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How Much Does It Cost to Visit the Great Pyramids in Egypt

Ballpark Estimate: $2,160 to $4,900 per person (including lodging but excluding meals)

Travelers who want a little intrigue and wonder in their vacation – as well as a dose of ancient history – may be lured by the pharaohs, tombs and temples of Egypt. There, just outside Cairo, awestruck visitors gaze up at the more than 480-foot-tall Great Pyramid of Giza – the last survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. How did workers in 2600 B.C. move the 2.3 million stone blocks which weighed at least two and half tons each? Theories abound. However it was done, Pharaoh Khufu (Cheops to the Greeks) was in charge. His successor Kefren’s pyramid is smaller, but on higher ground with the lion-bodied Sphinx guarding it. His successor Mykerinos’ pyramid is smaller than the first two. Several additional small pyramids fill the Giza Plateau.

Trip Preparation

Visitors will need a passport for this trip. First time applicants will pay $100 per adult and $85 per child under age 16. Thirty-day tourist visas are available at Egypt airports for $15 .

Packing for Cairo may send would-be travelers shopping. In addition to the hot-weather vacation standards of a hat, comfy shoes and sunglasses, female travelers will need to pay extra attention to their wardrobe.

Egyptian tourism officials advise women to conform to the local views of modesty by avoiding shorts and low-cut shirts. They suggest wearing loose-fitting clothes with long sleeves.

Getting There

The best time to visit Egypt weather-wise is from September to November. Bargain hunters can find better airline and hotel rates from June to August, but they’ll also probably encounter 113-degree days. In March and April, high winds may kick up sand and affect visibility.

Roundtrip Saturday-to-Saturday airline ticket fares for October flights vary depending upon layovers. Passengers leaving from New York City will pay $995 to $1,650 . Flights out of Chicago cost from $1,150 to $3,500 and ones departing Los Angeles cost from $1,200 to $2,195 .

Hotels are plentiful in Cairo and along the short trip to Giza. From the high-rise hotels along the River Nile to the ones within three miles of the Sphinx, expect rooms to start at about $160 per night.

Additional Costs

Once you see capital city Cairo’s traffic, you won’t want to rent a car. The city is home to more than 17 million people. Driving can be high-speed and erratic. Officials at the U.S. Embassy advise personnel to avoid Cairo’s mini-buses. Hiring a private guide to drive and narrate your four-hour pyramid trip costs about $4 for adults and $2 for children. Solitary travelers can expect to pay a $2 supplemental fee.

Admission to all the plateau’s pyramids should cost about $3.50 , but expect extra charges if you arrive early enough to nab one of the limited tickets to tour inside the Great Pyramid. Another set of tickets is available after lunch.

For an additional $8 , visitors can attend a language-appropriate version of an evening sound and light show. In it, the Sphinx plays the narrator of ancient Egyptian history.

Tipping is an expected part of touring Egypt and it’s wise to load up on small bills when exchanging money at airport banks. Restaurant servers typically receive $1 per person, rather than basing the type upon the meal price. Bellmen typically receive 30 cents per bag and hotel housekeepers receive about $2 every two days.

Other Sites

There is plenty to do in and around Cairo to keep visitors busy once they’ve seen the pyramids. The Egyptian Museum displays more than 136,000 items, including more than 1,700 items in the Tutankhamun Galleries. Admission is about $4 for adults and $2 for children. Admission into the mummy rooms is an additional $8 and $4 respectively.

Visitors interested in the history of early Christianity in Egypt may enjoy The Coptic Museum for a $3 ticket.

How Much To Visit Pyramids In Egypt?

As of the time of writing, an entrance ticket for the Giza Pyramids complex cost 200 Egyptian Pounds. However, visitors need to purchase additional tickets if they want to enter any of the pyramids.

The Pyramids of Giza are located near modern-day Giza on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt’s capital city. The site is also home to the iconic Sphinx, along with several other structures such as the Valley Temple and several small queens pyramids.

An admission ticket for the site, which cost 200 Egyptian Pounds at the time of this post being written, gives you access to the pyramids, the Sphinx, and other structures like the Valley Temple. The admission ticket does not include entry to any of the pyramids.

So, how much to visit the pyramids if you also want to go inside them?

How Much to Visit the Pyramids in Egypt at Giza?

As already mentioned, an entrance ticket for the necropolis cost 200 EGP (Egyptian Pounds), which is the equivalent of about US$10.60. If you want to go inside any of the three Giza Pyramids , you need to purchase an additional ticket for each pyramid you want to enter.

A ticket for the Great Pyramid of Pharaoh Khufu cost 400 EGP (about US$21) as of the time of writing. An entry ticket for the second biggest pyramid, the pyramid of Khafre cost 100EGP (about US$5.50). A ticket for the smallest pyramid, the pyramid of Pharaoh Menkaura, also cost 100 EGP.

The Great Pyramid is one of Egypt’s 4th-Dynasty pyramids. It was built to serve as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu who ruled Egypt during the 26th century BC. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the last one still standing and mostly still intact. For this reason, the Great Pyramid is the pyramid which most visitors want to enter.

To be honest, there really isn’t much to see in any of the Giza Pyramids. All three of them were looted in antiquity. Yes, it is great being able to say you have been inside the Great Pyramid, but don’t expect to see much other than passageways, empty chambers, and lots of Stairs.

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Additional Costs

If you are hoping to visit the famous Egyptian Pyramids of Giza, don’t forget to budget for additional costs. For example, if you want to enjoy a camel ride at the pyramids, expect to spend another 300 EGP (US$20) or more, depending on how good you are at haggling.

Transport to and from the pyramids is something else you need to think about. Your cheapest option would be to use buses or the metro to get from downtown Cairo to Giza, and then a taxi from the station to the pyramids. However, this is far from being your most convenient option.

Getting a taxi from you hotel to the pyramids is a much more convenient option, and taxis in Egypt are really cheap. However, you should either insist on the driver turning the meter on, or else you should agree on a price before getting in. The most convenient and most comfortable way to visit the Giza Pyramids is by way of a private half-day tour.

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How Much to Visit the Pyramids in Egypt at Dashur?

As far as we know, a total of eleven pyramids were built at the Dahshur necropolis . However, only three remain: the Red Pyramid, the Bent Pyramid and the Black Pyramid. The Black Pyramid is located on military property so it is out of bounds for tourists. As a result, the Red and Bent Pyramids are the main attractions at the site. As with the Giza Pyramids complex, the Dashur necropolis is also a World Heritage Site.

There are no buses or trains linking Cairo to Dashur, so tourists wishing to visit the Red Pyramid and Bent Pyramid need to rely on taxis. Alternatively, many tour operators offer half day tours to the Dashur Pyramids, of full day Pyramids Tours which include the Giza necropolis, the Saqqara necropolis and the Dashur necropolis.

So, how much to visit the pyramids of Dashur? As of the time of writing, an admission ticket for the Dashur necropolis cost 60 EGP, approximately US$7 for adults. Students are only charged half, as is the case at nearly all tourist attractions in Egypt.

Unlike at the Giza Pyramids, there are no additional entrance fees for those who want to venture inside the Red Pyramid and Bent Pyramid. The great news is that there is also a lot more to see inside these pyramids than there is to see in the Giza Pyramids. Both of these pyramids are older than the pyramids at Giza, but ironically, their interiors are better preserved than those at Giza.

How Much to Visit the Pyramids in Egypt at Saqqara?

The Saqqara necropolis is located just a short distance from the ancient capital city of Memphis. It served as a royal burial ground during the Old Kingdom era. While there are several structures at the site, the main attraction is Pharaoh Djozer’s Step Pyramid complex .

The Step Pyramid is believed to be the very first stone pyramid ever built by the ancient Egyptians. It is also considered to be the world’s oldest major stone structure.

After a major earthquake struck the area in 1992, the Step Pyramid was deemed to be unsafe for tourists to enter and was subsequently closed to visitors. In 2006, the Egyptian government brought in a specialist engineering company from the United Kingdom to restore the pyramid’s integrity.

Now, after a 14-year renovation period, the 4,700 year old Step Pyramid is once again open to visitors. So, how much to visit the pyramids in Egypt at Saqqara? As of the time of writing, an admission ticket for the site cost 80 EGP (about US$9) and 40 EGP for students.

Your admission ticket includes entry to the Step Pyramid, and also the on-site Imhotep Museum. While the pyramid itself is huge, most of the complex is located underground. A network of underground passages, tunnels and chambers cover an area of more than 6 square kilometers.

There are no buses or trains connecting Cairo to Saqqara, so you will need to hire a taxi or book an organized tour to the site. Many tour operators offer group tours from Cairo, but your most convenient and most hassle free option would be private guided tours that include air-conditioned transport and an Expert guide.

How much does it cost to visit the pyramids in Egypt? To see the Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx will cost you you 200 EGP. To see the Dashur Pyramids will cost you 60 EGP, while a visit to Saqqara will cost you 80 EGP. So, you can visit all of Egypt’s major pyramids for 340 EGP which at the time of writing was about 18 or 19 US Dollars.

Of course, if you want to enter any of the Giza Pyramids it will cost you a little bit more. You also need to factor in transport to and from the pyramids. If you want to see all of the pyramids mentioned, and you don’t want the hassle that comes with using taxis, you should consider booking a day trip from Cairo that includes transport and a guide

Come Visit the Pyramids in Egypt

Whether you only want to see the pyramids, or whether you want to see many more of Egypt’s ancient relics, we have Egypt tour packages to suit all tastes and budgets, and they can all be customized to fit your needs perfectly. With more than half a million tours already sold, you can plan or book your dream trip to Egypt with complete peace of mind.

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Last Updated on March 25, 2024

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How To Visit The Pyramids Of Giza In Egypt (Travel Guide)

What kind of bucket list doesn’t include the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt? Believe it or not, the Giza pyramids are fairly easy to visit on a day trip from Cairo, the capital of Egypt.

Built in 2560 BC, the Great Pyramid of Giza was the tallest man-made object in the world for 3,800 years. It’s the oldest of the Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World, and the only one still standing today.

Visiting the Egypt pyramids is a pretty simple experience, and there’s not a whole lot to do there except gaze at the big piles of rock, but it’s still a profound and unique experience that every traveler should check off their list.

This travel guide will explain how you can visit the Egyptian pyramids on your own, with or without a tour, and with a very modest budget and minimal planning!

Quick Facts (Main Pyramid)

• Date: 2560 BC
• Height: 150 meters (500 ft)
• Base Length: 150 meters (500 ft)
• Weight: 6 million tons
• No. of Blocks: 2.3 million
• Builders: 200,000+

Best Day Tours To The Egypt Pyramids

First of all, if you’re on a tight schedule and want to skip the extra steps involved in arranging your own trip to the pyramids, or if you’d rather travel in a tour group for safety or convenience, there are options for doing that.

There are a number of companies that offer prearranged day tours to the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx for as low as $45 USD, complete with hotel transfer, optional camel ride, and same day return to Cairo.

If you’d rather make your own arrangements and go without a group, that’s covered next.

How To Get To The Giza Pyramids

The Great Pyramids are located on the outskirts of Giza , a suburb of Cairo, Egypt.

The nearest airport is the Cairo International Airport (CAI), which is served by a bunch of international airlines. You can shop for flights to Cairo at Skyscanner.

From the Cairo airport, it’s a 1 hour drive to Giza. The arrivals zone has plenty of taxis you can take, but I used Uber and I would highly recommend this because it’s much cheaper and probably safer too.

Do not rent a car in Egypt unless you are familiar with driving in the Middle East! Traffic in Arab countries is dangerous and chaotic, and you’ll be much better off going with a driver who’s familiar with how the traffic works here.

Besides, the drivers in Egypt are pretty affordable — as of 2020, the price for an Uber ride from Cairo to Giza is less than 200 EGP ($10 USD).

Giza Pyramids: What To Expect

If you’re staying at least one night in Giza, which I’d recommend, then you can drop off your luggage first at your hotel and then easily walk to the entrance of the pyramids and sphinx.

There are a bunch of hotels in Giza that are within a 5 minute walk to the main entrance for the pyramids, and they usually have great rooftop views to boot. More on that later.

If you’re ready to visit the pyramids, then just head up to the main ticket office and buy your tickets. The scammers and touts will already be trying to chat you up at this point, but you should ignore them.

As of 2020, the general ticket price is 120 EGP ($7 USD) and that gives you admission to the sphinx and the whole area surrounding the pyramids.

Camel Rides At The Egypt Pyramids

If you do go on a horse or camel ride, which I think is a great idea, then be sure to negotiate your price and terms BEFORE hopping on.

It’s common for the touts to try to come up with ridiculous prices after you’re already in the saddle and feeling obliged.

Do not pay before your ride either, handle the payment after your ride — no matter what they say!

As of 2020, the government of Egypt has a fixed price for the camel rides of 50 EGP (~$3 USD) for 30 minutes. There’s a sign near the entrance that says so, and you can always point to it if you’re having a hard time getting a fair price from the touts.

The Great Sphinx of Giza

Don’t forget to stop at the Great Sphinx too.

This mythical creature, with the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh, is the oldest surviving sculpture in Egypt.

It’s also included in the same 120 EGP ticket you bought at the entrance for the pyramids, so just show your ticket at the doorway to the sphinx and you can walk up to it.

Hotels Near The Egyptian Pyramids

There are a bunch of neat hotels in Giza that are within a 5 minute walk to the main entrance for the pyramids, and they usually have awesome rooftop views of the whole area.

I would highly recommend staying at least one night in Giza, because it allows you to go at a relaxed pace and make the most of your time there.

It also makes it easy to do the Sound & Light Show, or just sit back and watch the sunset at Giza.

I stayed at Marvel Stone Hotel

I stayed at Marvel Stone Hotel for $32 USD/night, and it had a great rooftop terrace with views of the pyramids and sphinx, complete with easy chairs and even a pool table.

This was actually one of the highlights of my trip to Giza, because I was able to sit back and admire the pyramids and the camels running around in the distance — without being harassed by sellers and touts.

In the evening I watched the sunset over the Pyramid of Khafre and took some photos from the rooftop.

When Is The Best Time To Visit The Giza Pyramids?

Egypt has an arid climate, so it’s hot and dry year round.

The coolest months are from December to March, and this is probably the most popular time to visit the pyramids, but honestly any month in the spring or fall would also be fine.

I visited Egypt in September, and the heat was bad at times (mostly in Luxor), but I didn’t think it was too much of a problem in Giza. Northern Egypt is not nearly as hot as nearby Middle Eastern countries like Qatar or the United Arab Emirates.

You can take photos of the pyramids in the morning, but the dust will obscure the colors a bit. The best time of day for taking photos at the pyramids is around noon, when the dust clears up and the blue sky can be seen in the background.

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What a great article! We’re currently dreaming of going to Egypt again – we’ve been there before and we love, love love it! Here’s to a year with loads of travel plans and new experiences!

Indeed, thanks!

I love the article

Fantastic guide! Planning my trip to the Pyramids of Giza, and your tips on day tours, getting there, and the camel rides are super helpful. Excited to tick this off my bucket list, thanks for the insights!

Nice! Have a great trip.

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How to Visit the Pyramids of Giza

The Great Pyramid is the last remaining of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. If you’re coming to Egypt, there’s a good chance you’re here to see it (and the other pyramids of Giza).

A camel ride is a quintessential part of your visit to the Pyramids of Egypt (Photo: Unsplash)

The Great Pyramid is the first and largest pyramid of the Giza pyramid complex, but that doesn’t mean the others aren’t incredibly impressive. There’s a lot to take in while you’re in Egypt—from pyramids to cemeteries to museums—and knowing the “lay of the land” will help you better plan your time.

If you’re wondering how to visit the Pyramids of Giza, this guide is here to break it down.

A Short History of the Pyramids of Giza

The Giza complex consists of three pyramids—each one is a tomb built for a prolific pharoah. The Great Pyramid was built around 2550 B.C. for King Khufu, and his son Khafre started the construction of his own pyramid about 30 years later. The Great Pyramid and the Pyramid of Khafre were the two largest pyramids built in ancient Egypt. (The legendary Sphinx was also built to watch over Khafre and is said to have been created to look like him.)

The last pyramid in the Giza complex is the Pyramid of Menkaure, dedicated to Khafre’s son (Khufu’s grandson) and built around 2490 BC. This is the smallest of the three pyramids, but there’s still plenty to admire about it. At 65 meters tall, it certainly isn’t “small.”

One of the most incredible things about the Pyramids of Giza is that nobody really knows exactly how they were built. Uncovering all the mysteries of the pyramids is an ongoing pursuit.

So, what do researchers know? Most researchers and scientists can agree that building the temples took up to 20,000 workers over the course of 20 years or so. And no, they weren’t slaves. Most of the workers were actually farmers who worked during a time when the Nile River flooded their land. There was even a temporary town set up nearby for them, complete with dwellings, shops, and other services.

The magnitude of work here is hard to grasp. To build the Great Pyramid, for example, more than 2.3 million blocks of stone were cut and transported to the site. Researchers believe an elaborate system of ramps was used to move the blocks of stone around but remain unsure of exactly how they functioned. Long story short: the ancient Egyptians were brilliant engineers, and their work remains shrouded in questions thousands of years later.

Fun Facts About the Pyramids of Giza

The pharaohs were buried with their most prized material possessions so that they had everything they needed to thrive in the afterlife. Sadly, many of these priceless treasures have been looted over the years.

The pyramids are almost perfectly aligned with the cardinal points, but researchers don’t have a concrete explanation for how it was done.

At least 130+ pyramids have been discovered around Egypt, but the ones at Giza are the most famous.

The pyramids were originally encased in white limestone and would have reflected the sunlight’s rays brilliantly, causing a sort of glimmer effect. That limestone has deteriorated over the years due to natural elements, but also because it was stripped for other building uses. You can see that the Pyramid of Khafre has some limestone remaining at its peak.

If you were to replicate these pyramids today (factoring in the cost of materials and labor), it’d cost about $1 billion to build all three!

There are many things to do at the Pyramids, including a visit to the world-famous Sphinx (Photo: Unsplash)

Things to Do at the Pyramids of Giza

There’s a lot to see and do at the Pyramids of Giza. Here are some of the best activities to enjoy:

Explore the Pyramids

Yes, you can venture into the pyramids, although each has its own entrance fee. You’ll likely feel dwarfed by these giants when you’re standing in their presence, so take some time outside the pyramids first to admire their size.

In the Great Pyramid, a small door leads through the Grand Gallery and into the King’s Chamber. There’s nothing here but an empty sarcophagus, but it’s impressive to be inside just the same.

You can also enter the two smaller tombs, but like the Great Pyramid, there’s not much to see inside. The crowds are definitely less congested, however, so if you want to roam around and imagine yourself back in the day of the ancient Egyptians, this is your chance.

See the Eastern and Western Cemeteries

Along the east side of the Pyramid of Khufu lie three smaller pyramids where Khufu’s wives and sisters were buried, as well as stone tombs in cemeteries used for officials and members of the royal family.

In the eastern cemetery, you can visit the mastaba (large tomb) belonging to Meresankh III, the wife of Khafre, to see its beautiful wall frescoes. The colorful scenes here all depict everyday, ordinary life. The mastaba for Seshemnufer IV doesn’t have the same impressive paintings, but the entryway has elaborate columns that are worth admiring.

At the royal cemetery, visit the Tomb of Senegemib-Inti to see its intricate wall carvings there.

Visit the Valley Temple

The Valley Temple of Khafre is a striking structure, made with granite blocks and alabaster flooring. The temple’s purpose was twofold: it was used for the mummification of the king, and also for the purification of the mummy before burial.

The mummification process is a fascinating one that would have taken 70 days to complete. High priests worked as embalmers to treat and wrap the body, all while performing the rites and prayers required at certain stages throughout. First, all internal organs would be removed immediately to prevent decay. Then they were placed in special jars to be eventually buried with the mummy.

To remove all moisture from the body, the priests used a type of salt known as natron which is known for its drying properties. When it came time for the wrapping, a priest would use several hundreds of yards of cloth to carefully bind the body. The Egyptians believed that the body was an important vessel for the spirit, and so they wanted to keep the body mostly intact to carry on in the afterlife.

See the Sphinx

This is easily one of the most recognizable monuments in Egypt—and the world. It’s carved out of granite and resembles a lounging lion, but with the head of the pharaoh (most researchers think it’s Khafre’s head) adorned with the royal headcloth. Nobody knows for certain what happened to the Sphinx’s missing nose.

Visit the Solar Boat Museum

Excavations around Giza in the mid-1900s led to the discovery of five long spaces for boats, including a Solar Barque (a vessel used by the sun god, Ra) broken into a thousand pieces and serving as an offering to the gods.

Incredibly careful restoration has pieced the boat back together, and now you can see the 4500-year-old vessel on display at the museum.

Visiting the Pyramids with a tour vs. solo (Photo: Unsplash)

Should You Visit the Pyramids With a Guided Tour?

While it’s possible to visit the pyramids on your own, this is the kind of experience you’ll really want to do on a guided tour. This is especially true if you’re only visiting Giza for a short amount of time and would prefer to soak up as much of the experience as possible, all while learning about this incredible place (and all the mysteries still surrounding it).

You’ve probably heard about the incredible crush of vendors all around the Giza complex who will try to sell you something you don’t want. This isn’t the case for all of them, of course, but it’s better to have something arranged beforehand if you want to avoid being overwhelmed. These vendors are only doing their jobs, but it’s better to go with a guide you trust than someone you’ve just met five minutes ago at Giza.

With the right tour, you won’t get a boring old spiel of memorized facts and history, either. Take the time to find a tour that really matches your interests. Here are some examples from Get Your Guide:

You can explore at a leisurely, relaxed pace on a Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx: Private Half-Day Tour . That means you won’t be jostled around on a tour bus with 100 other people.

If you’re a solo female traveler, you can join a female-led private tour of the pyramids , as well as an Egyptian Museum and a nighttime bazaar trip. Egypt can be challenging for women (especially those traveling alone), so a female-led is a great option for anyone who’s nervous about navigating the area.

Get a little adventurous on a Giza Pyramids Tour with Quad Bike Safari & Camel Ride (or take a shorter ATV trip into the desert if you just want a panoramic view of the pyramids and the Sphinx). A camel ride, in particular, is a quintessential thing to do at the Pyramids, at the very least for the epic photography.

Stick around later in the evening for the pyramids’ sound and light show . You’ll grab a seat at the Giza Plateau to watch the story of the Egyptians and their kings being projected onto the pyramids and the Sphinx.

Most tours also offer hotel pick-ups and transfers as well. For anyone who wants a certain level of convenience, a guided tour is the way to go. Everything is taken care of, and you can sit back and enjoy the experience.

A horse ride at the Pyramids of Giza (Photo: Unsplash)

Tips For Visiting the Pyramids of Giza

You should plan for a full day (5 hours at the very least) to explore the Pyramids of Giza. But if you want to take a glimpse inside every pyramid, cemetery, and museum, you’ll easily spend eight hours or more here. Keep in mind that there are restaurants and other facilities here should you need anything throughout the day (like a good meal).

You can visit the Pyramids of Giza year-round, but peak season is from December to February when temperatures are the coolest. (Be prepared for morning haze during this time, though. Sometimes it ruins photography.) The shoulder seasons (March to April, and October to November) are best for fewer crowds.

Remember: this is a desert environment, so it gets hot inside the pyramids and around the complex during the day. Cooler temperatures feel more welcoming, but crowds make things a little more uncomfortable. Outside of December to February, temperatures are a lot higher. Keep in mind that you’ll need to dress modestly when you visit, which makes it even warmer.

What does modest mean? Men are expected to wear long pants instead of shorts, but a t-shirt is fine. Women should not have their knees exposed, nor should they wear anything too revealing like a plunging neckline. Bare shoulders are also a no-no.

Be sure to pack sunscreen and carry lots of water. There’s very little relief from the sun and the heat in the middle of the desert! It’s also not a bad idea to pack a lunch rather than spend money on the inflated prices at the restaurants and cafes around the complex.

Arrive as early as possible. The earlier you’re there, the fewer crowds you’ll have to deal with. Anytime before 10 a.m. is a good time to beat the rush.

Also, if you can avoid the weekends, do so. Fridays and Saturdays are typically very busy as school is out and local families love to see the pyramids for themselves.

If you’d prefer to visit the Pyramids of Giza on your own, you can easily get an Uber. This is a good way to ensure you don’t get ripped off or scammed by overzealous taxi drivers. But for the best experience, a tour is the way to go.

Millions of people visit the Pyramids of Giza each year, and once you see them for yourself, it’s easy to understand why. There’s something incredibly humbling about standing at the bottom of the Great Pyramid and knowing that these larger-than-life monuments were created thousands of years ago without any of the technology we have today. It’s a fascinating place and a trip of a lifetime. Enjoy every moment.

