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

Top tips for Visiting Pyramids of Giza Egypt in 2023

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?

Top tips for Visiting Pyramids of Giza Egypt

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?

Top tips for Visiting Pyramids of Giza Egypt

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.

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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.

Top tips for Visiting Pyramids of Giza Egypt

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?

Top tips for Visiting Pyramids of Giza Egypt

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

Top tips for Visiting Pyramids of Giza Egypt

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!

Top tips for Visiting Pyramids of Giza Egypt

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

Top tips for Visiting Pyramids of Giza 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.

Top tips for Visiting Pyramids of Giza Egypt

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 …

great pyramids tourist destination

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Top tips for Visiting Pyramids of Giza Egypt

Sources Independent UK |  Eyewitness Egypt

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great pyramids tourist destination

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

My pleasure! Have a wonderful trip :)

great pyramids tourist destination

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 :)

great pyramids tourist destination

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 :)

great pyramids tourist destination

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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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!

great pyramids tourist destination

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.

great pyramids tourist destination

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).

great pyramids tourist destination

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.

great pyramids tourist destination

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.

great pyramids tourist destination

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.

great pyramids tourist destination

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.

great pyramids tourist destination

I stayed at Marvel Stone Hotel

great pyramids tourist destination

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.

great pyramids tourist destination

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.

great pyramids tourist destination

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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!

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Indeed, thanks!

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I love the article

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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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Visiting the Nile Delta

Luxor Guide

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Weather & Climate

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Must-See Ancient Sights

Guide to the Pyramids of Giza

Pyramids of Giza, Egypt: The Complete Guide

great pyramids tourist destination

Travelpix Ltd / Getty Images

The Great Pyramid of Giza

On the west bank of the River Nile lies Egypt’s most iconic ancient sight : the Pyramids of Giza. The site is made up of three separate pyramid complexes, including the Great Pyramid of Giza (also known as the Pyramid of Khufu), the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure. The Great Sphinx of Giza stands sentinel over them all. All three pyramids were constructed by Fourth Dynasty pharaohs, making them over 4,500 years old. Together, they form part of the ancient Memphis necropolis and stand as a testament to the astonishing wealth, power and architectural prowess of the Ancient Egyptians. Find out how to visit the Pyramids with this guide.

Great Pyramid of Giza

The Great Pyramid of Giza is both the largest and the oldest of the Giza pyramids. It was constructed as a tomb and monument for the pharaoh Khufu, and completed around 2560 B.C. Like the other pyramids, it is built out of vast blocks of granite and limestone that would have been quarried, transported and assembled by hand. In total, around 2.3 million blocks of stone were used to create the pyramid, which was originally encased in smooth white limestone. According to the Greek historian Herodotus, this architectural feat required a workforce of 100,000 men and took 20 years to complete.

In its heyday, the pyramid would have stood 481 feet (146.5 meters) tall. It was the world’s tallest man-made structure for more than 3,800 years. The entrance is located on the north face and leads via a series of corridors to the Queen’s and King’s chambers. The pyramid was opened and looted by the pharaohs of the Middle and New Kingdoms, who may have used its contents to furnish their own tombs at the Valley of the Kings near Luxor . In Hellenistic times, the Great Pyramid was named as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Despite being the oldest of the ancient wonders, it is also the only one that still exists today. 

Pyramid of Khafre

The second-tallest of the Giza pyramids, the Pyramid of Khafre was built as the burial place of Khufu’s son and successor. The exact dates of its completion are not certain, although Khafre ruled from around 2558 to 2532 BC. Some of this pyramid’s original limestone casing remains around the apex, although the rest was removed at various times throughout its history – including during the Nineteenth Dynasty when Ramesses II looted the limestone for one of his temples at Heliopolis. This pyramid has two entrances which lead to a single burial chamber and a subsidiary chamber that may have been used for storage purposes. 

Pyramid of Menkaure

The Pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest and most recent of the three and was likely completed at the beginning of the 25th century B.C. Unlike the other two pyramids, only the upper portion was encased in limestone and parts of the granite exterior appear unfinished. It’s likely that construction was interrupted by Menkaure's death and never completed. The pyramid has a single entrance leading to a subterranean burial chamber. At the end of the 12th century, it was the first victim of Sultan Al-Aziz Uthman 's attempt to demolish the pyramids. Fortunately the task proved too difficult and was abandoned; however, damage to the pyramid’s north face remains as proof of the vandalism. 

Great Sphinx of Giza 

The Great Sphinx of Giza is a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a man. Egyptologists generally agree that its face was carved in Khafre’s likeness; which makes sense given the fact that it dates back to his reign. It is the oldest-known monumental sculpture in Egypt and is especially impressive when one considers that it was carved out of a single chunk of the plateau’s limestone bedrock. Layers of different density in the rock account for the accelerated erosion in the middle part of the sphinx’s body while theories abound as to the reason for its missing nose. It measures 240 feet (73 meters) in length and stands 66 feet (20 meters) high. 

Modern Explorations

The Giza pyramids have been the subject of exploration and research for almost as long as they have existed. In the early 1800s, French archaeologist Auguste Mariette began clearance work on the Giza site. The first modern archaeologists to explore inside the pyramids included Giovanni Belzoni, John Perring and Richard Vyse, and Karl Richard Lepsius. In 1880, British archaeologist Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie traveled to Giza to make the first scientific survey of the pyramids. His drawings and measurements were so accurate that much of our understanding of how they were built is still based on his findings. 

Excavations continued throughout the 20th century and into the 21st. In 2010, Egyptian archaeologists discovered a worker’s burial ground that proved the pyramids were built by paid artisans rather than slaves. Most recently, in May 2019, a new cemetery and sarcophagi were uncovered that are believed to be over 4,500 years old. In 1979, the Pyramids of Giza were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the rest of the Memphis necropolis .

Things to See & Do 

Today, the three main pyramids and the sphinx are the main attractions; but there’s much more to see at Giza including a series of smaller, subsidiary pyramids, mastaba tombs, and temples. You can also view the ruins of the workers’ village, located to the southeast of the Khafre and Menkaure pyramids; and the Solar Boat Museum . The latter houses a boat that was found buried at the foot of the Great Pyramid and painstakingly reconstructed by experts over the course of 14 years. If you stay after dark, you can also watch as the pyramids are illuminated by the nightly Sound & Light Show . 

General tickets include a tour inside one of the three satellite pyramids of the Queen of Cheops. If you want to view inside the three main pyramids, it’s possible to do so with the purchase of an additional ticket. There isn’t too much to see inside as the mummies and their treasures have been removed (either by looters, or to the safety of the Egyptian Museum ). Old Kingdom pharaohs also didn't decorate their burial chambers with hieroglyphs as later rulers did. However, the experience of venturing deep inside such ancient structures is worth it for many visitors—although claustrophobics should opt out. Climbing the pyramids is illegal. 

How to Visit

Some people choose to join an organized tour . Benefits include a hotel pick-up, transfers from Cairo, included entry fees and an English-speaking Egyptologist guide; however, you’ll be traveling in a large group at the time when the pyramids are most crowded. Alternatively, it’s easy to explore the pyramids independently. Taxi or Uber rides from central Cairo take approximately an hour (depending on traffic) and are amazingly affordable. Public buses also travel from outside the Egyptian Museum to the pyramids. 

When you get there, you can choose to wander the complex on foot or hire a camel or horse. The latter is a popular option for those that want to venture into the desert to get a panoramic view of the pyramids; however, many of the animals are poorly treated or underfed. The best views are from the dunes behind the Pyramid of Menkaure, and include all three temples juxtaposed against the modern Cairo skyline in the distant background. Sturdy footwear, ample sun protection and plenty of water are all must-haves for your Giza adventure. 

If you want to avoid the crowds, try visiting a little later in the day after the majority of the tour buses have been and gone (most arrive between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.).

Hours & Admission Fees

According to the official Egyptian tourism website , the site opens at 9 a.m. every day and closes at 5 p.m. Ticket prices are listed as 60 Egyptian pounds for general admission, 100 Egyptian pounds for entry into the Great Pyramid, 30 Egyptian pounds for entry into the Pyramid of Khafre and 25 Egyptian pounds for entry into the Pyramid of Menkaure. The Sound & Light Show costs US$15 and should be booked in advance. 

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Pyramids of Giza during sunset.

© Ratnakorn Piyasirisorost / Getty Images

Pyramids of Giza

Top choice in Giza

The last remaining wonder of the ancient world; for nearly 4000 years, the extraordinary shape, impeccable geometry and sheer bulk of the Giza Pyramids have invited the obvious questions: ‘How were we built, and why?’. Centuries of research have given us parts of the answer. Built as massive tombs on the orders of the pharaohs, they were constructed by teams of workers tens-of-thousands strong. Today they stand as an awe-inspiring tribute to the might, organisation and achievements of ancient Egypt.

Ongoing excavations on the Giza Plateau, along with the discovery of a pyramid-builders' settlement, complete with areas for large-scale food production and medical facilities, have provided more evidence that the workers were not the slaves of Hollywood tradition, but an organised workforce of Egyptian farmers. During the flood season, when the Nile covered their fields, the same farmers could have been redeployed by the highly structured bureaucracy to work on the pharaoh’s tomb. In this way, the Pyramids can almost be seen as an ancient job-creation scheme. And the flood waters made it easier to transport building stone to the site.

But despite the evidence, some still won’t accept that the ancient Egyptians were capable of such achievements. So-called pyramidologists point to the carving and placement of the stones, precise to the millimetre, and argue the numerological significance of the structures’ dimensions as evidence that the Pyramids were constructed by angels or aliens. It’s easy to laugh at these out-there ideas, but when you see the monuments up close, especially inside, you’ll better understand why so many people believe such awesome structures must have unearthly origins.

Most visitors will make a beeline straight to the four most famous sights; the Great Pyramid of Khufu , the Pyramid of Khafre , the Pyramid of Menkaure and the Sphinx . But for those who want to explore further, the desert plateau surrounding the pyramids is littered with tombs, temple ruins and smaller satellite pyramids.

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Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

A guide briefs tourists before canopic jars which contained the organs of the ancient Egyptian New Kingdom Pharaoh Tutankhamun (1332-1323 BC) at his tomb KV62, displayed with the Tutankhamun collection at the Egyptian Museum in the centre of Egypt's capital Cairo on November 6, 2022. - The resting place of Egypt's pharaoh Tutankhamun has become the world's most famous tomb, its discovery 100 years ago among the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time.

Egyptian Museum

One of the world’s most important collections of ancient artefacts, the Egyptian Museum takes pride of place in Downtown Cairo, on the north side of Midan…

It is the most remarkable construction of the necropolis of Saqqara, south of the city of Memphis. Some tourists walk next to the pyramid..Saqqara, Egypt. March 27, 2008

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Al-Azhar mosque in Cairo.

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The minaret of Qalawun complex rises over Al-Muizz street.

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The Coptic Museum in Cairo, Egypt.

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The tomb of Ti at the Step pyramid of Djoser funerary complex in Saqqara, Egypt.

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Nearby Giza attractions

1 . Cheops Boat Museum

Immediately south of the Great Pyramid is this fascinating museum with exactly one object on display: one of Cheops' five solar barques (boats), buried…

2 . Great Pyramid of Khufu

The oldest pyramid in Giza and the largest in Egypt, Khufu’s Great Pyramid stood 146m high when it was completed around 2570 BC. After 46 windy centuries,…

3 . Western Cemetery

Private cemeteries are tucked into the hill alongside the causeways, as well as arrayed in neat rows around the Pyramids in a grid pattern. Only a few of…

4 . Tomb of Senegemib-Inti

At the north end of the Western Cemetery, the Tomb of Senegemib-Inti contains interesting inscriptions, including a rather vicious-looking hippopotamus,…

5 . Pyramid of Khafre

Khafre, the second pyramid, seems larger than that of Khafre's father, Khufu. At just 136m high, it’s not, but it stands on higher ground and its peak is…

6 . Tomb of Seshemnufer IV

The Tomb of Seshemnufer IV, just southeast of the Great Pyramid, is almost always open. There are carved deer on the entrance room walls and a burial…

7 . Solar Barque Pits

On the east side of the Great Pyramid of Khufu note the solar barque pits that housed the giant ritual boats buried with the pharaoh.

8 . Queens' Pyramids

Along the Great Pyramid of Khufu's east face, three small structures some 20m high resemble piles of rubble. These are the Queens’ Pyramids, the tombs of…

Your Guide To Visiting The Pyramids Of Giza

The Sphinx and Great Pyramids

Egypt houses numerous logic-defying historical structures, and the Pyramids of Giza are examples of renowned attractions that lure approximately 14 million tourists annually. These pyramids, which are over 4,500 years old, are among the Seven Wonders of the World. The construction of these pyramids is still a mystery that baffles many, so it's no wonder visiting Egypt to view and experience these glorious structures doesn't miss on the bucket list of the majority of avid travelers.

According to National Geographic , the construction of the first Pyramid of Giza was initiated by Pharaoh Khufu circa 2550 B.C. This pyramid is 481 feet tall, making it the biggest in Giza. The second pyramid, a project led by Pharaoh Khafre, was built circa 2520 B.C. The smallest of the three pyramids, built circa 2490 B.C., was completed during the reign of Pharaoh Menkaure. The entire complex boasts solar boat pits, mortuary temples, royal tombs, and a palace, among other fascinating features that will blow your mind. Is exploring the Pyramids of Giza in your itinerary? Here's a handy guide for a hassle-free trip.

Visit during winter or shoulder season

The Pyramids of Giza are among the main tourist attractions in Egypt, so they might be overcrowded during the peak season between October and March. Really, the best time to visit depends on what you intend to do, since different seasons have benefits and drawbacks. Summers, between April and September, in Egypt are extremely hot, so most tourists find it challenging to explore the pyramids. Due to the reduced number of visitors, the prices of accommodation and other essentials are relatively low. However, if you still want to visit in the summer, ensure you arrive at the Pyramids of Giza at around 8 a.m. to beat the heat. Winter, between October and March, is a great pick, but that means more crowds and higher prices. During winter, the best time to explore the pyramids is after 10 a.m. (via Pyramids of Giza Map).

If you're traveling on a tight budget but can't stand the scorching heat, plan to visit the pyramids in May. At this time you'll enjoy amazing deals on tour packages. You can also check out the deals offered in April or February (per Skyscanner ). Mizofriska1 on Reddit says, "Better to be an early bird arrive at 8 a.m. and leave before noon for hot sun and lots of salesmen." Another Redditor noted, "I also heard May is off-season so less crowds than their peak, which is Nov-April."

Enjoy stunning views from Panoramic Point

A close-up view isn't the best if you want to get a panorama of the Pyramids of Giza due to their enormous size. You need to view them from a distance and try out various angles, either on foot, in a car, or by camel. Some spots that offer amazing views of these pyramids include in front of the Sphinx, from Panoramic Point, from a helicopter pad, and at the Sound and Light Show (via Earth Trekkers ).

To view the pyramids in their full glory without any obstructions, the Panoramic Point is an excellent pick. From this locale, you can see at least six pyramids. You can take Instagram-worthy photos with the Pyramids of Giza as your background while standing at the viewpoint near the parking lot. Alternatively, you can capture more photos at the sand dunes (per Pyramids of Giza Map ). A reviewer on Trip Advisor stated, "From this elevated position you can get a view of all the pyramids in the area. It's a great spot to get photos of the main pyramids of interest to the west!" Another user of Trip Advisor said, "If you love photography and different angles of photo shoots don't miss this place."

