Best Museums to Visit in Egypt 2025/2026

Many Egypt-themed movies begin with the discovery of a mysterious artifact in a museum. From pharaohs mummies and statues to stelae and ancient books, Egypt's museums can show you all of them. With so many to choose from, which are the best museums to visit in Egypt? In this guide, I will introduce six famous museums in Egypt, along with essential information and practical travel tips.

Egyptian Museum, Cairo

Narmer Palette in the Egyptian Museum

If you asked where the best place to learn about ancient Egypt's history is, the answer wouldn't be the Great Pyramid of Giza or any temple, it would be the Egyptian Museum.

With over 120 years of history, the Egyptian Museum in Cairo is the oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East and houses more than 100,000 artifacts.

Once inside, you will see some of the most important relics of ancient Egypt and they are quite close to you. Starting with the Narmer Palette, one of the earliest known hieroglyphic inscriptions. It belongs to the Predynastic period and depicts the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt. Then, from the statue of Djoser to the head of Alexander the Great, the museum takes you on a journey through Egypt's long and fascinating timeline, from the Old Kingdom to the Greco-Roman period. There is a lot to see!

If you are interested in learning about the stories behind the artifacts, set aside at least 4 hours. For a quick highlights tour, 1 or 2 hours may be enough.

One thing to note: the museum is not air-conditioned, so it is best to visit in the early morning, especially during the hot summer months, and always remember to bring plenty of water.

• Location: Tahrir Square, Downtown Cairo
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily (9:00 AM - 4:00 PM during Ramadan; last ticket sold about 1 hour before closing)
• Ticket Price: EGP 550 (Adult); EGP 275 (Student)
• Recommendation Rate: 5.0/5.0 stars

Grand Egyptian Museum, Cairo

The Grand Staircase in GEM

The long history gives Egypt countless treasures. New tombs have continued to be discovered, along with an ever-growing number of ancient artifacts. This created significant pressure on the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square to store and preserve them all. To properly house, showcase, and protect these artifacts, construction of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) began in 2012.

The Grand Egyptian Museum is now in its soft opening phase after more than 20 years of waiting. And the full public opening is expected on November 1st, 2025.

So, what can you see during the soft opening? Over 15,000 artifacts are already on display across 12 main galleries. The exhibits follow a chronological timeline of Egypt's history and highlight key themes such as society, kingship, and religious beliefs. Once fully open, the GEM will showcase over 50,000 pieces, including the complete Tutankhamun collection, many of which have never been displayed before.

Aside from its impressive collection, the museum itself is an architectural marvel. Located just outside Cairo near the Giza Pyramids, it even offers panoramic views of the pyramids from its windows.

• Location: Giza, Cairo
• Opening Hours: The main galleries are open 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily (open until 9:00 PM on Saturdays and Wednesdays; last ticket sold 1 hour before gallery closing)
• Ticket Price: EGP 1270 for adults; EGP 635 for children and students (without guide). The price of GEM guided tours will vary depending on the type and size of the group.
• Recommendation Rate: 5.0/5.0 stars

Which Is Better to Visit, Egyptian Museum or Grand Egyptian Museum?

It is hard to answer. For me, I choose both because they offer different experiences. But if time limits you and you must pick one, here is my suggestion:

If it is your first time in Egypt, and you are interested in seeing more of its ancient civilization, choosing the old one won't let you down. Even though some of the artifacts have been moved to the new GEM, the old Egyptian Museum still hosts the largest collection throughout the country.

Well, if you prefer modern design, clearer storytelling, better photography opportunities, and cooler temperature (GEM is fully air-conditioned), just choose the new Grand Egyptian Museum. Especially when you are traveling to Egypt with kids, GEM would be a better option. Because it has a dedicated museum for children between 6 and 12 with themed tours based on their ages.

National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, Cairo

Apart from the Egyptian Museum and the Grand Egyptian Museum, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) is also worth a visit when you are in Cairo, especially for those who want to see royal mummies.

The highlight is the Royal Mummies Hall on the lower floor, where more than 20 real mummies of pharaohs and queens are displayed, including the famous Hatshepsut (Maatkare), Thutmose III (Menkheperre), and Seqenenre Taa II. You can clearly make out their facial features, and in some cases, even their hair and teeth remain intact.

Interactive exhibits and digital screens provide helpful context, while the Main Gallery and Textile Gallery offer deeper insights into daily life, craftsmanship, and the cultural legacy of ancient Egypt.

• Location: El-Fustat Road, Ein Elsira, Cairo
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily (open until 9:00 PM on Fridays)
• Ticket Price: EGP 550 (Adult); EGP 300 (Student)
• Recommendation Rate: 4.5/5.0 stars

Luxor Museum, Luxor

Luxor Museum

While most visitors come to Luxor for its temples and tombs, the Luxor Museum is a hidden gem well worth your time.

It's not a large museum, and the number of exhibits is much smaller compared to Cairo's museums. However, what it lacks in size, it makes up for in quality. Many artifacts date back over 3,000 years, and the displays are beautifully curated and thoughtfully lit.

You will find antiquities unearthed from nearby sites like the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple, including statues, jewelry, and everyday objects. One of the highlights is the mummified remains of two pharaohs, which are remarkably well-preserved.

Since the museum is small, you will only need an hour or so to explore. And with extended evening hours, it is a great place to visit during your free time in Luxor.

• Location: Corniche El Nil, Luxor
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM & 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM daily (subject to seasonal changes)
• Ticket Price: EGP 400 (Adult); EGP 200 (Student)
• Recommendation Rate: 4.0/5.0 stars

Nubian Museum, Aswan

Aswan is the gateway to Nubia, an ancient land with a distinct history and culture. The Nubian Museum is the best place to learn about it.

Opened in 1997, this award-winning museum showcases the art, language, and lifestyle of Nubian people, both past and present. What sets this museum apart is its open-air garden filled with reconstructed Nubian houses and temples, and its architectural design that blends beautifully with Aswan's granite hills.

• Location: Assuan, Sheyakhah Oula, Aswan
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily
• Ticket Price: EGP 400 (Adult); EGP 200 (Student)
• Recommendation Rate: 4.0/5.0 stars

Alexandria National Museum, Alexandria

Interested in Egypt's Greco-Roman past? Head to the Alexandria National Museum, housed in a beautifully restored Italian-style palace.

Though small, this museum offers a fascinating overview of Alexandria's diverse heritage from the ancient Egyptian to Greek, Roman, Christian, and Islamic periods. Highlights include artifacts recovered from underwater excavations in the harbor, along with coins, sculptures, and even mummies.

The museum is spread over three floors, each dedicated to a different historical era. What truly sets it apart is the vintage charm of the palace itself and how seamlessly the exhibits reflect Alexandria's unique Mediterranean character.

• Location: Fouad Street, Alexandria
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Monday to Saturday); 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Sunday & Friday)
• Ticket Price: EGP 400 (Adult); EGP 200 (Student)
• Recommendation Rate: 4.5/5.0 stars

Final Tips for Museum Visits in Egypt

Tickets for most museums can be purchased directly at the ticket office. But if you are visiting Egypt during its peak season, it is more recommended to book your tickets online in advance for popular museums, like the Egyptian Museum and GEM.

To have a better understanding of the artifacts, you can read some books or watch some videos to learn some basic information about Egyptian history before your visit. And don't forget to hire a guide or use an audio tour.

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If you don't want to haggle about planning your museum visits or finding a reliable, professional tour guide, contact Odynovo. We will take care of every detail of your Egypt trip, so you can simply follow our lead to know this mysterious civilization.