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Visit the Pyramids at Giza in Egypt: The Ultimate Guide

The Great Pyramids of Giza have been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. Dreaming about seeing the famous structures built over 4,000 years ago, the oldest temple complex in Egypt with Abu Simbel in a close second, and wondering how those giant blocks were put so strategically in place mesmerizes me to this day. I hope this visitor’s guide will help you make the most of your visit to the Great Pyramids of Giza !

Visit the Pyramids

Table of Contents

How do I get to the Pyramids of Giza?

Depending on where you are staying it may take a long time to get to the entrance of the pyramid complex. Traffic in Cairo in insane, so take that into consideration when planning your departure time. It is easy to get a taxi or an Uber in Cairo and if I had to choose I’d go with the Uber. It will be a flat rate and you won’t have to haggle with the driver.

Upon arrival, ensure that your driver takes you all the way to the ticket booth. If they let you off by the road you’ll have to walk a good distance to the ticket booth and it’s uphill. This will also help you to avoid the touts by the road. All in all it will be less of a hassle for you.

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Alternatively, you can also hire a guide. I would recommend hiring a guide in advance ensures you receive a high quality tour. Most of the time that will include a pick-up and drop off service from your hotel. I did a City Tour of Cairo with Egypt Tailor Made and would hire them in an instant for another tour in Egypt.

Where should I stay when I visit the Pyramids?

Luxury lodging near the pyramids.

From the Marriott Mena House Cairo you can see the Great Pyramids at Giza, which will thrill you the first time you see them! If you get the right room you’ll have a balcony where you can sit, sip tea or coffee, and gaze at these ancient wonders. This is a 3-star hotel and has multiple restaurants on-site, along with a pool and gorgeous outdoor lounging spaces. If you’re looking to find the most beautiful hotel in the area, this is it!

Mid-range Lodging near the Pyramids

During my first visit to Egypt, I stayed at the Safir Hotel Cairo . I loved lounging by the outdoor pool in the Egyptian sun. Plus, the buffet breakfast is extensive and a perfect way to start the day. They had to most comfortable bed I slept in during my time in Egypt too! If you’re spending time in Cairo and Giza, this is perfectly situated between the two cities.

Budget Lodging near the Pyramids

If you’re on a budget and looking for a nice clean place to rest your head stay at the Best View Pyramids Hotel . The basic rooms are clean and comfortable. The more high-end rooms have views of the pyramids from the balconies and jacuzzi tubs perfect for soaking after a long day on your feet. For all my solo travelers out there they have single rooms at a good price.

How Much does it Cost to Visit the Pyramids?

At the time of this writing the cost to enter the pyramid complex is $10. Please note that in order to go inside any of the pyramids there is an extra cost and you must purchase those tickets upon entry as no tickets are sold inside. To go inside the pyramid of Khufu is costs $20.

Read More: Where to Visit in Egypt

What to do and see when you visit the pyramids.

• The Great Pyramid of Khufu: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest of the pyramids.
• Pyramid of Kharfe: The pyramid that in only slightly smaller then that of Khufu.
• Pyramid of Menkaure: The smallest pyramid at the complex.
• The Great Sphinx: The oh so famous creature with the head of a man and the body of a lion.
• Pyramid of Snefuru: The first pyramid.
• The Solar Boat Museum: A small museum make of glass that houses what might be the oldest boat in the world.
• Camel or Horse Rides: There are people everywhere with camels and horses. Some of these animals are well cared for and others are not. If you choose to go for a ride know that you’ll most likely be swarmed and receive many offers, often at the same time.
• Sound and Light Show: Most nights there is a sound and light show at the Giza Pyramids. While I did not attend, this is a very popular family friendly evening activity.

What to Wear

Egypt is a prominently Muslim country, so please dress accordingly. For a visit to the pyramids, and any of the other temples in Egypt , I’d recommend wearing loose fitting airy pants or an ankle length skirt and keeping your shoulders covered. I lost my luggage on the way to Egypt so my wardrobe was not want I wanted it to be during my visit. It was hot and I wish my clothing has been more breathable.

There is very little shade at the complex. Make sure you bring sunglasses and sunscreen, your body will thank you. I brought a scarf to cover my head to protect from the sun as well.

Visit the Pyramids: Do’s and Don’ts

There are many do’s and don’ts for when visiting Egypt , here are a few specifically for the Pyramids at Giza.

• Give yourself plenty of time: The site is huge and there is so much to see. Don’t rush and give yourself a least half a day to see everything.
• Bring lots of water: The hot desert sun can get really get to you. Make sure you have more water then you think you need. Getting dehydrated will ruin your experience.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Like any touristy area there are pick pockets. I didn’t have any issues, but have heard from friends and fellow bloggers they had some trouble. Stay alert and keep your wallets in a safe place.

Don’t

• Take pictures inside the Great Pyramid: This topic gets me really upset. When a tourist area tells you not to take pictures, just don’t do it! They are trying to preserve the space and your flash – you turned it off, yah, yah, I get it, but it still doesn’t matter – can cause damage to an ancient site.
• Make eye contact with touts: If you don’t want to be bothered by touts don’t make eye contact. This doesn’t work all the time, but I find it to be pretty effective. If you’re approached and not interested simply say, “ la, shukrann, ” which means no thank you in Arabic and keep walking.
• Climb on the Pyramids: There are walkways up to the Pyramids where you are able to get on them in order to go inside, but otherwise don’t climb on them. It’s disrespectful, don’t be that tourist.

If you’re going to visit the pyramids and have any other questions, ask in the comments.

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4 thoughts on “Visit the Pyramids at Giza in Egypt: The Ultimate Guide”

Nice post. I makes me so much more excited to visit in October. I do plan on having a tour there though!

Have so much fun on your trip!

Egypt has literally been on my list since I was in grade school! Dying to get there and this made me want to go even more than I already do!

It’s a spectacular place, I hope you get there one day.

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Getting to know the Pyramids of Giza

Nov 26, 2020 • 6 min read

© Ratnakorn Piyasirisorost/Getty Images

The Great Pyramid is the only standing monument of the Wonders of the Ancient World, so it’s no surprise that the Pyramids of Giza are a bucket list destination for many travelers. These massive structures offer modern-day visitors a peek into a powerful historical dynasty whose building techniques continue to puzzle historians to this day.

Visitors flock to Egypt for the chance to marvel at the ancient architecture built to last an eternity. Before planning a trip, learn more about the history and mysteries of the Pyramids of Giza and why they’re well-worth the visit. 

Editor's note: During COVID-19 travel restrictions may be in place or opening hours may vary. Please check ahead before planning any trip and always follow government health advice.

What are the Pyramids of Giza?

The Pyramids of Giza are tombs built for three of Egypt’s pharaohs. The ancient Egyptians believed that when pharaohs died, they would move on to the afterlife as gods. These pharaohs prepared for the afterlife by ordering the building of enormous pyramid tombs for themselves, where they could store all the items they’d need in the next world. 

The construction of the first and largest pyramid, the Pyramid of Khufu (also known as the Great Pyramid ), began around 2550 BCE for Pharaoh Khufu. Thirty years later, Khufu’s son ordered the construction of his own tomb, the Pyramid of Khafre . Simultaneously, the Sphinx – believed to be modeled after Khufu’s son – was built to watch over his tomb. The last of the Giza Pyramids, known as the Pyramid of Menkaure , was built around 2490 BCE by Khafre’s son and is considerably smaller than the first two pyramids.

These three pyramids, along with the Sphinx and several other pyramids and tombs make up what is known as the Giza Pyramid Complex. 

How were the Pyramids built?

The engineering behind the Pyramids of Giza is so impressive that scientists and historians are uncertain exactly how they were built. However, over the past several decades, archaeologists have made numerous discoveries that have helped them further understand the construction of the Pyramids. 

Researchers agree that it took anywhere between 10,000–20,000 workers over twenty or so years to construct the three pyramids. Old history books claim that the Pyramids of Giza were built by slaves, but later discoveries concluded that the majority, if not all, workers were native Egyptian farmers, who worked during a time when the Nile River flooded nearby land. These workers lived in a temporary town that was built near the Menkaure Pyramid. 

Egyptians used a variety of tools and materials to construct the Pyramids. Stones used in the construction of both Khufu and Menkaure came from nearby quarries, although it’s unclear where stones used to build the Khafre pyramid came from. To move these stones over land and onto the pyramids themselves, workers dragged sleds across wet sand and hauled materials up using a series of ramps. How these ramps were designed remains unknown; this is just one of many mysteries surrounding the construction of the Pyramids of Giza.

Special features at the Pyramids

Pyramid alignment.

The Great Pyramid is almost perfectly aligned along the cardinal points (north–south–east–west), a feature that continues to baffle historians. Researchers have theorized different methods on how this could have been achieved, with the most recent theory pointing to using the fall equinox. To date, there’s no conclusive evidence to indicate this. 

Limestone covering 

The Pyramids of Giza were once covered with a smooth limestone casing that has since been stripped away for usage in other buildings throughout Egypt. Only the Khafre Pyramid still retains some of its original limestone casing on the top. 

Smaller pyramids and tombs

The Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure are not the only pyramids at the Giza Complex. Three smaller pyramids can be found along the east side of the Pyramid of Khufu. These tombs, known as the Queens’ Pyramids , were built for Khufu’s wives and sisters. 

Additional smaller temples and pyramids can be found near both the Khafre and Menkaure pyramids as well. These structures, along with the mastabas (stone tombs), were used for the burials of officials of the king and other members of the royal family. 

Planning your trip to the Pyramids

- Can you go inside the Pyramids?  Yes. For an extra fee you can enter the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure.

- Best time to go:  It is possible to visit the Pyramids of Giza any time of the year but peak season is December to February, when the weather is cooler. Choose the shoulder seasons (October–November and March–April) for fewer crowds and better weather. Visit the Pyramids as soon as they open. Most tour groups don’t arrive until around 10am, so you’ll be able to enjoy 2–3 hours of quiet by arriving early. 

- How to get to the Giza Complex:  Booking a guided tour will mean you can avoid the vendors located all around the Giza Complex. Most tours include hotel pick-up and drop-off. If you’d prefer to visit independently, Uber is the easiest way to get to the Pyramids. 

- How long you’ll need at the Pyramids:  Plan for at least 4–5 hours to leisurely explore the Giza Complex. If you purchase tickets to enter the different pyramids and visit the cemeteries and tombs as well, you can easily spend 7+ hours there. 

- Opening hours:  The Pyramids of Giza are open daily from 8am–5pm between October and March, and 7am–7pm between April and September.

- What to wear:  Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country and accordingly, people dress conservatively. Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for local culture. Be sure to also wear comfortable walking sandals/shoes, and a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.

- Cost of entry:  There are various entrance fees depending on which parts of the Giza Complex you’d like to visit. The main entrance fee is LE120 for adults, which will provide you with access to the outside of all the pyramids and the Sphinx. However, there are additional fees for entering the different pyramids as well as the cemetery and Meresankh Tomb . Students carrying an identification card receive 50% off the entrance fee.

- Where to stay:  The Pyramids are located in Giza, approximately 45 minutes from Cairo by car. Although you can easily stay in Downtown Cairo the night before your visit, it's worth staying at one of the many hotels near the Pyramids for one night. Not only will you be able to enjoy sunrise over the Pyramids, but you can also sleep in a bit longer as well. 

Find more of Sally Elbassir's writing on Passport and Plates.

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This article was first published July 2020 and updated November 2020

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Egypt’s Great Pyramid: Everything travellers need to know about visiting the ancient site

Discovery of secret corridor at historic landmark has brought the last remaining wonder of the ancient world back into focus.

The Great Pyramid of Giza is located on the Giza Plateau. EPA

Built on the orders of the pharaohs thousands of years ago, the Great Pyramid of Giza continues to reveal its secrets.

On Thursday, scientists shared the discovery of a corridor inside the 4,500-year-old structure at an unveiling ceremony held at the Giza Plateau.

The previously hidden corridor is the latest discovery of the ScanPyramids project, a mission made up of heritage experts from Cairo University and the French Heritage Innovation Preservation Institute.

As Egypt’s most-visited attraction and the last remaining intact wonder of the ancient world, the great pyramids are shrouded in mystery with little consensus on how the giant structures were built.

The discovery of the concealed tunnel could lead to more findings on the construction of the pyramids, according to science journal Nature.

For curious travellers planning a trip to Egypt's pyramids, here's everything you need to know.

How do you get to Egypt's Great Pyramids?

The Great Pyramid of Giza — also known as the Pyramid of Cheops or Khufu — sits beside the pyramid of Khafre and the pyramid of Menkaure, which make up the Giza Plateau.

The pyramids are located on the western outskirts of Cairo, and the easiest way to reach the destination is by car — whether that's via taxi, Uber or a private driver.

Public transport is available via the metro, with the nearest station to the pyramids on Al Haram Road. From here, it’s a short taxi ride or local bus trip to the site.

Once on-site, tourists can walk around the ancient structures or hop on one of the first batch of e-buses designed to take visitors through seven stations around the plateau.

There are also hotel options in the vicinity of the Giza Plateau, where travellers spending the night can simply walk across the desert to the pyramids.

What’s inside the Great Pyramid of Giza?

Despite the discovery of the hidden corridor inside the Great Pyramid of Giza, travellers need to lower their expectations a little before visiting the historic tomb, as most parts of the inner sanctums of the historic structure remain off-limits to tourists.

What visitors can see is the King's Chamber, Queen's Chamber and Grand Gallery. The King's Chamber is where Khufu was believed to have been buried. The only item in the room is the monarch's sarcophagus, hollowed out of a block of granite. Despite there not being too much to look at, it's fascinating to see the towering pyramid's strong structure from within.

No photography is allowed inside the tomb and tourists should be aware that it gets rather hot as there is no air conditioning inside.. Venturing into the tomb is not recommended for anyone who has claustrophobia.

Can I climb to the top of the pyramids in Giza?

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Andrej Ciesielski (@andrejcie)

Travellers cannot climb to the tops of the pyramids.

While visitors used to be able to roam freely around the structures, authorities introduced a ban on the activity back in the 1950s, although it wasn't always enforced then. That's not the case today.

In 2016, teenage tourist Andrej Ciesielski received a lifetime ban from Egypt after posting photos and videos of his pyramid climb on social media.

In 2019, a law banning climbing on Egypt's antiquities was introduced, carrying with it penalties of at least one month in prison and fines of more than $6,000. Despite this, tourists often try to stand on the lower rows of the pyramid stones for photographs.

How much does it cost to visit the pyramids?

Prices to visit the Great Pyramid of Giza are a reasonable 240 Egyptian pounds ($7.8) for tourists, with students able to enter at half that price. It's worth noting that this rate doesn’t include access to the tombs — a separate entrance fee applies to enter inside any of the pyramids.

Tickets to the Great Pyramid cost Dh52.50, while Khafre and Menkaure tickets are Dh12 each.

When is the best time of year to visit the pyramids?

Open daily from 7am to 4pm, the pyramids are best seen from October to April, when the weather is not too warm. The site is open to tourists year-round, but travellers visiting in summer will want to avoid the mid-day heat.

What else can travellers see there?

After visiting the three pyramids and the nearby Great Sphinx of Giza, travellers who want to explore further can scout out the plethora of tombs, temple ruins and smaller-sized pyramid structures dotted around the desert plateau.

The 9 Pyramids Lounge is the only on-site restaurant and has built a name for itself as the place to dine if you want lunch served alongside Instagram-friendly vistas of Egypt's ancient treasures.

After the daytime viewing closes, the Giza Plateau comes alive with a night-time light show that illuminates the historic structures. Telling the tale of ancient pharaonic legends, it projects images on to rock faces and uses the pyramids as an awesome backdrop. Tickets cost about $20, but the show is also visible from several rooftops surrounding the site.

For great photo opportunities or an alternative light-show viewing without a steep price tag, try the nearby KFC and Pizza Hut, where a rooftop terrace offers picture-perfect vistas of the ancient wonders — accessible for the price of a piece of fried chicken.

The inside tip

Avoid riding the camels and donkeys that wander around the Giza Plateau. Not only are you likely to be asked to pay a hefty fare, but you will also be spending your tourism dollars for supporting activities using wildlife where the welfare of the animals cannot be verified.

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15 Essential Tips for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza (Ace Your Adventure!)

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Step into the realm of antiquity and prepare for an extraordinary adventure as we unveil 15 Travel-Tested Tips for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza .

These monumental structures have stood proudly for millennia, drawing travelers from around the world to witness their enigmatic allure.

In this guide, we will take you on a journey through the sands of time, revealing insider insights and invaluable advice to help you make the most of your visit to this iconic archaeological wonder. Our tips will ensure that your trip to the Pyramids of Giza is nothing short of extraordinary.

Join us as we uncover the secrets of these ancient giants and embark on a quest to create lasting memories amidst the sands of Egypt!

PRO TIP: You might also like: 10 Epic Things to See and Do at the Pyramids of Giza (Unlock Giza’s Gems!)

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• 1. 15 Essential Tips for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza (Ace Your Giza Agventure!)
• 1.1. Captivating Reasons to Explore the Great Pyramids of Giza
• 1.2. Discovering the Pyramids of Giza: Location and Travel Route to Get There
• 1.3. Essential Things to Know About the Pyramids of Giza Complex
• 1.4. Who Built the Pyramids
• 1.5. Why Were the Pyramids of Giza Built
• 1.6. How Were the Pyramids Built
• 1.7. What Are the Most Fascinating Facts About the Pyramids
• 1.8. What to See and Do at the Pyramids of Giza: 10 Epic Things You Can't Miss
• 1.9. Can You Climb on the Pyramids
• 1.10. What to Wear When Visiting the Pyramids of Giza
• 1.11. How Much Does it Cost to Visit the Pyramids
• 1.12. What Are the Opening Hours of the Pyramids of Giza
• 1.13. How Long Does it Take to Visit the Pyramids of Giza Complex
• 1.14. What Is the Best Time to Visit the Pyramids
• 1.15. Where to Stay When Visiting the Pyramids of Giza
• 2. Intrepid Scout's Most important Tips for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza

15 Essential Tips for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza (Ace Your Giza Agventure!)

Captivating reasons to explore the great pyramids of giza.

• Ancient Wonder of the World: The Pyramids of Giza hold a special place in history as one of the last remaining wonders from the ancient world . Visiting them allows you to connect with the past and witness an achievement that has fascinated humanity for centuries.
• Architectural Marvels: These pyramids are architectural marvels, showcasing the advanced engineering skills of the ancient Egyptians. Their precise construction techniques, alignment with the cardinal points, and massive scale continue to intrigue architects and historians.

Tips for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza / Captivating Reasons to Explore the Great Pyramids of Giza

• Historical Significance: Beyond their awe-inspiring presence, the pyramids serve as tombs for pharaohs, offering a glimpse into the profound cultural and religious beliefs of ancient Egypt. Exploring their chambers and hieroglyphics provides a window into this ancient civilization.
• Sphinx Encounter: Adjacent to the pyramids stands the Great Sphinx of Giza , a colossal statue with the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh. It guards the pyramids and adds an air of mystery and symbolism to the site.

• Astrological Alignment: The pyramids’ alignment with celestial bodies, particularly with the stars, has fascinated astronomers and scholars for centuries. You can learn about these celestial connections and the significance they held for the ancient Egyptians.
• Photo Opportunities: The pyramids offer an array of breathtaking photo opportunities. Whether capturing their majesty from a distance or exploring their intricate details up close, you will create lasting memories through photography.

Tips for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza / Pyramids of Giza at Sunrise 

Tips for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza / Pyramids of Giza at Sunrise

• Mysterious Legends: The pyramids are surrounded by intriguing legends and mysteries, from the search for hidden chambers to theories about their construction methods.
• Sunset and Sunrise Spectacle: Witnessing the pyramids during sunrise or sunset is a magical experience . The warm, golden light transforms these ancient structures into ethereal wonders, creating a truly memorable sight.

Tips for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza / Pyramids of Giza at Sunset

• Timeless Symbolism: Reflect on the timeless symbolism of the pyramids, which represent human ambition, achievement, and the pursuit of immortality. These enduring structures continue to inspire and captivate people worldwide.
• Bucket List Destination: For many, a visit to the Pyramids of Giza is a lifelong dream. Checking it off your bucket list provides a sense of accomplishment and a deep connection with history.
• Global Heritage: Recognize the global significance of the pyramids as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They stand as a testament to human achievement and serve as a shared cultural heritage for people of all backgrounds.

Discovering the Pyramids of Giza: Location and Travel Route to Get There

The Great Pyramids of Giza sit on the Giza Plateau , which is located on the edges of the Western Desert. Specifically, they are positioned approximately 9 km (5 mi) west of the Nile River in the city of Giza and about 13 km (8 mi) southwest of Cairo.

The best way to get to the Pyramids of Giza is by having a driver and a guide . This option gives you total flexibility. You can decide how much time you need to see everything at the Pyramids of Giza. Plus, having a knowledgeable guide by your side is priceless!

You can ask your hotel for a  bus tour  that stops at all major attractions in Cairo. It is probably one of the least expensive options. But, it does not give you much flexibility.

Another option is to just  book a taxi and head to the Pyramids of Giza. You will always be able to hire a guide right at the entrance.

Image Source: Map data ©2020 ORION-ME

Essential Things to Know About the Pyramids of Giza Complex

The Great Pyramids of Giza are part of the Giza Pyramid Complex , which is also called the Giza Necropolis . The Giza Pyramid Complex consists of:

1. The Great Pyramid of Giza, also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops

2. Pyramid of Khafre

3. Pyramid of Menkaure

4. Great Sphinx of Giza

5. Queens Pyramids

6. Solar Boat Museum

In addition, there are causeways, valley pyramids, several cemeteries, and the remains of a workers’ village

Map of the Pyramids of Giza Complex / Tips for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza / Image Source: Wikipedia

Who Built the Pyramids

The pyramids were constructed during the period of the Old Kingdom , also known as the “Age of the Pyramids” or the “Age of Pyramid Builders (c. 2686-2181 BC). Specifically, they were built during the reign of the Fourth Dynasty Pharaohs.

The Pharaohs: Khufu, Khafre , and Menkaure erected the Pyramids of Giza.

Interestingly, the pyramid building project was started with the Step Pyramid in Saqqara during the reign of the Third Dynasty Pharaohs. Specifically, the Step Pyramid was built for the burial of Pharoah Djoser.

In addition, King Sneferu , the founding pharaoh of the Fourth Dynasty of Egypt, was the first one who attempted to build smooth-sided pyramids at Dahshur.

A Quick Read: 

Were the Pyramids of Giza built by slaves?

The ancient Greeks believed the pyramids were built with a massive slave labor force.

However, Miroslav Verner , in his book The Pyramids: The Mystery, Culture, and Science of Egypt’s Great Monuments , argues that the pyramids were not only built by humans—instead of aliens or gods—but they were constructed by tradesmen and artisans whose skills were in high demand and who were paid wages and organized under a complex bureaucracy. Source: Open Culture

In addition, Egyptologists Mark Lehner and Zahi Hawass claim that 20,000-30,000 skilled laborers, including stone masons, engineers, architects, surveyors, builders, and other craftsmen, were conscripted to construct Khufu’s temple, while a more significant force of workers was summoned during the summer months when the Nile flooded the surrounding valley and integrated with the permanent labor force.

Who Built the Pyramids of Giza / Tips for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza 

Why Were the Pyramids of Giza Built

Pharaohs held a special position in Egyptian society. It was a status of a being that combined both human and divine characteristics . As a result, this godlike status was held even after death

First of all, the pharaoh’s body was mummified and then buried in elaborate tombs, like pyramids.

Mummification was a necessary process since the Egyptians believed that the mummified body served as a home of the three spirits : ka, ba, and akh.

Ka was essentially a person’s double. It was the life force and at death it was separated from the body. However, it was important that after the pharaoh’s death ka had a home as well as be properly nourished and cared for. It was important that the deceased body would resemble the living body as much as possible so that ka, which was free to roam around and then return, could recognize his body.

That is the reason why each tomb would contain absolutely anything that they might need and what would help them in their afterlife.

Interestingly, if the body was destroyed, or the name of the pharaoh was erased, like in the case of a sad story of Pharaoh Hatshepsut , then ka would be lost.

How Were the Pyramids Built

There are many theories on how the Pyramids of Giza were built.

• Some reports claim that the pyramids were built by either dragging , rolling , and then lifting the huge blocks into place.
• Some theories suggest that a system of ramps had to have been constructed for maneuvering the huge blocks.
• Finally, there are theories that suggest that wooden and bronze levers were used to intricately position the stones into their place. These are all speculations.

How Were the Pyramids of Giza Built / Tips for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza 

What Are the Most Fascinating Facts About the Pyramids

• I think that the most fascinating fact that I came across was made by Robert Bauval in his book Orion Correlation Theory: 

Bauval claimed that the three Pyramids of Giza are aligned exactly like the three stars of the Orion Belt: Alnilam (Epsilon Orionis), Alnitak (Zeta Orionis), and Mintaka (Delta Orionis). He reported that the layout of the pyramids and their relative sizes were a deliberate design plan.