Take photos with the Sphinx

The Sphinx is an iconic limestone statue, which is approximately 70 meters long and 20 meters high, with the head of a human being while other body structures take the form of a lion. This colossal structure is of great importance in the mythology of the Egyptians and Greeks. It was believed to be a spiritual guardian, and that's why sphinx statues were placed in tombs and temples. According to archeologist Auguste Mariette, the Sphinx was built to resemble the face of Pharaoh Khafre. Taking photos with this structure as your backdrop will create indelible memories because you'll not only have a charming photo but also a valuable copy of an Egyptian relic in your collection (via History ).

While commenting on a photo of the Sphinx taken from a nearby Pizza Hut, jpollo803, a Reddit user said, "This may be one the best pictures I've seen on Reddit." Alyssa Ramos posted a beautiful photo on Instagram with a caption that read, "Five years later, I finally re-did my Sphinx photo that went viral the first time I came to Egypt."

Enjoy a camel ride

They say that the camel is the ship of the desert, so choosing this mode of transportation to explore the Sahara Desert as you enjoy the splendid views of the Pyramids of Giza is recommendable. Since the temperature can be punishingly high, timing is crucial for the best experience on the back of a camel. According to Memphis Tours , the best time for camel rides is during the sunset or sunrise when it is cool. Better yet, you can take magnificent photos of the fiery sky and pyramids in the background. To avoid overpricing, it's important that you ask for the cost of a ride before you get on the back of a camel. The other must-know tip is that giving a tip isn't compulsory, so do it at will (per Egypt Travel ).

A reviewer on Trip Advisor stated, "Being in Egypt is already a dream but riding camels in the Giza Plateau with the pyramids in the distance was top notch." Iulia Cart posted a lovely photo on Instagram and wrote, "Riding a camel by the pyramids is definitely an experience to go for in Egypt ... it gets you to a very nice place from which you can easily see six pyramids."

Go inside at least one pyramid

You've probably seen trending photos of the exterior of the pyramids, but what's inside? Well, a trip to Egypt shouldn't end if you don't go inside the Pyramids of Giza to discover everything by yourself. According to Lonely Planet , you can go inside the Pyramids of Giza, but you have to pay an additional fee, and it is worth every penny because you can spend up to seven hours inside. A closer look at the enormous stones, some of which are bigger than an adult human being, is mind-boggling because it's hard to comprehend how builders managed to lay them next to each other (via Atlys ).

To discover what's inside the pyramids, you have to maneuver narrow tunnels that become more narrow the further you go. In most sections, the passages are less than 2.5 square feet, but to ensure adventures don't encounter any difficulty going inside, they have handrails, wooden boards, and lamps. You'll be surprised to find out that there's limited space inside the pyramids, but that could be due to stability reasons since they are humongous structures (via Odynovo Tours ). Some of the sections you'll have access to include the king's chamber, the underground chamber, and the queen's chamber (per Smithsonian Magazine ).

Check out the Khufu Ship

The Khufu Ship is a 4,600-year vessel that was discovered in 1954 lying next to the Pyramids of Giza. This 144-foot ship, made of cider wood, takes the shape of a pod, and most people argue that it was used for various religious and funerary rituals of royal family members, such as the king. However, the function of this ship remains a mystery since researchers have different arguments. It took Kamal el-Mallakh about two years to remove approximately 1,224 pieces that made the ship. Ahmed Youssef Moustafa then did an excellent job of reconstructing the ship. Interestingly, nails weren't used to construct this vessel, builders employed the peg-in-hole technique where they joined parts using ropes and mortise-and-tenon joints (per NOVA ).

A Reddit user, Ozstevied, states, "Yea, I saw this boat on a trip to Egypt about 10 years ago. We traveled to the pyramids and our tour guide ... he recommended the boat ... I couldn't believe it was over 4,000 years old! In a post on Instagram , Tashalexiiee, poses next to the vessel and notes, "A masterpiece of woodcraft."

Book a guided tour

Although exploring the pyramids independently is a budget-friendly option, it still has its limitations. For instance, you'll not know which spots to explore for the best experience. A private guided tour is a convenient choice because you'll have an experienced tour guide to share tips and valuable information about different attractions. There's less to plan, meaning less stress because the trip organizers have got you covered. In addition, it's a safe option because your tour guide will show you where to go and what to avoid. You can choose either half-day or full-day tours, but the latter is a better pick because you'll have more time to spend in many attractions (via The Discoveries of ).

Most of the popular tours on TripAdvisor include time spent around all of the pyramids, the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum, with some tours even including lunch from a local spot. Several Reddit users who have explored the area say that booking a tour helps make things easier while still ensuring that you spend time at all of the highlights you traveled all that way to see. 

Dress appropriately

Although there isn't a strict dress code that tourists should adhere to, it's important to dress modestly since Egyptians are generally conservative. For example, female tourists should avoid wearing crop tops, sleeveless tops, and short pants because they expose so much skin. As you choose what to wear, remember that the place is hot, so you need to keep yourself cool. A wide-brimmed hat is an excellent pick because it provides the much-needed shade to avoid sunburns. Some dark sunglasses will complement your hat as you'll also avoid straining your eyes (via Getaway Trips ).

If you're wondering what to wear on the lower body, pack long and loose dresses and pants, but since you'll probably ride camels, pants are the better option. Most people assume that sandals are best suited for deserts to avoid excessive warmth, but that's not the case. It's advisable to wear lightweight leather shoes or trainers to offer support to your ankles as you walk on stones and rocks (per Egpyt Tours Plus ).

Valley Temple of Khafre is a must-see attraction

The Valley Temple of Khafre, which lies close to the Nile River and the Sphinx temple, was built as a place where the king was supposed to be mummified in case he died (per Landious Travel ). Each side of this structure measures 482 feet and it was built of limestone and pink granite. Since it features steeper angles and it's constructed on a raised ground, it creates the illusion that it's bigger than Khufu's Pyramid. It is believed that about 20,000 builders worked on it, and they did a great job because it is one of the ancient relics that's still in relatively good condition (via Pyramids of Giza Map ).

Once you visit this place, you'll have a complete picture of the entire funerary complex of the royal family and the rest of the family members. According to Memphis Tours , this site was used for both the purification of the mummy and the preparation for the mummification process. 

Experience the Sound and Light show

After physically exploring the Pyramids of Giza, it's now time to dive deeper into history. You shouldn't miss the Sound and Light Show, especially if you didn't go on a guided tour, because there's a lot to learn from the experience. In this show, pharaohs tell stories about what they've achieved, explain the construction of pyramids, and unravel puzzling tales of how life was thousands of years ago (per Sound and Light Show ). At the end of the show, you'll gain a better understanding of the ancient secrets of various kings such as Menkaure, Khafre, and Khufu.

The language barrier won't be a problem regardless of which part of the world you come from because you can enjoy the show in different languages, such as English, Spanish, Italian, and French. For translations into other languages like Russian, Japanese, German, Arabic, and Polish, you can listen via headphones, without incurring extra costs (via Journey to Egpyt ).

Use Uber for transportation

If you want to explore Cairo or get to the pyramids, Uber is the ideal option since it's cheaper and safer than cabs. It's quite convenient, plus you avoid exploitation since you can check the exact price on the app, unlike using cabs where a driver can overprice or ask for tips. Uber is tracked, and you can report any problems you encounter along the way, which means that the drivers are accountable (per Third Eye Traveller )

However, you need a local number to start using the app, so buy a SIM card once you arrive at the airport. There are different types of SIM cards but the best pick is Orange since you can start using it immediately. The next thing to note is that you need to have cash since you can't use foreign debit or credit cards to pay for Uber services in Egypt. Based on comfort, budget, and the number of passengers, you can either choose Uber Scooter, Uber Shuttle, Uber X, or Uber Comfort (via Katie Caf Travel ). Redditor Itsethanoluk says, "Uber is generally reliable at all times because Egypt is a country that never sleeps." Another Reddit user states, "Uber is your go-to in Cairo. I visited last October and use Uber everywhere. Meet up place is a parking lot just outside the arrivals."

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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.

The Pyramids of Giza

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.

What to See and Do at the Pyramids of Giza

  • 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

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

Tips for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza

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

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

The Great Pyramid of Giza

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.

The Pyramids of Giza

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.

Tips for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza

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.

Tips for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza

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

The Great Pyramid of Giza

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.

The Pyramids of Giza

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.

The Pyramids of Giza

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?

Tips for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza

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.

Tips for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza

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

Tips for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza

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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The Ultimate Guide To Visiting The Pyramids Of Giza

Published: October 14, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Catlaina Word

  • Plan Your Trip
  • Travel Guide
  • Travel Tips

the-ultimate-guide-to-visiting-the-pyramids-of-giza

Introduction

Welcome to the ultimate guide to visiting the Pyramids of Giza, one of the most iconic ancient wonders of the world. Located on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt, the Pyramids of Giza are an architectural marvel and a testament to the skill and ingenuity of the ancient Egyptians. This ancient necropolis holds the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure, and the enigmatic Sphinx, all of which have been captivating visitors for centuries.

Stepping foot on the Giza Plateau, you’ll be transported back in time to a civilization that existed thousands of years ago. The Pyramids of Giza are not only a UNESCO World Heritage site but are also Egypt’s most visited tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year who come in awe of these ancient structures.

In this guide, we will delve into the fascinating history of the Pyramids of Giza, explore their remarkable features, provide practical information on how to get there, and offer tips for an unforgettable visit. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an archaeology buff, or simply intrigued by ancient civilizations, the Pyramids of Giza are a must-see destination that will leave you awe-inspired.

So, get ready to embark on a journey through time as we uncover the mysteries of the Pyramids of Giza and provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your visit.

A Brief History of the Pyramids of Giza

The Pyramids of Giza have stood the test of time, silently witnessing the rise and fall of civilizations for over 4,500 years. These ancient structures were built during the Old Kingdom period of ancient Egypt, primarily as burial complexes for the pharaohs and their families.

The most renowned of the Pyramids of Giza is the Great Pyramid of Khufu, also known as the Pyramid of Cheops. Built as the tomb for Pharaoh Khufu, it is the largest and oldest pyramid among the three main pyramids. Constructed around 2580-2560 BC, it stood as the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years.

The second pyramid is the Pyramid of Khafre, built by Pharaoh Khafre, the son of Khufu. It is slightly smaller than the Great Pyramid but appears taller due to its location on higher ground. The Pyramid of Khafre is notable for having some of its original casing stones at the top intact, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of these structures during ancient times.

The smallest of the three main pyramids is the Pyramid of Menkaure, built by Pharaoh Menkaure, the grandson of Khufu. Though it may be smaller in size, it still carries great significance and impresses visitors with its intricate design.

Surrounding these pyramids is the enigmatic Sphinx, a majestic creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human. The Sphinx is believed to represent Pharaoh Khafre and serves as a guardian of the pyramids.

The construction of these pyramids required immense manpower, engineering prowess, and meticulous planning. Thousands of workers, including skilled craftsmen and laborers, were employed for many years to quarry the limestone blocks and assemble them into these colossal structures.

Throughout history, the pyramids were subject to looting and gradual decay, but their significance never diminished. Over the centuries, they have been studied by scholars, excavated by archaeologists, and admired by visitors from all over the world. Today, they stand as a symbol of human achievement and a testament to the advancement of ancient Egyptian civilization.

Join us as we explore the Pyramids of Giza in detail, uncovering their architectural marvels and unraveling the mysteries of the ancient Egyptians.

Location and How to Get There

The Pyramids of Giza are conveniently located on the outskirts of Cairo, making them easily accessible for visitors. The Giza Plateau, where the pyramids are located, is situated approximately 20 kilometers southwest of Cairo’s city center.

If you are flying into Cairo, the most convenient way to reach the pyramids is by hiring a taxi or using a ridesharing service. It is advisable to negotiate the fare or ensure the meter is used before starting the journey. The taxi ride usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

For those who prefer public transportation, Cairo has an extensive network of buses and mini-buses that connect to various parts of the city. You can take a bus from downtown Cairo to the Giza Plateau. Look for buses that are heading to “Giza” or “Pyramids”. Be sure to check the bus schedules and plan your trip accordingly.

If you’re staying in Giza or near the pyramids, you can even opt for a leisurely stroll to the site. Many hotels and guesthouses are located within walking distance, allowing you to enjoy a pleasant walk while taking in the views of the pyramids along the way.

Once you arrive at the Giza Plateau, you will find the entrance gate where you can purchase your tickets. It is recommended to buy tickets in advance or arrive early in the morning to avoid long queues. Additionally, consider hiring a local tour guide who can provide in-depth insights into the history and significance of the pyramids.

While visiting the Pyramids of Giza, it’s important to wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen, as the plateau can get quite hot, especially during the summer months. Don’t forget to carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated throughout your visit.

As you approach the Pyramids of Giza, you’ll be greeted by the sheer magnitude and majesty of these ancient structures. Prepare to be awestruck as you step foot onto this historic site and embark on an unforgettable journey back in time.

The Great Pyramid of Khufu

The Great Pyramid of Khufu, also known as the Pyramid of Cheops, is the largest and most iconic pyramid in the Giza complex. Built over 4,500 years ago, it was constructed as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu, who ruled during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom of Egypt.

Standing at a staggering height of approximately 138 meters (or 455 feet), the Great Pyramid was once the tallest man-made structure in the world. Its base covers an area of around 13 acres, and it is estimated to consist of over 2 million limestone blocks, each weighing several tons.

Exploring the interior of the Great Pyramid is an awe-inspiring experience. Inside, visitors can discover the intricate passageways and chambers that were once reserved for the pharaoh and his burial rituals. The most notable chamber is the King’s Chamber, which is located in the heart of the pyramid. It contains the granite sarcophagus, although no evidence of a mummy or treasures has been found.

Venturing further into the pyramid, visitors can climb the narrow Grand Gallery, an impressive ascending passage lined with towering walls that leads to the Queen’s Chamber. While the Queen’s Chamber is smaller and less ornate compared to the King’s Chamber, it still showcases the remarkable craftsmanship and engineering skills of the ancient Egyptians.

One of the mysteries surrounding the Great Pyramid is how it was constructed with such precision and without modern technology. Theories suggest that a combination of ramps, clever pulley systems, and the coordination of a vast workforce were used to accomplish this architectural feat.

As you stand in the shadow of the Great Pyramid, you can’t help but be amazed at the sheer magnitude and precise construction of this ancient wonder. Its impressive scale and captivating history make it a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in ancient civilizations and archaeological marvels.

Don’t forget to capture the breathtaking view of the Great Pyramid from different angles, as it stands against the backdrop of the desert and the bustling city of Cairo. The sight of this monumental structure will leave an indelible impression on your memory.

The Pyramid of Khafre

The Pyramid of Khafre, located in the Giza complex, is the second-largest pyramid among the three main pyramids and is dedicated to Pharaoh Khafre, who was the son of Khufu and the successor to the throne. Built around 2520-2494 BC, the Pyramid of Khafre stands at a height of approximately 136 meters (448 feet) and is known for its distinctive feature of retaining some of its original casing stones at the top.

Similar to the Great Pyramid, the Pyramid of Khafre also served as a funerary complex, housing the pharaoh’s tomb and various chambers. The layout and internal structure of Khafre’s pyramid closely resemble that of his father’s pyramid. As you explore the pyramid, you can witness the grandeur and architectural precision that the ancient Egyptians were capable of achieving.

One of the distinguishing features of the Pyramid of Khafre is the entrance located on the north face, which leads visitors into a descending passage leading to the burial chamber. Although the original sarcophagus is no longer present, visitors can still appreciate the intricate design and engineering marvels found within the chambers.

