The Egyptian Museum in Cairo: What to See in Egypt’s Most Famous Museum
Planning to visit the Egyptian Museum in Cairo? Discover the highlights, history, and what to expect when exploring one of Egypt’s most famous museums.
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo: What to See Before Visiting
If you're travelling to Cairo, visiting the historic Egyptian Museum is almost guaranteed to be on your itinerary.
Located in the heart of the city near Tahrir Square, this museum houses one of the most extensive collections of ancient Egyptian artefacts in the world. Walking through its halls feels like stepping directly into thousands of years of history.
I filmed a cinematic walkthrough of the museum so you can experience its atmosphere and exhibits.
This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services I personally use or believe will add value to travellers.
History of the Egyptian Museum
The Egyptian Museum opened in 1902 and quickly became the most important museum dedicated to ancient Egyptian history.
Inside the museum are more than 120,000 artefacts, including statues, jewellery, mummies, papyrus scrolls, and treasures from royal tombs.
Many of these objects come from famous archaeological sites across Egypt including the pyramids at Giza Plateau and ancient burial sites along the Nile.
Although many artefacts are gradually being moved to the newer Grand Egyptian Museum, the historic museum remains an incredible place to explore.
Highlights to Look For
While wandering through the museum, several exhibits stand out.
Tutankhamun’s Treasures
The museum famously housed the treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun discovered in 1922.
These artefacts include golden jewellery, ceremonial items, and statues that once filled the young pharaoh’s tomb.
Ancient Egyptian Statues
Large stone statues of pharaohs and gods fill many rooms of the museum, offering an incredible glimpse into ancient Egyptian artistry and craftsmanship.
Royal Mummies
For many visitors, the mummies of ancient rulers are among the most fascinating exhibits in the museum.
What the Museum Feels Like
Unlike many modern museums, the Egyptian Museum has a slightly chaotic but fascinating atmosphere.
Artefacts fill rooms from floor to ceiling, with glass cabinets packed full of ancient objects. This creates a sense of discovery, as if every corner holds another piece of history.
Is the Egyptian Museum Worth Visiting?
Even with the opening of the new museum near Giza, the historic Egyptian Museum still offers a unique experience.
Its massive collection and historic building make it one of the most fascinating museums in the world for anyone interested in ancient history.
Travel Tips
• Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds
• Allow at least 2–3 hours to explore
• Bring water and comfortable walking shoes
Where to Stay in Downtown Cairo
If you’re planning to visit the Egyptian Museum, staying in downtown Cairo makes exploring the city much easier.
During my visit I stayed at the Cosmopolitan Cairo Hotel, which is located within walking distance of the museum and many other attractions in the city centre.
The hotel is housed in a historic building and has a classic old-world charm that fits perfectly with the atmosphere of downtown Cairo. The rooms are comfortable, the staff were friendly, and the location made it easy to explore the surrounding streets, cafes, and historic sites on foot.
If you're looking for a centrally located hotel with character, it’s a great option to consider when visiting Cairo.
Cairo Travel Tip: Bring Earplugs
One thing you’ll notice quickly about Cairo is that it’s a very lively and noisy city. Between traffic, street activity, and the general buzz of the city, noise can carry late into the evening — especially in busy downtown areas.
Because of this, I strongly recommend bringing a pair of Loop earplugs if you’re staying in the city centre. They’re comfortable for sleeping and help block out a lot of the background city noise while still being comfortable enough to wear overnight. If you're a light sleeper, they can make a big difference when staying in a busy city like Cairo.
Where to Eat Nearby: Oldish Café
If you’re staying near the Cosmopolitan Cairo Hotel, one place you should definitely visit is Oldish Cafe.
It’s a small café located nearby and was easily one of the best food stops of my entire trip.
Their falafel is made the traditional Egyptian way using fava beans rather than chickpeas, which gives it a slightly different flavour and texture compared to the falafel you might be used to elsewhere.
Not only was it the best falafel I had in Egypt — it was genuinely the best falafel I’ve ever eaten.
If you’re visiting the Egyptian Museum in the morning, this is a perfect spot to stop for breakfast or lunch before heading out to explore the city.
Final Thoughts
The Egyptian Museum is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Cairo. Walking through the galleries filled with ancient statues, artefacts, and relics from thousands of years ago is an incredible experience for anyone interested in history.
Even with the newer Grand Egyptian Museum opening nearby, the historic Egyptian Museum still offers a unique atmosphere and an enormous collection of artefacts that make it well worth visiting.
If you're planning a trip to Cairo, it's a destination that should definitely be on your itinerary.
You can also watch my cinematic walkthrough of the museum below to get a feel for the atmosphere inside.
If you enjoy travel content like this, feel free to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more cinematic travel films, destination guides, and underwater adventures from around the world.
You can also join my email list to receive new travel guides, videos, and tips whenever I publish them.
Subscribe
Comments
Post a Comment