It is a controversial theory and has been criticized by Ed Krupp of Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, and Anthony Fairall , an astronomy professor at the University of Cape Town, South Africa.

Fascinating theories about the Pyramids of Giza / Tips for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza

• Another interesting observation that I came across was the fact that the Great Pyramid at Giza’s latitude , 29.9792458°N, perfectly matches up to the speed of light, which is 299,792,458 meters per second. It is a fascinating fact!

Some claim that the ancient Egyptians had some greater knowledge of the speed of light, space travel, and, potentially, advanced alien spaceships.

• The mystery that still puzzles the scientists is whether or not mortar was used to attach the stones to each other.

How is it possible that some of the blocks are so perfectly matched that not even human hair can be inserted between them? Why, despite the existence of millions of tons of stone, carved presumably with copper chisels, has not one copper chisel ever been found on the Giza Plateau?

• Another interesting theory that I read about suggested that the Pyramids of Giza were once covered in a white casing made of highly polished limestone blocks which reflected the sun’s rays.

The pyramid’s angled sides symbolized the rays of the sun and were designed to help the pharaoh’s soul ascend to heaven and join the sun god Ra. The theory goes on and claim that the casings slowly disappeared after becoming loosened by earthquakes and crumbling to rubble or being cut loose and taken to build other structures.

• Another fascinating discovery that you should be aware of is that although at first sight, the Great Pyramid of Giza appears to have four sides, in reality, it has eight sides .

Each of the four sides of the pyramids is evenly split from base to tip. The discovery goes back to 1940 when a pilot named Robert Marsland Groves while flying over it noticed the indentations.

These are all interesting speculations and it is fun to read about them. It just shows how little we know about the ancient Egyptians and how much more we still need to learn about them.

Fascinating facts about the Pyramids of Giza / Tips for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza / Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

What to See and Do at the Pyramids of Giza: 10 Epic Things You Can't Miss

How do you decide what to see and do at the Great Pyramids of Giza?

Make sure to read my post 10 Epic Things to See and Do at the Pyramids of Giza to find out all the details. This bucket list contains 10 of the best experiences you can have at the Giza Pyramid Complex. It will help you to get a sense of this incredible place and all the treasures it holds.

Following is a short list to get you started:

• See the Great Pyramid of Giza – The Great Pyramid of Giza, also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops, is the oldest and the largest of the three pyramids in the Giza Pyramid Complex.
• Go Inside the Great Pyramid of Giza – for an additional fee, on top of the entrance ticket to the Great Pyramid Complex, you can go inside either the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Pyramid of Khafre, and/or the Pyramid of Menkaure.
• See the Pyramid of Khafre – the Pyramid of Khafre is the second tallest and second largest of the Pyramids of Giza. However, if you look at it, it appears to be taller than the Great Pyramid.
• See the Pyramid of Menkaure – The Pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest of the three main Pyramids of Giza. Did you know that at the end of the twelfth century al-Malek al-Aziz Othman ben Yusuf , Saladin ‘s son and heir, attempted to demolish the pyramids , starting with that of Menkaure? Despite their efforts, workmen were only able to damage the pyramid to the extent of leaving a large vertical gash at its northern face.
• Be Amazed by the Great Sphinx of Giza – I have to honestly say that when I saw the Great Sphinx of Giza, it literally took my breath away! Did you know that a sphinx is a mythical creature with the head of a human, a cat, or a sheep, with the body of a lion with the wings of an eagle?
• Go on a Camel Ride – hands down, go on a camel ride. It is part of the experience! Negotiate the prices before you get on the camel. I suggest that you ask to ride the camel to the Panoramic Spot and have your pictures taken there. Read all about it here.

What to See at the Pyramids of Giza / Tips for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza 

Can You Climb on the Pyramids

You cannot climb the pyramids. However, I saw tourists tipping the guards and climbing on the pyramids.

Please do not do it. Let’s make as little of an impact as possible and save the pyramids for future generations.

What to Wear When Visiting the Pyramids of Giza

• There is no set dress code or specific restrictions on what you can or cannot wear while visiting the Pyramids of Giza. The bottom line, is you can wear whatever you want. However, keep in mind that Egypt is a conservative country. So, with that being the case, cover up your body and be respectful . Skip tank tops or tube tops and short shorts.
• In addition, since you will be outside most of the time, I would suggest that you wear a hat and a sun shirt  to protect yourself.
• Needless to say, wear comfortable and sturdy shoes . You will be doing a lot of walking.
• Finally, keep in mind that you will be in an open area that gets very windy and it is very dusty! It is a good idea to bring a scarf and cover up your nose and mouth. Each year, around April and May, the Khamsin winds loaded with sand hit Egypt. The winds take a toll on the Great Pyramids of Giza, but especially weathered is the body of the Great Sphinx of Giza which is carved out of a softer layer of limestone.

How Much Does it Cost to Visit the Pyramids

• The entrance ticket to the Giza Plateau costs 200 EGP per adult and 100 EGP for a student (with a valid ID).
• The entrance ticket to go inside the Great Pyramid of Giza costs 400 EGP, the Pyramid of Khafre costs 100 EGP, and the Pyramid of Menkaure is also 100 EGP.
• The entrance ticket to the Solar Boat Museum costs 100 EGP.
• Consider buying the combo ticket , which includes the entrance to the Giza Plateau, the entrance to the Great Pyramid of Giza, and the entrance to the Solar Boat Museum. The combo ticket costs 600 EGP.
• Included in your ticket is a free visit to the middle pyramid of the three satellite pyramids of the Queen of Cheops.

How Much Does It Cost to Visit the Pyramids of Giza / Tips for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza 

What Are the Opening Hours of the Pyramids of Giza

The Giza Plateau Archaeological Site opens every day between 8 am and 5 pm from October to March, and from 7 am to 7 pm every day between April and September.

My recommendation is to get there as early as possible . The tour buses start arriving between 9:30 am and 10 am and needless to say, it gets very crowded. You will get lucky if you manage to take a picture without any tourists in them.

How Long Does it Take to Visit the Pyramids of Giza Complex

My recommendation is to reserve a minimum of 3-4 hours . It is a bare minimum.

First of all, it is a huge site. It takes time to walk from pyramid to pyramid. Next, if you decide to go inside the Great Pyramid of Giza, you will need at least an hour to do it.

Moreover, if you are going to visit the Solar Boat Museum, then you need at least an hour to see the boat. Finally, if you go on a camel ride, then add another hour. Plus, you need time to take a ton of pictures!

So, do not rush it. Take your time. Find a quiet spot and soak it all in! Who knows when you are going to be back?

How Long Does It Take to Visit the Pyramids of Giza / Tips for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza 

What Is the Best Time to Visit the Pyramids

Get to the Giza Pyramid Complex as early as possible . First of all, you will avoid the crowds that usually swarm the place by about 9:30 am.

Second, if you are visiting during the summer months , then getting to Giza early will save you from the scorching heat.

If you are visiting during the winter months then make sure to go in the afternoon. There is usually a pretty dense fog that has a tendency to linger on in the morning during winter months and obscures the views.

Where to Stay When Visiting the Pyramids of Giza

I stayed at Marriot Mena House in Giza and it was fabulous!

Unfortunately, at the time of my stay, all the rooms with views of the pyramids were going through renovation. I was hoping that each morning I would be waking up to the sight of the Great Pyramid of Giza, but no such luck. However, the minute I stepped out of my room, I was greeted with the most amazing views of the pyramids.

Where to Stay When Visiting the Pyramids of Giza / Tips for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza 

The buffet breakfast, which I enjoyed every morning, offered endless possibilities and the food presentation was top-notch. By the way, after you have your breakfast, get your cup of coffee and go to the outdoor patio area and enjoy your coffee there while admiring the views.

I honestly have to say that the rooms are fair size, clean, and nicely decorated. Above all, the customer service is outstanding! They will absolutely go out of their way to make your stay perfect.

Intrepid Scout's Most important Tips for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza

• If you are visiting the Pyramids of Giza during the summer months, get to the Pyramid Complex as early as possible or late in the afternoon to escape the crowds. The tour buses arrive at about 9:30 a.m. and leave at about 3 p.m. If you are visiting during the winter months, make sure to schedule your tour in the afternoon. There is usually a dense fog or haze in the morning which obscures the view.
• Use entrance # 1 as marked on the map. Entrance # 2 is very narrow and always jam-packed with tourists and locals.
• Do not skip the Solar Boat Museum . The reconstructed boat is a sight to see!
• Go on a camel ride . It is part of the experience.
• Take the time and walk to the Panoramic Spot . You will be able to take amazing pictures.

Find out how to get to the Panoramic Spot at the Pyramids of Giza here .

Traveling in Egypt can be challenging , even for the most seasoned nomad. There’s so much to know about Egypt and consider before planning a trip, however, make sure to read 14 Egypt travel tips , to help you make the most of your time,  avoid possible challenges, and ensure you have a safe and enjoyable stay in Egypt.

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Read All the Posts About Egypt in: 

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The Great Pyramid of Giza (Khufu Pyramid): How to Visit It

The Great Pyramid of Giza, also known as Khufu Pyramid, is the largest Egyptian pyramid in the world , and should be high on your list of things to see while you are in Egypt, as it's listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

The pyramid is located in Giza, in the Giza Necropolis, next to the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure, both of which are smaller and were built slightly after the Great Pyramid of Giza. You'll be able to visit all of these in one day.

Read on to find out more about the Great Pyramid, who built it and when, how it was built, what was found inside the pyramid, and what you could expect during a visit!

• 1. Who Built the Great Pyramid and Why?
• 2. How was Khufu Pyramid Built?
• 3. What is Inside the Great Pyramid of Giza?
• 4.The Grounds around Khufu Pyramid: What Else Can You See?
• 5. How to Get to the Great Pyramid of Giza
• 6. What You Can See When You Visit the Great Pyramid of Giza

Who Built the Great Pyramid and Why?

Khufu Pyramid was completed in 2560 BC by Pharaoh Khufu , who had instructed his vizier Hemiunu (or Hemon) to build the structure as a tomb for himself. Construction of the pyramid took about 27 years. The timeline makes it the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and it is the only one on that list to remain mostly intact. Just to give you a bit of an understanding of the timeline, this was still 1,200 years before the rule of the famous King Tutankhamun.

There are multiple theories about why the pyramid was built, but since Ancient Egyptians were big believers in the afterlife, it is largely accepted that it was believed that an impressive tomb (the pyramid) would help pharaohs transition into their next life as gods.

How was Khufu Pyramid Built?

There are conflicting theories about how the Great Pyramid of Giza was built, but it is now generally accepted that the huge stones were dragged and lifted, likely through ramps, by large groups of workers working closely together. Historians have not been able to agree on whether these were slave laborers or paid laborers, as some workers' camp remains have been found nearby.

Khufu Pyramid is an impressive feat of architecture, as it was built using an estimated 2.3 million huge stone blocks, weighing about 6 million tonnes in total. In its heyday, the pyramid stood at 146.6 meters (481 feet) tall , but with most of the white limestone casing being removed it is now approximately 138.5 meters (454 feet) tall . This means that what you can see today is actually the underlying core structure, and that the pyramid is not presented in the way that the ancient Egyptians had planned originally.

Stones that were brought onto the pyramid were bound together by mortar, and evidence shows that most of the resources used to build the pyramid came from the Giza Plateau, or were imported from down the Nile (Tura for the white limestone that made up the casing of the pyramid, and Aswan for the granite blocks that made up the King's Chamber). This further confirms what a huge undertaking the building of the pyramid was at the time, as strong boats would have been needed to transfer the resources to the building site.

Suggested reading:  Which is the Oldest Pyramid in Egypt? - Step Pyramid of Djoser

What is Inside the Great Pyramid of Giza?

The original entrance to the pyramid is on the north side, east of the center of the pyramid. Before the casing was taken off the pyramid in the Middle Ages, you could enter through a hole about 17 meters (56 feet) above the base level of the pyramid. Due to thieves and looters having been through the pyramid (likely very early on), no treasures were found inside the pyramid , and the most interesting things to see are the passageways and chambers connecting the structure on the inside.

Through the entrance you will find a passageway, from which you can get to the Subterranean Chamber , as well as the Grand Gallery . Back in the day, this gallery had three granite stones to seal it from perpetrators.

The network of passageways also takes you to the Queen's Chamber , where evidence has been found that it was also concealed with slabs. This chamber is exactly halfway between the north and south faces of Khufu Pyramid, and has been deepened by treasure hunters and looters through the years. The King's Chamber is also connected , and this is the one that you would visit should you choose to enter the pyramid on a visit. (Do note that a separate ticket is required for this, and that there are only a limited amount available per day so as to avoid bringing too many tourists into the pyramid. The smaller two pyramids at Giza are also open for entering should you wish to visit a different pyramid.)

The King's Chamber, when rediscovered in the Middle Ages , was already broken open and contents had unfortunately been emptied from here. The lid to the sarcophagus, which is the only remaining object still found there, is missing too, but there are holes in the sarcophagus that indicate there would have been a lid.

There are still areas that remain unexplored within the Great Pyramid of Giza today, the latest planned work by a team from Tokyo was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and muon radiography mapping is expected to continue in order to thoroughly document the entire inside of the pyramid and figure out what certain cavities that were recently discovered are. Due to its sheer size and complexity, it might take us a long time to discover exactly what is inside Khufu Pyramid!

Suggested reading:  The Egyptian Pyramids: Facts, Inside, Location...

The Grounds around Khufu Pyramid: What Else Can You See?

Around Khufu Pyramid, there are the remains of the Pyramid Temple , which was found on the east of the pyramid but has almost entirely disappeared. You'll only be able to see the basalt floor which is the only part of this that is remaining.

Other treasures found near the pyramid include the tomb of Queen Hetepheres I , sister-wife of Sneferu and the mother of Khufu, which is approximately 110 meters (or 360 feet) east from the Great Pyramid. This tomb was discovered accidentally, but unfortunately the sealed coffin was found empty at the time meaning tomb robbers had got to it earlier.

Apart from the temple and the tomb, there are also three boat-shaped pits east of the pyramid, which would have held complete boats, and two boat pits to the south of the pyramid, in which boats were found intact underneath stone slabs. These boats weren't discovered until the 1950s, and are now found in the Grand Egyptian Museum , which is well worth a visit. 

Suggested reading:  7 Top Things to Do in Cairo at Night

How to Get to the Great Pyramid of Giza

To get to the pyramids of Giza, you can take a taxi or an Uber, or join an organized or private tour . While it depends on where in Cairo you are staying, Giza is fairly close at approximately 20–40 minutes away. We do recommend getting a tour guide as they can help bring the pyramids to life with interesting facts and all of the background information.

Most people will take the full day to explore Giza. This gives you plenty of time to visit the pyramids from the outside, see the Great Sphinx of Giza, and pick a pyramid to visit on the inside, too.

Suggested reading:  How to Avoid Crowds When Traveling in Egypt

What You Can See When You Visit the Great Pyramid of Giza

To visit the pyramids, you'll need a ticket that gives you access to the Great Pyramid, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure , which will set you back 200 Egyptian pounds (10.2 US dollars)

If you want to also enter the Great Pyramid (through the entrance mentioned above!), which is a possibility although tickets are limited per day, you'll need to pay an additional 400 EGP (20.4 US dollars). While there isn't a decorated and ornate tomb inside Khufu Pyramid, you will be able to see what the inside of the pyramid looks like , and what the passageways are like that connect the chambers. You will also be able to see the King's Chamber, in which you'll find an empty granite sarcophagus. It is worth doing for the experience of climbing inside a pyramid.

Further reading:  Top 10 Things You Cannot Do in Egypt

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A Complete Guide For Visiting The Pyramids of Giza

Posted by Kyla Hunter | May 6, 2019 | Egypt , Family Gap Year Travel | 0 |

The Giza pyramid complex is one of the most incredible structures on earth today. No other man-made structure stirs the imagination or inspires wanderlust quite like the Egyptian pyramids. Young or old, homebody or wanderer, visiting the pyramids of Giza is on everyone’s travel bucket lists… and for good reason! There’s simply nothing else like it.

Looking for more great Egypt travel tips? Check out our other Egypt posts!

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• Why You Should Visit Aswan With Kids
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• The Best Things To Do In Luxor Egypt With Kids

Is It Worth It To Visit The Pyramids?

I’ve heard conflicting views as to whether it’s “worth it” to visit the pyramids. Some people think they’re over-rated, although I’m not sure how something 4500+ years old can be over-rated! Others can’t get passed the trash, of which there IS a lot of, which is pretty depressing actually. And some are upset the pyramids are in the middle of the city, because they didn’t do their research ahead of time and set their expectations appropriately! So just for the record, the pyramids are NOT in the middle of the desert, hidden away from civilization.

In my opinion, the pyramids were 100% worth visiting.  

I think I loved the pyramids for two reasons.

First, I set my expectations correctly. I knew the good, the bad and the ugly and wasn’t expecting more than the pyramids were going to deliver. I was ready for the trash, the surrounding city, the touts & hawkers, the heat, and the hordes of tourists. None of this could deter me from my enjoyment because I prepared myself for it!

Second, by the time we reached the pyramids we were 8 months into our Family Gap Year  and I was seriously travel tired. I needed to be impressed by the pyramids or I may have given up traveling (not forever….just for a little while)!

Basic Advice On Visiting The Pyramids

• The best time to visit Egypt pyramids is in the winter when the temperature is the coolest. Ideally you’ll want to visit between December and March.
• The best time of day to visit the pyramids is first thing in the morning, again when it’s coolest! The pyramid complex opens at 8am, so try to be there as early as possible.
• If you’re visiting the pyramids on your own, you’ll have to walk from the entrance to the pyramids. It’s only about 10min, but it’s uphill, so prep yourself!
• There’s a metal detector and bag check at the entrance. You’ll have to pass through this after you’ve bought your tickets. I thought this was completely ridiculous as our van drove right in without any surveillance, and we had access to the van on the other side of the check point. I think it’s more for the “appearance” of safety, but I’m not sure it actually does anything!
• You can go inside all three pyramids (if they’re open ), but you’ll have to purchase the tickets at the entrance. You need to decide which ones you want to go inside before you start your visit. The inside of all three pyramids are very similar, and they’re all hot and claustrophobic!
• Carry small bills with you to use as baksheesh (tips). You may not need it much (we actually didn’t at all), or you may feel like someone’s asking you for baksheesh every time you turn around.
• The only toilets are near the entrance, so make sure you take advantage of them when you have the chance!
• kid tip – pack some toilet paper and a small baggie just incase the kids need to stop for an emergency bathroom break in the sand!
• Buy travel insurance from a reputable travel company like World Nomads before you go! You never want to find yourself stuck somewhere without the right insurance in place.

What To Wear At The Pyramids

It doesn’t matter what time of year you visit the pyramids, it will be HOT! And if you’re planning to go inside the pyramids it will be exceptionally hot (and humid). There’s also very little shade around the pyramids so there’s little respite from the sun.

How To Get To The Pyramids

The pyramids are located in Giza, about 10miles from Cairo. My recommendation is to stay at a hotel near the pyramids, especially if you want to get an early start in the morning! However, if you’re coming from Cairo city centre or the airport, Uber is your best option. It only takes about 10min from downtown, and costs about 100 LE ($7.80 CAD). From the airport it’s anywhere from 1-2 hours depending on traffic, and costs around 200 LE ($15.65 CAD).

Uber is great in Cairo for a few reasons; it’s reasonably priced, you know the price ahead of time and you won’t have to haggle over the price! When you arrive in Cairo, pick up a SIM card from the airport so you’ll be able to call an Uber whenever you need. I also recommend downloading an offline Google map (open up a Cairo map in GoogleMaps on your phone, then type “Ok maps” and enter) so you’ll be able to track your location.

If you’re downtown and feeling adventurous, you can take Bus 355 or 357 from in front of the Egyptian Museum to the entrance to the pyramids. We didn’t do this, but I’m told it’s straight-forward!

Can You Go Inside The Pyramids Of Giza?

If your inner-explorer has you dreaming of venturing inside Egyptian pyramids, you’re in luck!! You can purchase a ticket to go in all three of the pyramids, including the Great Pyramid of Giza. If you’re not claustrophobic, the experience can be pretty cool. There’s not much to see as the mummies and treasure has long been plundered or relocated. It’s fascinating to stand inside the damp room and imagine what it might’ve been like for the early explorers who first discovered these tombs mostly intact.

The pyramid of Cheop’s Queen, Queen Khentkaus, is free to go inside, and is the only free pyramid in the complex. I highly suggest going in as it’s quite different from the three main pyramids. It’s also smaller, and free…so you’ve got nothing to lose!

Technically, the answer to this is “no”! At one point it was possible to climb the pyramids, however those days are gone. It may be possible to scale a few steps by paying one of the guards. But, if you don’t have the guard’s permission, you can get in some serious trouble. The only place where you’re able to go up a few steps without asking permission is at the entrance to the Great Pyramid. I’m not sure if this is technically allowed, but everyone was doing it when we visited, so we just joined the crowd! (sometimes it’s good to be a follower!!)

How Much Does It Cost To Visit The Pyramids?

It’s not outrageously expensive to visit the Pyramids, considering they’re the only remaining ancient wonder in the world. Kids and students (under 30 years old, with a valid student ID) are half price, which is pretty consistent throughout Egypt. Prices and operating hours were valid as of May 2019.

The Pyramid Complex

Hours: 8am-4pm Cost: 120 ($9 CAD) LE adults, 60LE ($4.50CAD) students OR Area & Great Pyramid & Khufu Boat 400LE ($30 CAD) adult/200LE ($15CAD) student

Khufu’s Pyramid – The Great Pyramid of Giza

Hours: 8am-4pm, closed 12-1pm Cost: 300LE ($23 CAD) adult, 150LE ($11.50CAD) kid OR Area & Great Pyramid & Khufu Boat 400LE ($30 CAD) adult/200LE ($15CAD) student.

Khafre’s Pyramid – The Medium Pyramid

Hours: 8am-4pm Cost: 60LE ($4.60 CAD) adult, 30LE ($2.30 CAD) kid

Menkaure’s Pyramid – The Small Pyramid

*expert tip – I highly recommend having a guide for your day tour of the pyramids. You’ll learn more and get more out of it. I also recommend you have an air-conditioned van for the day rather than relying on the horse and carriages to take you around. It can get hot and it’s nice to have a few moments reprieve from the heat between pyramids. Find a day-tour and guide here. You can expect to pay around $150US/day for a guide and large van that can easily fit 6-8 people. If you’re traveling alone, try to find some friends to join to bring down the cost! Or join a day tour.

Find The Best Tour For You:

Giza Hotels Near Pyramids

There are a number of hotels near the pyramids, and many of them have a great view.

Panorama Pyramids Inn

For around $50CAD/night for two people, with breakfast included, this is a great budget option for visiting the pyramids. The location is fantastic, and the view from the roof-top restaurant is incredible. This hotel is constantly rated exceptionally well, and is a traveler’s favourite in Giza.

Find the most up to date pricing and availability for Panorama Pyramids Inn.

Marriott Mena House, Cairo

For the ultimate in luxury accommodation, try the Marriott Mena House. It has incredible views of the pyramids from the restaurant, pool and gorgeously manicured grounds. You can also splurge on a Pyramid view room and enjoy an incredible view from the comfort of A/C in your room!

Search for availability and rates for the Marriott Mena House, Cairo.

Pyramids View Apartment

We love staying in an apartment when we travel, especially with the kids. It makes things so much easier for everyone to have their own space. I can’t say enough about how incredible our host Walid was at our Giza apartment. The apartment was a bit dated, but spacious and comfortable with an incredible roof-top view.

Find the best price on AirBnB.

How To Spend A Day Visiting The Pyramids Of Giza (And What To Expect!)

The great pyramid of giza – khufu’s pyramid.

The Pyramid of Khufu was built in 2560 BC (although some theorists now suggest it’s significantly older than this) as the burial chamber for, you guessed it, Pharaoh Khufu! It took an estimated 20 years to construct, and is made of approximately 2.3 million blocks. It was the tallest structure on the planet from 2560BD to 1311AD when the central spire of the Lincoln Cathedral surpassed it’s height. That’s a long time as the tallest structure in the world!

Once you’ve bought your ticket and gone through the security check, head straight for the Great Pyramid. Climb up the massive bricks and marvel at the engineering required to move them from quarries hundreds of kilometers up the Nile, so long ago! After a few photo ops (don’t worry, there’s MANY more to come!) make your way inside the pyramid.

The trek up the wooden planked walkway is steep and the heat intensifies as you get further inside the pyramid. When we visited there was a steady stream of people, but it wasn’t overly crowded. There was the opportunity to take short breaks without holding up anyone behind us.