The Pyramid of Khafre is also notable for its intact limestone casing at the upper levels, showcasing the ancient grandeur that these pyramids once possessed. These casing stones, originally smooth and polished, give visitors a glimpse of how majestic these structures must have appeared when they were first constructed.

Adjacent to the Pyramid of Khafre is the Great Sphinx, which is believed to depict the face of Pharaoh Khafre himself. The Sphinx stands as a guardian and symbol of power, adding to the enigmatic allure of the pyramid complex.

When visiting the Pyramid of Khafre, be sure to take a moment to marvel at the intricate stonework and imagine the significance and prestige it held during ancient times. The Pyramid of Khafre is an architectural masterpiece that provides a unique insight into the fascinating world of the ancient Egyptians.

Don’t forget your camera, as the Pyramid of Khafre offers a mesmerizing backdrop for capturing memorable photographs and creating lasting memories of your visit to this ancient wonder.

The Pyramid of Menkaure

The Pyramid of Menkaure, also known as the Pyramid of Mykerinos, is the smallest of the three main pyramids in the Giza complex. Built in approximately 2510-2460 BC, it was constructed as the final resting place for Pharaoh Menkaure, the grandson of Khufu.

Although smaller in size compared to the other two pyramids, the Pyramid of Menkaure still holds tremendous historical and architectural significance. It stands at a height of about 66 meters (216 feet) and is surrounded by three smaller satellite pyramids, believed to be tombs for queens or family members.

Unlike the other pyramids, the Pyramid of Menkaure features a unique outer casing of red granite at its base. This added aesthetic detail distinguishes it from its neighboring structures and showcases the skill and craftsmanship of the ancient Egyptian builders.

Visitors have the opportunity to explore the interior of the Pyramid of Menkaure. Though the burial chamber is relatively plain, it provides insight into the burial practices and rituals of ancient Egypt. The pyramid’s corridors and chambers offer an intimate glimpse into the pharaoh’s journey to the afterlife.

As you stand before the Pyramid of Menkaure, you can marvel at its symmetrical design and intricate masonry. The pyramid’s summit offers a panoramic view of the Giza Plateau, allowing you to appreciate the strategic positioning of these monumental structures in relation to one another.

As you venture around the Pyramid of Menkaure, take the time to explore the nearby Valley Temple, which lies at the base of the pyramid. This temple served as a crucial part of the burial complex, providing a place for the mummification and purification rituals of the pharaoh.

The Pyramid of Menkaure, though smaller in scale, carries immense historical and architectural significance. Visiting this pyramid allows you to immerse yourself in the world of ancient Egypt, learning about the customs, traditions, and spiritual beliefs of this ancient civilization.

Whether you’re an avid history enthusiast or simply drawn to the allure of ancient wonders, the Pyramid of Menkaure is sure to captivate and leave you with a profound appreciation for the ingenuity and artistry of the ancient Egyptians.

The Sphinx, located in the Giza complex, is an iconic and enigmatic symbol of ancient Egypt. This colossal statue, with the body of a lion and the head of a human, is believed to depict Pharaoh Khafre, the builder of the second largest pyramid in the complex.

Standing at about 20 meters (65 feet) in height and 73 meters (240 feet) in length, the Sphinx is an awe-inspiring sight to behold. Its presence adds an air of mystery and intrigue to the pyramid complex, drawing visitors from around the world.

As you approach the Sphinx, you’ll be struck by its imposing size and remarkable preservation. The face of the Sphinx exhibits intricate details, including the pharaoh’s headdress and the serene, enigmatic expression that has captivated people for centuries.

While the body of the Sphinx has suffered erosion over time, the Sphinx still maintains its grandeur and power. The lion’s body symbolizes strength and protection, while the human face represents wisdom and divine authority.

Exploring the area around the Sphinx, you’ll find a small temple known as the Sphinx Temple. This temple was originally used for purification and rituals associated with the Sphinx. Marvel at the beautiful remnants of the temple and imagine the religious practices that took place in its heyday.

The Sphinx has long fascinated archaeologists, historians, and enthusiasts alike. Its true purpose and significance continue to be debated, with theories ranging from it being a guardian of the tombs to it holding secret chambers beneath its paws.

Visiting the Sphinx is an opportunity to experience the allure and mystique of ancient Egypt. Be sure to capture photographs from different angles, as the Sphinx creates a breathtaking backdrop against the desert landscape. Sunset and sunrise are particularly magical times to witness the Sphinx, as the changing light casts captivating shadows.

Whether you’re intrigued by its history, fascinated by its symbolism, or simply awe-inspired by its colossal size, the Sphinx is a must-see attraction that will leave a lasting impression and a deep appreciation for the wonders of ancient Egypt.

Exploring the Pyramids: Inside and Outside

Exploring the Pyramids of Giza is a remarkable journey that takes you back in time to the ancient world of the pharaohs. Beyond their awe-inspiring exteriors, these pyramids contain hidden chambers, intricate passageways, and intriguing mysteries waiting to be discovered.

As you approach the pyramids, you’ll first be struck by their enormity and the meticulous craftsmanship evident in their construction. The outer casing stones, now weathered and eroded, once created a smooth and polished facade that shimmered in the sunlight.

Stepping inside the pyramids is like entering a secret world. Venture through narrow passageways and marvel at the architectural precision that has allowed these structures to withstand the test of time. As you climb or descend the passageways, you’ll feel a sense of wonder and amazement at the sheer scale of the pyramids and the ingenuity of their design.

Inside the pyramids, you’ll encounter different chambers, including the burial chambers where the pharaohs were laid to rest. Though devoid of their original treasures, the chambers offer a glimpse into the sacred rituals and beliefs of the ancient Egyptians.

Each pyramid has its own unique features and exploration opportunities. The Great Pyramid of Khufu, for example, offers the chance to venture into the grand gallery and the King’s Chamber, while the Pyramid of Khafre allows you to witness well-preserved corridors and chambers.

Outside the pyramids, take a moment to soak in the panoramic views of the Giza Plateau. Witness the sprawling desert landscape that surrounds these magnificent structures and appreciate the strategic location chosen by the ancient Egyptians.

Be sure to explore the satellite pyramids and temple complexes that accompany the main pyramids. These structures were intended for the pharaoh’s family members and for offering rituals, adding another layer of intrigue and significance to the pyramidal complex.

While exploring the pyramids, it is important to respect the historical sites and adhere to any guidelines provided by the authorities. Touching or climbing on the walls is strictly prohibited to preserve the integrity of these ancient structures for future generations to appreciate.

Exploring the Pyramids of Giza is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers a rare glimpse into the ancient world. It’s an opportunity to witness the ingenuity and skill of the ancient Egyptians and to be a part of the enduring legacy of these architectural wonders.

Important Information for Visitors

When planning your visit to the Pyramids of Giza, it’s essential to be well-prepared to make the most of your experience. Here are some important pieces of information to keep in mind:

  • Ticket Information: Entry tickets to the Giza complex are required and can be purchased at the entrance gate. It is recommended to buy tickets in advance or arrive early to avoid long queues. Prices may vary for different areas within the complex, including the pyramids’ interiors and the Sphinx enclosure.
  • Opening Hours: The Giza complex is typically open daily from early morning until late afternoon. Check the official websites or local sources for the most up-to-date information regarding opening hours and any temporary closures.
  • Photography: Photography is allowed at the Giza complex, including inside the pyramids. Capture the stunning views, but be respectful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography in confined spaces.
  • Attire and Comfort: Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, as the Giza Plateau can get hot during the day. Consider wearing a hat, sunscreen, and loose-fitting clothing to stay comfortable while exploring.
  • Guided Tours: Hiring a local tour guide can greatly enhance your visit by providing insightful information and historical context. It’s recommended to book a licensed guide to ensure a knowledgeable and authentic experience.
  • Respect the Historical Site: The Pyramids of Giza are not only tourist attractions but also important archaeological sites. Respect the rules and signage in place, and avoid touching or climbing on the pyramids to preserve them for future generations.
  • Hydration: Stay hydrated throughout your visit by carrying a water bottle. There are often vendors selling bottled water near the entrance, but it’s a good idea to bring your own to ensure availability.
  • Souvenir and Food Stalls: There are various souvenir and food stalls surrounding the pyramids. Exercise caution and be prepared to negotiate prices if you wish to purchase any items. It’s also advisable to bring your own snacks or have a meal before or after your visit.

By keeping these important points in mind, you can have a smooth and enjoyable visit to the Pyramids of Giza while honoring their historical and cultural significance.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Pyramids of Giza is during the cooler months of the year, typically between October and April. During this time, the temperatures are more moderate, making it more comfortable for exploring the site.

While Egypt enjoys warm weather year-round, the summer months from May to September can be extremely hot, with temperatures soaring above 40°C (104°F). The intense heat can make visiting the pyramids during this time challenging, especially if you plan to venture inside the structures.

In addition to the weather, another consideration is the crowds. The Pyramids of Giza attract visitors from around the world, and the high season typically runs from November to February when the weather is mild. If you prefer to avoid crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of October or April when tourist numbers tend to be lower.

It’s also worth noting that early mornings and late afternoons are often the best times to visit the pyramids. Arriving early allows you to beat the crowds and have a more peaceful experience. Additionally, the soft morning light or the warm hues of the setting sun create a beautiful ambiance, making for stunning photographs.

It’s important to keep in mind that the Pyramids of Giza are a popular tourist attraction, and regardless of the time you choose to visit, there may still be a moderate level of visitors. To make the most of your visit, plan ahead, purchase tickets in advance, and consider hiring a local guide to help navigate the site and provide insightful information.

Ultimately, the best time to visit the Pyramids of Giza is when the weather is pleasant and comfortable for exploration. Whether you choose the cooler months of winter or the milder months of spring and fall, your visit to these ancient wonders is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Safety Tips

When visiting the Pyramids of Giza, it’s important to prioritize your safety to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

  • Stay Hydrated: Egypt’s climate can be hot, especially during the summer months. It’s important to drink plenty of water throughout your visit to stay hydrated. Carry a bottle of water with you and take regular breaks in shaded areas.
  • Protect Yourself from the Sun: Shield yourself from the intense sunlight by wearing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Opt for light, breathable clothing that covers your skin to minimize sunburn and the risk of heatstroke.
  • Secure Your Valuables: Keep your valuables, such as passport, wallet, and smartphone, in a secure and concealed place. Avoid displaying large sums of money or wearing expensive jewelry that could attract unwanted attention.
  • Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Keep an eye on your belongings and be cautious of pickpockets. If something feels suspicious or unsafe, trust your instincts and move to a more secure location.
  • Follow Guided Paths: Stick to designated paths and follow the guidance of official signs and guides. Avoid venturing into restricted or prohibited areas as they may pose safety risks or damage the historical site.
  • Use Reliable Transportation: If you choose to hire a taxi or ridesharing service, use reputable and licensed providers. Negotiate fares in advance or insist on using a meter to avoid potential disputes. Be cautious when crossing busy streets and adhere to traffic regulations.
  • Stay Informed: Prior to your visit, check for any travel advisories or updates regarding the pyramids’ accessibility or safety. Stay informed about local customs and cultural norms to ensure respectful behavior during your visit.
  • Travel Insurance: It’s always advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost belongings. Check with your insurance provider to ensure you have adequate coverage for your trip to Egypt.

By following these safety tips, you can enjoy a worry-free visit to the Pyramids of Giza and focus on immersing yourself in the rich history and awe-inspiring wonders of ancient Egypt.

Nearby Attractions

While the Pyramids of Giza steal the spotlight, there are several other notable attractions in the vicinity that offer a deeper exploration of ancient Egypt and its cultural heritage. Here are some nearby attractions to consider visiting:

  • The Egyptian Museum: Located in downtown Cairo, the Egyptian Museum is a treasure trove of ancient artifacts and the largest collection of Egyptian antiquities in the world. Explore its vast halls to see iconic artifacts like the golden mask of Tutankhamun and the Royal Mummies.
  • Saqqara: Venture to the Saqqara necropolis, just south of Giza, to discover the Step Pyramid of Djoser, considered the earliest colossal stone structure in Egypt. This ancient burial complex offers insights into the evolution of pyramid design and architecture.
  • Old Cairo: Take a journey through time in the historic neighborhood of Old Cairo, also known as Coptic Cairo. Visit the Coptic Museum, explore ancient churches like the Hanging Church and the Church of St. Sergius, and wander through the narrow streets to soak in the rich Christian heritage of Egypt.
  • Khan El Khalili Bazaar: Immerse yourself in the vibrant ambiance of Cairo’s oldest and most famous souk, Khan El Khalili. Dive into a bustling maze of narrow streets filled with shops selling spices, jewelry, textiles, and a wide array of souvenirs. Don’t forget to haggle for the best prices!
  • Nile River Cruises: Embark on a relaxing Nile River cruise to witness Egypt’s beauty from a different perspective. Glide along the legendary river and take in stunning views of Cairo’s skyline, historic landmarks, and lush landscapes while enjoying onboard entertainment and delicious cuisine.
  • Memphis and Mit Rahina: Visit the ancient capital of Memphis, located near Saqqara, to explore the open-air museum showcasing colossal statues, temples, and artifacts from ancient times. Adjacent to Memphis is the archaeological site of Mit Rahina, where you can marvel at the ruins of the Temple of Ptah.

These nearby attractions provide a well-rounded experience that complements the visit to the Pyramids of Giza, allowing you to delve deeper into Egypt’s rich history, diverse culture, and archaeological wonders.

Take the opportunity to explore these sites and create a more comprehensive itinerary that showcases the captivating legacy of ancient Egypt.

Recommended Tours and Guides

Exploring the Pyramids of Giza can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and having a knowledgeable tour guide can greatly enhance your visit. Here are some recommendations for tours and guides to consider:

  • Official Tour Guides: Hiring a licensed tour guide is highly recommended, as they are knowledgeable about the history, architecture, and mysteries of the pyramids. They can provide valuable insights, answer your questions, and ensure you make the most of your time at the site. Look for certified guides who are familiar with the Giza complex and its surrounding attractions.
  • Private Tours: Consider booking a private tour that allows you to customize your itinerary and explore the pyramids at your own pace. This option offers personalized attention and flexibility, ensuring a more intimate and tailored experience. Private tours also provide ample opportunity for in-depth discussions and exploration of specific areas of interest.
  • Group Tours: Joining a group tour is a popular choice for many visitors, as it offers a cost-effective way to explore the pyramids while enjoying the company of fellow travelers. Group tours often include transportation, entrance fees, and a knowledgeable guide who can provide commentary and insights throughout the visit.
  • Sunset Tours: Consider taking a sunset tour, which allows you to witness the pyramids in a different light. The warm hues of the setting sun create a magical ambiance, and you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the pyramids bathed in the golden glow of twilight. Many tour operators offer these specialized tours, providing a unique and memorable experience.
  • Combo Tours: For a comprehensive experience, opt for combo tours that include visits to other nearby attractions, such as the Egyptian Museum, Saqqara, or Old Cairo. These tours allow you to explore multiple sites in one day, providing a well-rounded understanding of Egypt’s rich historical and cultural heritage.

When choosing a tour or guide, read reviews, check their credentials, and verify their reputation before making a booking. You can consult travel websites, online forums, or seek recommendations from fellow travelers who have visited the Pyramids of Giza.

Having a knowledgeable guide by your side can deepen your appreciation of the pyramids, enrich your understanding of ancient Egypt, and ensure a memorable and insightful visit to these awe-inspiring wonders.

