The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Featured image via Michal Huniewicz

Egypt’s rich history means it houses numerous museums, monuments, ancient sites, and historical buildings that are stunning to look at, and would look beautiful through the lens of a camera. This is why a lot of professional and amateur photographers flock towards these spots to try out their trade, and endeavour to capture a memorable photograph to add to their portfolio.

On the other side of things, newlyweds or newly engaged couples sometimes love to celebrate their event with a photo session at a historic place. A lot of young people are gravitating towards that for the beautiful scenery in which they can capture such priceless photos.

So if you fall into either of these categories, and are looking to learn about the prices for photography at Cairo’s hottest historical places, we’ve got the low-down for you. Please note that most places do not allow flash photography under any circumstances.

There are an incredible number of tombs in Egypt, and while some are available for regular visitation, others are not accessible to the public. These closed tombs, however, are available for approved visits for photography, and for that privilege, you’ll need to pay 2000 EGP (the rate goes up to 3000 EGP for foreigners for the day).

Open tombs are much cheaper, and they’re available at half the price, Egyptians will have to pay 1000 EGP plus the ticket of the tomb itself, while foreigners pay 1500 EGP plus the ticket for the day. This goes for all open tombs except for the tombs of Tutankhamun and Nefertari, where the price goes way up high again. 2000 EGP for Egyptians and 3000 EGP for foreigners plus the tickets, but this is just for one hour of photography.

Photography at Egyptian museums is a lot cheaper. In addition to the individual ticket to the museum, you’ll have to pay just 50 EGP per person to get permission for photography for the whole day. As for submerged monuments in Egypt, the price goes a bit higher to 250 EGP per day for above water photos, while underwater photos cost 500 EGP.

Perhaps one of the biggest attractions for such photo sessions would be the palaces around Egypt. For the majestic Alexan Pasha Palace in Assiut, you’ll have to pay 500 EGP plus 150 EGP for the Employees Welfare Fund during work hours. After work hours, the price goes up to 1000 EGP plus 150 EGP for the fund. The same prices are applicable in the stunning Baron Palace Garden in Heliopolis.

As we’ve said, flash photography is not allowed at most of these venues. But that’s not the only obstacle. Before you can take your camera to these spots, you’ll need to get approval from the authority responsible, but this is not as difficult as it sounds. Each of these places has its own administrative office where you can easily get that approval.

Prepare your lenses, Cairenes, and get ready to show the world the true beauty of Egypt.