Abdeen Palace
Abdeen Palace was built for Khedive Ismail in 1863–1874 and served as the royal seat of government until the 1952 revolution. One wing of its roughly 500 rooms is open as a group of museums, and a visit takes 1–1.5 hours.
Khedive Ismail commissioned Abdeen Palace in 1863 as part of his project to turn Cairo into a modern capital on European lines, and it was finished in 1874. From then until the 1952 revolution, Egypt's khedives, sultans and kings lived and governed here.
The building has around 500 rooms and still hosts official state occasions. Visitors are let into one wing, which houses several small museums: swords, guns and daggers; royal silver and crystal; gifts presented to Egyptian presidents; and historical papers. The tour also takes in the gardens and a few of the grand reception halls.
What to see
- The Arms Museum, with swords, guns and daggers, many of them gifts to the royal family
- The Silver Museum, full of royal tableware and crystal
- The Presidential Gifts Museum
- The palace gardens
Visiting
- Opening hours: usually morning to mid-afternoon; confirm the opening days locally, as the palace shuts for state events
- Tickets: sold at the gate on Abdeen Square; bring your passport
- Time needed: 1–1.5 hours
- Getting there: a short taxi or Uber ride from Tahrir Square
- Nearby: Tahrir Square, Egyptian Museum, Museum of Islamic Art
Getting there
Coordinates: 30.0417, 31.2483
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit Abdeen Palace?
Yes, one wing is open as museums of arms, silverware, presidential gifts and historical documents. The rest of the palace is still used for official state functions.
How long do you need at Abdeen Palace?
Allow 1–1.5 hours. It usually opens from morning to mid-afternoon, but closes for state events, so check opening days locally.
How do I get to Abdeen Palace?
Take a short taxi or Uber ride from Tahrir Square. Tickets are sold at the gate on Abdeen Square, and you should bring your passport.