What IS impressive though, is the knowledge that you’re standing INSIDE a building that was erected over 5000 years ago (or more if you believe the conspiracy theorists). That alone made the sweaty, claustrophobic trip worthwhile!

*expert tip – you must purchase passes to enter the three pyramids. They’re all similar but different. I recommend going inside the Great pyramid at the very least. This one goes UP from the entrance to the center of the Pyramid, in contrast to the smallest pyramid in which you go DOWN to the central chamber. Be aware though, it gets VERY hot inside and a bit claustrophobic. If you don’t do well in hot, tight spaces you may want to consider skipping this!

The Medium Pyramid – Khafre’s Pyramid

The second pyramid was built for Khafre, the son of Khufu. It’s slightly smaller than the Great Pyramid, although it appears taller as the ground it’s built on is higher. The smaller size is thought to be a sign of respect for the father (I’m sure there are other opinions on this!).

It was completed around 2532 BC and is believed to have been opened and robbed multiple times over the millennia, the first time likely being only a few hundred years after completion.

This pyramid draws fewer crowds than the Great Pyramid, so you’ll have a better chance of getting a photo op free of other people in the background! There are usually a few camels hanging around here too if you’re looking for that quintessential camel-in-front-of-the-pyramid picture! If you’re wanting to ride a camel around the pyramids, this is the place to do it. There’s a set price for a camel ride of 50 Egyptian pounds ($4 CAD) for 30min, although you’re not guaranteed to get this without haggling a bit!

After your ride around the pyramids, it’s time to make your way inside if you’ve purchased a ticket. (The internal chambers and passageways were under restoration when we visited, so we weren’t able to go inside.)

The smallest Pyramid in the Pyramids of Giza complex was built for Menkaure, the Grandson of Khufu. The exact date of completion isn’t known because there aren’t any accurate details about Menkaure’s reign. I found this pyramid to be the most interesting, partially because so little is known about it. At the end of the twelfth century, an attempt was made to demolish the pyramids. Luckily for us this proved to be an arduous task that was abandoned after eight months of effort. There’s a large vertical hole in the north wall that remains as the sole outcome of this undertaking.

Panoramic Pyramid Picture

By now you should have had your fill of the Pyramids…but you’re not finished yet!! Head back to your vehicle (hopefully the driver’s got the A/C running so you can cool down a bit) and drive up to the pyramid look-out. This is the best place for panoramic pics that include all three pyramids. You should be able to find a spot where you can get a few pictures (or a few dozen) without anyone else in the way.

*expert tip – have some snacks and cold water waiting for you in the vehicle so you can rehydrate and re-energize!

Last, it’s time to check out the Sphinx. There’s a large temple complex in front of the Sphinx that’s fun to explore, before making your way up to the viewing platform. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to get close to the Sphinx, and no matter when you visit there’s likely to be a large crowd of people jostling for the classic Sphinx picture!

To be honest, this was the most underwhelming thing we did in the Pyramid Complex. The Sphinx is quite small (although it always looks big in pictures), and we could only observe it from afar with a few hundred of our closest friends (otherwise known as strangers we’ve never seen before and won’t see again). I think it’s worth stopping, but don’t get your hopes up too high.

Lunch at Koshary Hekaya

By now you’re likely ready for a late lunch, and I’d suggest a big filling bowl of Koshary. This Egyptian staple is an odd mix of rice, pasta, lentils, tomato sauce and spices. Don’t let the description put you off, it’s actually quite good and the perfect meal after a busy day of sight-seeing. We went to Koshary Hekaya, and it was quite good! It felt like a very local place amidst the crazy tourist area of the Pyramids.

After a busy day at the pyramids you’ll want to enjoy a relaxing evening. If you were able to snag accommodation with a roof-top view, order in dinner and watch the light and sound show from the roof. If you don’t have a roof-top view, you can consider going back for the show in the evening. It’s fun to see the pyramids all lit up, but I don’t think it’s worth the hassle or the money to go back for the light show!

The pyramids can be a bit daunting to visit with kids, but it’s worth the hassle. They’re a recognizable structure that the kids can easily relate to, making it more meaningful and exciting compared to many other things they see traveling. You can take kids to the pyramids at any age, but I’d suggest waiting until they’re at least 6 or 7 years old. By this point they’ll know what they are, be able to appreciate the experience, and can put up with a bit of walking and heat!

• The pyramid complex is spread over a fairly large area that can require a lot of walking in the desert sun. I’d suggest hiring an air-conditioned car and driver for the day. Although you won’t need much driving, it’s nice to have the vehicle to transport you between the various pyramids and viewpoints. You can also leave extra water in the van, as well as some snacks and a change of clothes if needed.
• Make sure the kids wear sturdy hiking sandals, like these Keens , to protect them from the hot sand while keeping their feet cool.
• Bring LOTS of water! It can get very hot and you’ll still do a lot of walking even if you hire a car. You’ll need to stay hydrated to avoid heat stroke. Check out my favourite travel water bottles with a filter (because you can’t drink the tap water in Egypt, so this’ll save you from buying dozens of plastic bottles), or just bring an insulated water bottle to keep your water cold. These ones are my girls’ favourites!
• Make sure everyone wears a hat and sun protection, like this sustainable, healthy, ocean-safe, vegan sunscreen .

(This post may contain affiliate links, for which we earn a small commission at no additional expense to you. You can read our affiliate policy here .)

About The Author

Kyla Hunter

I am a wife, mother and professional schemer! I love planning travel...and of course, actually traveling with my family. My favourite experiences tend to happen off the beaten path, and I'd love to show you that it's possible to travel everywhere with your kids!

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14 MUST-KNOW Tips for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt: The Ultimate Guide (2024)

These 14 top tips will answer all your questions about visiting the Pyramids of Giza so you’re well-prepared for the magical day when you see the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

If seeing the Pyramids of Giza isn’t on your bucket list then I don’t know what is. The Great Pyramid of Giza is an incredible example of human engineering and construction. Its sheer size and scale rivals any structure built within the last few hundred years. As one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, it is the only monument on the list that is still standing today.

I realised my own personal lifelong dream when I visited the Giza Plateau. I loved it so much that I went twice during the same trip! Here are my best tips to help you plan your visit to the Pyramid Complex of Giza.

Looking for something in particular? Use this table of contents below to jump around using the links.

Table of Contents

Map of egyptian pyramids of giza, why were the egyptian pyramids of giza built.

• When were the Egyptian Pyramids of Giza built?
• Who Built the Egyptian Pyramids of Giza?

Where are the Pyramids?

1. when is the best time to visit the pyramids of giza, 3. how long does it take to get to the pyramids of giza, 4. what are the opening times of the pyramids of giza, 5. how much time do you need to visit the pyramids of giza, 6. how much are tickets to the pyramids of giza.

• 7. Can you go Inside the Pyramids?
• 8. Taking Camel and horse rides
• 9. What should I wear when visiting the Pyramids?
• 10. What should I pack when visiting the Pyramids of Giza?pa

11. Can you buy food inside the Giza Pyramid Complex?

• 12. Sound and Light Show

13. Solar Boat Museum

• 14. Bonus tips for visiting the Pyramids of Giza

This map shows you all the locations mentioned in this guide. Click on the pins for more information.

Tip: For a larger view of the map, click on the icon in the top right corner. If the icon is hidden and you’re viewing this on your phone, go to landscape mode. Technology, eh?

Nearly 5,000 years ago, Giza became the royal burial ground for Memphis, which was then, the Capital of Egypt. Within 100 years, three successive generations of the ancient Egyptians built the three pyramid complexes to serve as tombs for their kings.

When were the Pyramids built?

The Pyramids of Giza were built during the 4th Dynasty of the Old Kingdom from around 2613-2498 BC. The oldest and largest of the Pyramids, the Great Pyramid, was built by the 4th-Dynasty king, Khufu (2589-2566 BC.)

Who built the Pyramids of Giza?

It wasn’t until 2010 that an archaeological team led by Dr. Zahi Hawass discovered several new tombs that belonged to the workers who built the pyramids of Khufu and Khafre.

Archaeologists now agree that the men who built the pyramids were, in fact, highly-skilled workmen, not slaves.

These tombs were built beside the king’s pyramid, which indicates that these people were not by any means slaves. If they were slaves, they would not have been able to build their tombs beside their king’s. Dr. Hawass

The Egyptian Pyramids are located within the Pyramids complex on the Giza plateau approximately 25km (15 miles) south-west of Downtown Cairo.

These pyramids include the Great Pyramid of Khufu (aka Cheops), Pyramid of Khafre (aka Chephren) and the Pyramid of Menkaure (aka Mycerinus) and the smallest of the three main Pyramids of Giza.

The pyramids were purposely built on the West Bank of the River Nile because the Ancient Egyptians believed that the East side of the Nile (East bank) was for the living, because the sunrises there, whilst the West Bank was for the dead (where the sun sets).

As you travel around Egypt, you will notice that all tombs are located on the West Bank of the Nile.

14 Top Tips for Visiting the Egyptian Pyramids of Giza

In general, the best time to visit Egypt is during the winter. More specifically, the best time to visit the Pyramids of Giza is after the morning rush of tourist buses. I recommend going to the Egyptian Museum first thing in the morning, this was you’ll miss the tour buses which arrive at the Pyramids between 9:30 am – 10:30 am. 

Another the benefit of waiting a bit longer is that it will give more time for the haze of pollution to clear up a bit. Yes, Cairo is very polluted, particularly in the mornings.

2. How do I get to the Pyramids?

The Mortuary Temple of Khafre

I visited the pyramids twice during my trip. The first time way during this excellent tour around Egypt, then I went again after the tour had ended . If you want to do on a day trip, then I recommend this Giza Pyramids and Sphinx: Half-Day Private Tour or this Pyramids of Giza, Sakkara & Memphis: Private Tour with Lunch tour

Giza Pyramid Complex is only about 18 kilometre from Downtown Cairo however, Cairo is a heavily trafficked city. Using the public transportation available in Cairo, there are three different modes of transport you can use to reach the Pyramids.

Taking a taxi to the pyramids is by far the easiest option as there is very little effort required on your part. From anywhere in central Cairo, you can flag down a taxi on any main street and ask to go to the ‘Haram’ (this is what the pyramids are locally known as).

The only downside to taking a taxi is that you might get stuck in traffic. On a good run, it will take thirty minutes to reach the entrance to the Giza complex. Worse case scenario it could take closer to an hour if not more. There are three different kinds of taxi services available in Cairo:

Black Taxi – Black taxis are the oldest of the three. Don’t be surprised if they don’t have a meter or air-conditioning. White Taxi – White taxis are the modern version of black taxis complete with a fare meter and air-conditioning. Yellow Taxi – Yellow taxis are the most expensive, professionally serviced and can be pre-booked over the phone.

Tips for taking a taxi:

• I always recommend taking a white taxi. Before you get in, make sure you agree on a price and don’t be afraid to bargain hard for a good rate. Expect to pay around 40 LE (Egyptian Pounds) from anywhere in Downtown Cairo.
• If you prefer, it is possible to pay extra and have the taxi wait for you until you’ve finished visiting the Giza Pyramids Complex to then take you back to the hotel. While the option is there, keep in mind that the complex is huge and you could easily spend all day there. Plus, you don’t necessarily need to do this as there are plenty of taxis servicing both sides of the complex from the main entrance and exit near the Sphinx. I did, however, choose to pay extra for a taxi to come inside the complex and drive me around. This came in handy when I wanted to go around to the panoramic lookout which is far away.

Uber is the best, most convenient and still a very cheap option. The best part is that you won’t have to worry about haggling for the best price. Expect to pay around 60LE to the pyramids from central Cairo.

An even cheaper (yes, it’s possible) way to get to the Giza Pyramids from Downtown Cairo is by taking the public bus. The buses are comfortable and some have air-conditioners. Tickets are only 2.50 LE.

If you’re visiting the Egyptian Museum in the morning (which I highly recommend), located on the main road behind the museum are buses 355 and 357 which will take you to the Giza Pyramids complex.

If you’re staying near the Tahrir Square area it’s good to know what these buses also pass through here.

Micro-Buses

Locals, aka Cairenes, take the microbus (pronounced ‘mee-kro-bas’) these small vans are usually crowded, uncomfortable and can only seat 12 passengers.

Since no destinations are signposted, it can be tricky to use them at first. They do, however, then to depart from normal bus stops.

Microbuses are useful for major routes such as reaching the entrance to the pyramids from the Giza metro station.

Micro-Buses will only stop if there is an available seat on board. The fare will vary depending on the distance you need to travel. This can be anywhere from LE2 to LE5 and is paid once you take your seat on board.

The Cairo Metro, like any metro, gets really crowded during peak hours (7 am to 9 am and 3 pm to 6 pm). Avoid these time by starting your day early and returning after the rush.

Plan your journey by using www.cairometro.gov.eg and clicking on ‘English’ in the top left corner.

Cairo’s Metro Network doesn’t cover the entire city, but for a visitor, it’s perfect as it includes all the major tourist attractions. It’s efficient and very cheap. All single trip fares are LE 2.00 no matter how far you travel. There are four metro stations in central Cairo: Attaba, Md. Naguib, Sadat and Naseer that will take you to the closest station to the Giza Pyramids complex. After a 15-20 minute journey, get off at El-Giza station. From here it’s another 10 km to the pyramid complex entrance.

Exit the station and head down to Al Haram, this is the main road leading to the pyramids. Cross to the other side and catch either bus 900 or 997 or a microbus to the pyramids. All buses will drop you one kilometre from the entrance.

Tips for taking the metro:

• Metro stations are clearly marked with a large red ‘M’ in a blue star.
• Keep your ticket until you complete your journey, you’ll need it to feed into the turnstile when exiting
• The metro opens around 6 am with trains running every 5 minutes until closing at 11.30pm.
• Ladies, there are two carriages located in the centre of each train reserved for women only (men will be kicked out). Look for the blue ‘Ladies’ signs on the platform so you know where to wait to get on the right carriage.
• Since the roads will be chaotic, the bus driver may forget to tell you when to get off, so it’s a good idea to ask a friendly passenger to alert you just in case.

Tips on getting to the Pyramids of Giza:

• Most Egyptians don’t understand the word “Pyramids”, so make sure you learn the Arabic word for them, especially if you’re taking a taxi there. Haram also means. The strict translation of the Arabic word ‘harim’ means (a prohibited place) and is from the verbal root ‘harama’ (prohibited), designated as ‘haram’ (a pyramid). ( Source )
• There are two entrances to the pyramids complex. One entrance is near the Great Pyramid of Giza, the other is near The Sphinx. You can enter via either, but if you catch a bus, you’ll arrive closer to the Great Pyramid of Giza entrance.

If you’re travelling by road, the journey can last anywhere between 30-90 minutes. Cairo is a heavily trafficked and congested city so be prepared for severe delays. The best time to leave is either side of rush hour.

If you’re travelling by train then bus/microbus, allow 45 minutes.

Going to Egypt? Get my free Arabic travel phrase guide.

The Giza plateau is open 8 am – 4 pm daily. The Giza Pyramids are open 8 am – 4 pm daily (5 pm in summer). The Solar Boat museum is open 9 am – 4 pm daily (5 pm in summer).

How much time do you have? Haha No, but seriously, time will fly once you’re inside the complex. I recommend allowing most of the day to explore the entire pyramids complex. I arrived just before 11 am and left right on closing time at 4om and I still didn’t want to leave.

My advice? Soak it up. Don’t rush your time here. Find a quiet spot and enjoy the view. Who knows when you’ll be back to see them again.

If you are taking a tripod inside, you’ll need to purchase a tripod ticket for 20 LE. This is standard practice all over Egypt.

7. Can You Go Inside the Pyramids?

While most people, including local guides, will try and talk you out of going inside The Great Pyramid of Giza, saying it’s not worth paying 300 LE (USD$16) for, I still recommend going inside. But it all depends on how interested you are in the pyramids.

For me, I had to go inside. After all, I travelled all that way, so why not, right? Located in the core of the pyramid is the King’s Chamber. While there’s nothing to see in the King’s Chamber per se, other than an empty sarcophagus, it’s the experience of walking through the 9 metre (30 ft) high Great Gallery and seeing the inner workings of such an incredible monument.

If you’re not already planning on going, I highly recommend going to the Egyptian Museum to see the mummies and beautifully decorated tombs. Don’t miss the Royal Mummy Room!

Tips for going inside The Great Pyramid of Giza:

• The Great Gallery inside the Great Pyramid of Giza is very narrow and you may feel claustrophobic. Reconsider going inside if you suffer from claustrophobia.
• Allow 30-40 minutes to complete your visit inside The Great Pyramid of Giza.
• Cameras, including phones, aren’t allowed inside. You can leave your items at the entrance with the guards. They will give you a ticket in exchange. Don’t lose it! You’ll need it to collect your belongings afterwards.
• It’s super humid inside the King’s Chamber, so take some tissues with you to mop up that forehead.

8. Camel and Horse Rides

If you do decide to take a camel ride, make sure you’re not hassled into paying more than the fair price. In order to crack down on scamming tourist, signs have now been put up showing set prices for camel rides which are 50 Egyptian Pounds for 30 minutes.

9. What should I wear when visiting the Pyramids of Giza?

Also in my Egypt travel tips guide , I explain how you can pretty much wear anything you like in tourist areas such as the pyramids. However, you might find it more comfortable to wear breathable material like linen so you don’t have to put sunscreen all over your body. These linen pants are a great option ( these are cute too ) or a maxi-dress if you prefer.

Definitely wear a hat. Your head will catch the sun and tender for a few days afterwards.

Perhaps the most important item will be your footwear. You’ll be walking a lot, mainly through sand and dirt, so wear comfortable and breathable closed-toe shoes.

10. What should I pack when visiting the Pyramids of Giza?

It’s can get really hot whilst visit the Pyramids complex. It’s dry, dusty and since it’s a dry heat, it won’t be as obvious how much fluid you’re losing through sweat. I highly recommend taking three litres of water per person and keeping some in a thermal bottle to keep it cool and drink later in the day.

Take sunscreen and apply it before you go out in the sun. Wear sunglasses, a hat and take an umbrella just in case you need some shade; because there is none!

If you still can’t get enough of the pyramids,  after you leave the Pyramids complex, head to the top floor of the Pizza Hut. Located just outside the pyramids complex directly in front of the Sphinx and watch the sunset over a pizza.

12. Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids

Go back in time and see the history of the Ancient Egyptians and the Pyramids in the daily Sound and Light show located near the Sphinx. Booking a ticket is essential , however, you can also watch the show for free if you stay at a nearby hotel with a rooftop terrace such as Pyramids View Inn Bed & Breakfast or Panorama Pyramids Inn .

The Sound and Light Show runs at 7 pm, 8 pm and 9 pm during the winter and 2.5 hours later during summer.

Don’t forget to see the boat! What boat I hear you ask? Oh, just the boat that was buried at the foot of the Great Pyramid of Giza.

It’s unclear if it was used to carry the body of Khufu from Memphis to his tomb, (markings suggest it had been sailed before) and was buried for the pharaohs own journey across the heavens or it was buried for the sun-god himself.

Either way, this impressive full-size ancient Egyptian boat took 14 years for experts to put its 1,200 pieces together.

14. Bonus tips for visiting the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt

• Climbing the Pyramids – Once upon a time you could climb the pyramids, however, this is no longer the case. But then again, it also depends on who’s working that day. A guard let me climb up just long enough to take the photo above, but that was it. It any case, it’s best to ask.
• Toilets – There are toilets near the Sphinx and at the entrance to the pyramids complex before going through security.
• Panoramic Viewpoint – There is a panoramic viewpoint you can go to but it’s a bit far to walk in the heat so you may want to get a lift there. Either take your taxi which you paid extra for (like I did) or take a horse or camel. This viewpoint is where all the tourist buses stop, so it gets busy. While it’s a nice spot, it’s not the best perspective of the pyramids. To get a more iconic shot as seen in this photo, you’ll need to walk out into the dunes for about 15 minutes. Hardly anyone does this so ita ’s nice opportunity to just take it all in without being interrupted.

View from the panoramic viewpoint

I hope this guide has answered all your questions and helped you feel more prepared for your trip to the Pyramids of Giza. If you still have any questions or concerns, please reach out and leave a comment below. I’d be happy to help where I can. If not, then I wish you a wonderful trip! Support this blog book your Egypt tour here. Shukran for reading! 😉

Got more time? Take a day trip from Cairo

• Alexandria Day Tour: See the city built by Alexander the Great
• Private Full-Day Tour of Historical Alexandria from Cairo
• Pyramids of Giza, Sakkara & Memphis: Private Tour with Lunch
• Pyramids, Museum & Bazaar Private Tour with Entrance & Lunch
• Cairo: Dinner Cruise on the Nile River with Entertainment
• Cairo: Egyptian Museum 4-Hour Private Tour with Transfer
• Cairo: 1 or 2-Hour Felucca Ride on the Nile with Transfers
• Old Cairo and Khan El Khalili Bazaar: Private Half-Day Tour
• Cairo: Best Kept Secrets Night Tour
• Plus loads more here …

Let me remind you again why Egypt is amazing and watch my Egypt vlog below.

Like it? Pin it for later

Sources Independent UK |  Eyewitness Egypt

Over to you!

Which of these tips did you find the most useful? Is there anything you would add? Tell me below! Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

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Michele creates language learning guides and courses for travel. What separates her from other instructors is her ability to explain complex grammar in a no-nonsense, straightforward manner using her unique 80/20 method. Get her free guide 9 reasons you’re not fluent…YET & how to fix it! Planning a trip? Learn the local language with her 80/20 method for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant Start learning today!

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Thanks for the information ? I’m going tomorrow morning, should be fun!

My pleasure! Have a wonderful trip 🙂

Do you need to wear sunglasses in Giza because of the dust swirling around (or worse dust storm)? Or is this not a problem?

I booked a half day tour with Viator to see the pyramids. Is this a good option or is it better to do this on your own by catching a taxi to Giza and buying a ticket at the entrance?

Yes, I would wear sunglasses for both the dust/sand but also since the sun is very bright. When I was there, I didn’t experience any storms or wind, so I dare say, you should be OK 🙂

Yesh, I think a tour is a great way to do it, especially if you’re unsure. The tour guide will give you lots of history and then you’ll have free time. If you feel like you want to spend more time there, I would go back another day with a taxi as you will know what to expect by then 🙂

Wonderful blog!! I wished i could have supported this blog by purchasing tours but after reading this, i realized i dont need i was inspired to do it how you did it. Thanks and more power

Thank you for your support, Marizon 🙂

really useful blog, thank you! I saw your IG, is impressive. Do you have some tips about explore Luxor?

Hi Nicola, thank you so much 🙂 There’s so much to see in Luxor. I would be prepared to pay an extra fee to take your camera/tripod in to places like the Valley of the Kings. Dress appropriately, as per my general Egypt travel tips here . Avoid wandering off on your own and stay with at least one other person if you can, especially in Karnak Temple. Hope this helps 🙂

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Complete Guide to Visit The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt (2022)

“NO!” I said loudly, and firmly to the poor little boy, no more than 13 years old. My finger pointed angrily to drive the point home. The look on his wounded little face broke my heart. However, obliging the child one picture would send 20 other kids running toward us, cell phones set to selfie mode.

They would start tugging at my clothes and my hair, shoving each other out to get closer to me, and shouting “picture? picture?” And the thought of being in the middle of the mob yet again made my guilt subside just a little.

I hate being that asshole Westerner. But spending a Friday visiting the Pyramids of Giza as an American girl with fair skin, blonde hair, and blue eyes is the equivalent of Justin Bieber showing up at a fifteen-year-old girl’s birthday party… sheer madness.

Why do you ask? Well, tourism in Egypt pretty much dropped off after the revolution in 2011. Even though Egypt is an incredibly enticing destination for most people, the dangers that are portrayed in the media cause most to vacation elsewhere. So a lot of the children in Egypt rarely, if ever, see tourists. Our “exotic” light-toned features alone are enough to elevate us to celebrity status in their eyes.

The effect that the drop in tourism has had on Egypt is rather sad and it’s been especially difficult for cities that rely heavily on tourism. In 2016, the value of the Egyptian Pound dropped considerably and the touts in Giza are desperate to sell their goods and services to the few tourists that still visit. What that means for your visit to the pyramids is that both the aggressiveness of the touts and the curiosity of the locals have increased in recent history.

But those challenges and all of the other challenges that you’ll face while you visit the pyramids (that we are going to outline for you in detail below) are absolutely, 100% worth enduring in order to visit the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – the spectacular, mythical, wondrous Pyramids of Giza!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

Complete Guide to Visiting the Great Pyramids of Giza

Know before you visit the pyramids.

