Grand Egyptian Museum

The Grand Egyptian Museum stands at the edge of the Giza plateau within sight of the pyramids, and is often described as the largest museum in the world devoted to a single civilisation. Its galleries tell Egypt’s story from prehistory to the Roman era.

Visitors are greeted in the soaring atrium by a colossal standing statue of Ramesses II, and a grand staircase lined with pharaonic statues climbs towards a window framing the pyramids. For most people the highlight is the Tutankhamun collection, displayed together in dedicated galleries, from jewellery and gilded shrines to the young king’s chariots.

Allow at least three hours, and plan it on the same day as the pyramids. The museum is spacious and air-conditioned, making it a good choice for the hottest part of the day.