Discover The Best Must-See Museums in Cairo

Are you planning a trip to Cairo and looking for the best museums to visit? Look no further than this guide to must-see museums in Cairo. Egypt is a country steeped in history and culture, and Cairo is home to some of the world’s most fascinating museums. From the iconic Pyramids of Giza to the lesser-known gems, there’s something for everyone in this bustling city.

If you’re interested in ancient history, you won’t want to miss the Pyramids of Giza. These iconic structures are a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the ancient Egyptians. But Cairo has much more to offer than just the pyramids. Islamic Cairo is a must-see for anyone interested in the city’s rich cultural heritage, while Coptic Cairo offers a glimpse into the country’s Christian history. And if you’re looking for something off the beaten path, Saqqara and Dahshur are home to some of the lesser-known pyramids and tombs.

Key Takeaways

• Cairo is home to some of the world’s most fascinating museums.
• The Pyramids of Giza are a must-visit for anyone interested in ancient history.
• Islamic Cairo, Coptic Cairo, and Saqqara and Dahshur offer a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Must-See Museums in Cairo

If you’re planning a trip to Cairo, you can’t miss visiting the city’s incredible museums. From ancient Egyptian artifacts to Islamic art, there is something for everyone to see and learn. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the must-see museums in Cairo.

Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in ancient Egyptian history and art. It is home to an impressive collection of over 120,000 Egyptian antiquities, including mummies, jewelry, and papyrus.

You can spend hours exploring the museum’s galleries and learning about the fascinating history of ancient Egypt. The museum is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, and the entry fee is 400 EGP for foreigners and 60 EGP for Egyptians. You can find more information on the official website of the Egyptian Museum.

Museum of Islamic Art

The Museum of Islamic Art is located in the heart of Cairo and is home to one of the world’s largest collections of Islamic art. The museum’s collection includes ceramics, textiles, and metalwork from various Islamic dynasties.

The museum is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, and the entry fee is 100 EGP for foreigners and 20 EGP for Egyptians. You can find more information on the official website of the Museum of Islamic Art.

Coptic Museum

The Coptic Museum is a hidden gem in Cairo and is dedicated to the history and culture of Egypt’s Coptic Christian community.

The museum’s collection includes ancient manuscripts, textiles, and artwork. The museum is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm, and the entry fee is 100 EGP for foreigners and 35 EGP for Egyptians. You can find more information on the official website of the Coptic Museum.

No matter what your interests are, Cairo’s museums have something to offer. From ancient Egyptian art to Islamic artifacts and Coptic Christian history, you’ll find it all in Cairo’s museums. So, make sure to add these museums to your itinerary when you visit Cairo.

The Pyramids of Giza

You’ve probably heard of the Pyramids of Giza, one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. These ancient structures are a testament to the ingenuity and architectural prowess of the ancient Egyptians. Located in Giza, just outside of Cairo, the Pyramids of Giza are a must-see attraction for anyone interested in Egyptian history.

Pyramid of Khufu

The Pyramid of Khufu, also known as the Great Pyramid, is the largest of the three pyramids in Giza. It was built as a tomb for the pharaoh Khufu and is estimated to have taken over 20 years to construct. The pyramid is made up of over 2 million stone blocks, each weighing around 2.5 tons. It’s an impressive sight to behold and one you won’t want to miss.

Pyramid of Khafre

The Pyramid of Khafre is the second-largest of the three pyramids in Giza. It was built as a tomb for the pharaoh Khafre and is slightly smaller than the Great Pyramid. What sets it apart, however, is the fact that it still has some of its original casing stones at the top of the pyramid, giving you a glimpse of what it would have looked like when it was first built.

Pyramid of Menkaure

The Pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest of the three pyramids in Giza. It was built as a tomb for the pharaoh Menkaure and is notable for its intricate interior design. While it may be smaller than the other two pyramids, it’s no less impressive and is definitely worth a visit.

When visiting the Pyramids of Giza, you’ll also want to make sure to check out the Sphinx, a massive statue of a mythical creature with the head of a human and the body of a lion. The Sphinx is located near the Pyramids and is believed to have been built during the reign of the pharaoh Khafre.

If you’re interested in learning more about ancient Egypt and the Pyramids of Giza, there are several museums in the area that you can visit. The Egyptian Museum is located in Cairo and is home to over 120,000 artifacts, including the treasures of King Tutankhamun. The Giza Solar Boat Museum is also worth a visit, as it houses a reconstructed boat that was found buried near the Great Pyramid.

The Pyramids of Giza are open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and admission fees vary depending on which pyramids you want to visit. It’s recommended that you purchase tickets in advance to avoid long lines at the entrance. Overall, the Pyramids of Giza are a must-see attraction that you won’t want to miss when visiting Cairo.

Islamic Cairo

Welcome to Islamic Cairo, a historic district in the heart of Cairo that is home to some of the most beautiful and fascinating mosques and buildings in the city. If you’re interested in Islamic architecture and history, then you won’t want to miss the Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan, the Mosque of Ibn Tulun, and Al Azhar Park.

Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan

The Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan is a massive mosque and school complex that was built in the 14th century. It’s one of the largest mosques in Egypt and is known for its impressive architecture and intricate decoration.

The mosque is open to visitors daily from 9 am to 5 pm.

Mosque of Ibn Tulun

The Mosque of Ibn Tulun is one of the oldest and largest mosques in Cairo. It was built in the 9th century and is known for its unique spiral minaret and beautiful courtyard.

Visitors can explore the mosque and climb to the top of the minaret for a stunning view of the city. The mosque is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.

Al Azhar Park

Al Azhar Park is a beautiful green space in the heart of Cairo that offers stunning views of the city and a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the streets. The park is home to a number of historic buildings, including the Ayyubid Wall and the 14th-century Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Visitors can enjoy a picnic, take a stroll, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. The park is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, and the entry fee is EGP 10.

