The Egyptian Museum is located in Midan El Tahrir or Tahrir Square next to Nile Hilton in downtown Cairo. The nearest metro stop is Sadat.

Navigating the queues is the first challenge to getting around. The four step entrance process - metal detector, ticket booth, cloak room, automatic ticket taker - can take upwards of an hour during the peak winter season from December through April. If you plan to hire an authorized government guide do so before entering the museum. When they aren't hustling prospective clients they are sitting on the grassy knoll to the left of the ticket booth. Specify the amount of time as well as the exhibits you would like to see when negotiating the fee. If you plan to view the museum independently purchase a color-coded map at the bookstore situated just inside the entrance and to the left of the automatic ticket taker. Inside, you will need a plan of attack. The collection is spread across two floors; the ground floor is arranged chronologically whereas the first floor is organized by theme. If you are visiting the museum at the opening, head to the first floor and view the Royal Mummy Room, King Tut's tomb and animal mummy exhibit while the tour bus crowds linger over the ground floor exhibits.

The museum is open daily, including weekends and holidays, from 9:00 to 18:45. The Royal Mummy Room closes 30 minutes before the museum.

An entrance fee is charged and children are half price. Entrance to the Royal Mummies is charged separately. The rate posted on the Egyptian Museum website applies to locals. Non-residents are charged roughly double.