Prince Mohamed Ali Palace (Manial Palace) and Egyptian Museum of Musical Instruments

Old Cairo, Egypt, Egypt

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Prince Mohamed Ali Palace, also called Manial Palace, is a stunning historical museum on Rhoda Island in Old Cairo built between 1901 and 1929 by Prince Muhammad Ali Tawfik, the uncle of King Farouk.

This magnificent complex features six structures blending Islamic, Art Nouveau, Rococo, Ottoman, Persian, Mamluk, Syrian, Moroccan, and Andalusian architectural styles, surrounded by lush Persian gardens. Inside visitors can explore the throne hall, golden hall, reception area, clock tower, mosque, hunting museum, living quarters, private museum, and sabīl, all showcasing the luxurious lifestyle of Egypt's royal family.

The Egyptian Museum of Musical Instruments is actually part of the main Egyptian Museum in Cairo's Tahrir Square (not a separate museum in Old Cairo), which houses ancient Egyptian musical artifacts including percussion, wind, and string instruments from 2050–1710 BC, such as flutes, a sistrum, and wooden models depicting musicians and singers performing.