• The currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (LE). At the time of writing the conversion rate was about 17.89 LE to $1 USD . We’ll be referring to costs in Egyptian Pounds so keep in mind that if we say something costs 100 LE, that’s just about $5.50 USD.
• Each Egyptian Pound is made up of 100 Piastres and the bills look similar so familiarize yourself with both.
• Keep small change on you for a “baksheesh”, or tip.  You’ll need to tip for photos with camels, to use the toilet, and other unexpected (and occasionally unwanted) help you may receive while you visit the pyramids.
• Egyptians speak Arabic and you should learn a few key phrases to get around.  “Al Salam Alaikum” (pronounced sall-em wall-a-come) is a nice way to say “hello”. “Shukran” (pronounced shoo kran) is “thank you”. “Ma’-Elsalama” (pronounced ma sell lem-a) is “goodbye”.
• Islam is the official religion for 90% of the population and most of those are Sunni Muslims. As with most conservative countries, women are expected to cover their knees and shoulders when venturing out of the house (although this isn’t the case in many upscale neighborhoods in Egypt). However, this is a touristy area so you’ll likely see some foreigners at the pyramids who aren’t covered up.
• Read my entire article about things I wish I had known prior to visiting Egypt .

Getting from Cairo to the Pyramids

The Great Pyramids are located in the town of Giza, just a short 30-minute car ride from Cairo . While the Pyramids are possible to see on a day trip, we would highly recommend staying for at least one night in Giza.

Best Time to Visit the Pyramids

October until April is considered the high season in Giza as the weather is more bearable than in the sweltering summer months. Although during the off-season, you’ll find that sites are less crowded and prices are generally lower.

On Fridays and Saturdays, the pyramids are flooded with children who have those days off of school. If you plan to visit the pyramids on either of those days and you don’t resemble an Egyptian, be prepared to experience my story above firsthand.

Also, make sure you check out my list of what to pack for Egypt .

Entry Fees and Ticket Prices for the Pyramids

• Giza Plateau Area only : 200 LE per person
• Great Pyramid : 400 LE per person
• Workmen Cemetery : 400 LE for adults, 200 LE for students
• Entrance to Inside of 2nd or 3rd Pyramid : 100 LE per person
• Boat Museum : 100 LE per person
• Pyramids Sound and Light Show : 250 LE per person

Camera and Tripod Rules and Fees at the Pyramids

Can you bring your tripod to the Pyramids? Yes! Visitors are allowed to bring a tripod into the Giza plateau for an additional 20 LE.

Cameras are not allowed inside the tombs. Plan on checking it with the security guard that will be checking tickets at the entrance to each (and don’t be surprised if they request a tip). There is also an additional 50 LE fee to take pictures in the Khufu Boat Museum, or you can leave your camera with the guard.

The Pyramids Entrance Hours

• The Giza Plateau Area is open from 8 am – 4 pm all days
• The inside of the Great Pyramid is open from 8 am – 12 pm and 1 pm – 4 pm all days
• The pyramids require constant renovation so it is uncommon to find all three open to the public at the same time.

Is it Safe to Visit the Pyramids?

Absolutely! Will curious people want to take your photo? Yes. Will desperate touts pester you to ride their camel until you finally give in just to keep your sanity? For sure. But actual, physical danger? Not likely.

Best Hotels Near the Pyramids

The Marriott Mena House Hotel is an absolute must when you visit the pyramids! Not only is this lavish hotel immaculate both inside and out, but the views of the pyramids from the perfectly manicured gardens are arguably better than those you’ll see within the Giza Plateau Area! And you can enjoy them without any stress or hassle. After a long, hot, dusty day exploring the pyramids, you’ll be dreaming of kicking off your shoes, changing into your bathrobe, and relaxing in your divine room-with-a-view!

Brief History of the Great Pyramids of Giza

The pharaohs of Egypt’s past believed that in order for their dead to reach the afterlife, elaborate accommodations must be made. They went through lengthy and extensive mummification processes,  erected temples, and built pyramid tombs. They also filled the tombs of the dead with jewelry and treasures to guide and sustain them in the next world.

The pyramids were built as tombs to house the bodies of three Pharaohs to help guide them to their afterlife. How they were built is one of Egypt’s biggest mysteries to this day. They are known to have been built roughly between 2550 and 2490 BC by Pharaoh Khufu, Pharaoh Khafre, and Pharaoh Menkaure.

The first to erect a pyramid was Pharaoh Khufu – his is the largest of the three and is some 480 feet tall. It took an estimated 2.3 million stone blocks, each weighing somewhere in the vicinity of 2.5 – 15 tons. This is the largest and tallest of the three and is the famed “Great Pyramid of Egypt”.

Following the tradition of the time, Khufu’s son, Pharaoh Khafre, built the second pyramid but made it shorter than the first out of respect for his father – only 447 feet tall. You can easily identify the Pyramid of Khafre by the cap of original limestone still remaining at its apex.

Khafre’s necropolis also included the Sphinx which represents Ra-Harakhte, the sun god. The Spinx is 66 feet tall and has the head of a pharaoh (possibly Khafre himself) and the body of a lion and stands guard of the pyramid. Although it has been renovated extensively over the years, the Sphinx has suffered deterioration and sadly lost its nose in 1798 by gunfire.

The third pyramid is, at only 228 feet tall, much smaller than the first two, and was built by Pharaoh Menkaure, son of Khafre. While it may be smaller, it was built with more costly materials, including gleaming white limestone and red granite all the way from Aswan.

Contrary to popular belief, it is now known that the hundreds of thousands of laborers were not actually slaves. They were skilled, well-taken-care-of, highly organized Egyptian workers who were provided with a nearby temporary city. They were likely farmers who worked on the pyramids for the three months out of the year when farming was impossible – the Nile’s annual flood season.

Inside the Giza Complex Gate

What to expect at the great pyramids.

There are two entrance gates – one near the Sphinx and one near the Great Pyramid. If you are staying at the Mena House Hotel, you’ll enter by the Great Pyramid which is less than a five-minute walk from the hotel entrance. Beware of the men pointing you to an entrance off to the left, ignore them, and continue straight until you see the sign for the ticket office.

If you follow our recommended instructions and arrive at the Pyramids bright and early at 8 am, you’ll likely find some peace and solitude for the first two hours or so. This is a good time to enter the tomb of the Great Pyramid if you’ve purchased the additional ticket. It’s also a good time to head up to Panorama Point to beat the midday heat.

That blissful time in the early morning will be short-lived as busloads of locals and tourists will begin arriving around 10 am. The madness will begin. The crowds mainly congregate around the Great Pyramid, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Sphinx. As such, the further away from those areas that you get, the more likely you are to find some solitude (and fewer touts).

Regardless of whether you avoid going to the pyramids on a Friday or Saturday as we recommend, you’ll still likely be bombarded by requests for selfies by Egyptian children visiting the site. They are completely harmless but once you say yes to one, you’ll have said yes to all of them.

The Pyramids are absolutely magical to behold in-person. The amount of planning and precision that went into their construction is truly remarkable. It will be nearly impossible for you to snap a bad photo.

Plan to visit the Pyramids for about 4-5 hours which should give you time to explore the highlights and then hit your hotel pool once you’ve had enough “hey brother!” “where are you from?” “Welcome to Alaska!” “you want to ride a camel?” “I give you good price” “I work for the government, see my badge?” conversations that you can muster.

Sites to Explore During Your Visit to the Pyramids

The tomb of the great pyramid of giza.

You’ll climb a set of very steep stairs, half of which are in a tunnel with a low ceiling, so you’ll have to crouch to fit. The climb ends in the room that held the tomb of Pharaoh Khufu. It is just an empty stone room with a no-frills stone tomb. Still, it’s a pretty incredible experience to be climbing around inside of an ancient Egyptian pyramid and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World so you absolutely must do it!

The Khufu Boat (Giza Solar Boat) Museum

The world’s oldest intact ship that was sealed into a pit at the foot of the Great Pyramid is housed in this museum. It was likely one of the grave goods intended to help Pharaoh Khufu navigate the afterlife after his death.

The Tomb of the Khafre Pyramid

The interior of the Khafre Pyramid was closed during our visit so unfortunately, we were not able to go inside.

The Tomb of the Menkaure Pyramid

Unlike the Great Pyramid, you’ll be descending a steep staircase that ends in the underground tomb room that once held Pharaoh Menkaure. However, the actual tomb is similar to that of the Great Pyramid – no frills. It’s pretty unnecessary to visit if you’ve already been to the Great Pyramid.

Panorama Point

This spot is on a hill above the plateau and offers views of all three pyramids from one spot. This spot is teeming with vendors and camel men so be prepared to be hassled.

Tip: No photography is allowed inside the tombs so it may surprise you when the security guard who is standing watch offers to take your photo. He will be expecting a tip. 

Transportation Options Inside the Pyramids

While the pyramids are reasonably close together and walking to all of the sites is doable, remember that you will be walking through thick sand in the direct sun all day long. And if you want to see all of the highlights of the area, you’ll likely cover no less than seven miles. If that amount of walking is not your cup of tea, don’t fret! You won’t be able to walk more than 20 feet without being offered a ride on a pack animal from a persistent tout.

All rides (camel, horse, and carriage) cost a government-fixed rate of 100 LE per animal (not per person) for a 30-minute ride and 200 LE per animal for a 60-minute ride. Don’t let anyone talk you into more and if anyone tries to charge you less, chances are it’s a scam (see below).

You will certainly be asked repeatedly for a tip which is behavior that we hate to condone. Whether or not you choose to concede to their requests is up to your discretion.

Bathrooms at the Great Pyramids

There are only a few toilets inside the gate so plan accordingly. They are located:

• At the top of Panorama Point
• Outside the Panorama Sphinx Restaurant
• In the Khufu Boat Museum (a ticket will be required and you’ll need to pass through security)

Each bathroom will have a bathroom attendant that will expect a tip for keeping the toilets relatively clean. The current rate is 2 LE per person.

Scams to Avoid at the Pyramids

There are several scams that are common within the Giza Pyramids area. Once you’re aware of them, they’re quite easy to spot and avoid. Check out the list of scams that we encountered during our visit.

“Government employees” with a badge (but not in a police uniform) asking to see your ticket. They will be hanging out near the entrances to sites like The Spinx or the Boat Museum. They will yell at you and act really angry if/when you refuse to show them. They’ll say “I work for the government” and they’ll show you their badge (if you look closely it just says “Pyramids” – there is nothing official about it). They are just trying to get you to stop and have a reason to converse with them so they can ask to be your guide. Either ignore them or break out your phone and start videotaping them – they’ll leave you alone fast.

An agreed-upon price that isn’t what you’re expected to pay. Prices are clearly posted everywhere. Make sure you agree on a price to get on (and off) the camel (or to do anything around Giza) in Egyptian Pounds. They may try to claim they meant UK Pounds. Don’t commit to anything until this is understood. Stand your ground and take a video of them agreeing to a price if you are concerned. There’s nothing they can actually do except pester you.

“Free” gifts. Or essentially forced souvenirs. Nothing in the Pyramids of Giza area is free. Literally nothing. Not even the bathroom. If they take a scarf out of the plastic and put it on your head, they’ll claim you need to buy it because they opened it. You don’t. If they try to place a bead in your hand as a “free gift”, don’t fall for it.

The entrance gate that isn’t actually the entrance gate. You’ll know the entrance gate when you arrive. There is a parking lot filled with tour buses and a proper ticket booth. And there will NOT be touts yelling at you to turn left to go to the entrance. They are lying, just ignore them.

People attempting to help you take pictures. “Hey! You want to kiss the Sphinx? Look that way and pretend to kiss – give me your phone, I’ll take your picture.” It’s not so much a scam as just someone pretending to be helpful but is really just looking for a tip. Unless you are traveling alone, these photos are pretty easy to take on your own, for free, without their help.

Tip for Avoiding Scams: This is going to sound cruel but just don’t make eye contact and ignore them (unless you actually want to ride that camel or purchase that souvenir). Even exchanging what you think are pleasantries (or offering a curt but polite “no thank you”) will give them hope and you’ll end up regretting it. 

Food and Drink Options Inside the Complex

• Panorama Sphinx Restaurant is the only restaurant inside the Pyramid Area. They are overpriced but will be your only option if hunger strikes. They serve a lunch buffet for 150 LE as well as hot and cold drinks.
• Pyramids Restaurant is right outside the gate near the Sphinx. After several hours spent wandering around in the desert, you’re bound to work up a hefty appetite. Their Mixed Grill plate is hearty and seasoned to perfection.

Our Advice for Visiting The Great Pyramids of Giza

• Try to avoid a visit to the pyramids on a Friday or Saturday if possible.
• Arrive at the entrance at 8 am sharp to beat the tour buses and crowds. You’ll also avoid long lines at the ticket booth.
• Either take a lighthearted approach and have fun with the touts or pretend you don’t speak English and ignore them completely. Getting angry or being mean only makes things worse.
• If you do choose to partake in a ride on a pack animal, be clear on your price and expectations and stand your ground. You may want to videotape them agreeing to your terms so you can play it back if they argue.
• If everything we’ve described about the scams and the selfies sounds like your worst nightmare, hire a guide to show you around. They’ll also act as your personal bodyguard.
• Unfortunately, the Giza Plateau is not open for sunrise and sunset but you can still catch spectacular views from Mena House Hotel!

And be sure to check out our recommendations of things to see and do in Captivating Cairo !

We hope you enjoy visiting the Great Pyramids of Giza!

Planning a visit to Egypt? Check out our favorite books!

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About the Author:

Val grew up in Portland, Oregon but moved to Oahu on a whim back in 2013. She sold her house and all of her belongings and bought a one-way ticket. Since then she’s taken two around-the-world trips and has visited 60-ish countries while living out of a duffel bag. Val started documenting the Wandering Wheatleys travels back in 2013 as a way to update friends and family about her whereabouts and to relay humorous daily interactions. The only readers were her mom and her mother-in-law but that didn’t stop her! These days you’ll find Val dreaming up future trips, creating new travel content, managing a team of amazing travel enthusiasts, and chasing around her two adorable but naughty kids.

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27 thoughts on “complete guide to visit the pyramids of giza, egypt (2022)”.

Amazing photos – and I especially like the one of you “kissing” the Sphinx. Too cute! I’ve always wanted to visit Egypt and see the pyramids…your post has a lot of very good and insightful information that helps de-mystify the process of getting and staying there. Thanks for all the great information!

So happy to find your stories of Egypt. I plan on making it my 50 birthday trip. I really like the dresses you have in the various pictures. Would you recommend them? And do you have a favorite place to buy them?

Thank you so much! The long yellow one is from H&M and I buy the others on Amazon. Did you see my packing list for Egypt? Dresses are nice because Egypt is so damn HOT!

Thanks for the great tips. Super helpful. I noticed your footwear. Did you leave flats, sandals behind as they weren’t suitable for the terrain? And if you don’t mind asking, what brand footwear are your boots. I’ll need to start researching footwear for my family.

So glad you found our article helpful!

I wouldn’t recommend wearing sandals just because it is a large area and there is a lot of walking. You should be fine in flats though as the terrain isn’t all that rough – just sandy.

Val is wearing “Joan of Arctic” wedges from Sorel. You can buy them here on Amazon if you want: https://amzn.to/2saZVhj

Your pictures are fabulous. How did you manage to get such great frames (without the thousands of other tourists in the background)?

It’s a pretty big area so you can find some angles without too many people in them if you’re patient. That being said there are a lot of visitors at the pyramids around mid-day so if you want good photos you should plan to arrive as soon as the plateau opens.

May I ask if those are the sorrell boots you have on?

the reason I asked again was because the link in the comment above has laces and the link in the “what to pack” does not. I love the ones in the pics and can’t tell if they have laces.

Yes they are! I have both pairs but I prefer the ones in the packing list since they are smaller and easier to fit in my bag. Here are the ones with laces; https://amzn.to/2WgkghZ . I just bought a cheap pair of blue laces on Amazon to add a little pop of color. I LOVE Sorels! So comfy and cute!

Hi, I’m heading to Egypt in September. I’m confused about the proper dress code. I want to be respectful of the culture I’m visiting, so it seems that shorts are not ok, neither are sleeveless or off the shoulder tops? How conservative should I be? I’m a California girl and my clothing is not skimpy or inappropriate, but I like to wear flowy tips and shorts in warm climates. Thanks for any advice!

What time did you visit? How was the weather and temperature?

Hey Merel, we visited the Pyramids in early December. The weather in Cairo was actually a bit chilly at night but became quite hot during the day. It was also dry and dusty, I don’t recall it raining at all the whole time we were in Egypt.

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All you need to know for visiting the Pyramids of Giza

Last Updated on July 28, 2023 by

The Pyramids of Giza. A bucket list destination for thousands of people. A timeless place that stimulated the fantasies of archaeologists, historians, engineers and conspiracy theorists for centuries. One of the places I dreamed to visit for my entire life. Seeing the Pyramids of Giza for the first time was a great emotional moment and I think everyone wishing to visit this place deserves to have a great experience. For this reason, in this post I’ve outlined 16 best tips for visiting Pyramids of Giza. This includes, my personal experience, photos of the best viewpoints in Giza and exclusive insight.

Table of Contents

Essential things to know BEFORE visiting Egypt.

Visa and egyptian currency.

You will need a tourist VISA to enter the country. This costs $25 USD per person and it’s doable on line at Visa2Egypt or in person at your arrival. BE AWARE that if you decide to do it in person YOU MUST carry USD dollars in cash with you. In fact, the VISA office don’t accept any other type of currency or card payments.

At your arrival, don’t look for an immigration office but for a BANK OFFICE. This is located immediately at the right side BEFORE the line for the passports checks. Here you can buy the visa! If you do it online (as we did) be aware of fake visa websites! Trust only Visa2Egypt. Here, you’ll have to upload a copy of your passport and a photo of you in passport size (max 5MB). I received my visa in about 48 h but it may take up to one week. With your e-visa, you can go straight to the passports checks. The immigration officer will collect your paper and put a stamp on your passport. He will keep your e-visa, so every time someone ask you for the visa, he/she means the stamp in your passport.

Egypt currency is the Egyptian Pound. BEWARE that if you are travelling from the UK or Italy there is no way you can obtain Egyptian pounds before your trip. You have to withdraw the Egyptian currency at the local ATMs (there are various inside and outside the airport).

Religion and Restrictions in Egypt

Egypt is a Muslim country. Despite it is more liberal than other Muslim countries, it is advisable to bring conservative clothes. You should wear these in all the Muslim Areas (e.g. Islamic Cairo) and in the cities of Cairo and Alexandria.

Smoking (tobacco) is allowed everywhere. Many restaurants have a “non smoking area” and you can ask to seat there if you can’t bear a cloud of smoke all around.

Be cautious in street photography/videography, especially in Cairo. It’s forbidden to photograph governmental/military buildings. This applies also to historical locations/buildings used for governmental/military scope. Be careful as you can risk the prison for this!

Bringing/buying drugs in Egypt is strictly forbidden and punishable with prison. Moreover, the use of some medicines is forbidden/restricted. You should check what is or not allowed with your GP. If you are taking some specific medications bring your doctor prescriptions written in English. Keep all your medicines (also the general ones as ibuprofen) in their original package. Moreover, separate them from other products for possible inspections.

Entry Tickets and discounts in Egypt

Unfortunately you can’t buy online tickets for attractions in Egypt (e.g. the Pyramids/Luxor). If you find them online, it’s a scam!! Tickets are sold exclusively at the ticket counters outside the attractions. Moreover, to distinguish them from fake ones, the legit ones have a hologram proving their authenticity.

If you are a student you have the right of entry fee discount up to 50%. However, you have to present an ISIC card for this. Nevertheless, if you are older than 30 (in some locations 25) years old, your ISIC card is not valid! I know this is quite unfair. In fact, most PhD students (like me when I visited Egypt) are older than 25. Apparently, this is also against the ISIC rules (I did a complain about it). However, you can’t do much against this. You can try to “fight” with the guy at the ticket counter and hope for the better. My ISIC card was accepted in most sites. Nevertheless, it was categorically refused in Luxor (everywhere except the Luxor Temple) and at the Egyptian Museum.

Uber in Egypt

Uber in Egypt is safe and reliable. We used it in Cairo, Alexandria and Hurghada. However, if you see on the app that your driver accept your ride but will make you waiting more than 5 mins to reach you; cancel your booking and try again! We noticed this little scam in Cairo. Drivers super far away from us blocked our ride and took ages to reach us when another driver was nearer.

They do this because after 5 mins waiting, you are legally forced to pay 10LE if you cancel. Ergo, they get paid anyway even if they don’t come! This happened to us 5/6 times but most of the rides were completely fine. We reported this to Uber. It looks like they took the information very seriously. We received an email confirming they were taking actions against these scams. I am not sure if this is still happening.

Tipping in Egypt

Tipping in Egypt is a large part of the Egyptian culture. In fact, you are expected to tip for everything. Want to go to the toilet and need paper? Tip. Someone opened your car door? Tip. A guy inside the Karnak temple is pointing something invisible speaking to you in Egyptian? Tip. Would you like a cup of free tea? Tip. Tipping doesn’t meant that you have to run out of money in a second.

Tipping can be done responsibly and kindly so don’t let them rip you off. Some of the Egyptian guides and people we talked about it found asking directly for a tip “rude”. Nevertheless, most people are not of the same opinion and won’t be afraid of asking you money or complain the tip received is not enough.

It is up to you judging who deserve a tip or not. Before tipping, we asked to some Egyptian friends some guidance and they told us that most of the tips are around 5-20 LE. I tipped 50-100 LE only people who helped/guided us half/whole day (on the top of the price paid for the service).

It is safe to visit Egypt?

Something that concerns a good 95% of people who have Egypt in their minds for an imminent or future travel plan, is if it is safe to travel in Egypt in 2022? According to our experience, Egypt was very safe . We never felt in danger or seen anything suspicious. Every attraction (including the Pyramids in Giza) is well equipped with security scans and check points and we felt safe all the time.

Planning a longer trip to Egypt? Read my Complete guide to Egypt for more information.

Pyramids of Giza Map

Th Giza Pyramid Complex is famous with the name Giza Necropolis . This includes The Great Pyramid of Giza (or Pyramid of Khufu), The Pyramid of Khafre, The Pyramid of Menkaure and the Great Sphinx. Moreover, some other small Pyramids dedicated to the Queens, two cemeteries and a Solar Boat Museum are also part of the complex. Unfortunately, any physical map of the Giza Necropolis is available on site. To have an overview of the area, is better to download an online map. The best one I found is this posted above from Wikicommon.

Information about Giza Pyramids

When were the Pyramids of Giza built?

The Pyramids of Giza date back to c.2580 -2560 BC. In fact, Egyptologists believe they were constructed over a 20-year period during the reign of King Khufu (2589 – 2566 BCE).

Why were the Pyramids built?

I need to point out that the Pyramids of Giza are not the only pyramids in Egypt, neither the first to appear in the Egyptian territory. Indeed, it is arguable that the Pyramids in Giza were the latest and final attempt to build a majestic burial site. In 2008 it was discovered that there were over 138 pyramids all over Egypt . However, the earliest ones are those still standing in the necropolis of Saqqara and Dashur. To reply the question why were the Pyramids built, the most accredited studies argue that the pyramids’ main purpose was merely religious.

Ancient Egyptians were one of the first populations believing in the afterlife. They thought that when a king died, his spirit (kalled “Ka”) stayed with his body. For this reason, the body and its spirit needed to be protected from the outside world. The protection of the corpse and its spirit came through mummification and a burial site that included everything the king would need in the afterlife. Here come the Pyramids. A magnificent burial site protecting the King (and his family) during the afterlife.

Why the pyramids have a triangular shape?

There are many theories about why the pyramids have a triangular shape. A scholarly-accepted theory says that pyramids were modelled on a sacred, pointed stone called the  benben. This used to be located in the Temple of Ra at Helipolis . The benben symbolises the rays of the sun and it was usually placed at the top of pyramids and obelisks. Another lovely (and quite romantic) theory I’ve heard from a guide in Egypt, is that the pyramids actually represent the dune of the desert.

Who built the Pyramids of Giza?

Though for a long time it was believed that the pyramids were built by slaves, recent evidence demonstrates that the people who built the pyramids were actually paid labourers, probably native from Egypt. The oldest known pyramid is the one located in Saqqara an built on 2630 B.C. This is famous as “Step Pyramid” because it’s more a traditional mastaba than a triangular-shaped tomb. The first pyramid having a triangular shape appeared in Dashur around 2613-2589 B.C. and it’s famous as “Red Pyramid” from the colour of its bricks. After many attempts, new techniques and an (estimated) force of around 20,000 workmen shaped the Great Pyramid of Khufu. This appeared as the masterpiece of the Egyptians’ burial sites.

How the pyramids were built?