Visiting the Pyramids of Giza is a journey like no other, offering a profound connection to the ancient world and the remarkable achievements of the Egyptian civilization. The Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure, and the enigmatic Sphinx stand as testaments to the ingenuity, skill, and spiritual beliefs of the ancient Egyptians.

As you explore the pyramids, you’ll be transported back in time, marveling at the sheer size, intricate architecture, and rich history contained within their walls. Venturing inside, you’ll discover hidden chambers, corridors, and burial chambers that whisper tales of royal lives and ancient rituals.

Beyond the pyramids themselves, the surrounding attractions offer further insight into Egypt’s captivating past. Visit the Egyptian Museum to witness the treasures of Tutankhamun, explore the Saqqara necropolis to see the Step Pyramid of Djoser, or delve into the winding streets of Old Cairo to discover the rich Christian heritage.

When planning your visit, consider the best time to go, taking into account the weather and crowds. Stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun, and be aware of your surroundings to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Hiring a knowledgeable tour guide can greatly enhance your visit, providing valuable insights and a deeper understanding of these ancient wonders.

Ultimately, a visit to the Pyramids of Giza is a transformative experience, inspiring awe, curiosity, and a sense of wonder. It allows you to appreciate the enduring legacy of the ancient Egyptians and invites you to become a part of their fascinating story.

So, embark on this extraordinary journey, stand before these majestic structures, and let the Pyramids of Giza leave an indelible imprint on your soul as you witness firsthand the marvels of ancient Egypt.

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Giza Plateau

Giza Plateau

The pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx are among the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and indeed already were even in Roman times. Each of these spectacular structures served as the final resting place of a king of the 4th Dynasty ( c. 2613–2494 BC). The Great Pyramid of Giza was built for king Khufu ( c. 2589–2566 BC), and the other two for Khafre and Menkaure, his son and grandson. Khufu’s pyramid is both the oldest and largest of the three, and the first building to exceed it in height would not be built for another 3,800 years!

Although the three pyramids dominate the plateau, they are in fact surrounded by many other monuments. Every king’s pyramid was just one element albeit the most important of a larger complex that included smaller, subsidiary, queens’ pyramids; an additional one that acted as a second, symbolic, tomb for the king, called a satellite pyramid; mastaba tombs for nobility and other family members; burials of actual and/or symbolic boats; and a pair of temples linked by a richly decorated causeway. One of these temples, called the valley temple, led into the pyramid complex, and was located on or near a body of water where boats could dock. The other, the funerary (or upper) temple, stood near the base of the pyramid. Priests maintained the mortuary cult of the deceased king in these temples, where his divine aspect was worshiped, and where rich and diverse offerings were presented to his soul so he could have a peaceful and luxurious afterlife.

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How to Visit the Great Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza

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The Great Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza are bucket list items for many travellers. But as with many popular tourist attractions, they either meet expectations at least or fall exceedingly short of them. Still, when visiting Cairo, Egypt, they are a must-see and to make the most of your trip, it is important to learn about the best way to see them.

I’ve now visited the Pyramids and Sphinx three times. Once in 2018 , on my first visit to Egypt with Mark and twice, on my most recent trip there. The difference between these visits had to do with the timing, weather, and the number of people in the complex.

What's Covered in this Post

Visiting the Pyramids of Giza: Then and Now…

Pyramids of Giza

In 2018, Egypt was still recovering from an exodus of tourists and when we arrived at the complex at about 11 am, save for a few camel and horse merchants, it was bare. In 2023, though still not at its peak, tourism-wise, the difference is clear.

When my guide and I arrive shortly before 9 am, the complex is pouring with tour buses and visitors. In contrast to my previous visit, there is a queue at the ticket booth, the camel and horse riders are aplenty, and those who have arrived without a guide feel the full weight of their persistence, or in a more factual term, harassment.

Can you visit the Pyramids of Giza without riding a camel or horse

Something else I also noticed was the sheer amount of debris and stray dogs in the complex. Combined with the scorching morning heat, the visit ended up being somewhat uncomfortable, despite my guide’s best efforts. Or perhaps it felt this way because I had visited before and knew what a better experience felt like.

I made up my mind to revisit on my own the next day, just as soon as the complex opened up to visitors and herein lies my top tip to visit the Great Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza.

The Best Way to See the Great Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza – Go Early

Great Sphinx of Giza

The saying “The early bird gets the fattest worm” has never been truer when it comes to visiting the Pyramids of Giza. And especially so when you visit in the summer months or peak travel seasons. I can tell you for a fact that the few hours of solitude you get elevate your experience so much more!

It’s not even about the cool photo opportunities – it’s the quietness, the coolness of the day, the chance to just be in the moment, to truly appreciate that you’re there, staring at these magnificent ancient wonders.

9 Pyramids Lounge

It also contributes positively to your experience if you have read a bit about their history, or if you are visiting with a guide. The chances that a vendor will eventually approach you are still high but it will be nothing compared to if you visit later in the day.

Best Egypt Itinerary

My Solo Experience Following an Early Visit…

I got an Uber from my hotel to the complex and as the driver pulled into the street leading up to the entrance gate, some men stopped him to ask where he was taking me and if I needed a horse or camel. I simply said I was going to a lodge nearby and they let us be.

A couple more men approached me at the ticket booth and once I was inside the complex, but a firm “No” and just ignoring them was enough to shake them off. I later enjoyed my time alone around the complex, without too much disturbance.

Best time to visit the Pyramids of Giza Egypt

Afterwards, I walked over to the 9 Pyramids Lounge to get breakfast. This lounge is currently the only restaurant located within the complex (another is being constructed) and it is a good restaurant to grab a meal during your visit.

The Best Way to See the Great Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza – Dine at the 9 Pyramids Lounge

I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the meal and services as typically, many places close to tourist attractions end up being rather disappointing.

9 Pyramids Lounge Cairo Egypt

I had breakfast here and it was reasonably priced and delicious. Another benefit of going early was that I was able to get a nice seat outside, even without making a reservation in advance.

Getting here was quite the walk though as I chose not to ride a camel or horse over. If you have a car, then it’s very easy to just drive to the restaurant.

9 Pyramids Lounge

I certainly recommend including this stop in your visit if you have the time to do so.

PS: I also recommend reading the latest reviews about this place before you go. I did so after putting up this post and can see it has a lot of mixed reviews.

The Best Time to Visit the Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx and Entrance Fees (2023)

The best time to visit the complex is as soon as it opens at 7 am. At the time of this writing, it costs 240 EGP (~ $8) for a ticket into the complex. There’s an additional fee of 440 EGP and 150 EGP to gain entrance into the Khufu and Khafre Pyramids. Students pay half the price.

There’s also a 20 EGP charge to bring in a tripod but when I mentioned I had one for my phone, the ticket officer didn’t acknowledge it.

Finally, another crucial decision you need to make to enjoy and optimize for a great visit to the Pyramids is whether or not to hire a guide.

Should you visit the Pyramids without a Guide?

It is possible (and cheaper) to visit the Pyramids of Giza without a guide, but should you do so? Here’s my take. If you’re a seasoned traveller who has been exposed to all kinds of places and cultures, and you are not too phased by the disturbance from vendors, then you will be fine without a guide.

Without a guide, you will most likely be harassed by touts and vendors, especially if you arrive at peak visiting hours. If you visit early, then you can minimize this.

My first visit with Mark and my third were excellent and I went without a guide. For my second, I decided to visit with one because I was initially apprehensive about visiting on my own (I had nothing to worry about). I also wanted a convenient way to see many parts of Cairo on the same day and also wanted to learn more about the places I was visiting.

I hired the services of Sam from Egypt Eye Tour and I was very pleased with the entire outing.

Should You Stay in Giza to Optimize for a Good Experience?

You don’t necessarily need to stay in Giza if you plan to see the Pyramids but doing so has a few advantages. For example, it’s pretty cool to wake up to a view of the Pyramids at sunrise and to also enjoy them at sunset. Depending on where you stay, you can also probably catch the light and sound show for free from the comfort of your hotel.

Hotel with view of the Sphinx and Pyramids

That being said, there’s not much else to do in Giza and the area itself is not particularly charming. If you find a place you love, then you can make it a base for your time in Cairo, otherwise, one night is enough time to spend in the area.

Visiting the Great Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza – The Sum Up

These days, it is not enough to just show up at your dream destinations and expect that they fit the image you have of them in your mind. If you’re spending your time and resources to visit a place, you owe it to yourself to research a bit about what to expect. So if you’re reading this article, kudos to you!

When visiting the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, you should know that these structures are situated in the middle of an urban, populated part of the city. Getting to the complex early and knowing what to expect while you’re there is the best way to optimize for a wonderful experience .

Visiting the Pyramids of Giza Cairo

Have you been to Cairo or visited the Pyramids? What was your experience like? Is Cairo or Egypt in general on your travel wish list? Let’s talk in the comment section below!

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I had mixed feelings about Giza. While the pyramids were undeniably impressive, the constant hassle from vendors and locals trying to sell souvenirs or camel rides was exhausting. I would recommend visiting early in the morning to avoid the crowds and persistent touts. A guide is very necessary too.

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I think everyone who visits has mixed feelings too but if you go there at a good time, it could be an incredible experience.

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I’ll revisit this post when I finally get the chance to visit Egypt. It’s high on my list but flights from the Caribbean to Africa/Middle East are devilishly expensive.

I hope you can visit soon. I also think flight prices are on the higher side, compared to pre-pandemic levels. Recently, I got a good flight deal by tracking prices on Google Flights (which has never happened before, lol).. So it might be worth setting up an alert, maybe just to even see how prices are changing with time to figure out the best time to book.

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Such a beautiful experience! And all the pictures are so stunning.😍 Thanks for sharing.

Thank you, Favour! 🙂

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How to Visit the Pyramids of Giza: A Practical Guide

Planning to visit the Pyramids of Giza? These stunning ancient structures loom large in Egypt’s cultural and physical landscape – here’s what you need to know before you go. 

Egypt: the home of ancient civilisations and magnificent monuments. Littered with myths, legends, and logic-defying historical sites; near portals that pull you back in time. 

Few places embody this quite like the Pyramids of Giza. Sitting across the Nile from Cairo proper, they are one of Egypt’s most famous attractions — receiving 14.7 million visitors each year. 

Seeing them was one of the many highlights from my recent Egypt trip – and I know they will be for you too. 

Discover the best ways to see the pyramids, opening hours, practical tips, prices and a dollop of history… Explore the Pyramids of Giza with this practical guide. 

Why Visit the Pyramids of Giza? 

Pyramids of Giza - Cairo, Egypt

Are these pyramids really worth the trip? In short: yes. 

Why would you pass up the opportunity to visit one of Egypt’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites – a trio of landmarks left behind by one of the world’s oldest civilisations. Not to mention the fact that The Great Pyramid of Giza, built for the Pharaoh Khufu, is the last standing ancient wonder of the world.

Best Way to Visit the Pyramids of Giza: On a Tour or Independently?

Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza Cairo, Egypt

So now that you’ve decided to visit the pyramids, the next question is how? What is the best way to visit the Pyramids of Giza?

You really have two options here: visiting the pyramids on a tour or independently. 

Independently it is cheaper of course, and you will have as much time as you please at the pyramids. 

That said, there’s nothing like learning about the history of the pyramids in-situ and a guide will help you to explore the site to its fullest. 

Visiting the Pyramids of Giza On a Tour 

Visiting the Pyramids of Giza on a booked tour would be the most convenient option. You can book either a guided tour with other tourists or opt for a private guided tour. 

Organised tours mean you have a tour guide to share insights and information with you, and you may meet other travellers while you’re at it. It is also the safest option and requires the least amount of planning. Here are a few excellent tours for you to consider:

Half-Day Private Tour

A half-day private tour lets you experience the Giza pyramids and Sphinx at your own pace. The trip starts with a pick-up from your Cairo accommodation, and your guide will take you to your first destination: the Great Pyramid of Giza. 

From this point, the guide will lead you through the Giza plateau. Here, you’ll learn about the history of the many structures and get a glimpse of the Sphinx. To top it off, you can enjoy a short camel ride around the pyramids. 

This tour includes hotel pick-ups and drop-offs, an area ticket to the Giza pyramids, an English-speaking guide, a water bottle, and all taxes and service fees. The tour price starts at £28 per person. Don’t forget to bring your ID or passport for identification. 

Book Your Half Day Private Tour Now

A Full-Day Guided Tour

This full-day guided tour is highly rated and popular. 

A private guide and Egyptologist will guide you through the Giza plateau, where you’ll get stunning views of the pyramids. Then you’ll continue to the Great Sphinx and the Valley Temple. After seeing the pyramids of Giza, the tour guide will show you to a local restaurant, where you’ll taste Egyptian cuisine. 

After lunch, the tour continues into Cairo, where you’ll visit museums and other popular attractions. The lunch, entrance fees, hotel pick-ups, and drop-offs are all included in the tour price of about £81.00 per person.

Book Your Full Day Tour Now 

How to Visit the Pyramids of Giza Independently

Cairo - View of Pyramids of Giza

While visiting the pyramids alone requires more effort, it’s doable and can be just as enjoyable. If you’re wondering if it is safe to visit the pyramids of Giza?  

The answer is generally yes – although as a tourist, it’s always best to remain alert, especially when travelling via public transport.

Getting to the Pyramids of Giza

You can get to the pyramids from Central Cairo within minutes in two ways: via public transport or taxi. 

The recommended way to travel via public transport will only take 15 minutes. First, you’ll take the Line Two Cairo Metro at the Martyrs station, which costs around 5 EGP. After about four minutes of travelling and six stops, you’ll get off at Cairo University. 

Once here, you can book a taxi which will take you straight to the pyramids of Giza. The taxi trip will only cost 20-40 EGP and will take about 10 minutes to complete. Alternatively, you can get a taxi for the whole journey. 

Tickets to the Pyramids of Giza

After you’ve arrived at the pyramids, you can purchase a general admissions entrance ticket on-site. 

This ticket allows you to explore most of the outside areas of The Pyramids of Giza complex. It costs 200 EGP for adults and 100 EGP for students. 

Note that they issue the last tickets an hour before closing, so arriving early is always better. 

I recommend an independent visit for those who don’t have a tight schedule or limited time as many factors can impact your trip, for example, taking the wrong turn or a delayed train. 

Should You Go Inside the Pyramids? 

Inside Great Pyramid Giza Cairo, Egypt

Yes!  If you think the pyramids are incredible from the outside, wait until you get inside! Going into the structures is an incredible experience. All three of the great pyramids offer entry at an additional fee.

The general pyramids of Giza entry tickets allow you to explore outside the three pyramids and the Sphinx. However, you can purchase an on-site ticket to enter different pyramids. 

The extra ticket for the Great Pyramid is 400 EGP, while entrance to the 2nd or 3rd pyramid is 100 EGP. 

I opted to go inside the Great Pyramid and would definitely recommend you do the same. There’s not a tonne to see once you’re inside but being able to scramble through a tunnel to see the antechamber and burial room is worth the extra cost. 

The History of the Pyramids of Giza 

Pyramids of Giza - Cairo, Egypt

The Great Pyramid of Giza dates back to around 2551 BC and was constructed under the rule of Pharaoh Khufu (Cheops in Greek). While other pharaohs had built pyramids, this was the first that had been built on such a large scale. 

The grand tombs would contain the mummified pharaohs and their valuable belongings and relics to accompany them in the afterlife. 

According to Greek Historian Herodotus, it took about 100,000 men and 20 years to construct the Great Pyramid of Giza, though as Herodotus wrote his “histories” significantly later there are questions about the validity of his claims. 

