What to Wear in Egypt’s Mosques, Temples, and Sacred Sites?

The golden rule

Show respect and stay comfortable. Think airy, loose layers that cover shoulders, upper arms, and knees; add a scarf for mosques.

Mosques

• Shoulders, chest, and knees must be covered for everyone.
• Women: carry a light scarf to drape over hair; most mosques lend one but the queue wastes time.
• Men: no shorts above the knee; T-shirts are fine if sleeves reach mid-bicep.
• Footwear: remove shoes at the entrance; socks are OK. Pack fold-up shoe bags so pairs don’t get separated.
• Photography: always ask your guide first—some prayer halls forbid it, others allow no-flash photos.
• Friday noon prayers: avoid sightseeing visits 11:00–13:00 when mosques are busiest.

Ancient temples and tombs

• Sun, not modesty, is your main foe: breathable cotton or linen long sleeves and trousers protect skin and keep sweat off camera gear.
• Shoulders and knees can be visible, but locals appreciate modest attire in these still-spiritual places.
• Footwear: sturdy trainers; stone floors are uneven and dusty.
• Scarves: double as sunshade in open courtyards and dust mask in tomb shafts.
• Flash photography is banned in most tombs—ISO boost works better anyway.

Quick-pack checklist

Light cotton scarf
Thin long-sleeve shirt or linen blouse
Convertible trousers / maxi-skirt
Slip-on shoes or sandals + socks (for mosque floors)
Fold-up shoe bag or plastic carrier
Wide-brim hat and SPF 30+ for temple courtyards

Common questions

Is it OK to wear leggings?
Only if topped with a tunic that reaches mid-thigh; otherwise they are too form-fitting for mosques.

Do children need to follow the same rules?
Local staff are lenient with under-12s, but a T-shirt and knee-length shorts keep everyone happy—and sun-safe.

What happens if I forget a scarf?
Large mosques like Mohamed Ali and Sultan Hassan rent galabiyas (loose robes) for a small fee. We also keep spare scarves in the van—just ask.

Why respect matters

Egyptian worshippers still pray in these spaces; dressing modestly is the simplest way to honour their traditions and avoid unwanted attention. Plus, light long layers feel cooler than shorts in the desert heat—trust us!

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