The Egyptian Museum in Cairo is the most famous in Egypt, and if you’re going to visit it, here’s everything you need to know. Of course, if you’re traveling with children, be sure to check out the pyramids too! And don’t forget to check out your local travel agency before you go—they can book your flights and hotel rooms at great rates. Here are all of the details on how to visit the Egyptian Museum in Cairo!
The Old and New Museums
So how does a tourist get from one museum to another? While both museums are located in Tahrir Square, they’re not connected physically. And while it might be tempting to jump into a cab outside one and have your driver take you over, doing so is quite dangerous; pickpockets are known to work these areas. Instead, visitors should walk across an open plaza (you’ll need good shoes) to find underground passageways that connect them between buildings. The trip takes about 10 minutes, but if you do get lost along the way—and you will likely get lost at some point—there are plenty of locals happy to help navigate you through.
Opening Hours
The Grand Egyptian museum is open from 9 am-6 pm on weekdays and 8 am-5:30 pm on weekends. Make sure you check your time zone so you don’t miss out. It stays open for an hour longer than most other attractions in Cairo, and it’s easy to lose track of time when you’re enjoying yourself (or are captivated by Tutankhamun). The museum closes on Tuesdays.
Admission Prices
You will want to purchase a general admission ticket or passport that grants you access for three days. These are fairly expensive but worth it. If you only have one day, skip over it. Many museums in Egypt close on Mondays, so be sure and check their website before planning your trip. The Grand Egyptian Museum is $ 50 per person and gives you free admission to all of its permanent exhibitions, including the famous Tutankhamun gold mask (if it goes well restored by then). Entrance fees range from EGP 100-200 ($8-USD 16) for smaller museums, such as pharaonic temples; those sights charge more for photography and some even require a photography permit for non-members or non-Egyptians!
Entrance Gates
The first thing you should do is purchase your tickets online, as online tickets are cheaper than buying them at a kiosk outside of the museum. The entrance gates are located on Ramses Street, and you’ll need to find someone who can help direct you inside. If you purchased your ticket online and have a printout, it will be easier. Many tourist police will be working at the main entrance gate and can assist with any questions or problems that might arise. When it’s time for your appointment with one of their curators, give yourself an extra 15 minutes or so; these are highly recommended, and book up quickly.
Visiting Tips
The Grand Egyptian Museum is open daily from 9 am until 5 pm. Admission is currently free, though it's possible that could change at some point in 2017. Plan to spend at least two hours there. There are also many restaurants and shops within walking distance of The Grand Egyptian Museum; if you need a break or something to do, look for businesses along Sayed El-Sayed St., Mohamed Mahmoud St., and Qasr el-Nil St. If you have time after visiting the Grand Egyptian Museum, consider passing there.
Nile Cruise from Aswan to Cairo
A unique experience. To visit Egypt and not take a Nile cruise would be like seeing America and not taking part in an American road trip. There are several different options for cruises, ranging from sailing on privately owned yachts, sailboats or gulets (wooden ships), traditional dahabiyas, five-star riverboats, or luxury motorboats with casinos and discos. The most famous travel option is a seven-night luxury voyage on a large paddlewheel steamer that starts at Aswan - where it's called The Nile Cruise - and ends at Luxor - where it's called The Nile Festival. This time-honored tradition has been going on for more than 150 years.
Taxi from Downtown Cairo To The Museum
There are many ways to get from downtown Cairo to Giza and (most commonly) from downtown Giza to Downtown Cairo. Taxis are usually the cheapest, costing less than 50 LE for a trip within an hour. This is one of three main options: take a taxi; take Metro Line 2 or 7 (If you're traveling during peak hours, it's best not to go with either of these options); catch a microbus (also called micro-shuttles) outside Youth Hostel at Mohandessin Station.