The reality is that no-one is quite sure how they built the pyramids, but we can be sure that it took a large workforce several years to complete the process. 

Chephren and Mycerinus are the other two of the three Pyramids of Giza, and these were built under the reign of Pharaoh Khafre and Pharaoh Menkaure. Khafre also built the Sphinx. 

These impressive man-made structures consist of 5.5 million tonnes of limestone, 8,000 tonnes of granite, and 500,000 tonnes of mortar. 

They’d have looked very different initially – with a smooth and polished limestone exterior and a gold cap covering the structure’s highest point, they were designed to gleam in the desert sun. Today, the pyramids, long shrouded by smog and sand, have a blackened surface caused by pollution.  

What You Need to Know Before Visiting the Pyramids: Practical Tips 

Pyramids of Giza - Cairo, Egypt

Now that you know how to visit the pyramids, there are a few things to remember before you hop on a plane. Here are some practical tips to get you to the pyramids without a sweat. 

When’s the Best Time to Visit the Pyramids of Giza?

There are a few factors that play a part in how many tourists visit the pyramids of Giza each day. The most affordable time of the year with the least tourists is during the summer. Egyptian summers are insanely hot and regularly exceed 40°C, which can be uncomfortable if you’re exploring for hours. 

If you think the lower prices and fewer crowds are worth the desert sun, it’s best to go this time of the year. I suggest you arrive at the site around 8 am as it is still relatively cool and calm at this time. 

As tempting as it may sound to save some money, I recommend a trip during winter. The country’s winter months are relatively mild, with temperatures that can fall below 10 °C at night. These conditions are much more manageable and comfortable for a tour that takes up hours of your day. 

What to Wear to the Pyramids?

Julianna at the Pyramids of Giza

Egypt has a hot and dry climate dominated by a desert landscape. Most people find these sweltering conditions quite bothersome, but if you pack smartly, you can be cool and comfy on your Egypt trip. 

When visiting the Giza complex, you can expect to do a lot of walking. So I recommend you bring comfy shoes that are fit for exploring. 

If you’re travelling to the pyramids, it’s best to wear light and breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. Many tourists choose to remain covered from the shoulders to below the knees. But this is not a rule for visitors, and you will see people in shorts and sundresses. 

However, Egypt is very conservative and wearing something that shows much of your skin could offend the locals. And the sun is quite harsh, so protection is vital.

Egypt’s mild winter can result in chilly evenings. It’s best to wear something light throughout the day, like a pullover, and then swap it out for a warmer coat in the evening. 

Here are some must-have items: 

  • a long-sleeved t-shirt
  • long baggy skirts or pants
  • a hat, a light fleece top
  • and a jacket for colder months 

For women: it’s advisable to wear clothing that will keep your knees, cleavage and shoulders covered. Make sure to have a scarf handy to conceal your hair if you enter a religious temple. 

Opening Hours

The opening hours for the pyramids of Giza are as follows:

  • Summer (April – September): 8 am – 5 pm
  • Winter (October – March): 8 am – 4 pm

I recommend spending at least 3 hours at the site. This will ensure you have enough time to cover all three pyramids and the solar boat museum and still have time to capture some captivating photos for your socials.  

Pyramids of Giza: Map 

How to Visit the Pyramids of Giza: Read Next

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  • Incredible Things to do in Cairo
  • What to Wear in Egypt
  • 20+ Things You Need to Know Before Travelling to Egypt

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How to Visit the Pyramids of Giza: A Practical Guide

I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

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20 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Egypt

Written by Jess Lee Updated Oct 16, 2023

Home of the ancient Pharaohs, Egypt is a destination full of dazzling temples and tombs that wow all who visit. It's not all historic treasures and tourist attractions, though. With vast tracts of desert for 4WD adventures, the Red Sea's world-class coral reefs and wrecks for divers, and cruising on the famed Nile River, there are plenty of things to do in Egypt for all types of travelers.

Beach lovers head to the Sinai or the Red Sea Coast to soak up the sun, while archaeology fans will have a field day in Luxor.

Cairo is the megalopolis that can't be beaten for city slickers, while Siwa oasis and the southern town of Aswan offer a slice of the slow pace of the countryside.

With so much to see and do, Egypt offers visitors a chance to create itineraries that combine culture, adventure, and relaxation all on one trip.

Plan your sightseeing with our list of the top attractions and places to visit in Egypt.

1. Pyramids of Giza

2. luxor's temples & tombs, 3. cruising the nile, 5. abu simbel, 6. diving the red sea, 7. explore historic cairo, 8. south sinai's beach life, 10. egyptian museum, 11. white desert, 12. alexandria, 13. abydos temple, 14. siwa oasis, 15. st. catherine's monastery, 16. red sea beaches, 17. coptic cairo, 18. wadi al-hitan, 19. temple of hathor, 20. monastery of st. anthony.

Pyramids of Giza

The last surviving wonder of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza are one of the world's most recognizable landmarks.

Having awed travelers down through the ages, these tombs of the Pharaohs Khufu (Cheops), Khafre (Chephren), and Menkaure (Mycerinus), guarded by the enigmatic Sphinx, are usually top of most visitor's lists of tourist attractions to see in Egypt and often the first sight they head to after landing.

Today, sitting on the desert edge of Cairo's sprawl, these megalithic memorials to dead pharaohs are still as wondrous a sight as they ever were and an undeniable highlight of any Egypt trip.

To beat the crowds , get here around 7:30am and enter through the main Pyramid of Khufu site entrance (rather than the Sphinx entrance). This means you can have finished exploring the interior tunnels and burial chambers of the Pyramid of Khufu by the time the tour buses start pulling in at 8:15am.

Most visitors limit their site visit to the three pyramids and the Sphinx, but there is plenty more to see on the Giza Plateau. If you can, reserve time to explore the funerary complexes of the eastern cemetery (on the east side of the Pyramid of Khufu). The tombs of 6th dynasty high officials Qar and Idu and the tomb of Meresankh III (who was one of Pharaoh Khafre's wives) are all open to the public.

  • Read More: Pyramids of Giza: Attractions, Tips & Tours

Karnak Temple

Famed for the Valley of the Kings , Karnak Temple , and the Memorial Temple of Hatshepsut, the Nile-side town of Luxor in Upper Egypt has a glut of tourist attractions.

This is ancient Thebes, the power base of the New Kingdom pharaohs, and home to more sights than most can see on one visit.

Luxor's east bank is home to the modern city, with its vibrant souq; the two temples of Karnak and Luxor; and the museum. The west bank's lush farmland and barren cliffs are where the vast majority of Luxor's tourist attractions sit, with so many tomb and temple sights that it has been called the biggest open-air museum in the world.

Spend a few days here exploring the colorful wall art of the tombs and gazing in awe at the colossal columns in the temples, and you'll see why Luxor continues to fascinate historians and archaeologists.

The Valley of the Kings is one of Egypt's most visited sites but, if you are willing to get up extra early, you can beat the crowds . All of Luxor's archaeological sites open at 6am, but hardly any visitors (and no large tour operators) take advantage of this.

Kick off your sightseeing with a 6am start at the Valley of the Kings, and you'll get to experience the interiors of Luxor's famed New Kingdom tombs with hardly anyone else (except the handful of other wily early risers) there.

Cruising on the Nile at Luxor

Egypt is defined by the Nile. For many visitors, a multi-day cruise upon this famed waterway that saw the rise of the Pharaonic era is a highlight of their Egypt trip.

Cruising the Nile is also the most relaxing way to see the temples that stud the banks of the river on the route between Luxor and Aswan, plus sunrise and sunset over the date-palm-studded river banks, backed by sand dunes, is one of Egypt's most tranquil vistas.

The two famous sights on a Nile Cruise are the Temple of Kom Ombo and Edfu's Temple of Horus , where all the big cruise boats stop.

If you'd prefer a less crowded and slower experience, though, and don't mind "roughing it" a bit, you can also cruise the Nile by felucca (Egypt's traditional lateen-sailed wooden boats), which also allows you to create your own itinerary.

The vast amount of cruise boat itineraries depart from either Luxor or Aswan, but feluccas can only be chartered for multi-day trips from Aswan.

Feluccas on the Nile at Aswan

Egypt's most tranquil town is Aswan, set upon the winding curves of the Nile. Backed by orange-hued dunes, this is the perfect place to stop and unwind for a few days and soak up the chilled-out atmosphere.

Take the river ferry across to Elephantine Island and stroll the colorful streets of the Nubian villages. Then ride a camel to the desert monastery of St. Simeon on Aswan's east bank. Afterwards, relax in one of the riverboat restaurants while watching the lateen-sailed feluccas drift past.

Make sure to jump aboard a felucca at sunset to sail around Aswan's islands. This is by far, Aswan's most popular activity and the most relaxing way to take in the local sights.

There are plenty of historic sites here and numerous temples nearby, including Philae Temple on its island, but one of Aswan's most popular things to do is simply kicking back and watching the river life go by.

Abu Simbel

Even in a country festooned with temples, Abu Simbel is something special. This is Ramses II's great temple, adorned with colossal statuary standing guard outside, and with an interior sumptuously decorated with wall paintings.

Justly famous for its megalithic proportions, Abu Simbel is also known for the incredible engineering feat carried out by UNESCO in the 1960s, which saw the entire temple moved from its original setting to save it from disappearing under the rising water of the Aswan Dam.

Today, exploring Abu Simbel is just as much about admiring the triumph of this international effort to save the temple complex as it is about gaping in wonder at Ramses II's awe-inspiring building works, itself.

Most people arrive in Abu Simbel on organized day trips from Aswan, which all have an early morning start to get to the temple complex at 8am or 9am.

After 11am, nearly everyone has cleared out and headed back to Aswan. To wander through Ramses II's colossal monument without the crowds, overnight in Abu Simbel village itself and visit the temples after midday.

Divers enjoying the underwater beauty of the Red Sea

Below the Red Sea's surface is another world as fascinating as the temples and tombs on land.

The coral reefs of the Red Sea are renowned among scuba divers for both the soft corals on display and the vast amount of sea life, ranging from colorful reef fish and nudibranchs to sharks, dolphins, turtles, rays, and even dugongs.

For divers, the most famous town to base yourself in is Sharm el-Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula, closest to the reefs of Ras Mohammed National Park, as well as the reefs of the Straits of Tiran.

To dive the sites of the Straits of Gubal head to Hurghada or El Gouna on the Red Sea coast, while advanced divers should check out the resort of Marsa Alam, the nearest base for diving Egypt's "deep south" dive sites.

Thistlegorm wreck dive

As well as fish life and coral, the Red Sea is a major wreck-diving destination. The most famous wreck is the Thistlegorm, a British WWII cargo ship that was on its way to resupply Allied troops when it was bombed by the Germans in 1941.

Today the site is regarded by divers as one of the top five wreck dives in the world due to the vast cargo of cars, motorbikes, and WWII memorabilia that can be seen both scattered on the sea bed around the wreck and inside the ship itself.

Dive boat trips to the wreck are organized from both Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada.

The Red Sea offers year-round diving but for the calmest sea conditions and best underwater visibility, July and August are the best months . This is high summer in Egypt though with its accompanying sweltering on-land temperatures. If your Egypt trip doesn't solely revolve around diving, it's still best to avoid these months.

Read More: Diving in the Red Sea: Best Dive Sites

Islamic Cairo

The atmospheric, narrow lanes of the capital's Historic Cairo district are crammed full of mosques, madrassas (Islamic schools of learning), and monuments dating from the Fatimid through to the Mameluke eras.

This is where you'll find the labyrinth shopping souq of Khan el-Khalili, where coppersmiths and artisans still have their tiny workshops, and stalls are laden with ceramics, textiles, spice, and perfume.

Surrounding the market is a muddle of roads, home to some of the most beautiful preserved architecture of the old Islamic empires.

There is a wealth of history here to explore. Visit Al-Azhar Mosque and the dazzling Sultan Hassan Mosque , and make sure to climb up to the roof of the ancient medieval gate of Bab Zuweila for the best minaret-speckled panoramas across the district.

Mornings are the best time to visit this district as the narrow lanes are at their quietest. If you're planning to visit the area's mosques though, avoid visiting on Fridays (the Muslim holy day) . If you want to enter mosques as a tourist, dress conservatively (covering arms and legs) and bring along a scarf to throw over your head if you're female.

Keen shoppers should head to Khan el-Khalili in the evening: the shops here are all open until late and the souq is at its most vibrant after dark.

  • Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Cairo & Easy Day Trips

South Sinai

Egypt's South Sinai region, on the Sinai Peninsula, offers a beach for every type of traveler.

Sharm el-Sheikh is a European-style resort town packed full of luxury hotels, international restaurants, and bags of entertainment options. A favorite with Europeans on winter-sun vacations, many of the resorts here cater to families on one- or two-week sun-and-sand breaks.

Dahab is a low-key beach town with a budget-traveler heart, which is just as much about desert excursions and adventures as the sea. It's particularly known for its cheap dive-package deals and for its lagoon beach area where windsurfing and kitesurfing are the top activity.

Up the coast, between the port town of Nuweiba and the border town of Taba are the bamboo hut retreats that offer complete get-away-from-it-all respites from life and back-to-basics beach life.

Pyramid and ruins at Saqqara

Everyone's heard of Giza's Pyramids, but they're not the only pyramids Egypt has up its sleeve. Day-tripping distance from Cairo , Saqqara is a vast necropolis of tombs and pyramids that was utilized during every era of Pharaonic rule.

It's best known for its Old Kingdom Step Pyramid, which shows how the architects of Ancient Egypt advanced their engineering knowledge to finally create a true pyramid shape.

There's much more to see beyond the Step Pyramid, though, with some of the surrounding tombs, such as the Mastaba of Ti, showcasing some of the finest tomb paintings you'll see in the country.

Nearby, the pyramid site of Dahshur is home to the Red Pyramid and Bent Pyramid, which should be included on any Saqqara visit.

  • Read More: Exploring Saqqara: A Visitor's Guide

Egyptian Museum

A treasure trove of the Pharaonic world, Cairo's Egyptian Museum is one of the world's great museum collections . The faded pink mansion in downtown Cairo is home to a dazzling amount of exhibits.

The museum's exhibits cover the breadth of the Pharaonic era with highlights including its artifacts from pre-dynastic Egypt, the Old Kingdom galleries displaying the fine statuary from Egypt's period of pyramid builders, and the displays of glittering funerary goods unearthed from the country's most famous tomb finds.

Make sure to reserve enough time at the museum to fully view the galleries devoted to the grave goods of Yuya and Thuya and the royal tombs of Tanis (both upstairs).

Until Giza's much-delayed Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) opens, the Egyptian Museum is also where you come to see a selection of the riches from Tutankhamen's Valley of the Kings tomb. When the GEM finally does open, these will be moved there (and the entire Tutankhamen collection will be displayed in full for the first time).

Everything else though in the Egyptian Museum's collection will be staying in place.

White Desert

Egypt's kookiest natural wonder is White Desert National Park, out in the Western Desert, just south of Bahariya Oasis. Here, surreally shaped chalk pinnacles and huge boulders loom over the desert plateau, creating a scene that looks like icebergs have found themselves stranded amid a landscape of sand.

This highly scenic environment looks like something out of a science fiction movie and is a favorite destination for 4WD desert trips and overnight camping , which are both easiest organized in Bahariya Oasis.

For desert fans and adventurers, this is the ultimate weird playground, while anybody who's had their fill of temples and tombs will enjoy this spectacular natural scenery.

