has always inspired me, and I feel very fortunate as an Egyptian, a land where history and culture are alive at every corner.
I speak both English and Japanese, which allows me to connect with a wide range of visitors and share Egypt’s treasures in a way that feels personal and engaging. My goal as a guide is not only to present historical facts but also to bring them to life through storytelling, so that you can feel the spirit of ancient pharaohs, the beauty of Islamic Cairo, and the harmony of Egypt’s religious heritage.
When you explore Egypt with me, I will show you the country through a local lens—blending the historical, cultural, and modern insights that make each city unique. From the timeless pyramids of Giza to the vibrant streets of Cairo and the coastal charm of Alexandria, I look forward to welcoming you and sharing my beloved country with you.
You can contact me and customize your tour, feel free to reach me!
Reviews
Shireen priya M.
“Not Just a Guide, but a New Friend!”
Maryem was punctual and very clear in her communication from the start. She explained fascinating facts about the Pyramids with solid historical context and deep knowledge. We explored the entire complex at a relaxed pace, taking the time to observe everything in great detail. What truly made the experience special were our conversations about life in ancient Egypt versus today, and the cultural similarities that still survive. Maryem was amazing, and I highly recommend her as a guide. By the end of the tour, you won’t just gain knowledge—you’ll gain a friend.
$65/ per group
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Hidden historical spots in the medieval Cairo
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