The 11 Best Museums to Visit in Cairo

Few would disagree that Egypt boasts one of the richest cultures in the world. From present-day Islamic and Coptic traditions to the Pharaonic civilisations of yesteryear, this North African country is uniquely fascinating. As the capital, Cairo is home to some excellent museums that protect and showcase the nation’s past and present. Here are a few that our local insiders say you really shouldn’t miss.
The Egyptian Museum by night
Museum

Abdeen Palace Museum
Building, Museum
Located in the Old Cairo district of Abdeen, the grand Abdeen Palace used to serve as the principal workplace of the president of Egypt. Today it is a museum and home to many sumptuous adornments and paintings. Explore the Silver Museum, Arms Museum, Royal Family Museum and Presidential Gifts Museum. Keep an eye out for audacious gold-painted ornaments. Recommended by our local insiders Yasmin Dowedars and Engy Haggag Mohamed.
Manial Palace Museum
Museum
Dating back to the Ottoman dynasty, the Manial Palace Museum is located in the El-Manial district of southern Cairo. It is also known as Prince Mohammed Ali Tawfik Palace after the man who had this place built. The beautiful palace is a mix of European, Ottoman, Persian and Moorish styles. The sumptuous furniture and interiors showcase the lifestyle of the Egyptian prince.
The Grand Egyptian Museum
Museum

Long-awaited and much delayed, the Grand Egyptian Museum has high expectations to meet when it opens in 2021. On arrival, your first sight will be the 30ft (9m) statue of Ramses II, which certainly sets the tone for the rest of the museum. Never before seen relics of Egypt’s past and the world’s largest collection of pharaonic antiquities will be on show during this adventure through Egyptian history.
The Coptic Museum
Museum
Museum of Islamic Art
Museum
Located in central Cairo and built on the site of an old Fatimid mosque, the Museum of Islamic Art is one of the largest museums in the world specialising in Islamic art, comprising 100,000 artefacts from various periods of Islamic history. Jewellery, weapons, wood and ivory objects, textiles and carpets showcasing fine Islamic workmanship sit alongside rare manuscripts of the Quran and calligraphy from all over the world. It also houses manuscripts from diverse Islamic sciences including medicine, engineering, astronomy and more. Recommended by our local insider Engy Haggag Mohamed.
Egyptian Textiles Museum
Museum
Moez Ldin Street is one of Cairo’s oldest streets, dating back to the Fatimid dynasty (10th to 12th centuries). Located here is the Egyptian Textile Museum, with the building itself an architectural wonder from the Ottoman period. The textiles within come from the Pharaonic, Roman, Islamic and Coptic periods and cultures, with clothes, bedsheets, mummy covers, cushions and even diapers all featuring to make for a fascinating display.
Gayer-Anderson Museum
Museum

6th of October War Panorama
Museum
Umm Kulthum Museum
Museum
Rokn Farouk Museum
Museum
Located in Helwan, the Rokn Farouk museum was originally the rest house King Farouk used when travelling the Nile. It was turned into a museum in 1976. Browse the personal belongings of King Farouk and the original features of the house. It’s a peaceful spot in Helwan. Recommended by our local insider Yasmin Dowedar
This is an update of the article by Yosra Shohayeb.