Alexandria

Alexandria has a history that not many others can match.

Founded by Alexander the Great, home of Cleopatra, and razzmatazz renegade city of the Mediterranean for much of its life, this seafront city has an appealing days-gone-by atmosphere that can't be beaten.

Although today, there are few historic remnants of its illustrious past left to see, Alexandria's long seafront Corniche road leading to its fort (sitting on the site where its famous ancient lighthouse once sat) remains a favorite summer destination to capture cooling sea breezes for Egyptians and foreign visitors alike.

Underwater archaeological projects here have imbued Alexandria's museums with interesting exhibits. The modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a contemporary interpretation of Alexandria's famed ancient library, and the handful of historic sights in town include an atmospheric catacombs site.

  • Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Alexandria

Abydos Temple

The Temple of Osiris in Abydos is one of Ancient Egypt's most fascinating artistic treasures.

The temple, begun by Seti I, sits amid a vast necropolis site where archaeological excavations are ongoing. There a various other temple remnants to see here but for most visitors, the Temple of Osiris is the main reason to visit.

Its hypostyle halls, graced by papyrus-headed columns, contain some of the finest relief-work in Egypt, with various scenes portraying the pharaoh and the gods of Ancient Egypt.

As the temple lies north of Luxor, it isn't on the main Nile cruise ship route, so it receives much fewer visitors than the temple sites in Luxor itself and the Nile-side temples to the south. This means you are often lucky enough to wander through the temple's halls with only a few other visitors on site.

  • Read More: Exploring The Temples of Abydos: A Visitor's Guide

Siwa Oasis

Sitting in isolation, in the western corner of the Western Desert, Siwa is the tranquil tonic to the hustle of Egypt's cities. This gorgeous little oasis, surrounded by date palm plantations and numerous hot-water springs, is one of the Western Desert's most picturesque spots.

Siwa town is centered around the ruins of a vast mud-brick citadel, known as the Fortress of Shali, which dominates the view, while various temple remnants, including the Temple of the Oracle where Alexander the Great is said to have come to receive advice, are scattered throughout the wider oasis area.

This is a top spot to wind down and go slow for a few days, as well as being an excellent base from which to plan adventures into the surrounding desert.

St. Catherine's Monastery

One of the oldest monasteries in the world, St. Catherine's stands at the foot of Mount Sinai, amid the desert mountains of the Sinai Peninsula, where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments.

This desert monastery is home to an incredible collection of religious iconography, art, and manuscripts (some of which can be seen in the on-site museum), as well as the burning bush.

For most visitors here, a trip to St. Catherine's also involves a hike up Mount Sinai to see sunrise or sunset. Take the camel path for the easy route, or climb the famous Steps of Repentance if you want better views.

Umbrellas on the beach in Hurghada

Egypt's Red Sea coastline offers swaths of sand for travelers who want a time-out from temple viewing.

During winter, the resorts scattered along the shore surrounding Hurghada jump into life as European families arrive on package tourism breaks.

The big bonus of choosing a resort on the Red Sea coast over one on the Sinai Peninsula is that you are within day-tripping distance to Luxor, so this is the best place to visit for beach life if you still want to easily see some of Egypt's most famous monuments.

Hurghada and El Gouna are the two main resort towns, while the smaller, and still being-developed, town of Marsa Alam is much farther south.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Red Sea Region

Fortress of Babylon walls

The Cairo district known as Coptic Cairo is one of the most important Christian sites in the country.

Originally the Fortress of Babylon, dating back to the Achaemenid Empire's conquest of Egypt in 525 BCE, this district is home to Cairo's oldest surviving church, synagogue, and mosque, as well as the excellent Coptic Museum, which holds the world's largest collection of Coptic Christian art and antiquities.

A section of the Fortress of Babylon's walls, which were repaired and expanded under Roman rule, are also still standing and are the entrance into the district.

Make sure to visit the Hanging Church, which holds a fine collection of icons and was built half over the Roman-era water wheel (hence the church's name). Then thread your way down the narrow alley to the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus which, according to local tradition, was built atop the site where the Holy Family with the infant Jesus lived in refuge after fleeing King Herod.

Nearby, the Ben Ezra Synagogue is famous for being the site where the Geniza documents cache were discovered.

A short walk away is the Mosque of Amr Ibn Al As, built by the Arab Muslim army commander (and later, first governor of Egypt) after conquering Egypt.

Wadi Al-Hitan's fossils

Wadi Al-Hitan is in the Fayoum area, a lush and fertile depression fed by ancient canals and surrounded by desert.

The Fayoum itself, with Lake Quran, the pottery village of Tunis, and Pharaonic ruins scattered across the hinterland, is an interesting place to visit, but the main tourist attraction here, in the nearby desert, is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Wadi Al-Hitan.

Amid the orange dunes and jagged rocks of this desert valley, a vast fossil cache of the oldest prehistoric whales (the basilosaurus and dorodontus) were discovered, hugely aiding human understanding of the evolution of whales.

Some of the finds have been kept in situ, with walking tracks radiating out from the visitor's center to skeleton sites sitting amid the sand.

In the visitor center itself, a museum dedicated to the site does an excellent job of explaining Wadi Al-Hitan's importance, and displays many of the site's other finds, including a skeleton of a basilosaurus whale that measures 18 meters long.

Temple of Hathor

The Temple of Hathor at Dendara was built in the late Pharaonic era and extended during the Roman period, though Dendara itself was an important cult center from early on in the period of Ancient Egypt.

A trip here is well worth a day trip from Luxor, as the temple's youth (in comparison to other Pharaonic temples) means that it is one of the most complete surviving temples in Egypt.

The reliefs and decoration here are in an excellently preserved state. In particular, while in the hypostyle hall, which was built by the Roman Emperor Tiberius, note the columns topped by heads of the Egyptian god Hathor, and the wall reliefs of the emperor paying tribute to the Egyptian gods.

Dendara is just outside the city of Qena, 80 kilometers north from Luxor.

Monastery of St. Anthony

Secreted within the jagged northern mountains of the Red Sea coast, the Monastery of St. Anthony has been a working monastery since the 4th century, and today is still home to around 120 monks.

The Church of St. Anthony, within the fortress-like compound, has an interior of secco wall paintings that are considered one of the most important collections of Egyptian Coptic art in the world and date from around the 11th and 12th centuries. The church is also home to the tomb of St. Anthony (the father of monasticism) and is a major pilgrimage destination for Egyptian Coptic Christians.

Monks run tours of the monastery that include visiting the church and some of the monastery's gardens, as well as allowing you to head up and walk on top of the monastery's walls.

St. Anthony's Monastery is very isolated. If you don't have your own transport, the easiest way to get here is to hire a driver from Cairo or Hurghada.

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The Pyramids travel guide

Egypt’s Pyramids are the oldest of the major Pharaonic sites and, along with the enigmatic Sphinx, also their most iconic. This area close to modern Cairo was the power base of the Old Kingdom, and its rulers were buried in the tombs and Pyramids of Saqqarah and Giza, home to the only remaining Ancient Wonder of the World described by Greek and Roman scholars. For 46 centuries, they have impressed travellers. For more on the Pyramids, read here.

You can take a camel ride round the Pyramids at Giza, Egypt, (photo by Glyn Genin)

The sole surviving Wonder of the Ancient World, Giza’s Pyramids must rank as the oldest and most visited tourist attraction in history. Archaeologists agree that the Giza pyramids were built within a few hundred years of each other around 2600BC by generations of the same royal family, with the aim of foiling tomb robbers. You can tour the pyramids on foot, or take a camel or horse ride between the main sites.

Great Pyramid of Khufu

The oldest and largest of the three Pyramids is the Great Pyramid of Khufu  (Cheops; 2589–2566BC). With its original limestone casing (sadly requisitioned for other buildings over the centuries), the pyramid towered 146.6m (480ft) high. Its height has now been reduced by 9m (30ft).Three chambers were found inside, but all were empty except for Khufu’s sarcophagus.

Inside, the very cramped corridor leads via the Queen’s Chamber into the spectacular 47m (154ft) long Great Gallery, which ends at the King’s Chamber with its pillaged and now empty sarcophagus.

Pyramid of Khafra

Better preserved is the complex around the Pyramid of Khafra (Chephren; 2558–2532BC), Khufu’s son, which lies southwest of his father’s.

Khafra’s pyramid appears taller, but is actually built on higher ground and is slightly smaller, at 136m (447ft). Unusually, the apex is still covered by the original limestone casing. The internal structure of passages is much simpler, although no less claustrophobic, than that of the Great Pyramid, leading to a single chamber containing Khafra’s large granite sarcophagus.

Pyramid of Menkaura

The third of the royal pyramids at Giza was begun by Menkaura (Mycerinus, c.2532–2504BC), the successor of Khafra. By far the smallest, it was apparently left unfinished at Menkaura’s death and hurriedly completed by his son, Shepseskaf, whose own tomb is at Saqqarah. There are signs of haste throughout the complex, even in the pyramid itself. Brick was used to finish off the mortuary temple, causeway and valley temple, though they were begun in limestone and some of the blocks weigh 200 tonnes, showing that the failure to complete it in limestone was not due to a decline in technical mastery.

Solar Boat Museum

Lying behind the Great Pyramid of Khufu is the Solar Boat Museum, housing a cedar-wood boat that was discovered in a pit covered in limestone blocks and mortar near the Great Pyramid in 1954. The boat, which was painstakingly reassembled from 1,200 pieces of wood, is regarded as one of the most important finds of the 20th century and, at 4,600 years old, is one of the oldest boats in existence. Visitors must wear protective footwear to keep sand and other particles that might damage the vessel out of the museum.

The exact purpose of the solar boat is a matter of debate. It was either the funerary boat of Khufu, which carried the Pharaoh’s body to Giza prior to embalming, or it was intended to carry the dead Pharaoh across the sky from east to west to be united with the sun-god Ra.

Though the face of the Sphinx appears to resemble that of Khafra, the monument is believed to pre-date the rest of the Khafra complex by over 2,600 years. The Sphinx has suffered over the ages: its nose was chiselled off sometime between the 10th and 15th centuries, and part of the fallen beard now resides in the British Museum in London. Named by the Greeks after the mythical half-woman, half-lion monster of ancient times, the origin, purpose and date of the Sphinx remains unknown.

Giza was neither the first or the only location where pyramids were built: there are about 90 built along the Nile between Giza and the oasis of al-Fayoum. The oldest pyramid is at Saqqarah, situated about an hour south of Cairo.

Saqqarah was the final resting place for the rulers of Memphis and constitutes the largest royal graveyard in Egypt.

Dominating the area is the Step Pyramid, built by architect Imhotep for his ruler King Zoser in about 2670BC, and made up of six brick tiers, reaching a height of 60m (196ft). This is the world's earliest stone monument, the precursor to all Egypt's architectural achievements.

Inside, a shaft was dug 28m (91ft) to the king’s burial chamber. The pyramid is surrounded by a compound representing the king’s palace at Memphis, with beams, columns and bundles of reeds carved onto its facade. ­Several tombs surrounding the pyramid are decorated with extremely fine murals. Notable examples are the scenes of nobles hunting, feasting and fishing in the tombs of Kagemni and Mere­ruka (2300BC), next to the ruined pyramid of Teti.

Doctors are shown performing operations in the tomb of Ankh-ma-hor. Near the Rest House and the now-closed Serapeum, the double mastaba (one-storey tomb) of Akhet-hotep and his son Ptah-hotep contains scenes from daily life in Ancient Egypt, including various children’s games. Across the road is the mastaba of Ti, decorated with fish and birds. The mastaba of Princess Idut has exceptional nautical scenes.

Just southeast of Saqqarah is Memphis, capital of Egypt until the end of the 6th Dynasty (c.2200bc). Little remains of the city now – but there is a museum with two major relics. First there is a monumental statue of Ramesses II lying prostrate in a covered enclosure. Regarded as the finest statue of this pharaoh ever carved, it can only be viewed properly from the gallery. The fine craftsmanship is apparent in the details of the king's mouth, the muscular shoulders and the sturdy torso. The royal name, in an oblong cartouche, can be seen on the right shoulder, the breast and on the pharaoh's girdle.

The other significant object on display is an alabaster sphinx dating from 1400BC.

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great pyramids tourist destination

The History Hit Miscellany of Facts, Figures and Fascinating Finds

15 Must-Visit Pyramids Around the World

Discover the dazzling pyramids of the ancient world, from the famed egyptian structures at giza to those in mexico, india and peru..

great pyramids tourist destination

Harry Sherrin

24 sep 2021.

Most people thinking of pyramids jump straight to Ancient Egypt. While that’s not wrong, it’s not necessarily right either. There are ancient pyramids all around the world, from a plethora of different cultures and civilisations and representing many different architectural styles.

From the famous attractions of Egypt to Mesoamerican pyramids, South American adobe structures, Mesopotamian ziggurats, North American mounds and even Roman ceremonial follies, these colossal structures pop up across the globe.

Curiously, pyramidal structures were constructed by cultures and in eras that had no apparent connection to one another.

Here are 15 of the most incredible surviving pyramids of the ancient world.

great pyramids tourist destination

1. Pyramids of Giza

Probably the most famous pyramid site in the world, Giza is home to Ancient Egypt’s Great Pyramid, the famous Sphinx and two other amazing pyramids. The largest pyramid in Giza, and in the world, belongs to the second king of the Fourth Dynasty, Khufu or ‘Cheop’. Khufu’s pyramid is Giza’s oldest and, at its great size of 145 metres, became known as ‘The Great Pyramid’.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, today Giza is one of the best places to explore Ancient Egypt. Visitors can enter each of the pyramids or view them together from the dramatic panorama point, while the the Great Sphinx is also located nearby. Estimated to date back to 2528–2520 BC, some Egyptologists believe that this majestic half man, half lion is modeled on Khafra.

great pyramids tourist destination

2. Teotihuacan

The Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan measures 225m by 222m at its base and 75m high is one of the largest and most impressive pyramids on the planet. Teotihuacan was a holy Mesoamerican city built in around 400 BC in what is now Mexico. Characterised by looming stepped pyramids, Teotihuacan is incredibly well-preserved and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visitors to Teotihuacan can manoeuvre their way through the city via its original streets, such as Avenue of the Dead, which divided the city into quarters, although take note that the site is absolutely enormous.

great pyramids tourist destination

Saqqara was the burial ground of the Egyptian city of Memphis and home to numerous pyramids and tombs. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, Saqqara contains eleven major pyramids sprawled over six miles, including the first ever pyramid, known as the Step Pyramid and funerary complex of pharaoh Djoser.

Saqqara is massive and, for those short on time the best places to see are in the north, including the Serapeum, Djoser’s funerary complex and, in between these two, the Mastaba of Akhti-Hotep and Ptah-Hotep, the son and grandson of official Ptah-Hotep.

great pyramids tourist destination

4. Chichen Itza

Stunningly well-preserved and imposingly beautiful, Chichen Itza is one of Mexico’s most impressive historical sites and includes the world famous, looming Mesoamerican step-pyramid known as El Castillo. A UNESCO World Heritage site based in the forests of the Yucatan Peninsula, Chichen Itza is actually made up of two cities built by two peoples, the Maya and the Toltecs.

Chichen Itza is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mexico, so be prepared for crowds. To avoid them, we suggest arriving as close to possible to opening hours – right at the start, or right at the end of the day. It is often hot and sunny and the site offers little shade (or protection, should it rain).

great pyramids tourist destination

5. Pyramid of Cestius

The Pyramid of Cestius is a truly unique Roman pyramid built as a tomb for the affluent magistrate Caius Cestius between 18 and 12 BC. Constructed of white marble and brick, this ostentatious 35-metre high tomb was likely built in this style due to the popularity of all things Egyptian which swept Rome after Egypt was incorporated into the Empire.