For years, scholars from around the world have wondered about the exact technology used by Egyptian for the construction of the Giza Pyramids more than 4,500 years ago. A technology that, as argued by many, was so “advanced” to appear as alien. However, sometimes you don’t need aliens to be smart. And Egyptians were smart. Despite the mystery of the Pyramids construction is still partially unsolved, the most acquainted theories argue that:

• Egyptians used some kind of superstructures to move the blocks up to their position. Nevertheless, this technique has some written historical evidence but no actual confirmation or practicability in reality.
• Egyptians used ramps to raise the blocks. This is the most favourable theory especially after the recent finding of a 4,500 years-old ramp dating back to reign of Pharaoh Khufu. You can read the article here .

This sheds a new light on the technique used by Egyptians for the construction and development of the Giza Plateau. However, there are pieces still missing from the puzzle. It’s especially true that we still don’t know how Egyptian cut their hard stones (e.g. granite) and how they lifted blocks at the side of the pyramids.

Entrance fees for the Giza Plateau

All the prices below are in Egyptian Pound and updated to February 2022.

Best tips for visiting Pyramids of Giza

How do i get to the pyramids of giza.

Reaching the Pyramids from Cairo

The Pyramids of Giza are located in what is known as the Giza Plateau . This is a vast desert area located at about 25 km from Cairo. It usually takes from 40 to 90 minutes (according to the traffic) to reach the Giza Plateau from Cairo. An Uber/Careem ride will cost you between EGP 80-140 . For this reason, if you want to visit early or avoid starting your day stuck in the crazy Cairo traffic, I would recommend to book an hotel in Giza.

Reaching the Giza plateau from the Airport

If you have just a short layover in Egypt and want to visit the last surviving of the ancient 7 wonders of the world, I would recommend to pre-book an organised tour. Egypt take some time to get used to. If you are in hurry, you won’t have the opportunity to acclimatise to the Egyptian atmosphere. There are several companies that organise layover tours of the Pyramids. A good company that we used for going to Abu Simbel and visit Saqqara / Dashur is Emo Tours . The guides we met were very knowledgeable and they have a special section for layover tour of Cairo and Giza.

Where to stay in Giza

In my opinion staying one or two days in Giza will give you a best opportunity to visit the necropolis without the stress of coming from Cairo. Most hotels in Giza are located at a walking distance from the Pyramids and, in case you don’t want a guide and undertake an independent visit of the Giza Necropolis, it’s very easy to pop directly into the tickets booth.

In Giza, there are a few luxury hotels and a great number of small but convenient medium range hotels and guest-houses. If you opt for a luxury vacation, the best place to stay near Giza is surely the Marriott Mena House, Cairo . This is a 5-star hotel featuring one of the best views of the Pyramids from the balconies of its rooms. As expected, it’s expensive and from what I’ve heard, the service is not the best you can find.

Budget stays in Giza

If you are travelling on a budget but you don’t want to renounce to a room with a view, there are a great number of low-cost stays in Giza. I feel to recommend the place where we stayed during our days in Giza. This is called Pyramids Guest House . This guest house is located in a little backstreet of Giza, super close to the main entrance of the Giza Necropolis and the Giza shopping area. Although is not visible from the main street, there are plenty of signs directing you to the right place.

The price of the accommodation is really a steal from what you get in return! In fact, we paid about £72 for a three-night stay and this included an amazing breakfast with Pyramids view every morning and free transportation from the airport to the guest house!! This is something you might want to consider when arriving in Egypt. Indeed, not many places offer this service for free. Our driver picked up us at 2 AM at the airport and drove us safely at the hotel without even asking a tip (that we gave him anyway because it was one of the sweetest men we met in Egypt!).

Bonus point! This place is so close to the Pyramids that you can watch the entire Sound & Light show without actually going there!

Tickets and opening hours of the Giza Necropolis

The Giza Necropolis is open every day from 8 am to 5 pm during wintertime (October to March) and from 7 am to 6 pm during summertime ( April to September).

Tickets are (for prices updated to Dec. 2019 see above) are sold exclusively at the ticket counter at the main entrance of the Pyramids (in front of Pizza Hut). Any site selling tickets for the Pyramids online (at least until now) it’s likely to be a scam. Some tour agencies have the option to buy tickets for the Pyramids and other attractions in advance. However, this means that you pay in advance the price of your ticket but this will be bough by your guide for you at the entrance of the attraction.

When is the best time for visiting the pyramids of Giza?

Are you wondering if it’s better to visit the Pyramids at morning or in afternoon? Well, welcome to the club. Before visiting the site by myself, I’ve searched the reply to this question everywhere but the answers provided by other travellers were pretty vague. For your information, I visited the site at both times. Ergo, I can now reply to this question now. You’re welcome!

Visiting the Pyramids at early morning

Visiting the Pyramids at early morning can have both advantages and disadvantages. Indeed, despite during the early opening time the site is less crowded, you may discover that the view of the Pyramids is not so clear. This largely depends on the winds blowing from the Sahara and the pollution around Cairo that cause haziness in the area of Giza. If you are lucky (like I was), you may have a perfectly clear morning with a majestic view of the Pyramids (the photo above was taken at 7.30 in the morning). But if you catch a hazy morning, you might have to wait a couple of hours before the sky clears and finally see the Pyramids.

Visiting the Pyramids in the afternoon

Like for the morning visit, also the afternoon has its pro and cons. If you visit in the afternoon, you have to keep in mind that temperature might be quite warm and the light might hit strong on the Pyramids, creating a game of light and shadow on the side of the tombs. The good aspect is that if you wait until the closure, the site become less crowded and on a clear day you will enjoy a beautiful golden light (see picture above! This was shot around 5.30/ 6 PM).

We started our visit just after 1 PM and we noticed that great part of the tourists didn’t go much farther than the Sphinx (this was indeed the most crowded part). The area of the Pyramids was mostly empty and it felt like we had it all for ourselves! I honestly loved our afternoon visit! I loved all the pictures that we took with the golden light behind the Sphinx! If I have to return I would probably go in the afternoon again!

So, now you know what to expect from both type of visits!

Can you go inside the Pyramids?

Yes! One can actually go inside most of the Pyramids that are open to the public. Going inside a pyramid is certainly something you want to check off from your bucket list and I (mostly) enjoyed the experience, but before you decide to venture inside one of the most ancient funerary chambers in the world, you need to consider a couple of things. If you suffer from claustrophobia or have any clinical condition that may affect you while on a closed space. Please don’t go. This might be harmful to you and once inside it might be difficult to receive help.

Remember that the pyramids were built to bury people. Ergo they are not thought for living humans. It’s very warm inside, it’s suffocating for some parts and air is pumped from outside. Spaces can be very tight in the descending tunnel(s). Some people might be finding difficult to pass, crunch or walk on four feet. Your guide (if you have one) can’t enter with you.

According to my experience, despite I loved the Indiana Jones part of actually getting inside a tomb, I had the constant feeling I was doing something wrong. As a historian and respectful custodian of the past, I did not feel much comfortable in breaking into the pharaoh’s chosen afterlife home. I know that the actual Pharaohs sarcophagi are no longer inside the pyramids but I had anyway the feeling that I shouldn’t be there. Am I crazy, am I?

How much does it costs to get inside a Pyramid?

The access to the Giza Necropolis does not include a trip inside the Pyramids. The access to the tombs has a special tickets that costs between 100-400 LE. The only necropolis that include a pyramid access is Dashur. In the necropolis of Saqqara you can enter for free in the smallest of the pyramids.

Can you go inside the Sphinx?

In theory yes. Practically not really. With “inside the Sphinx” of course is it understood the area close to the famous Dream Stele of Thutmose IV. However, the entire area surrounding the Sphinx is fenced and closed with a gate. Until some years ago, you were allowed to get a close up of the Sphinx but this is no longer possible. In fact, the closer you can get to the Great Sphinx is about 5-7 meters from the main observation point.

As far as I know, there are some private (and likely super expensive) tours of the Great Sphinx area but it looks like they are reserved to eminent visitors and almost impossible to book online or everywhere else. If you are lucky enough to get on one of those tours, well, congratulations! This is probably the opportunity of a lifetime! If you are among the other common mortals, the best you can do is getting a good zoom lens!

Can I climb the Pyramids?

Not really. Climbing the Pyramids (any of them) is currently forbidden by the Egyptian Authorities. You risk a fee or detention if caught up in the act of climbing a pyramid. However, despite this is well known, pyramid guardians, camel owners and sometimes even local police will insist you that if you pay them they will let you climb. I want you to discourage you not only from giving them any money but also from climbing the pyramids.

They are more than 3,500 years old, they are tombs! What it looks like a fun photo to take, it’s actually a damage you are causing to one of the world’s most important landmarks. Ergo do something else!

Can you ride a camel at the Pyramids?

Yes you can but be careful! There are many people who will try to scam you for camel rides AND not all the camels you will see are treated fairly . Doing a camel ride around the Pyramids is one of the nicest experience you can have in Giza and, if done correctly, it can be one of the highlights of your trip. Moreover, certain viewpoints can be visited only if you take a camel ride. Ergo, if you decide to go, open your eyes and spot the owners who really care about their camels or those who works for the riding camels scheme of Giza. To know what I am talking about read below!

Is camel riding ethical at the Pyramids?

As a lover of the animal world, I’m usually strongly against any type of animal ride. For this reasons, I was very sceptical to undertake a camel ride in any place in Egypt. It’s true that camels were used by Egyptians as a primary means of transport into the desert from centuries and still do their job when it comes to patrol the desert areas of surrounding Giza and travel small distances. Nevertheless, most camels in Giza are now used with the mere scope of entertaining tourists and not all of them are treated fairly.

What is a camel fair treatment?

With a “fair treatment” I mean that the camel should not work the entire day under the sun, be well hydrated, eat well and rest for a couple of hours after each ride. A fair ride should last maximum 30 minutes and the camel should rest for at least one hour after the ride. As you can imagine most camel owners doesn’t respect that. But not all the people are the same, there are owners who actually care about their camels and treat them more than well!

Giza Camel Riding Scheme

I wasn’t aware of this (not sure if official) scheme, until I listened to a podcast on Egypt some months before my trip. This guy was talking about an official way to ride a camel without the fear of getting scammed and/or being unethical. Following his suggestion, I searched for some “blue signs” not far from the Sphinx and I found a space where three/four camel were parked. Differently from not ruled rides, here you can’t bargain (much). There is a fixed price of 600 LE per person for a 30 minutes ride. However, because in the end in Egypt you can bargain anyway I’ve agreed a price of 500 LE. It’s much more expensive than a not ruled ride (that can last up to two hours) but you can spot the difference just by looking at the camels and how healthy they look compared to their neighbours.

I have to say that I am still unsure about my experience. We did not complete the ride till the last viewing point and I preferred to take just some pictures around with the camel. The strong feeling I was doing something wrong remained despite I am sure the camels were doing great.

Pyramids tour or independent visit?

If you want to make the most of your day trip to Giza without the hassle, it’s probably better to undertake an organised tour of the Pyramids. This is particularly suggested if you know nothing about the necropolis, don’t want to deal with (sometimes very) persistent vendors or/and feel insecure in going around alone.

On the other hand, if you want to have more freedom for taking pictures, no time limits when exploring and go at your own pace an independent tour of the Pyramids is the best option. We chose the second option and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised that we did not get annoyed so much by vendors. I was really expecting the worse after reading a couple of blogs, but apart from some camel guys and a couple of scammers near the Great Pyramid it was a fantastic and quiet visit!

What should I wear when visiting the Pyramids?

You will be surprised to discover that in Giza the clothing etiquette is very relaxed compared to Cairo. Being such a touristic place, the strict rules you need to observe in Islamic sites in Cairo are mostly lifted. You can practically wear whatever you want but I would invite you to observe always a minimum of clothing etiquette. Remember always that you are in a predominantly Islamic country.

Giza tend to be very hot during the day with temperatures rising up to 35-40 degrees in summer. However, it is surprisingly fresh at early morning and during spring time it is actually cold! In fact, I discovered that in mid April (when we visited) morning temperatures were around 15-18 degrees accompanied by a light but fresh wind that forced me to cover up with a jacket!

10 things to pack for the Pyramids

• Hat . As you can imagine walking under the sun in Egypt is unthinkable without a hat! This will help you to cool down a little and protect your head from the excessive heat.
• Breathable cotton/linen clothes . You will sweat a lot! Especially if you visit during the afternoon hours. So it’s better to wear breathable cotton or linen clothes. These can be maxi dresses, long skirts, blouses, capri pants, coulottes etc. I would avoid wearing denim jeans at the Pyramids. They are not very breathable and will stitch with your legs!
• Under dress shorts (for ladies!) . If your intention is that of riding a camel, is better to wear some shorts under your dress! I did it and they were life saving! In fact, camel rugs can be a little itchy against your skin and you don’t want to have an irritation on your legs for the rest of your holiday!
• Scarf . This can have multiple uses. In the morning (during the spring, autumn and winter months) you can use it to cover up your shoulders from the cold wind. However, it is also a protection from the sand that might go in your eyes/mouth/head.
• Solid walking shoes . Conversely to what many people think, the terrain around the Pyramids it’s very rocky. There are big and small stones coming from the excavations and tombs nearby that might hurt your feet if you don’t pay attention. It is better to wear some nice trainers or walking shoes to avoid burning your feet with the warm sand or get an injury from the rock.
• Bottle of water . Once you get inside the Pyramids Complex there are no places where you can buy water. The better think is to bring water with you from outside. If you stay a whole day I would suggest about 2-3 L of water. The sun and heat will hit strongly and you will soon become dehydrated. Don’t risk to ruin your day!
• Small change of Egyptian pounds . It is a good thing having a small change of Egyptian pounds with you to tip people. This might happen if you want to have a picture with a camel/ask someone to take a picture of you. People in Egypt expect to receive a tip if they provide you with a service.
• Cross-body bag . It’s good to have a small cross-body bag with you to keep safe all your belongings. It’s better than having a backpack that will turn your back into a boiling hell.
• Refreshing tissues/small towels . To fight the effects of the heat is better to have with you some refreshing tissues and small towels to keep you fresh.
• Non-melting snacks . If you stay around most of the day in the Giza Necropolis you might get hungry! There are no shops/bars inside the Pyramids area, so it’s better to have a small snack with you. Of course, don’t bring chocolate snacks!

12. Best places to eat near the Pyramids of Giza

There is a great number of restaurants near the Pyramids but NOT INSIDE THE NECROPOLIS area (remember this when going!). However, with Egyptian food, you can never go wrong! Almost every place we tried in Egypt served the most delicious and tasty dishes. If you want to dine in a fancy restaurant, the best option is the 139 Restaurant at the Marriot Mena House Hotel. However, one of the best restaurants with a view you can find nearby the Pyramids is Pizza Hut ! In fact, this Pizza Hut is located exactly in the front of the Sphinx and you can see it in all its glory. In the same building there is also a KFC , if you want to grab a snack on the go. They have also a sitting room on the second floor where you can enjoy the same view of Pizza Hut.

Solar boat museum. Is it worthy?

While searching info on the Pyramids, you probably have found also the Solar Boat Museum. Wandering what it is? Read below!

What is a solar boat?

The solar boat museum was built in 1985 to host one of the most incredible discoveries of the last century. Indeed, during an excavation at the foot of the Great Pyramid, an intact full-size vessel dating back to 2500 BC was discovered. It is almost certain that the vessel was built for Khufu (King Cheops) and buried with him in its afterlife home.

The name “solar boat” comes from the fact the vessel was likely understood as a solar barge. This means that it wasn’t really used to navigate but it was designed to be a ritual vessel aiming to carry the resurrected king with the sun god Ra across the heavens. In this regard, archaeologists are still uncertain about this hypothesis because the vessel shows signs of being used in water. Meaning that the boat might have had additional uses, possibly linked to funerary rituals as well.

It is worth to visit the Solar Boat museum?

Yes. You have just to imagine that this boat is likely to be the oldest and best preserved vessel of Antiquity! It is almost certain you won’t see anything similar elsewhere in the world.

How much it cost visiting the Solar Boat Museum?

The ticket to enter the Solar Boat museum is not included in the general price you pay to enter the Giza Necropolis. In fact, this is sold as a separate ticket and costs 100 LE.

Solar Boat Museum Opening Times

You can visit the Khufu ship at the Solar Boat museum every day from 9 am to 16 pm.

Visiting the Sound & Light show at the Pyramids of Giza

The Pyramids Sound and Light Show it’s a one-hour show that narrates the history of ancient Egypt and its kings in the most epic way. A cinematic Ben-Hur style narrative voice will entertain you with spectacular images projected on the Sphinx and Pyramids and a colourful light show. It is worthy? Not sure.

We’ve watched the show from the terrace of our hotel and honestly it did impress me so much. It’s nice, a bit old school but in my opinion it doesn’t worth the $19 you will pay. I think we did the best decision to watch it from the terrace because it was free, the view was amazing and we could hear all the story perfectly. However, if you love the genre this is certainly a thing you would love to do, so here some info for your visit!

How much it cost the Pyramids Sound and Light Show

The tickets to the Pyramids Sound and Light Show are sold by a private company. These are the only attraction tickets you can buy online. If you buy the ticket at the counter before the show, this will cost you LE 300. If you buy it from the website the price will be in american dollars and you will pay 19 USD. They recently introduced also a “VIP ticket” for 22,58 USD. Here you can buy also tickets for other light shows (e.g. Karnar or Abu Simbel Light Shows).

You can buy your tickets directly at soundanlight.show .

What time is the Pyramids Sound and Light Show?

The show is everyday from 19.00 pm to 20.00 pm in English language and from 20.00 pm to 21.00 pm in French language . However, check the website for updates because the show is often cancelled without any notice in case of private events and (unlikely) bad weather. In fact, during our stay it was cancelled one night on two and the weather was good. So, make your considerations.

Scams to avoid at the Pyramids of Giza

Visiting the Pyramids of Giza independently will give you a lot of freedom but (unfortunately) won’t save you from possible scammers around the area. However, when you are on your own, there are several ways you can be targeted by scammers and below you’ll find the most common scams that happened to us while in Giza. To note that with “scams” I don’t mean those people who approach you to sell you something, but the ones who want to rip you off.

The “your guide is downstairs” scam.

I am not sure if this happened to someone else or it was a coincidence that day. However, I have the suspect it was a well-planned scam. One of the days while we were in Giza, we planned a tour of Saqqara and Dashur with a guide. While we were doing breakfast one of the hotel’s managers came to us with a phone saying that our guide was downstairs waiting for us.

I was immediately suspicious because our appointment was more than one hour late but in Egypt, who never knows. So I picked up the phone and, in effect, the guy at the telephone knew my name and that I was on a tour for “the pyramids”. However, a red flag was lighting in my mind. The guy did not specify what “pyramids” we should see continued to be vague. So, I pointed out that our appointment was not at that (very early) time. In the meantime, Alessio was texting our real guide that confirmed us our appointment and the fact he wasn’t arrived yet. Ergo, who was the guy downstairs???

Because the hotel was organising tours as well (but we went with Emo Tours), I have the suspect that they tried to confuse us with this type of scam, making us go with the wrong guide and discover this when it was too late. I am not 100% sure of this. However, the fact the guy knew my name and called at the hotel instead of my phone didn’t sound as a coincidence.

How to resolve this scam situation

The first thing you must do is getting in contact with your tour operator/guide. In fact, if your tour is organised with an external company, this usually communicates with your mobile directly not with your hotel (unless you ask). Most guides will have a Whatsapp chat you can use to have instant replies, so don’t be afraid to communicate in this way! The second things you can do, is ask as many details as possible about your visit.

The guy at the phone didn’t know we were actually going to Saqqara. He continued to repeat he was our guide for the pyramids. Third thing. Never reveal too many details of your plans to anyone, even to the guy at the hotel reception when he ask. Fourth and last thing, don’t even think to go with anyone unless you are 100% sure he/she is your tour guide. Especially if you are travelling as a solo woman.

The “can you change my money” scam

This happened to us all across Egypt but while around Giza it happened two-three times. It usually starts when a guy (90% of the times a camel owner/vendor) approaches you and ask you where are you from. Well, if for example you say Italy, he will comes out with some Euro in his hands and ask you if you use them in your country. If you say yes, he will ask you if you can give him some LE in exchange of the Euro (or whatever currency) he has.

Of course the change he will propose will be totally on his favour. The better thing to do is replying that you still need the Egyptian Pounds to go around the country and you can’t exchange them in that moment.

The “go climb the Pyramid, I’ll watch that nobody is coming”.

When you are around the foot of the Great Pyramid you will probably be approached by guys who will encourage you to climb it. The most typical phrase is “go go, climb the Pyramid! I’ll watch that nobody is coming”. Let’s start with the premise that climbing the Pyramids (any of them) is forbidden. These guys know it very well. For this reason, in exchange of this favour, they will ask you money to watch that nobody (aka the Police) is on your way and to close an eye on your law infringement. Of course, we did not accept any of these offers but, unfortunately, many tourists were not of our same opinion. The worst thing, was that among these scammers of the law there were also some of the Pyramids’ guardians!

Do’s and Don’ts at the Pyramids of Giza

There are a lot of Do and Don’ts concerning the Pyramids but I will restrict the list to 5 for each category to summarise the article and be easy to remember when you are there! I will start with the don’ts!

Don’t do this at the Pyramids

• Climbing the Pyramids . If you don’t want to do this for preserving this amazing historical landmark at least do it for your self. In fact, if you are caught up while climbing a pyramid you might end up in jail.
• Tip someone helping you infringing the law (e.g. climbing the Pyramids). It’s wrong, it encourages wrong behaviour, harassment towards tourists and the perpetual dissemination of the myth tourist= ATM
• Take with you objects/stones from the Pyramids. Do I really need to explain why this is wrong?
• Undertake a camel/horse rides with came owners that are mistreating their animals.
• Being rude towards people working at the Pyramids or approaching you for selling somethings. Not all the vendors are scammers. Most of them are just trying to gain money for their families. It’s unnecessary to be rude. Indeed, just say a firm no if you are not interested and carry on!

Definitely do’s at the Pyramids

• Take your time . You are living a once in a life experience. Probably something you had on your bucket list since ages. Don’t rush in order to do more things. Your visit deserves all your attention.
• Focus on the positive sides of your visit and ignore all the things that Egypt has to improve. This will help you a lot to enjoy your visit.
• Take pictures!! You are finally touching the Pyramids, this has to be remembered forever!
• Try to learn something new. You don’t have to know everything about the Pyramids but try to learn something that passionate you and that you can share with someone else!
• Explore!! It’s true, you can’t climb the Pyramids but this does’t mean you can sneak around and explore the area as a real adventurer! Who never knows what you can find!

Planning a visit to Cairo? Read my DIY walking tour of Islamic Cairo!

Best view-points and Instagrammable locations at the Pyramids of Giza

To be honest, from whatever corner you will photograph the Pyramids, they will be always stunning. However, if you want some specific points that will help you to get a perfect insta shot, you need to know where to go! So I’ve listed below 4 most instagrammable spots in Giza!

• The 6 Pyramids wide-view point (less tourists here!). From this point you can have an impressive wide-view of 6 on 9 of the Giza Pyramids. Unfortunately, it’s forbidden (for reasons of safety) to reach this point by walking towards this area. In fact, you have to go with a camel and a guide with you.
• The 9 Pyramids view point (super touristy) . This is the most famous of the Giza viewpoints and you can reach it also with a taxi/coach. We decided to skip it because it was massively crowded and I preferred see the Pyramids from a less known point of view.
• The frontal view of the Sphinx and Great Pyramid. This point is one of my favourite photo spot! It’s a bit tricky to get. First because you need a wide-angle lens to capture both the Sphinx and the Great Pyramid. Second, because it’s now closed to the public. There are some external gates surrounding the frontal area of the Sphinx and you need to ask the permission of one of the guardians to enter (at least to enter in the afternoon). Be prepared to tip someone!
• The classic Sphinx kissing point. This is one of the most classical shot you can get. I honestly did not take it but if you search this point it’s just at the side-corridor overlooking the Sphinx. All you have to do is find the right angle with your camera.

Best tips for visiting the Pyramids – Infographic

In order to remember the most important things for your Giza Pyramids tour I’ve created a short infographic that you can save, print and take with you before or during your trip!

Plan your trip to Egypt

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Wow I think this is the most thorough and informative post I’ve ever read about Giza! I love the historical information you included about the Pyramids, I definitely learned some things. I don’t know why but the Pizza Hut being right near the pyramid ticket sales really surprised me. It just doesn’t fit with how I imagine the pyramids.

Great information about where to stay, your view you had while eating breakfast every morning is unreal. I think I would have to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming!

It’s kind of scary that you got a call at your hotel to meet a tour guide that wasn’t yours, great tips on avoiding scams. Luckily you were able to catch on that something fishy was going on.

