National Museum of Egyptian Civilization

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Fustat tells the sweep of Egyptian history across every era, but its showstopper is the Royal Mummies Hall, where the preserved pharaohs lie in a hushed, dimly lit gallery. A timed ticket lets you skip the line. Give yourself a couple of hours, save the mummies for last, and take in the views over the ancient lake and Old Cairo from the terrace.