Introducing the Egyptian Museum
The Egyptian Museum was designed and built in 1858 in Phrae, north of Cairo, by the famous French archaeologist Mariette, who is called the "Father of the Egyptian Museum" by the Egyptians.
The museum is located on the east bank of the Nile River, near the Nile Hilton Hotel in Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt. It is one of the world's most famous museums, with a collection of over 300,000 artifacts, 63,000 of which are on display, accounting for about one-fifth of the total. Because the museum mainly collects artifacts from the Pharaonic period, Egyptians habitually call it the "Pharaoh Museum."
Climate and best time to travel
The subtropical grassland-desert climate makes travel suitable all year round.
Recommended number of days and locations for visiting
2-3 hours
Tickets
75 Egyptian pounds per person
Attraction opening hours
9:00-19:00; 9:00-17:00 during Ramadan.
Most Popular FAQs for Egyptian Museum
What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo, established in 1902, houses the world’s largest collection of Pharaonic antiquities. It is historically significant as a center for Egyptology and preserves artifacts from thousands of years of Egyptian civilization, including Tutankhamun’s treasures.
Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?
Located in Tahrir Square, Cairo. Accessible by Cairo Metro (Sadat Station), taxis, buses, or walking from central Cairo hotels.
What are the opening hours and best times to visit?
Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is early morning to avoid crowds and afternoon heat.
What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?
- General admission: ~200 EGP for adults.
- Special Tutankhamun Gallery: additional ~100 EGP.
- Tickets can be purchased on-site; some tour operators offer online booking options.
Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?
Advance booking is recommended during peak tourist seasons (October–April) to ensure entry to the Tutankhamun Gallery, ideally 1–2 weeks ahead.
How much time is needed to fully explore it?
2–4 hours for a general visit; 4–5 hours to explore all highlights, including Tutankhamun exhibits and detailed galleries.
What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?
- Tutankhamun Gallery.
- Mummy Room and Royal Mummies.
- Statues of pharaohs and deities.
- Jewelry and artifacts from ancient tombs.
- Hieroglyphic inscriptions and papyri exhibits.
Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?
Guided tours are available in English, Arabic, French, German, and Spanish. Audio guides can be rented in multiple languages for self-paced exploration.
What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?
- Main hall with grand statues and sarcophagi.
- Tutankhamun treasures display.
- Mummy Room (observe without flash photography).
What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?
- Start with the ground floor general collection.
- Proceed to the Tutankhamun Gallery.
- Explore the second-floor artifacts and mummy rooms.
- Finish with the Egyptian papyri and small artifact collections.
Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?
Special night tours are occasionally offered for private groups. No regular light shows are available.
Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?
The museum is often busy, especially mid-morning and midday. Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds.
What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?
- Restrooms on-site.
- Small cafés and water stations near the entrance.
- Gift shops selling souvenirs, books, and replicas.
- Benches for rest inside certain galleries.
Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?
Yes, ramps and elevators are available, but some areas may require assistance due to crowded conditions. Children should be supervised.
Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?
Cash (EGP) is recommended for tickets, tips, and small purchases. Credit/debit cards are accepted in some shops and cafes.
What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?
- Café inside the museum for light refreshments.
- Nearby Tahrir Square offers multiple restaurants and cafés.
- Hotel cafés within walking distance in central Cairo.
Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?
Yes, vegetarian, vegan, and halal options are widely available in nearby restaurants and hotel cafés.
What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?
- Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir
- InterContinental Cairo Semiramis
- Ramses Hilton Hotel
- Various boutique hotels around Tahrir Square
What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?
- Tahrir Square and Egyptian National Library.
- Cairo Opera House and downtown Cairo landmarks.
- Al-Azhar Mosque and Islamic Cairo for historical tours.
Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?
Yes, souvenir shops offer replicas of statues, papyrus paintings, jewelry, and small Pharaoh figurines.
What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?
Taxi, Uber, or Cairo Metro are convenient for continuing to nearby attractions or hotels. Walking is also feasible within downtown Cairo.