Thanks so much Brianna! That Pizza Hut really doesn’t fit when you look it from the outside in the street. However, once you are inside the complex, everything is so huge that you completely forget that you are just at a step away from the city! That call was very creepy! I think the most important thing to do in these cases is staying calm and don’t be impulsive. I remember that in the exact moment when the call arrived, I thought for a minute that it might be my guide but then thinking carefully I was very doubtful. So, better think twice! However, apart from this creepy episode the hotel was very good!I would definitely stay again!

Great post, so much useful information! I love that you touched on the fair treatment of Camels. I am the same way-I avoid them when I know the animals are being overworked. Thanks for sharing the tips on avoiding scams. Great tips for taking photos of the pyramids as well. I can only imagine what it must be like to wake up every morning to that view! It is on the bucket list!

I always thought this place was a tourist trap. Glad to see that it kind of isn’t…..:P

What a brilliantly detailed and comprehensive post! You’ve got some great shots there as well, the pyramids really are beautiful.

Such a detailed article! This place has now been added to my bucket list. Thanks 🙂

I loved how informative and thorough you were in this post! Egypt has long been on my bucket list and *fingers crossed* I’ll get to go next year!

As a fellow historian, I thoroughly enjoyed this comprehensive review. That being said I was disappointed you BARGAINED 100 LE simply for the hell of it and tipped so pathetically low, compared to tips in lesser destinations in Western areas. No, it isn’t the West, but why penny pinch when you have an opportunity to deal with vendors directly? It is not an expensive price they are asking for camel rides or day-tours, nor a bargain to play this role with people who are severely lacking money in a extremely stratified country. How can you reconcile social justice while offering a fraction of minimum wage for 1 hour as an entire day tip?? Do you do that in all countries you visit? Do you ever think how stingy it reflects on the you both as an individual as well as the country you represent abroad? Same with Pizza Hut / KFC. Why would anyone wish for that experience, even for “the view”? It’s a Western experience for local people with money to afford it. Not a safe haven for Westerners to feel comfortable with photo ops. But hey, if you’re into that, cool.

You don’t have to post this publicly, but I hope you consider donating to a local charity inlieu, since your tipping was so low to the point of nearly pointless. You are not a local and I personally feel is inappropriate for someone of wealth to tip like a local when you are a foreigner from an affluent place, even if you are on a budget. Which, by the amount of countries you visit, doesn’t seem to be an issue.

Dear Ethical Traveller, thanks for your comment. I’m not sure you ever visited countries like Egypt before stating your assumptions but I can assure you that I did not penny pinched any tips given to Egyptian working people. As a historian specialised in Middle East travels, I have many friends from Cairo and Egypt who works on similar fields and I’ve asked them all the suggestions possible before tipping people in the wrong way or in a way that could be offensive for them. 100 LE for one hour camel ride (especially when the camel guy try to scam you in every way possible) is more than appropriate. Tipping rates depend also on what service you receive, I stated some general prices. It’s up to you to decide what it’s appropriate to your situation. Most of the time I found that guides and vendors tried to scam me or the service wasn’t appropriate to the price paid, so I’ve acted accordingly. And if you think you can bargain for a fair price without being scammed at least once in Egypt, please tell me (and other interested tourists) your secret because I think this would be game changing for all the hundreds of visitors who get (sometimes heavily) scammed during their visits. Tipping 15/20% of the price you pay for something (depending also on the service received) is generally fair in any country you visit not only in Egypt and I don’t think this is stinging for me as individual or the country I am from (which I don’t see as I could be an official representative in a private holiday). Concerning Pizza Hut/KFC, even if you don’t like that experience in a foreign country, this doesn’t mean that other people couldn’t be interested in it. I never said it’s my favourite thing to do, and sure I would opt for a more local option if I have the chance, but some people are more adventurous than others, some have families with kids and want a “safe heaven” out of the Giza chaos (especially if they are afraid of wandering alone in a foreign place), and some other simply don’t like Egyptian food (they do exist, yes). I don’t think there’s nothing wrong to get there for food or for a nice view of the Sphinx along with a drink as long as you are respectful of the people who work there. I honestly find more concerning your way of judging they way people travel according to your standard ethical stereotypes without knowing the background of a story. You know nothing of me and you read of my travels only the things I want you to read. If I want to donate to a charity or a local family, I don’t need to state this publicly on my blog. I would love to invite to consider better your assumptions before giving blank judgements on people’s habits. Especially when you know nothing about them or their social-economic situation. Everyone should travel as comfortable as it could in the respect of a local culture and if you think that getting a meal from KFC is the real problem with Egypt and tourism nowadays, you should pose yourself different kind of questions.

Thanks alot for useful information

Your’re welcome!

Hi Laura! I really enjoy reading all your posts on traveling throughout Egypt! Just a quick question: have you visited the tomb of Queen Meresankh III (Eastern Cemetery) of Giza, and if so, would you recommend? (I noticed that you posted the tour prices for this tomb in the table of Entrance Fees in your blog.) Thank you!

Hi Cecilia. Unfortunately, I didn’t visit this tomb. I posted the price for the readers info. If you want to visit, I do recommend to check and see if it’s open. We discovered that tombs are not always open to tourist. This is particularly true in the Valley of the Kings. Indeed, each tomb has a schedule so it’s not always open to the public. In the case of the Valley of the Kings you will find the schedule at the entrance. There is a board showing the tombs that are open. For the one in Giza I am not really sure but I hope to find out in a future visit!

thank you very much for amazing review, and super-detailed description of all necessary things about Giza, this will help me much for my soon trip to Cairo, and visiting Giza pyramids, read your Cairo self-guide walking tour too, as plan visit Al-Azhar, and most of Cairo’s attractions.

Frankly speaking, i’m little bit afraid about visiting that country, city, as always had opinion there not so safe, even i’m Muslim, but i’m Muslim from Europe, with much difference in culture, tradition, mentality than North Africa, Middle East countries, hope everything will pass ok 🙂 .

Will use tourist agency for guided tours you used, as see you have same life-style like me and respect similar values like me, and prefere safe way, than risking 🙂 …

If you can, tell me, is safe use their taxi companies, instead uber, as i prefere use taxi, as companies, and not invidiuals at uber, as know at uber sometimes work guy with very bad and criminal past? Or maybe using their public transport? Thanks!

Hi BR! Thanks for reading my blog and happy you are using my guide for your trip to Cairo! I found people in Egypt (and other countries in North Africa) very respectful of other people’s beliefs and cultures. I am not Muslim but I never felt unwelcome or judged for my beliefs or from where I was coming from. Egyptians are very open and welcome to other cultures. I loved to visit the mosques in Cairo, they are all so beautiful and I am glad they are open to people that are not Muslim because it’s a great opportunity to get close to a different culture and learn from it. Al-Azhar Mosque in particular it was one of my favourites as its architecture is truly stunning. Generally speaking, I think the country is safe to visit regardless if you are a Muslim or not. However, there is “tourists harassment” in certain areas like the Pyramids or Luxor. With this, I don’t mean they harass you for your religion or physical aspect but they are very pushy in trying to selling you tours, souvenirs, getting to a restaurant etc. Because most of them don’t stop even after saying “La Shukran” this can be considered harassing and annoying to deal with. I hope this doesn’t happen to you, but you should be prepared for this type of approach. All the guides we had were very respectful and professionals and we strictly talked about what we were seeing (no political or religious topics). The bedouins we travelled with into the Western Desert were much more open and friendly and we talked a lot about their religion, our differences and our cultures. It was a fantastic talk and we learnt a lot from them. Concerning Uber, all the taxi drivers we met were ok. Not sure about the public transport as we didn’t use it. If you want a general taxi, is better to call this through your hotel and agree a price first. I think you can visit safely most places and as long as there is mutual respect everything should be fine. Of course, bad people are everywhere and things can happen in Egypt as in Europe but unfortunately we can’t foreseen this. Let me know if you have any other questions! Have a nice day 🙂

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All you need to know about visiting Pyramids of Giza

One of the main attractions of Egypt are Pyramids of Giza. It’s a must visit place in every Egypt itinerary .

Every day thousands of people visit Pyramids, and I can’t blame them. It’s a spectacular site, and it gets the whole hype for a reason.

After all, everyone has heard of the Giza pyramid complex, dating back to the ca. 2580 – 2560 BC.

I left visiting Pyramids for the last of my 3 days in Cairo.

To be honest, the Pyramids of Giza have never been high on my bucket list, and I went to see them only because I couldn’t have missed such a huge attraction, not because I really wanted to.

I explored the site independently and on my own.

Well, to my huge surprise, I loved the Pyramids!

My jaw literally has dropped when I’ve seen them from up close and for all the time I was visiting Pyramids I was in awe.

No picture can show how spectacular this site is and now I really believe Pyramids is one of the places you have to see before you die!

The most popular picture from Pyramids

But visiting Pyramids independently was also an utterly exhausting and annoying experience and left me drained for the rest of the day.

Still, I don’t regret every single minute spent at the site.

I was there on New Year’s Eve morning and visiting Pyramids was a perfect ending of the year for me.

I put together all the information about visiting Pyramids for you, so you know how to prepare for the trip to Pyramids and what to expect at the site.

I went there a bit unprepared, and I wish I knew some of these things before.

But I still think my visit to the Pyramids went well.

Quick Pyramids cheat sheet

Where to stay near the Pyramids:

• Comfort Pyramids inn (budget)
• Sahara pyramids inn (mid-range)
• Marriott Mena House (luxury)

Best Pyramids tours:

• Pyramids of Giza, Sakkara & Memphis: Private Tour with Lunch
• Giza Pyramids and Sphinx: Half-Day Private Tour
• Pyramids, Museum & Bazaar Private Tour with Entrance & Lunch

Do you need insurance for your trip to Egypt? Check the insurance rates here!

Table of Contents

Where are the Pyramids located?

Unlike the pictures say Pyramids are not located in the middle of the desert.

They are actually at the edge of the bustling suburb of Cairo – Giza. The site is some 13kms away from Cairo downtown and 8kms from the Nile.

Giza is not a pretty place.

It’s a typical neighborhood in Egypt – loud, busy, dirty and smelly but if you are brave enough, you can walk around a little bit to see this face of Giza too.

Or hop off to my friend Nate’s blog to see some great pictures of Giza beyond the Pyramids.

Sphinx and Giza suburb

How to get to the Pyramids?

The easiest way to get to the Pyramids is taking the Uber. That’s what I did both to and from Pyramids, and it was super easy.

You need a local SIM card to do it (I got mine at the airport after arriving), I also recommend learning Arabic numbers so you can recognize the license plate of your car as they are only in Arabic (although in Uber it shows the regular numbers).

These are actually among my main Egypt travel tips.

While I had some problems with Uber in Cairo – drivers were canceling on me on short distances or claiming they arrived but I was not at the meeting point, it went smoothly both to Pyramids and back.

On the way there I paid 65 EGP (~$3,70 / €3,30) from the downtown Cairo, the journey took around 45 minutes, and the driver dropped me off at the entrance gate on the right side of the Great Pyramid.

After my visit, I took Uber from the entrance in front of the Sphinx.

I had to wait some 15 minutes for the driver to arrive (the traffic in Cairo is insane) and then went to the Citadel. For this journey 90 EGP (~$5,10 / €4,50) and we drove for around one hour (again, the traffic).

Alternatively, you can take the metro to Giza station (the ticket should cost 3 EGP one way) that is located some 5 km away from the Pyramids.

From there you can catch a minibus that goes along the main road and will take you close to the Pyramids. You still will have to walk a bit to the entrance though.

But if you want to spend less and you are up for an adventure this might be a good way of getting to the Pyramids.

Which entrance to the Pyramid complex you should choose?

I didn’t know that before, but there are actually two entrances to the site. One is in front of the Sphinx, and one is on the hill, next to the Great Pyramid.

Uber chose for me, and the driver dropped me off at the second one. That turned out to be a good choice.

This entrance seemed to be less busy, it is also on the hill so you save yourself going up (the uphill isn’t too big but can make you a bit tired).

The view of the Great Pyramid right after the entrance

What are the opening hours and the best time to visit Pyramids?

The site is open every day from 8 am to 4 pm in the winter time (October to March) and from 7 am to 7 pm in the summertime (April-September).

The earlier you come, the better as most of the tour buses are here around 10 am.

That’s when I arrived too and there indeed were numerous groups around, but it was easy to avoid them actually, and they didn’t spoil the whole experience of visiting Pyramids for me.

In the evening you can see the light and sound show at the Pyramids. I personally haven’t attended it, but I heard rather good opinions about the show.

It starts at 7 pm in the winter time and at 7:30 pm in the summer time.

Each day there are three shows scheduled, beginning every hour. In Ramadan, the shows start at 8:30 pm.

Click here to join the light and shound show at the Pyramids.

How much does it cost to visit the Pyramids?

When I visited Pyramids on 31st of December 2018 the ticket was 160 EGP (~$9 / €8) for the site, 360 EGP (~$20,50 / €18) for the Great Pyramid, 100 EGP for the Khafre Pyramid, 50 EGP for Mers Ankh Tomb or 500 EGP (~$28,50 / €25) for the combined ticket.

I bought a combined ticket.

Do I recommend it? Not really, to be honest.

I only went inside the Great Pyramid, and it was a miserable experience indeed.

The corridor is narrow, the stairs are slippery, the air was stifling, and the place was claustrophobic.

I didn’t enjoy it at all, and at some point, I turned around and went back.

But the whole Pyramids site was a completely different story and worth every penny!

Can you visit the Great Pyramid?

Yes, you can. You need to get an extra ticket for the Great Pyramid, so you need to decide at the entrance.

But, as I mentioned above, I don’t really recommend it.

Not only it’s not really worth it in my opinion, but you also need to leave your camera at the entrance to the Pyramid as taking pictures inside is strictly forbidden.

I had huge doubts when leaving my camera, but they were insisting and didn’t let me hide it to my backpack, I had to leave it there and then, at the stone next to the guard (this didn’t help my concerns).

I got it back with no issues when I left the Pyramid, but afterward, I read some stories on how people had to bribe the guards to get their cameras back!

This is yet another reason for me why I would not recommend visiting the Great Pyramid…

By the way, when I got my camera back, the guard let me take a picture inside at the entrance and even made a (blurry) picture of myself.

Of course, it was for a small fee, 10 EGP was enough, so I didn’t mind it all that much.

inside the Great Pyramid

How much time do you need for visiting the Pyramids?

It depends on you really.

I spent 2 hours at the Pyramids, and I could have easily stayed there longer but I wanted to see some more places in Cairo, and it was my last full day in the city.

I heard the average time of the visit is 1,5 hour, but if you are visiting Pyramids independently, you can stay as long as you want to there, even the whole day.

It’s a mesmerizing site really and every minute spent there is worth it!

Should you visit Pyramids independently or with the tour?

I can’t recommend you one way or another, it depends on you and your preferences. And also on your level of assertiveness and how quickly you get annoyed.

I visited the Pyramid independently, and some parts of the experience left me outraged while others were a bliss.

For most of the time though I had to deal with the constant harassment of local vendors/security/guides/drivers/ you name it who tried to talk me into taking their services, and they did it rather boldly.

If you visit the Pyramids with the prebooked guide, you most likely will avoid all these annoyances, and you will be able to learn from the first hand about the site, its history, and impact.

The call is yours.

If you would like to the tour to the Pyramids here are some of the good options of highly rated tours:

• Cairo: Giza Pyramids, Egyptian Museum & Bazaar Full-Day Tour
• Giza Pyramids, Sphinx and Sakkara – Private Full Day Tour

What to wear when visiting Pyramids?

There is no official dress code for visiting the Pyramids but for your own sake wear something comfortable and modest (I took the tunic I wore every day when I was traveling solo in Iran ).

And don’t forget something to cover your head, a hat or scarf will do. This is an open area, and the sun can be cruel here, even in winter.

When I visited, it was around 20 C and foggy, but still, the sun was shining through and made it really hot.

Be sure to have a bottle of water or two with you too! Better to buy it beforehand, the prices at and near the site and like 10 times higher.

solo female travel in Pyramids of Giza

What to expect when visiting Pyramids?

Visiting Pyramids can be madness, really.

As soon as you enter the site, you are constantly approached by all sorts of people who keep offering you their services.

But in 80% of cases, it first starts with the question where you are from as it’s a good beginning of the small talk that would only dull your vigilance and give them the impression how wealthy you might be.

A firm but kind “no, thank you, I’m good” as an answer to all the offers is usually enough but it takes a minute or two, and you are approached by yet another one, and another, and another tout…

Some of these men (oh, did I mention they are only men?) offer to give you something for free, as a gift but remember there is no such thing as for free in the touristic places in Egypt, it’s just another way to make you pay.

When I was offered “gifts,” I just said that although I really appreciate the gesture, I can’t take it as I don’t need it and why giving it to me for free when he can sell it to someone else.

I kept repeating it like a mantra, at some point they got the message.

The most annoying situation I had when visiting Pyramids (or Egypt in general) was when one of the “security guys” followed me to the viewpoint that I’ve already been at, showed me the view that was already in front of my eyes and then demanded money for showing me the way and the view that I found myself.

I was arguing with him a bit and eventually gave him 10 EGP.

His reaction? “This is nothing! Give me more!”.

I tried to tell him that this is not nothing and asked why I should give him any more money just for the fact that he exists but got no answer for that.

Instead, he told me I can give him US dollars if I don’t have Egyptian pounds and showed me his wallet full of money (so I said he doesn’t need any more money if he already has more than me).

Eventually, I gave him 10 EGP more just to get rid of him.

It wasn’t scary or anything, there were lots of people around, and I didn’t feel in danger. I was just annoyed like hell.

The view that I found myself

Another trick to avoid when visiting Pyramids is when someone offers to show you “the secret place,” the shortcut or hidden tombs – I didn’t fall for it, but I’ve seen others who did and again, nothing good can come out of that.

When going to see the Sphinx they might stop you to check your ticket (so what it was already checked at the gate and the Sphinx is included) and then direct you to “secret tombs” first – don’t fall for it either.

Again, a firm “no, thank you, I’m good” should be enough.

You will also be constantly asked if you want to go for a camel/horse/carriage ride.

You might go, and there is a set price for that (150 EGP if I remember correctly but I might be wrong), but probably you will be asked for a tip too.

I didn’t go for different reasons – I felt sorry for animals, and I didn’t see a point using this offer when I could walk on my own.

This way I could also see Pyramids from all possible angles and take pictures whenever I wanted to.

The area of Pyramids is a busy place and not as secluded as it looks on the pictures online.

There is a proper asphalt road going through the site, with cars, buses, carriages, and animals going up and down for all the time.

I even found a landing pad for helicopters.

Since I was wandering around on my own, I didn’t have to stick to the road and could go wherever I wanted to.

That’s when I finally was on my own with the Pyramids but to be honest, it wasn’t too difficult to escape the crowds.

Is visiting Pyramids safe?

Even if the day I arrived in Egypt there was a terrorist attack in Giza that was aimed at Vietnamese tourists that killed 4 and injured 12 people I still think visiting the Pyramids is safe.

At the entrance, you go through the security control and then you are free to explore the site.

The whole harassment you get from all the touts is annoying, like insanely irritating, but not dangerous really. I felt safe the entire time I was at the Pyramids and I was exploring the site alone.

selfie with Sphinx

Is it possible to climb the Pyramids of Giza?

No, unfortunately not.

In the past, for a small bribe, it was possible, but after the recent scandal with the tourists having sex on top of the Great Pyramid it is forbidden to climb the Pyramids, and the police present at the site is very strict about it.

As soon as you try to do it, they whistle and urge you to go down. I wouldn’t try climbing the Pyramids really.

Where to stay when visiting Pyramids?

I stayed in downtown Cairo and visited Pyramids only as a side trip, but there are numerous accommodation options right at the spot.

If visiting Pyramids was my main reason to come to Egypt, like it is for many people, I would have opted for the place to stay in Giza for sure.

After all, what’s more romantic than waking up with the view of Pyramids outside your window.

Besides, you could be the first one at the site, before the tour buses arrive!

So if you would like to stay near the Pyramids these are the best options for accommodation in Giza, with the spectacular view over Pyramids:

• Marriott Mena House, Cairo – with rating 8.6/10 on Booking
• Panorama Pyramids Inn, with 9.3/10 rating on Booking
• Pyramids View Inn, with 8,9/10 rating on Booking
• Pyramids Overlook Inn, with 9,2/10 rating on Booking

You could wake up with the view like this

Is it worth to visit the Pyramids?

Yes, yes and yes!

Despite all the horror stories and annoyances, I think Pyramids are worth the effort.

For most of the time I felt like slapping all the touts right in their smiling yet mercenary faces, and I will scream next time I hear “camel, madam?” but nevertheless I loved Pyramids, so much more than I expected.

The site is splendid, the Pyramids are mesmerizing, and no picture can do the justice to this site.

Just prepare yourself for the worst, remember about all the scams, use your assertiveness, and you will be fine.

Pyramids in Giza really is one of these places you have to see before you die!

If you have any questions or would like to share your experience visiting the Pyramids comment below.

Travel resources

You can find the best accommodation options at Booking . They have many discounts and excellent customer service. Click here to look for the place to stay in Egypt

Never travel without travel insurance , you never know what might happen and better safe than sorry. You can check the insurance policy for Egypt here.

I recommend joining organized tours to get to know the place better and to visit more places during your trip. You can find a great selection of tours at Get Your Guide – click here .

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28 Comments

Hi Kami. I’ve always been a keen follower of all your writings but I was very disappointed to read in this blog about the safety at the pyramids where you stated “that a terrorist attack aimed at Vietnamese tourists resulted in a few casualties”. This attack actually killed 4 people and 12 people hospitalised. In my opinion this is a serious attack not a few casualties.

Thank you for your feedback Margaret. As you might know, I’m not a native English speaker and this might have been a very unfortunate use of words from me, I’ve changed it. But to be honest, seeing what’s happening in the region this wasn’t such a serious attack. The only reason why we consider it serious was because it was aimed at foreigners, otherwise I don’t think it would have made it to the news, unfortunately…

Great photos again shame about the touts I was there last March and no problems i was by myself also and I felt safe at all times

So good you didn’t have to deal with touts, it was a nightmare! Glad you enjoyed Pyramids, it’s such a spectacular site!

Great and helpful post! I have been reading so many negative posts and yours was encouraging that you stayed positive despite the hassles, I will go there with the same attitude. I had doubts about wandering around alone, but I feel prepared to say no assertively and not let it bother me too much. Beautiful photos!

Thank you! You will be fine, even if annoyed. Just say no firmly and go your own way to enjoy the place. It’s a spectacular side, worth all the hassle. Hope you will enjoy it too!

The ticket was 160 EGP (~$9 / €8) for the site, does that include seeing the 3 pyramids from the outside and Sphinx from outside.

I am not talking of going inside the pyramid, obviously that’s extra. I mean will the $ 9 ticket for the site let me very close to the pyramid like touching it from the outside? Or is there another ticket to get close to the 3 pyramids and the sphinx?

Yes, the 160 EGP allows you to get very close to the Pyramids, even to touch them. You are only not allowed to go inside as that’s extra paid.

Claude Henoud

Great review, heading over today. Thanks for the tips

I hope you enjoyed the place, despite all the hassle there!

Hi, great tips!

Can I pay in the Sphinx entrance with american dollars or credit card ? I will be only two days in Cairo and prefer not to change usd for egp.

To be honest I don’t know as I paid by cash in Egyptian pounds. Sorry I can’t help you with this question. Have a great trip!

Great composition of data. Thank you.

Is it possible/advisable to see all the sites around the pyramids between 8am to 12 pm and catch the flight from Cairo airport at 4 pm the same day?

One thing that we should definitely pre-book before visiting pyramids?

Thanks once again Kami.

I think it’s doable, although keep in mind the Pyramids are on the other side of Cairo than the airport. But you need 2 hours max for visiting Pyramids complex, if you start early in the morning you should be able to make it. I think having a guide would be a good idea to help you get to know the place better.

Jerry Fer Damian

Thank you for sharing your experiences

Husam Starxin

We’re visiting the Pyramids tomorrow, I just want to be clear, is the 9$ fee enough to see all the Pyramids and great pyramid, as well as Khafre and the Sphinx? We’re only interested in seeing everything from the outside “from all sides, especially for the Sphinx”.

Thanks for all your tips.

Yes, once you pay the entrance fee to the area you are free to see all the places from the outside. Have a good time at Pyramids!

I’m currently doing an assignment about The Great Pyramid of Giza and I just wanted to ask, I saw an article saying that they have a dozen gates at the entrance with metal detectors and xray machines, is this true? Also, is it true that they have 20km link chain with cameras around the whole tourist site?

Thanks for the help!

I’m not sure about the link chain but there are two main entrance points to the site and they do have a security control with Xrays. Hope this helps!

