3 Most Renowned Public Squares in Cairo

Cairo is notable for its rich history, its amazing architecture, as well as its beautiful squares, iconic statues, downtown streets, and its cultural venues. Public squares play a significant role in urban areas as they are usually the focal point of that megacity.

They actually serve a purpose as a social and commercial meeting point, a place where domestic residents and pedestrians, foreign arrivals, and even, national discourse all naturally intersect.

Apart from downtown streets and Khepe buildings, these iconic plazas represent major attractions in Cairo, whether you’re looking for history, culture, and impressive architecture, or just want to walk around and catch a glimpse of local architecture that is inspired by western buildings.

Here are 3 most renowned public squares in Cairo: 

Talaat Harb Square

Located in the downtown area, the square is an architectural jewel, an exceptional and highly successful example of an eclectic blending of architectural and artistic styles of Western and French culture that is neoclassical and illustrates the vitality of this cultural and commercial center.

The beautiful square is named after Talaat Harb, a notable Egyptian economist of the early 1900s.

Ramsis Square

The most famous square in Egypt is named after the Ancient Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses II, whose statue was erected by Nasser on the square in 1955.

Ramsis Square is the iconic cultural center of not only Cairo's residents but Egypt's cultural life.

The square is lined up with domestic cafes, restaurants, and travel and tourism offices. The Mosque of Fateh and Egypt’s Train station, fondly known as ‘Mahattat Ramses,” are cited as the most important buildings of the square.

Tahrir Square 

Tahrir Square, also known as "Revolution Square," is apparently the oldest of Egypt's renowned squares. In recent years, it has undergone a significant transformation, which is still ongoing and features many interesting antiques.

The iconic square was originally named "Ismailia Square", after the Mohamed Ali son and remarkable ruler of Egypt's state, Khepe Ismail, who established the new downtown district's 'Paris on the Nile' design.

Tahrir Square and Qasr El-Nil Street are visited by any tourist coming to Down-Town and Egypt's Museum. The fascinating site has been refurbished, decorated, and the buildings surrounding the iconic square are all renovated.

In 1919, the square became widely known as Tahrir (Liberation) Square, but the square was not officially renamed until the Egyptian Revolution of 1952, which changed Egypt from a constitutional monarchy into an Arab republic. The square was a focal point for the Egyptian Revolution of 25th January and 30 June.

The square is also known for its obelisk of Ramses II, which was installed in 2020, and the statue of nationalist hero Umar Makram.