Today, the pyramid can only be accessed with special permission due to ongoing conservation works. Yet the pyramid’s exterior can be admired fully from within the Aurelian Walls near the Protestant Cemetery on the northwest side.

great pyramids tourist destination

6. Monte Alban

A remarkable UNESCO listed pre-Columbian site in Mexico, Monte Alban contains a number of large and impressive pyramids, probably built by the Zapotecs. Monte Alban was inhabited for approximately 1,500 years by a succession of civilisations, including the Olmecs, Zapotecs and Mixtecs and, at its peak, had a population of around 25,000 people. The site is characterised by over 2,200 terraces as well as numerous pyramid structures.

Today, Monte Alban is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has a small on-site museum showing some of the finds from the excavations.

great pyramids tourist destination

7. Brihadisvara Temple

One of several remarkable Hindu temples built by the leaders of the Chola Empire, the Brihadisvara temple has a quite spectacular central pyramid structure. Built from 1003 to 1010 during the reign of Rajaraja I, the temple was constructed in honour of the Hindu deity Shiva.

The temple looks at its most beautiful at sunrise and sunset: the softer light looks fantastic on the honey-coloured granite. The temple itself is part of a group of temples known as the ‘Great Living Chola Temples’ and remains one of the most popular sites in Tamil Nadu.

great pyramids tourist destination

Dahshur was once home to eleven Ancient Egyptian pyramids, of which few have survived. However, for those wishing to view the Egypt’s pyramids in peace and quiet, Dahshur is the place to go. Unlike the more popular Giza and Saqqara, Dahshur has not become a tourist hotspot, despite its ancient attractions, including the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid.

Built by the pharaoh Sneferu, founder of the Fourth Dynasty and father of Khufu, the Red Pyramid is one of Dahshur’s most famous residents and the second oldest pyramid ever built. In fact, it is thought that this was where Sneferu himself was buried.

9. Tenochtitlan

Tenochtitlan in Mexico was established on an island in Lake Texcoco in 1325 AD as the capital city of the Aztecs and, in its final and most prosperous days, was ruled by Motecuhzoma II, also known as Montezuma. At its peak, Tenochtitlan was a thriving and imposing city with around 200,000 inhabitants. It was characterised by its enormous pyramids and clear street grids, dividing Tenochtitlan into four zones.

Today, remnants of Tenochtitlan are hard to find as they have been consumed by the development of modern Mexico City. Those Tenochtitlan sites which have been excavated, including five temples of which Templo Mayor is one, are protected on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, however there is no single Aztec site to visit.

great pyramids tourist destination

10. Cahuachi

Cahuachi is believed to have been a pilgrimage site of the Nazca people. Still an active archeological site, Cahuachi is dominated by several adobe pyramids made of sand and clay as well as having a graveyard.

Little is known about Cahuachi, but as it overlooked the Nazca Lines, it is thought to have been a ceremonial site. Another site at Cahuachi is known as Estaquería, which archeologists believed was used for mummification purposes. A general Nazca tour which includes Cahuachi and other sites takes approximately 3 hours.

great pyramids tourist destination

11. Calixtlahuaca

Calixtlahuaca near Toluca in Mexico is a well-preserved Aztec archaeological site which was once a thriving city originally home to the Matlatzinca people – the people of the Toluca Valley. The Calixtlahuaca site has a series of fascinating and impressive structures, not least of which are its vast pyramid-like temples.

The ruins of the city today are not extensive, although they’re still worthwhile. Perhaps because of this they’re not heaving with tourists, and visitors can often enjoy the site in relative tranquillity.

great pyramids tourist destination

12. El Tajin

El Tajin in the state of Veracruz in Mexico is an impressive archaeological site which originally formed the capital city of the Totonac state. In fact, the name “Tajin” refers to the Totonac deity of thunder, lighting and rain. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is open to the public, although much of it is yet to be excavated.

Much of El Tajin is extremely well-preserved, offering a great many things to see. Amongst the most famous attractions at El Tajin is the Pyramid of the Niches, an impressive six-stepped pyramid which would once have been crowned with a temple. Stone reliefs and friezes around the site offer an insight into the lives of those who lived in El Tajin.

great pyramids tourist destination

Uxmal is an archaeological site in Mexico which houses the ruins of a Maya town thought to have been inhabited as early as 800BC. Having said this, most of the buildings and structures seen at Uxmal today were constructed in between around 700AD to 1000AD. Like other ancient cities in Mexico, Uxmal has a series of ceremonial pyramids, the most celebrated of which is the Pyramid of the Soothsayer.

Uxmal is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and also has a small museum. Organised tours from Merida can last a whole day and include sites such as Kabah. Audio guides are available in several languages for an added fee.

great pyramids tourist destination

Tikal National Park near Flores in Guatemala houses one of the world’s most famous and impressive Maya sites, known as Tikal. In fact, Tikal was a major ceremonial site in the Maya culture, with many temples and pyramids built there between 300 BC and 100BC and then further expansion taking place from 600 AD to 800 AD.

Today, visitors to Tikal are greeted with a wealth of well-preserved monuments, palaces, structures and temples. This UNESCO World Heritage site actually has a staggering 3,000 or so ancient structures mostly dating back to between 600 BC and 900 AD, six of which are fully uncovered. Amongst these are five magnificent pyramids, some of them being crowned with temples and the largest one being an impressive 213 feet tall.

great pyramids tourist destination

Yaxha in Guatemala’s Peten region is an ancient Maya site containing several incredible pyramids as well as other structures such as ball courts and also carved stelae. From its vast size and its many monuments, it appears that Yaxha was an important settlement for the Maya people, although little is known about its origins.

Yaxha is remote, but all the more magical for it, and it’s definitely worth the effort it takes to get here. Some even find they prefer it to the nearby Tikal. The Acropolis del Norte (North Acropolis) is particularly spectacular, comprising of three pyramidal temples which rise above the jungle canopy.

The Great Pyramids Of Giza, Egypt Travel Guide

  • Marcus Anthony

The Great Pyramids Of Giza, Egypt Travel Guide

The Great Pyramids of Giza have captivated the hearts and minds of travelers, historians, and archaeologists for centuries. The pyramids are an impressive feat of engineering, with each pyramid made up of thousands of enormous stone blocks. This ultimate travel guide will provide you with an in-depth look at the history and significance of these iconic structures, while also offering practical tips to help you make the most of your visit to this awe-inspiring ancient wonder.

History of the Great Pyramids of Giza

The Great Pyramids of Giza - Sunset in Egypt

The Pyramids of Giza, situated on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt, are among the most iconic and historically significant landmarks in the world. These awe-inspiring structures, built more than 4,500 years ago, have been captivating people’s imaginations for centuries, drawing in travellers, archaeologists, and historians alike.

Origins and Purpose

The Pyramids of Giza were constructed during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom of Egypt, around 2580-2560 BCE. They served as the royal tombs for three pharaohs: Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. The primary purpose of these pyramids was to ensure the safe passage of the pharaohs’ souls to the afterlife and demonstrate their divine status on Earth.

The Great Pyramid of Giza

The Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt

The Great Pyramid of Giza, also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops, is the largest and oldest of the three pyramids. It was originally 146.6 metres (481 feet) tall, but due to erosion and the removal of its outer casing stones, it now stands at 138.8 metres (455 feet). The Great Pyramid was constructed using over 2.3 million limestone and granite blocks, with some weighing as much as 80 tonnes. It is estimated that the construction of this colossal monument took approximately 20 years and required a workforce of thousands of skilled labourers and slaves.

The Pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure

The Great Pyramid of Khafre, Egypt

The Pyramid of Khafre, also known as the Pyramid of Chephren, is the second-largest pyramid in Giza. It was built for Pharaoh Khafre, the son of Khufu, and appears taller than the Great Pyramid due to its position on higher ground. The Pyramid of Menkaure, the smallest of the three, was built for Pharaoh Menkaure, and it features a unique lower layer of granite casing stones.

Construction Techniques and Innovations

The construction of the Pyramids of Giza showcased remarkable engineering techniques and innovations for the time. The precise alignment of the pyramids with the cardinal points and the use of a sophisticated system of ramps, levers, and counterweights to transport and lift the enormous stone blocks are testaments to the ancient Egyptians’ advanced knowledge and capabilities.

Over the centuries, the Pyramids of Giza have been the subject of numerous theories and speculations, ranging from their purpose as astronomical observatories to being built by extraterrestrial beings. While many mysteries still surround these magnificent structures, there is no denying their enduring allure and the profound sense of awe that they inspire in those who visit them.

Visiting Ancient Egyptian Legacy of Human Achievement

Visiting The Great Sphinx and The Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

Visiting the Great Pyramids of Giza offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is sure to leave an indelible mark on your memory. The awe-inspiring scale, the rich history, and the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape make it an essential destination for travelers seeking both adventure and cultural enrichment.

Planning Your Visit: Purchasing Tickets

To make the most of your trip to the Pyramids of Giza , it’s essential to plan ahead and purchase tickets in advance. Buying tickets beforehand allows you to skip long lines and secure a spot on the day you wish to visit. Various ticket options are available for visiting the Pyramids of Giza. The most basic ticket grants you access to the site but not the pyramids themselves. If you wish to explore the inside of the pyramids, you will need to purchase a separate ticket. Familiarize yourself with the various available ticket options, activities, and guided tours. By doing so, you will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable experience and gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the significance and fascinating stories behind these ancient wonders.

Additionally, tickets for visiting the Great Sphinx, located near the pyramids, are also available. The Great Sphinx is a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human, believed to represent Pharaoh Khafre. This enigmatic monument, measuring 73 metres (240 feet) long and 20 metres (66 feet) high, guards the Giza Plateau and adds to the allure of the pyramids.

Getting There: Transportation Options

The Great Pyramids of Giza are located in the Giza Plateau, approximately 13 kilometres (8 miles) southwest of Cairo, the capital of Egypt. You can easily access the site through various means:

  • Taxi: A taxi ride from downtown Cairo to the Pyramids takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • Bus: Take bus number 355 or 357 from the Abdel Menem Riyad bus station in Cairo, which will drop you at the entrance of the Giza Plateau.
  • Organized Tours: Many tour operators in Cairo offer half-day or full-day tours to the Pyramids, often including transportation, entrance fees, and a guide.

Tips for a Memorable Visit

  • Dress appropriately: The Giza Plateau can be very hot during the day, so wear light, breathable clothing, a hat, and sunscreen. Comfortable shoes are essential for walking on the uneven terrain.
  • Stay hydrated: Bring enough water to last your visit, as there may be limited options to purchase drinks on-site.
  • Hire a guide: Knowledgeable, licensed guides are available at the entrance to the site. They can enrich your visit with historical context and fascinating facts about the pyramids.
  • Beware of scams and touts: Be cautious of unsolicited offers for camel rides, souvenirs, or assistance. Always agree on a price beforehand and be prepared to firmly decline any unwanted services.
  • Capture the moment: Don’t forget to take plenty of photos to remember your visit to this awe-inspiring site. The best time for photography is early morning or late afternoon when the sun casts a golden hue on the pyramids.
  • Plan your visit early or late in the day: To avoid the intense heat and crowds, consider visiting the pyramids early in the morning or late in the afternoon. These times also offer the best lighting for photography.
  • Be patient and respectful: The Great Pyramids of Giza are a popular tourist destination, so you may encounter crowds and long lines, especially during peak travel seasons. Exercise patience and treat fellow visitors, locals, and site staff with respect.
  • Allocate sufficient time: The Giza Plateau is vast and there is much to see and explore. Allocate at least half a day to fully experience the site and avoid feeling rushed.
  • Consider a camel or horse ride: If you’re interested in experiencing the site from a different perspective, consider taking a camel or horse ride around the pyramids. Ensure that you negotiate a fair price beforehand and ensure the animals are well-treated.
  • Visit the nearby Mastaba tombs: These ancient tombs, located near the pyramids, are dedicated to high-ranking officials and nobles from the Old Kingdom. The tombs feature well-preserved carvings and paintings, offering additional insight into ancient Egyptian culture and funerary practices.

Guided Tours for Deeper Insights

Sunset at The Great Sphinx and The Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

If you’re interested in learning more about the history and culture of the Pyramids of Giza, numerous guided tours are available. These tours are led by knowledgeable guides who will provide in-depth information about the pyramids and their significance. Moreover, they will also take you to some lesser-known areas of the site that you might otherwise overlook.

While at the site, don’t forget to take the time to absorb the atmosphere and marvel at the ingenuity and dedication of the people who built these astonishing structures thousands of years ago. Beyond the pyramids, the surrounding area offers additional opportunities for exploration and discovery, such as visiting the enigmatic Sphinx, experiencing a traditional camel ride, and uncovering the hidden gems of the desert landscape.

Experience the Desert Like a Local: Camel Rides

Digital Nomad Riding a Camel to The Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

One of the most popular activities at the Pyramids of Giza is taking a camel ride, a traditional mode of transportation in the desert for thousands of years. Many camel riders offer tours of the surrounding desert, giving you a unique perspective on the less-visited parts of the region.

Sound and Light Show: The End

The Pyramids of Giza - Sphinx - Sound and Light Show - Egypt

For a truly magical experience to cap off your night, consider attending the Sound and Light Show held at the Giza Plateau in the evening. This one-hour show features a mesmerizing display of lights and projections on the pyramids and the Sphinx, accompanied by a narrative telling the story of these ancient wonders. The show is available in multiple languages, and tickets can be purchased on-site or through tour operators.

Extending Your Trip

To further explore Egypt’s rich history and heritage , consider visiting other remarkable sites such as:

  • Saqqara: Home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the first pyramid ever built, Saqqara is an important necropolis located about 30 kilometres (17 miles) south of Cairo.
  • Dashur: Located around 40 kilometres (25 miles) south of Cairo, this archaeological site features the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid, both built during the reign of Pharaoh Sneferu.
  • The Egyptian Museum: Located in Cairo, this world-famous museum houses an impressive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun.

The Great Pyramids of Giza by Night - Egypt

Ultimately, a visit to the Great Pyramids of Giza transcends a mere tourist attraction—it is an encounter with the enduring legacy of human achievement, a testament to the creativity and determination of our ancestors. As you stand in the shadow of these colossal monuments, you become part of a centuries-long tradition of travelers, explorers, and scholars, all seeking to unlock the mysteries and understand the allure of these magnificent structures.

great pyramids tourist destination

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

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

The pyramids of Egypt are one of the travel highlights of the world. For thousands of years, the greatest architectural wonders on the globe have been on the Giza Plateau in Cairo Egypt , and millions of people go to see them annually.

However, most people do not know that there are other well-preserved pyramids that are almost the same size and age in Egypt , and people have discovered about 46 other groups of pyramids with a total of about 130 other ancient pyramids in Egypt, although most are in ruins.

The oldest pyramids are the greatest ancient architectural wonders in Egypt that display the engineering skill and wealth of the ancient pharaohs who lived about 4,500 years ago. Near them or under them, as part of their mausoleum and temple areas, there are other incredible wonders too.

Content Preview

  • Facts about the Pyramids of Egypt
  • History of the Pyramids of Egypt
  • Inside the Pyramids of Egypt
  • Location of the Pyramids of Egypt

Interesting Facts about the Pyramids of Egypt?