Kami, hi! I have such a question. It is written on official webste that Giza Pyramids working hours are from 9 till 17:00 in winter. It happens that we arrive there not in the morning but at around 16:00. Is it possible to enter within working hours but to leave after 17? I just want to have more time there walking around and making photos.

Hi Anna, I’m so sorry for my late answer! To be honest I don’t know the answer to your question, unfortunately. But if you managed to figure it out please let me know so I can update the post. Thanks :)

Hi, how it went? We also interested if it is possible to stay longer inside pyramid area than opening hours?

Hello, that is not possible. They start to kick out visitors at 4 pm. To enjoy the whole Plateau you should be there at least at 2 pm.

Thanks for the article on the pyramids. I am currently on my way to visit and your article made the decision to travel independently much simpler. Concierge was digesting I utilize a tour guide but think I will go it on my own after reading this

I’m glad I could help. Good luck and enjoy the Pyramids!

Lara de Vaal

Your post has really inspired me to go solo. The only question I have is: how does one take pictures?

I’m glad to hear that! You can always take selfies, or ask other visitors for help (I would avoid asking locals hanging around as they might ask for money in exchange)

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How to visit the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt

Plan the perfect egypt pyramids tour – what to see, when to visit and where to stay..

Are you dreaming of a tour to the Pyramids in Egypt? Are you wondering about the best time to visit and if it is safe? Then this guide is all you ever have to read.

The Pyramids of Giza near Cairo, are both the oldest ancient World Wonder and the only one to survive the ages (almost) unscathed. There are so many tours to the pyramids in Egypt, it’s quite easy to lose count. Some outrageously expensive and some dead cheap, you are wondering how they make a profit at all. You can easily visit them on your own just like the rest of Egypt ( check out my 14 days itinerary to learn how )

I’m going to show you how exactly you can visit the UNESCO World Heritage site all by yourself , saving money and not missing out a thing. Also, make sure to read my list of the 20 best things to do in Egypt , as there is so much more to explore.

Here is my advice on visiting the Pyramids:

Note: You can find my ultimate Egypt travel guide here .

Quick facts about the Great Pyramids of Giza

The Great Pyramids of Giza are not located in Cairo itself, but, as the name indicates, in the suburb of Giza . They are not the only pyramids in Egypt. Archeologists uncovered a total of 138 in Egypt, and this doesn’t cover the ones in Sudan – but none of them are as big as the ones in Giza (still, absolutely read my guide to amazing Step Pyramid of Djoser ). Either way, here are some quick facts:

• Completed in 2560 BC (Old Kingdom)
• Maximum height: 138,8 meters (originally 146,7m)
• Length at the base: 230,34 meters
• Burial monument of Pharaoh Khufu (sometimes “Cheops”)
• Inside: 2 Chambers (+1 unfinished subterranean chamber)
• Material: Built of around 2.3 million blocks of limestone & granite
• Distance from Cairo center: ~18 kilometers
• Distance from Cairo airport: ~55 kilometers
• Opening hours: 8 am 5pm (October – March); 7 am – 7 pm (April – September)

Touring the great pyramids of Giza

Your tour starts at the parking lot in front of the main entrance. The whole Giza plateau is fenced in and not accessible without a ticket. Tickets are sold at the entrance and there is no need to book them in advance through a tour agency. If you want to go inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu you should know that only 150 people are allowed inside during the morning shift and another 150 in the evening.

Ticket price for the Pyramids of Giza 2018:

You got a couple of ticket options for touring the of the great pyramids of Giza. The standard ticket will only allow you to walk around the whole plateau and entering the three Queen’s Pyramids , while you will need an extra ticket to go inside the Pyramids of Khafre and Khufu.

• Giza Pyramids ticket price: 80 EGP for adult
• Pyramid of Khufu ticket price: 300 EGP
• Pyramid of Khafre & Menkaure: 50 EGP
• Solar barge /Khufu Ship: 60 EGP
• Tomb of Meresankh II ticket price: 900 EGP
• Camel ride (tickets not sold at the ticket booth): Expect 100 EGP

Note: Ticket prices for the Pyramids have been steadily increasing over the past couple of years.

Start your tour at the Pyramid of Khufu

It is only a short walk from the main entrance to the imposing Pyramid of Khufu. Be wary of souvenirs and camel rides offered to you right after the entrance (just ignore them and say “no, thank you”) – especially when more than one Egyptian approaches you. Also, don’t hand your camera to one of them offering to take a picture of you (instead, ask a fellow European/American).

Guides may bring their car inside , and actually, it will be quite strenuous to explore the whole area on foot. Though, it is always possible to hire a camel ride. There isn’t actually a lot to do around the area. Just marvel at the sheer imposing size and take your time taking pictures. The ground is mostly sand and bigger stones, with some paved areas in between, so sturdy walking shoes or sandals (if you don’t mind the sand) are recommended.

Note: It possible to climb up the Great Pyramids? It is strictly forbidden to climb to the top of the Great Pyramids. If you want to take a picture, you have to be content with climbing the lower steps.

Tour inside the Great Pyramid

If you plan to take a tour inside the pyramids, then you will need a special ticket (currently 300 EGP). The Pyramids of Khufu (which is the largest of the lot) is the most popular among tourists. Sadly, grave robbers emptied the pyramid long, long ago, so don’t expect to see gold or any other form of adornment. In fact, the whole pyramid is literally empty.

Does this mean you shouldn’t go? Quite to the contrary. First of all, there is the Grand Gallery of the Great Pyramid of Giza . A massive ascending passage of some 47 meters and a height of 8,6 meters. Climbing through this gallery imprints you with the almost palpable feeling of those millions of millions of tons of stone above you.

Moving onwards, you will be able to enter the King’s Chamber . Quite a small granite chambers with the empty Sacrophagus of pharao Khofu (?) in the middle. Some believe this room in the middle of the pyramid (it is in fact not in the center) is an energy vortex. The sarcophagus is quite rough, which led to a lot of speculation. It was not uncommon for a sarcophagus to be irreversibly damaged on the way from the quarries into the tomb, creating the need for a fast (and thus simpler) replacement.

There is also the so-called Queen’s Chamber, but this one is not open to tourists. The same applies to the subterranean chamber beneath the Great Pyramid of Khufu.

Note: It is incredibly hot inside the Great Pyramids . Also, the passages upwards are quite narrow and steep, so you will more or less crawl on your hands and feet. You are not allowed to bring cameras inside (smartphones are fine).

The Pyramid of Khafre

The Pyramid of Khafre is the second pyramid on your tour (roughly 1.000 meters away from the entrance) and only slightly smaller (136 meters). The major difference is the remnants of the outer smooth limestone encasement at the very top of the pyramid. Once the outside of the pyramids was totally smooth and possibly covered with big hieroglyphs and colorful paintings.

Earthquakes and subsequent looting destroyed the outer layer, which the locals used as building material for the mosques and madrassahs in Cairo over the centuries.

Again, it is possible to go inside the Pyramid of Khafre, but there is no grand gallery like in the adjacent Pyramid of Khufu. So, except you are an Egyptologist or an avid fan of ancient Egyptian culture, there really is no need to go inside. You don’t need to climb as much, though, as the burial chamber is almost level with the entrance.

The classic panorama of the Pyramids of Giza

The Pyramids of Giza are impressive, no matter where you stand, but there are three distinct points of interest you shouldn’t miss. The first and easiest spot is from in front of the Sphinx (see below), so I won’t cover it here.

1. If you follow the road from the main entranceway past the Pyramid of Menkaure, you will come to a little hillock where you can see all three great pyramids . It is here most of the camel rides start. There is a parking lot (with some souvenir vendors). From here, you can shoot one of the three classic shots.

2. If you want to have all 6 Pyramids neatly aligned , you have to take a camel to take you to that sweet spot in front of the Pyramids of the Queens. You could theoretically also walk from the Pyramid of Mankaure, but it’s still quite the distance.

3. Before the Aswan High Dam was built, the river Nile actually came quite close to the pyramids. As the Nile valley is considerably smaller these days, you won’t be able to reproduce these old pictures you see everywhere with barges and palm trees in front of the Pyramids . Sorry, there’s just desert these days.

Visiting the Sphinx & the valley temple of Khafre

No tour of the Great Pyramids of Giza is complete without visiting the Great Sphinx. Many myths surround the remarkable statue with a human head and the body of a lion . It is generally believed to represent the Pharaoh Khafre (who built the Pyramid behind it), but there are some speculations it is in fact way older.

The Sphinx is some 73 meters long and 20 meters high and the oldest known monumental sculpture built by the ancient Egyptians . I’m not going to delve into all the different theories regarding its creation, purpose, and demolition, but I’ll just state that Napoleon definitely didn’t fire a cannonball which led to the destruction of the nose of the Sphinx. Sketches predating Napoleon’s birth already depict the Sphinx without it.

Right next to the Sphinx you will also find the Valley Temple of Khafre . You see, back when the Pyramids were built the Nile reached quite close to them. The temple and Sphinx mark the original entrance to the whole funerary complex. A causeway then led to the funerary temple and onwards to the pyramids. While the Pharao was buried inside the pyramids, his ancestors and priests used the temples in front of it for prayers and devotions after his death.

The Valley Temple of Khufu is more or less lost, so Khafre’s temple is the only place where you can get a glimpse of how the whole complex might have looked once . On your tour through the temple, take note of the megalithic blocks used to build it. Some of them weigh as much as 400 tonnes!

The Solar barge of Khufu

Right behind the pyramid of Khufu hides one of the secret highlights of the whole site . It is here Kamal el-Mallakh rediscovered two intact ships made of cedarwood from around 2500 BC. The barge was likely intended for use in the afterlife and has been meticulously reconstructed.

The resulting effort is now on display inside the Giza Solar boat museum. The barge is quite large (143 feet / 44meter) and may actually have been put to use during Khufu’s life. Such barges played a role during the funerary rites (mainly to transport the king’s body from the embalmment tent/temple to the burial ground) and during pilgrimages (if you tour on to the valley of the kings, you will see plenty of barges on the walls of the tombs).

How and if this felluca ever really was used will probably remain a mystery for all time. But it’s still worth a visit and almost impossible to imagine how this ship is more than 4.500 years old.

The Tomb of Meresankh II

One of the secret places to tour around the Great Pyramids is the Tomb of Meresankh II. The tickets are quite expensive (and not always available as far as I know), but here you get the chance to visit one of the so-called mastaba (burial house) of ancient Egypt.

If you plan to visit the Valley of the Kings, then you may want to skip this. Otherwise, it will give you the unique chance to see an actual Egyptian burial chamber with intact murals and statues (the sarcophagus has been removed and is now in Boston).

How to get to the Great Pyramids of Giza

The easiest and most relaxing way to get to the Great Pyramids of Giza is by taxi . If you take a local taxi (and not one ordered through your hotel), it’ll cost you less than 10 Dollar to get there from the city center and it will take about 20-40 minutes depending on the traffic situation. Uber is also a very viable alternative to regular taxis, and you won’t have to deal with haggling.

You could also take the bus (number 800 and number 900) from Midan Tahrir to see the pyramids, but you’ll waste a considerable amount of time for saving some money. It is not possible to get to the great pyramids by metro (yet).

There are also frequent pre-organized bus tours to the Great Pyramids . They are usually around 30 to 60 US-Dollar and include the tickets as well. Decide for yourself if you really need a guide to explain Egyptian history to you. Personally speaking, I feel that the pyramids are basically just big (amazing) piles of rock and there isn’t actually that much to explain on site (you can easily skim through the Wikipedia article to get the most important basics). Plus, the guide is not allowed to go inside the Pyramid either.

On the plus side, most great pyramid tours move on to the archeological site of Saqqara (worth it!!) or Memphis. If you plan to visit these historic sites as well, taking a standard taxi might be a bad idea. Instead of a bus tour, you can also organize a private custom tour through your hotel or a local tourist agency. They are usually not that expensive (around 100-150 US-Dollar for the whole pyramid tour), so if you are 4 people it will probably be cheaper than the bus. Plus, you got the total freedom when and where to stop and how long you should stay.

Sounds and light show  Pyramids of Giza

Right in front of the Sphinx, there is a sound and light show every evening. The English show always starts at 7:30 pm (except in Ramadan), and there are shows in Italian, German, Spanish and French starting from 8:00 pm.

Is it worth it? Quite frankly, it’s nothing worth a detour. If you are staying in a hotel close to the Pyramids, then, by all means, don’t miss it. But other than that it is a bit too kitschy for my tastes. Basically, they use gigantic spotlights to illuminate the Sphinx and pyramids in different colors , while a narrator tells a story about the Pyramids mixing facts and fiction to great a nice narrative. They don’t use lasers, pyros or mist, and so it feels a bit outdated.

Also, be aware that there are sound and light shows at a couple of other Egyptian highlights (Karnak temple, Philae, Abu Simbel, Edfu). Depending on your Egypt tour/itinerary, you might want to skip the one at the Pyramids. In my opinion, it is not worth to see two light shows. E.g. I went on a Nile cruise with Oberoi and we saw the light show at the Philae temple as part of the fixed itinerary.

Note: You have to take the Sphinx entrance for the sounds and light show!

Is it safe to travel to Egypt pyramids?

It is totally safe to travel to the Pyramids of Giza in 2018 . The whole site is under constant surveillance by the military police, plus there are security checks at the entrance. In fact, it’s probably safer to visit the Pyramids than the Eiffel tower.

That being said, prepare to get scammed ! There are thousands of “guides” around the pyramids who are anything but official guides. Then you got all the camel rides (the closer to the entrance the more expensive), who will also charge if you take a picture of the camels. And then you got the various vendors of souvenirs who often stalk you with “presents” which turn out to be anything but presents.

Use your common sense, don’t buy anything, only take a camel ride if you really must, and you should be perfectly fine. Read my full guide to travel safety in Egypt here .

Hotels near Pyramids of Giza

Note: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Cairo is a wonderful city and there are many highlights (here is a list of the 20 best things to do in Cairo ). So, as a general rule, I’d say picking a hotel in downtown Cairo is probably the smarter idea. If you just got two or three days in Cairo, it doesn’t matter, though. From downtown, you will have to take a taxi to the pyramids, and if you stay around the pyramids you have to take a cab to the inner city and its highlights for one day (Egyptian Museum, Tahir place, Cairo Citadel, and so on).

That being said a hotel close to the Pyramids of Giza does have its advantages. Nothing beats viewing the ancient monuments right from the balcony of your room or the breakfast buffet. You got three choices:

Marriott Mena House (Luxury): This is by far the best hotel near the Pyramids of Giza, has a stunning pool and is literally a stone’s throw away from the main entrance (this is where I stayed). If you really want to indulge yourself, this is what you’d have to pick. Up until a couple of years ago, this hotel has been run by Oberoi – one of the top luxury hotel chains in the world. So, even after Marriott took over, expect to be overwhelmed, especially as the hotel has its own private entrance to the pyramids. Check out prices here >> .

Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel (Mid-range): If you are traveling with kids and don’t want to spend a fortune on accommodations, but still want a nice view of the Pyramids and a decent pool, then the Meridien Pyramids hotel is the best choice for you. Check out prices here >>

Hayat Pyramids View Hotel (Budget): For those with a tight budget, the Hayat Pyramids View Hotel could be a good option. Generally speaking, I don’t advise picking budget hotels in Egypt, because less than optimal sanitary conditions could spoil your whole vacation. Still, this three-star hotel has a lovely roof-top terrace and some rooms with pyramid views. Check out prices here >>

I know, there are a couple of other hotels calling themselves “Pyramid hotels” – but none of them are truly close to the UNESCO World Heritage site. Some as far as 10 kilometers. Do check the map, before you book.

Best time to do your tour to the pyramids in Egypt

All things considered, mornings are usually better than in the evenings for visiting the pyramids , as it gets incredibly hot in the afternoon. But as most pyramids tours start in the morning, this will also be the most crowded time of the day. Morning is also better in terms of taking pictures, as the sun will be directly opposite the Sphinx in the morning (though even in the evening you will still be able to take good pictures, as the classic panorama goes from south to north).

What time of the year is best to visit the Pyramids? Well, there’s no easy answer, but definitely avoid July and August , where it should be near impossible to go inside the ancient wonders due to the intense heat ( read my full guide to the best time to visit Egypt here ).

Good months would be March until June and September until early November, as these months offer you perfect conditions for swimming & snorkeling in the Red Sea (Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh) while still being (considerably) cool enough to do some sightseeing. Generally speaking, Autumn has clearer skies than spring . In case you only want to visit temples and all the other UNESCO World Heritage sites in Egypt, nothing speaks against winter for your trip to the pyramids either. Hotels are cheaper, there is less of a crowd and you can explore the wonders of the Pharaonic times without breaking into a swear.

So, this was my little Giza pyramids tour. I hope I was able to show you all the options for seeing the ancient Egyptian pyramids. Got any questions? Leave a comment. And don’t forget to pin this to your Pinterest board.

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Wonderful post, and so many great tips! I live in Cairo as an expat, and though I’ve been to the pyramids many times, I have so say I never rode a camel there :D

Informative post! In the ticket prices section, you’ve mentioned “Camel ride (tickets not sold at the ticket booth): Expect 100 EGP” My questions: – Could you elaborate what the duration of the ride would be for 100 EGP? – Also do you know an approximate price for different durations?

sorry, that is one question I cannot answer. These are not official camel tours run by the government. So, price and length are mainly determined by your haggling skills ;-) Usually, it will take around 30 to 60 minutes to reach the classical viewpoint and back to the parking lot.

Appreciate your prompt reply! Have you heard of instances where tour guides try to work out commissions for themselves? A private tour guide tried to give the impression that he was working out a good deal with the Camel ride guys. The whole conversation was in Arabic. He said the ride would cost 346 EGP per person for 30 minutes and that if he had not bargained, it could have costed 865 EGP per person. It was hard to figure out if the private guide was kind who would work on behalf of his clients or if he was trying to work out a commission for himself. Based on your experience, do you think 346 EGP per person is way too much at Giza Pyramids?

I cannot possibly answer that. In my experience, it is always a mixture. Usually guides really try to help you, and usually, they are affiliated with the one restaurant or whatever other venues. So, I would believe he haggled for you …how well..no idea. But at the end of the day, it’s always quite important to judge for yourself. If 346 EGP is fair value for you, then go. If it isn’t don’t. I wouldn’t stress over such details.

Great website thanks for all the information Kealy – Living in Ethiopia Thanks

January 2, 2020 we are discovering that to enter the pyramid complex it is 200 EGP and a camel ride for one hour is 300 EGP. Our hotel actually increased those prices if we book through them, so we found a local student who helped us with getting these prices. It is better to go to the gate entrance at the pyramid complex to buy your entrance tickets or you may find your hotel adding a charge on top of that.

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Best time to visit, ideal duration, starting from, http://cairo.gov.eg/cairoportal/english_tourism/default.aspx, ideal for friends, pyramids of giza entry ticket.

Monday to Sunday

Want to know about Giza Pyramids tickets?

It is set to 80 Egyptian pounds for adults and 40 Egyptian pounds for students with ID proof. If you want to make videos, then it will cost you 300 Egyptian pounds, and for pictures and photography, the ticket price is 50 Egyptian pounds.

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• Cairo Attractions
• Pyramids of Giza
• Pyramid of Khufu
• Pyramid of Menkaure
• Pyramid of Khafre
• Great Sphinx
• Giza Plateau
• Giza Necropolis
• Plan Your Visit
• Pyramids of Giza Day Tours
• Pyramids of Giza Camel Safari
• Egyptian Museum Tickets

Pyramids of Giza Entrance | How to Enter the Pyramids of Giza?

Where are the pyramids of giza located.

The Pyramids are located near Cairo, around 15 km away from the city center. The pyramids are all on the left bank of the Nile River, towards the West. The Pyramids of Giza are an enduring testament to the engineering excellence of ancient Egyptians and are celebrated across the world as one of the seven wonders of the world.

Pyramids of Giza entrances

There are 2 entrances to the Pyramids of Giza- one near the Great Pyramid of Khufu and another one closer to the Great Sphinx . 

By MesserWoland (CC BY-SA 1.0)

Getting to the Pyramids of Giza entrances

The Great Pyramid of Khufu entrance

• Where: Located on the north side near the Great Pyramid, off Al Haram Road, this one is near the Marriott Mena House hotel.
• Entrance: A large opening of 1.7 m height and 1.1 m wide, made from limestone casing.
• Best for: Tour buses, solo tourists, and if you are arriving by taxi or Uber 
• Wait time: It usually takes about 40-50 minutes to enter the site from this entrance. On crowded days, more.
• Close to: Grand Gallery and King’s Chamber in the Great Pyramid 
• Pro tip: Use this entrance if you want easier access to the Panoramic point. It is a walk, but less than the other entrance. 

The Great Sphinx entrance

• Where: Located on the east side of the Pyramids of Giza, this entrance is in front of the Sphinx. Look for Pizza Hut!
• Entrance: The opening is about 1.1 meters high and 0.8 meters wide.
• Best for: Entry to the Sound & Light Show, usually less crowded than the Great Pyramid Entrance. It’s also a different perspective from the usual one if you are interested in photography. While the interiors of the pyramids are not accessible to visitors with limited mobility, there is a ramp leading to this entrance, meaning you can get quite close to the structures.
• Wait time: 30-40 minutes at peak time.
• Close to: The Sphinx and the Queen’s chamber
• Pro tip: Getting to the Great Pyramid, the panoramic spot and other monuments is an uphill climb of up to 3 km from this entrance. Use the other entrance to minimize the uphill walk. 

How to access the Pyramids of Giza entrances?

The cheapest way to reach the Pyramids of Giza is to get a metro from Line 1 in Cairo. The station is about 8 kilometers away from the pyramids. You can avail of a 14-minute bus ride to reach these ancient wonders. 

You can also get a taxi from the Cairo city center to reach the pyramids. It takes around 30 minutes. Note that booking a taxi would be slightly more expensive than getting a bus.

By Tour Bus

The most convenient way to reach the pyramids is to book a guided tour that also includes tour bus services. They will pick you up from your hotel. A professional guide will also accompany you to acquaint you with the significance of the pyramids.

Walking to the pyramids from the Cairo city center would be the most challenging yet the most rewarding of all transport options. It is the best way to soak in the desert views to the fullest. 

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How to enter the Pyramids of Giza?

Frequently asked questions about the pyramids of giza entrances.

There are 2 entrances to the Pyramids of Giza - one near the Great Pyramid , quite close to the Marriot Mena House, and one down the hill, near the Great Sphinx . While you can use any entrance to get to the Panoramic Point, note that it is a one-way uphill walk from the Sphinx. It is a relatively easier downhill walk from the Great Pyramid entrance to the viewpoint.

The entrance near the Great Pyramid of Khufu is the best way to enter the Giza Necropolis . It is conveniently located off Al Haram Road, near the Marriot Mena House. It is also comparatively easier to walk to the Panoramic Point from this entrance. The Great Pyramid entrance is suitable for everyone, from tour buses, taxis, to solo travelers.

Once you have secured Pyramids of Giza tour tickets , you can enter the Giza Necropolis complex through any entrance. We recommend you use the entrance near the Great Pyramid of Khufu because it is a relatively easier, downhill walk to the Panoramic Point, and you will also get easier access to the inside of the Khufu Pyramid.

The Great Pyramid entrance to the Pyramids of Giza is situated off the Al Haram Road, near the Marriot Mena House hotel. We recommend you use this entrance to enter the Giza Necropolis because it is an easier walk from this spot to the Panoramic Point.

During peak tourist season from November to February, you have to wait at least 40 to 50 minutes in line at the Great Pyramid entrance to enter the Pyramids of Giza. While the Sphinx entrance has a comparatively shorter wait time than the Great Pyramid entrance, you have to walk around 3km uphill to reach the Panoramic Point.

There is no specific entrance for visitors on wheelchairs or strollers at the Pyramids of Giza. However, you can get excellent views of the pyramids from the Panoramic Point. Choose to enter through the Great Pyramid entrance which is closer to the viewpoint. You can hop on a camel to reach the Panoramic Point. The interior excavations and inner chambers are not accessible to visitors with limited mobility.

There is no dedicated entrance at the Pyramids of Giza for visitors traveling as a group. If you do not mind the uphill walk from the Sphinx entrance to the Panoramic Point, you can use the entrance near the Great Sphinx as it has a comparatively shorter wait time than the Great Pyramid entrance.

The winter months, between November to February attract the most number of visitors at the Pyramids of Giza. The weather is cooler and more comfortable for outdoor exploration. If you plan a visit during these months, you have to wait at least 40 to 50 minutes at the Great Pyramid entrance, if not more, and 30 to 40 minutes at the Great Sphinx entrance. We recommend you choose the Great Pyramid entrance as it is a relatively easier, downhill walk to the Panoramic Point from this entrance. 

Inside the Pyramids of Giza

Getting to the Pyramids of Giza

Pyramids of Giza Opening Hours