You want to know this before visiting Egyptian Museum

I know people, who have lived in Egypt their entire life and yet, never visited Egyptian museum or pyramids. Well, to be fair, I also know New Yorkers, who have never been to Empire state building or Statue of Liberty either :) It's such a pity and here is why.

Last time, I visited the museum, I planed to drop off my visitors at the gate and sit in the shade of the palm trees outside, aimlessly scrooling through my Facebook. However, as soon as I heard their tour guide's opening speech about Lotus flower, I got so excited, I sprinted to the ticket window and got my pass. I just couldn't help it. Again.

Prepare yourself for visit

There are few things you need to know, before you visit. First one, bring your ID with you. Second, bring lots of water, as there was no shop or buffet with beverages, last time I visited. And third, very comfortable shoes, because you will walk a loooot and yet, still not see everything. And that's bringing us to the last and most important point. 

Certified Guide

DO NOT visit without a certified guide, unless you are an egyptologist yourself. The amount of information written on boards is overwhelming and I bet, you cannot read through all of it. It is very hard to become a certified tour guide. These people study a lot and most probably teach at universities or schools themselves. They are packed with information and know, what are the most important things to see.  You can finish the tour in two hours, if guided properly, or better said if you see just the "highlights".

The fees for the guide is around 200 EGP per hour, I believe.The ticket is around 70 EGP per person. During the weekends, which is from Thursday till Saturday in Middle East, it's more. I think around 100 EGP. There is an additional fee of 100 EGP for Mummy exhibition. If you have an Egyptian nationality, now sit down, cause you just hit a jackpot. You pay 4 EGP. Yes, that's right. It's because the government wants to encourage people of Egypt to learn more about their own history.

If you go on your own, you might pass by some seemingly unimportant rock and just think: "hm, pretty statue...". In reality it might be one of the most important pieces of history you have ever laid your eyes on. I am not a "museum person" by the way, but this museum is very special, because you get to see no replicas or some pictures on the wall. You get to see the real stuff, coffins, mummies, accessories, statues, beauty items and tons of golden jewelry (literally tons). It's all within the touch of your hand and you will be fascinated and shocked by the mysteries of ancient Egypt which remained unexplained till today.

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