In Islamic Cairo, you’ll find some of the most impressive examples of Islamic architecture in the world. Whether you’re interested in history, or religion, or simply appreciate beautiful buildings, you won’t want to miss these must-see sites. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to explore the fascinating world of Islamic Cairo!

Coptic Cairo

If you’re looking for a unique cultural experience in Cairo, look no further than Coptic Cairo. This ancient neighborhood is home to some of the oldest churches in Egypt, as well as a fascinating collection of Coptic art and artifacts.

Coptic Churches

One of the highlights of Coptic Cairo is its collection of ancient churches, which date back to the early days of Christianity in Egypt. Some of the most notable include the Hanging Church, which is suspended above a gatehouse of the Roman fortress, and the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus, which is said to be built on the site where the Holy Family rested during their flight to Egypt.

Bab Zuweila

Another must-see attraction in Coptic Cairo is Bab Zuweila, one of the ancient gates of the city. This impressive structure dates back to the 11th century and offers stunning views of the surrounding area from its rooftop.

While you’re in Coptic Cairo, don’t miss the chance to visit the Coptic Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Coptic art and artifacts. Here, you’ll find everything from ancient ankhs and falcons to stone carvings from the Mamluk era.

If you’re interested in Egyptian history and culture, a visit to Coptic Cairo is a must. With its ancient churches, historic gateways, and fascinating museums, this neighborhood offers a unique glimpse into Egypt’s rich cultural heritage.

Opening Hours:

• The Hanging Church: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
• The Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus: 8:00 am-4:00 pm
• Bab Zuweila: 9:00am-5:00pm
• The Coptic Museum: 9:00 am-4:00 pm (closed on Tuesdays)

Entry Fees:

• The Hanging Church: EGP 50
• The Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus: EGP 40
• Bab Zuweila: EGP 40
• The Coptic Museum: EGP 100 for foreigners, EGP 50 for Egyptians

Saqqara and Dahshur

Are you ready to take a step back in time to ancient Egypt? Then you don’t want to miss Saqqara and Dahshur! These two locations are home to some of the oldest and most significant pyramids in Egypt.

Saqqara is where you’ll find the Step Pyramid of Djoser, which is Egypt’s oldest stone pyramid. It’s a unique and fascinating structure that will leave you in awe of the ancient Egyptians’ engineering skills. You can also visit the Imhotep Museum, which is dedicated to the architect who designed the Step Pyramid.

Dahshur, on the other hand, is where the ancient Egyptians perfected their pyramid-constructing skills. It’s where several of the first pyramids were built, and it took a few tries to get things right. The Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid are two of the most famous pyramids in Dahshur, and they’re both worth a visit.

When you visit Saqqara and Dahshur, it’s a good idea to hire a tour guide. A knowledgeable guide can help you understand the history and significance of these sites and make your experience more meaningful.

Both Saqqara and Dahshur are open daily from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. The entry fee for Saqqara is EGP 100 for foreigners, while the entry fee for Dahshur is EGP 60 for foreigners.

Make sure you don’t miss out on these two incredible locations while you’re in Cairo. You won’t regret it!

Other Museums in Cairo

If you’re looking for more museums to visit in Cairo, there are two that you definitely don’t want to miss: the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization and the Grand Egyptian Museum.

National Museum of Egyptian Civilization

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization is a relatively new addition to Cairo’s museum scene, having opened its doors in 2017. This museum is dedicated to showcasing the many different aspects of Egyptian history and culture, from pharaonic times to the present day.

One of the highlights of the museum is the Golden Funeral Mask of Psusennes I, which dates back to the 21st Dynasty. This beautiful mask is made of solid gold and is adorned with precious stones.

Another must-see exhibit is the Golden Throne of Tutankhamun, which was discovered in his tomb in the Valley of the Kings. The throne is made of wood covered in gold leaf and is decorated with scenes from the life of the young pharaoh.

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm every day except Tuesday. The entry fee is EGP 200 for foreigners and EGP 60 for Egyptians.

Grand Egyptian Museum

The Grand Egyptian Museum is set to be one of the largest and most impressive museums in the world when it opens in 2021. This museum is dedicated to showcasing the treasures of Ancient Egypt, including the artifacts from the tomb of Tutankhamun.

One of the most impressive exhibits in the museum will be the statue of Ramesses II, which stands at a height of 11 meters. This statue was discovered in the 19th century and is considered to be one of the most important discoveries in the history of Egyptology.

The Grand Egyptian Museum will be open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm every day except Tuesday. The entry fee is EGP 1000 for foreigners and EGP 150 for Egyptians.

Before You Go

You’ve now reached the end of our guide to the must-see museums in Cairo. We hope you found this article helpful in planning your travel itinerary or cultural excursion. Whether you’re planning a bespoke trip or a rail trip, we’ve got you covered.

From the local insiders’ favorite Museum of Islamic Art to the world-renowned Egyptian Museum, Cairo has an abundance of museums to explore. You can’t miss the Old Kingdom’s Limestone Statue or the Fourth Dynasty’s Gardens. The Khan el Khalili market is a must-visit for those who want to experience the local culture and pick up some souvenirs. And don’t forget to take a relaxing sail on the Nile River to see the city from a different perspective.

If you’re looking for a more tailored experience, consider hiring a guide to take you through the museums and provide you with more in-depth knowledge of the exhibits. And if you’re hungry for more cultural experiences, make sure to visit the Aisha Fahmy Palace for a glimpse into the life of an Egyptian princess.

Thank you for reading our guide to the best Must-See Museums in Cairo. We hope you have a wonderful trip filled with culture, history, and adventure!

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