City Stars Mall Cairo: visiting hours, tickets, and attractions guide
Date: 15/06/2025
Introduction
City Stars Mall, located in Nasr City, Cairo Governorate, Egypt, is a pioneering symbol of integrated urban development and modern retail innovation. Since its inauguration in December 2004, it has transformed Egypt’s shopping, entertainment, and hospitality sectors, offering a blend of luxury, convenience, and cultural heritage. Conceived by Saudi businessman Abdul Rahman Al Sharbatly and managed by Golden Pyramids Plaza, the mall was Egypt’s first expansive mixed-use development, integrating retail, residential, office, and hotel spaces in a master-planned environment (cassia.global; cairotimes24.com).
The mall’s architecture draws on Egypt’s illustrious Pharaonic past, featuring three interconnected buildings echoing the Giza pyramids and crowned by a striking glass pyramid. This design creates a landmark that is at once visually impressive and imbued with cultural meaning (cassia.global).
Spanning more than 750,000 square meters, City Stars Mall is the largest in Egypt and among the Middle East’s biggest, housing over 600 retail stores, diverse dining venues, Egypt’s largest indoor amusement park (Magic Galaxy), a multiplex cinema, office towers, upscale residences, and three major international hotels (arabmls.org; myholidays.com). This guide details the mall’s history, facilities, visitor information, accessibility, entertainment options, travel tips, and nearby cultural attractions—ensuring you have all the insights you need for a rewarding visit (cairotimes24.com; safarway.com).
Table of Contents
- History and Development
- Key Components and Facilities
- Visitor Information
- Entertainment and Leisure
- Economic and Social Impact
- Expansion and Future Developments
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Visuals and Media
- Useful Links & References
- Plan Your Visit
History and Development
Origins and Vision
City Stars Mall, officially Citystars Heliopolis, was conceived in the late 1990s as Egypt’s first integrated real estate project, combining retail, hospitality, residential, and business spaces in a single complex (cassia.global). Led by Abdul Rahman Al Sharbatly and Golden Pyramids Plaza, the vision was to create a landmark redefining Cairo’s shopping and leisure experience, attracting both local and international investment.
Architectural Design and Thematic Inspiration
The design draws on Egypt’s ancient heritage, with three interconnected buildings arranged in a pyramid-inspired formation and a central glass pyramid symbolizing the fusion of tradition and innovation (cassia.global; cairotimes24.com). Interiors reinterpret Pharaonic motifs in a modern context, while the expansive atriums and skylights provide a contemporary retail environment.
Construction and Investment
The project involved an investment exceeding $1.5 billion USD, making it one of the largest commercial developments in Egypt (cairotimes24.com). The phased construction included retail and entertainment spaces first, followed by hotels, offices, and residential units (arabmls.org).
Key Components and Facilities
- Stars Centre: The main shopping and entertainment hub covers 370,000 sqm and features more than 600 retail units, 7 department stores, 34 restaurants, 16 cinemas, 2 exhibition halls, and a food court. It hosts global brands, local boutiques, electronics, jewelry, and specialty stores (myholidays.com; egyptinsights.com).
- Star Capital: A 70,000 sqm office complex for multinational and local corporations.
- Star Living: Premium residential units with direct access to mall amenities.
- Hotels: Three international hotels—Intercontinental Cairo Citystars (830 rooms), Holiday Inn Cairo Citystars (311 rooms), Staybridge Suites Cairo Citystars (140 units)—provide luxury accommodation and conference facilities (cassia.global; arabmls.org).
- Parking: Over 6,000 parking spaces, including valet and family zones.
Visitor Information
Visiting Hours and Entry
- Opening Hours: City Stars Mall is open daily from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with potential extensions during holidays or special events.
- Entry: General entry to the mall is free. Specific entertainment venues (cinemas, amusement parks, exhibitions) may require paid tickets.
Tickets and Pricing
- Magic Galaxy (Amusement Park): Admission starts at EGP 50; packages for groups and birthday parties available.
- Stars Cinema: Tickets range from EGP 60 to EGP 120 depending on screen type and time.
- Other Attractions: Pricing varies; check the official website or at customer service.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible entrances, elevators, and restrooms.
- Family amenities: children’s play areas, nursing rooms, stroller rentals.
- Multilingual staff at information desks.
Travel Tips
- Visit on weekdays or early hours to avoid crowds.
