Grand Egyptian Museum, Cairo

The Grand Egyptian Museum opened in December 2023 adjacent to the Giza Pyramids. It's a $1 billion new museum housing artifacts (many moved from the Egyptian Museum in downtown Cairo) and new discoveries. The collection includes Tutankhamun's treasures, royal mummies, and thousands of artifacts.

The thing about opening-era museums is that they're new, organized, and not yet crowded. As it becomes famous, crowds will follow. Now is the window to experience it before it becomes a tourist avalanche.

The museum is architecturally significant (designed to reflect Egyptian culture), the collection is world-class, and seeing it while it's still relatively uncrowded is a privilege.

Grand Egyptian Museum full tour: 1–3 days depending on depth. Entry $35. Allow at minimum 4–5 hours. The museum is massive.

Tutankhamun galleries: The most famous section. Treasures, gold, jewelry. Included in museum entry.

Royal mummies galleries: Preserved mummies of pharaohs and nobles. Respectful presentation.

Giza Pyramids visit: Just outside the museum. Guide-led or independent tours. Entry $20. Combine museum and pyramid visits in one day.

Budget:: Hostels and budget hotels near Giza. $20–35/night.

Mid-Range:: Hotels near Giza or downtown Cairo. $40–70/night.

Splurge:: Luxury hotels with Nile views or pyramid views. $100–180/night.

Koshari: Mixed pasta, rice, and lentils with sauce. Egyptian comfort food. $2–4.

Ful medames: Fava bean stew. Breakfast staple. $1–2.

Grilled fish: Fresh catch from the Nile or market. $6–12.

Falafel: Chickpea fritter. Street food. $0.50–1.

Egyptian tea: Strong black tea with mint. $0.30–0.50.