- Wear comfortable footwear for extensive walking.
- ATMs, currency exchange, and free Wi-Fi available on-site.
- Multiple transportation options: taxis, ride-hailing apps, bus routes, and hotel shuttles.
Nearby Attractions
- Cairo Citadel: Iconic medieval fortress, home to the Mosque of Muhammad Ali and museums.
- Al-Azhar Mosque: One of the world’s oldest universities and a major Islamic landmark.
- Khan El Khalili Bazaar: Famous traditional market for souvenirs and crafts.
Entertainment and Leisure at City Stars Mall
Cinema Complex
Stars Cinema offers over 21 screens, including VIP and 3D options, showcasing the latest local and international films. Book tickets online or at the box office.
Family Entertainment Centers
Magic Galaxy: Egypt’s largest indoor amusement park, offering thrill rides, soft play areas, arcade games, bumper cars, and more. Supervised edutainment centers provide creative workshops and interactive exhibits for children (safarway.com).
Bowling & Billiards
Modern bowling lanes and billiards tables, with a lounge for snacks and drinks.
Virtual Reality & Gaming
VR zones and digital gaming lounges with high-speed internet and the latest consoles.
Events & Festivals
Live music, dance shows, and themed seasonal activities are hosted year-round, especially during major holidays (safarway.com).
Dining & Wellness
- 60+ dining outlets: from global fast food to upscale Egyptian and Middle Eastern cuisine.
- Cafés and dessert shops for relaxation.
- Outdoor terraces with city views.
- Spas, fitness centers, and wellness facilities.
Economic and Social Impact
City Stars Mall has generated thousands of jobs and stimulated further investment in Nasr City, spurring new hotels, residential projects, and infrastructure upgrades. It serves as a cultural and social hub, regularly hosting performances, exhibitions, and family events (sa.wingie.com; arabmls.org).
Expansion and Ongoing Development
The mall continues to evolve, adding new retail wings, luxury brands, entertainment zones, and technology-driven guest services. Future plans include completing the glass pyramid and expanding experiential attractions (cassia.global).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are City Stars Mall’s visiting hours? A: Daily from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM; extended during holidays.
Q: Is there an entry fee? A: Entry to the mall is free. Tickets are required for certain attractions (cinema, Magic Galaxy, etc.).
Q: How do I get there? A: Accessible by taxi, ride-sharing, public bus, or hotel shuttle. Parking is available.
Q: Is the mall wheelchair accessible? A: Yes, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.
Q: What nearby attractions are recommended? A: Cairo Citadel, Al-Azhar Mosque, and Khan El Khalili Bazaar.
Visuals and Media
For images of City Stars Mall’s main entrance, the glass pyramid, interior atriums, Magic Galaxy, and dining terraces, as well as interactive maps of the mall and nearby attractions, visit the official City Stars Mall website.
Useful Links
- Official City Stars Mall Website
- Cairo Tourism Information
- Guide to Shopping in Cairo
- Top Cairo Historical Sites
Plan Your Visit Today!
City Stars Mall is more than a shopping center—it’s a dynamic lifestyle destination that brings together the best in retail, dining, entertainment, and hospitality. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to Cairo, the mall’s array of attractions ensures something for everyone. For real-time updates, event listings, and exclusive offers, check the official website and download the Audiala app for personalized navigation and travel tips.
Embark on your City Stars Mall adventure and experience the vibrant intersection of tradition and modernity in Cairo’s urban heart.
References
- City Stars Mall in Cairo: Your Ultimate Guide to Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Attractions, 2023, CairoTimes24 (cairotimes24.com)
- City Stars Mall Egypt, 2023, ArabMLS (arabmls.org)
- City Stars Mall Overview, 2023, Cassia Global (cassia.global)
- Shopping in Cairo: City Stars Mall, 2023, MyHolidays (myholidays.com)
- City Stars Mall Entertainment and Leisure, 2023, Safarway (safarway.com)
- City Stars Mall Visitor Guide, 2023, Egypt Insights (egyptinsights.com)
- City Stars Mall Cairo: A Comprehensive Guide to the Ultimate Shopping and Entertainment Experience, 2023, Wingie (sa.wingie.com)
- Cairo Tourism Information, 2023, Egypt Tourism Authority (egypt.travel)
- Official City Stars Mall Website, 2023 (citystars.com.eg)