  • The Great Pyramid is the tallest building that was constructed before Christ , and it was only surpassed by a steepled cathedral in Britain in 1300. Today, the height of the pyramid is about 138.8 meters (455 ft).
  • Almost all the pyramids of Egypt are on the west bank of the Nile . This is because Egyptian civilizations believe that the west was associated with death because that is where the sun sets.
  • The Great Pyramid on the Giza plateau is the only one of the 7 Wonders of the World that survives . It was already about 2,300 years old when the first Greek writer listed the 7 Wonders. The other 6 of the 7 Wonders were all built within about 375 years of the time of his writing.
  • The Three Great Pyramids of Giza were all built by the clan of Khufu during the Third Dynasty era of Egypt (2686 to 2610 BC).
  • The Step Pyramid of Saqqara is considered the first pyramid though it does not have a pyramid shape . It is a tower built in 6 layers.
  • The Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid are both at Dahshur . They are respectively the third and fourth tallest and largest pyramids in Egypt, and they are thought to be older than the Great Pyramid.
  • The Red Pyramid is thought to be the first pyramid-shaped pyramid in Egypt .
  • Under the Saqqara Pyramid is a pit about 10 stories deep , and there is a tunnel system that measures at least 3.5 miles (5.5 kilometers) long!
  • So far, 6 rooms have been discovered inside the Great Pyramid . By far the biggest room (or a set of rooms) was only discovered in 2017.
  • From about 2630 to 1500 BC, rulers of several dynasties built pyramids . They generally became smaller and more shoddily made as time went on. By the end, some were made of mud brick.

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Egyptian Pyramid History

The pyramid building era lasted about 1,120 years from 2620 BC to 1500 BC . Before this, the rulers were buried in caves and tunnels or under mastabas. Mastabas usually had a shape something like a trapezium prism. This means that there was a flat rectangular roof, a larger base, and sides of the mastaba sloped downwards to the ground. These structures were built over the tombs that were cut into the rock beneath or pits in the ground.

1) Earliest History: 2620 BC and Before

Egyptologists generally think that the first pyramid in Egypt was built about 2030 BC by Djoser in Saqqara . Saqqara is about 30 kilometers or 19 miles south of Cairo. They think that it was originally designed to be a huge mastaba, but then the builders decided to add 5 other layers on top of the already large mastaba to make a huge structure with six layers or steps. Now it is 58 meters tall, and its base is 123 meters by 107 meters. When it was first built, it is believed to have been about 62.5 meters (205 feet). It must have astounded the ancient world because it was far taller than any other building that had been built. It is known as the Step Pyramid of Djoser .

What is the most interesting about the pyramid is not what is inside the structure itself but what is underneath it . Under the pyramid, the builders made a horizontal corridor that leads to a deep pit about 10 floors deep with square sides and a huge cavernous ceiling like a dome. At the very bottom, there are large stones laid out in a box shape with tunnels that branch out. Researchers determine that the tunnels beneath the pyramid form a labyrinth at least 3.5 miles (5.5 kilometers) long, but perhaps other tunnels remain unknown. People speculate about whether the tunnels were built before the pyramid was built on top of it.

2) Dahshur and Giza Pyramids Era 2613 BC to 2503 BC

Over this hundred-year period, the Fourth Dynasty rulers seemed to want to keep outdoing the Stepped Pyramid and the pyramids of their parents and grandparents .

In 2613, Sneferu founded the Fourth Dynasty . During his reign from 2613 to 2589 BC, he is thought to have built three large pyramids . Most historians think that he built the Pyramid of Meidum that is about 100 kilometers south of Cairo. It is a stepped pyramid that is almost as tall as the Pyramid of Menkaure in Giza.

Sneferu also built two large pyramids in Dahshur that is about 40 kilometers southwest of Cairo . They are so well built that they are still largely intact and people can enter them. The Red Pyramid is the third tallest and largest Egyptian pyramid. Its neighbor is the Bent Pyramid . It about 6 inches shorter and is the fourth tallest and largest pyramid in Egypt. The oldest pyramids that are dated about 4,600 years old were also among the best that were ever built in Egypt.

The size of these must have astounded the people. The Bent Pyramid is 189 meters (620 feet) square at its base. It is 104.71 m (344 feet) tall with a total volume of 1,237,040 cubic meters (43,685,655 cubic feet).

Sneferu's Red Pyramid is believed to be the first non-stepped pyramid . It has a total height of 105 meters and a total volume of 1,694,000 cubic meters (59,823,045 cu ft). Its contents are similar to the pyramids in Giza — just a few passageways and chambers. There are no inscriptions and few artifacts to see. The amazing preservation, engineering, and acoustics are the highlights.

  • Top sights: The Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid
  • Recommended visiting duration: 1 day

In 2589 BC, Khufu (Cheops, in Greek) built the biggest pyramid ever built on the west bank of the Nile . It is 40 floors tall. He was the son of Sneferu and reigned 2589–2566 BC. It is amazing engineering and still hides big secrets, as the discovery of the Big Void in 2017 shows. The Big Void has not been entered, but advanced technology equipment has been able to ascertain its position near the middle of the pyramid and that it is 100 feet long and 10 feet high. People are still making discoveries about its construction, and they are speculating about its purposes. It is actually 8 sided, and this is something people started to realize in the 1700s.

So far, six rooms have been found in the Great Pyramid :

  • The Big Void — This is a large potato-shaped tank-like room. It has a roof that is a little higher than the King's Chamber and a floor that is a little lower than the floor of the chamber. It was discovered in 2017. Its purpose is still unknown.
  • King's Chamber
  • The Grand Gallery
  • Queen's Chamber
  • Lower chamber – a subterranean chamber.

To construct the King's Chamber, they somehow raised and put in huge blocks of granite weighing up to 70 tons.

The son of Khufu named Khafre reigned 2558–2532 BC . He built the second pyramid at Giza during his reign . His wives are thought to be buried in three small pyramids built next to his pyramid. He built his pyramid on a leveled rock hillock, so his pyramid looks taller. It is less regularly built than the Great Pyramid because of this raised platform and also because it is composed of two layers. In the bottom layer, some huge blocks of granite weighing 100 tons were used. On top of it, smaller blocks of limestone about 1 to 2 tons each were laid.

It is the middle of the three large pyramids of Giza, and it looks like the biggest because of the platform. It is now136.4 meters (448 feet) tall, but it is thought that originally it was 144 meters (472 feet) tall.

Then Khafre's son Menkaure reigned 2532–2503 BC . During his reign, the Fourth Dynasty came to an end . Perhaps because of this, or due to war or lack of resources, his pyramid is quite small in comparison. Now it measures 61 meters tall, but when it was built it was probably 65.5 meters (215 feet) tall. His subjects built three small pyramids next to his.

In total, over three generations, they built three large pyramids and 11 small pyramids on the Giza plateau.

3) The Final Thousand Years of Pyramid Construction 2465 BC to 1500 BC

After the fourth dynasty that included Sneferu and Khufu, pyramids continued to be built throughout the fifth and sixth dynasties, but the size and quality of construction declined over this period. During this 1,000-year period, bricks became commonly used . This is why most of the pyramids of this time are in ruins.

Another notable change of pyramid construction for historians is that builders started to inscribe historical and religious texts inside the pyramids . This became a standard practice. This has helped historians to understand the history of Egypt better.

The Pyramid of Unas is the first one known to have writings inside. It was shoddily constructed about the year 2360 BC. Historians say these pyramid texts are the oldest religious writings known.

In 1500 BC, the last king of the 18th Dynasty named Ahmose I built the last pyramid . After this, rulers started to build caves and tunnels for burial.

Inside the Egyptian Pyramids

Over the centuries, whatever artifacts or treasures that might have originally been inside all the pyramids have been taken. The Great Pyramid of Giza for example, has only a few empty rooms, corridors and air shafts. There is an empty sarcophagus. The most interesting things remaining in the pyramids are the rooms, corridors, and amazing architecture, and whatever inscriptions and decorations are inside .

Generally, if tourists are allowed inside a pyramid, the walkways have been fitted with lights, handholds and footholds or stairs.

What is interesting about the Pyramid of Menkaure in Giza is that its chambers are more complex . One chamber that is decorated with beautifully crafted stone panels. It is said that in 1838, a big basalt sarcophagus that was found inside was lost at sea as it was being transported.

The small pyramids around the big three pyramids in Giza generally have large passageways containing a burial room and a tomb .

Of all the pyramids, the Step Pyramid of Saqqara might have the most interesting interior . Though it is 58 meters tall, tourists can enter. There is an entryway outside the pyramid that leads down steps to a well-lit horizontal corridor that leads to a deep pit and huge cavernous room about 10 stories deep.

In various rooms and corridors under the pyramid, there is artwork, tiled decorations, and inscriptions. In the burial chamber, there is a massive granite sarcophagus. There are chambers decorated in blue tiles and carved reliefs of the pharaoh.

Other notable pyramids in Egypt that tourists like to enter include the Meidum Pyramid, the Pyramid of Unas, and the Pyramid of Lahun .

Where Are the Egyptian Pyramids?

Most of the pyramids tourists want to go to are at Saqqara , Giza , Dahshur , and Meidum . These are all within about 75 kilometers (47 miles) from Cairo. Giza is on the western edge of Cairo, and it is the northernmost pyramid highlight area. Meidum is about 75 km (47 miles) south. Most people prefer to travel in this region south of Cairo by private vehicle or taxi.

  • Going to the Pyramids of Giza when you are in Cairo is easy by taxi or private vehicle . From the Martyrs Station for example, it is about a 16-minute drive to Giza. From Cairo Airport, the Giza pyramids are about 33 minutes away by vehicle.
  • Dahshur is about 40 km (25 mi) south of Cairo . The quickest and easiest way to travel there is by taxi or private vehicle. You can get from Cairo Airport to Dahshur in an hour or less.
  • Saqqara is closer than Dahshur . From the Pyramids of Giza, it would take about 30 minutes by vehicle, and from the airport, the drive is about 50 minutes.
  • Meidum is about 1 hour 40 minutes from Cairo's airport by vehicle .

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The 5 Best Pyramids in the World in 2024

Posted: February 13, 2024 | Last updated: February 13, 2024

<p><strong>As you embark on a journey to explore the mysteries of ancient civilizations, with this list you’ll find yourself visiting some of the most awe-inspiring pyramids across the globe.</strong></p> <p>These architectural wonders are more than just stone structures; they are testimonies to human ingenuity and the enduring legacy of ancient cultures.</p> <p>Here’s a guide to these magnificent pyramids, each offering a unique glimpse into the past.</p>

As you embark on a journey to explore the mysteries of ancient civilizations, with this list you’ll find yourself visiting some of the most awe-inspiring pyramids across the globe.

These architectural wonders are more than just stone structures; they are testimonies to human ingenuity and the enduring legacy of ancient cultures.

Here’s a guide to these magnificent pyramids, each offering a unique glimpse into the past.

<p><span>Your pyramid adventure isn’t complete without visiting the iconic Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. Rising against the Sahara Desert and the bustling streets of Cairo, these pyramids are breathtaking. The Great Pyramid of Khufu, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, is particularly awe-inspiring with its massive scale and precise construction.</span></p> <p><b>Traveler’s Insight: </b><span>Don’t miss the opportunity to enter the Great Pyramid. The narrow passageways leading to the burial chamber are an adventure in themselves.</span></p> <p><b>Getting There: </b><span>The Pyramids of Giza are located just outside Cairo. You can easily reach them by taxi, bus, or a guided tour from the city center.</span></p> <p><b>Things to Consider: </b><span>The best time to visit is during the cooler months, from October to April. Be prepared for a lot of walking in the sun, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. Also, be wary of persistent vendors and camel ride offers around the site.</span></p>

#1. Egypt – The Timeless Wonders of Giza

Your pyramid adventure isn’t complete without visiting the iconic Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. Rising against the Sahara Desert and the bustling streets of Cairo, these pyramids are breathtaking. The Great Pyramid of Khufu, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, is particularly awe-inspiring with its massive scale and precise construction.

Traveler’s Insight: Don’t miss the opportunity to enter the Great Pyramid. The narrow passageways leading to the burial chamber are an adventure in themselves.

Getting There: The Pyramids of Giza are located just outside Cairo. You can easily reach them by taxi, bus, or a guided tour from the city center.

Things to Consider: The best time to visit is during the cooler months, from October to April. Be prepared for a lot of walking in the sun, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. Also, be wary of persistent vendors and camel ride offers around the site.

<p><span>In the ancient city of Teotihuacan, near Mexico City, you’ll find the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. Climbing the steep steps of the Pyramid of the Sun, you’ll feel a deep connection to the rituals and beliefs of its builders.</span></p> <p><b>Traveler’s Insight: </b><span>Plan a visit during the equinoxes to witness the mesmerizing play of light and shadow, believed to be linked to agricultural cycles.</span></p> <p><b>Getting There: </b><span>Teotihuacan is about 50 kilometers from Mexico City. You can take a bus from the North Bus Terminal (Autobuses del Norte) in Mexico City, which drops you at the site’s entrance.</span></p> <p><b>Things to Consider: </b><span>Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and the midday heat. Wear comfortable shoes for climbing the pyramids, and bring water and sun protection.</span></p>

#2. Mexico – The Mystical Step Pyramids of Teotihuacan

In the ancient city of Teotihuacan, near Mexico City, you’ll find the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. Climbing the steep steps of the Pyramid of the Sun, you’ll feel a deep connection to the rituals and beliefs of its builders.

Traveler’s Insight: Plan a visit during the equinoxes to witness the mesmerizing play of light and shadow, believed to be linked to agricultural cycles.

Getting There: Teotihuacan is about 50 kilometers from Mexico City. You can take a bus from the North Bus Terminal (Autobuses del Norte) in Mexico City, which drops you at the site’s entrance.

Things to Consider: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and the midday heat. Wear comfortable shoes for climbing the pyramids, and bring water and sun protection.

<p><span>In Sudan’s Meroë, discover the lesser-known but equally fascinating pyramids of the Kushite Kingdom. Smaller than their Egyptian counterparts, these pyramids in the solitude of the desert create a hauntingly beautiful scene.</span></p> <p><b>Traveler’s Insight: </b><span>Explore these pyramids at sunrise or sunset when the golden light casts dramatic shadows on the sand.</span></p> <p><b>Getting There: </b><span>Meroë is located about 200 kilometers northeast of Khartoum. The best way to visit is by car or as part of a guided tour, as public transport options are limited.</span></p> <p><b>Things to Consider: </b><span>The site is in a remote desert area, so prepare for a lack of facilities. Bring plenty of water, food, and sun protection. Visiting with a guide is recommended for insightful historical context.</span></p>

#3. Sudan – The Forgotten Pyramids of Meroë

In Sudan’s Meroë, discover the lesser-known but equally fascinating pyramids of the Kushite Kingdom. Smaller than their Egyptian counterparts, these pyramids in the solitude of the desert create a hauntingly beautiful scene.

Traveler’s Insight: Explore these pyramids at sunrise or sunset when the golden light casts dramatic shadows on the sand.

Getting There: Meroë is located about 200 kilometers northeast of Khartoum. The best way to visit is by car or as part of a guided tour, as public transport options are limited.

Things to Consider: The site is in a remote desert area, so prepare for a lack of facilities. Bring plenty of water, food, and sun protection. Visiting with a guide is recommended for insightful historical context.

<p><span>On the slopes of Mount Lawu in Java, Indonesia, lies Candi Sukuh, a pyramid-like temple with unique Hindu-Buddhist carvings. Its terraced levels and thematic reliefs set it apart from other pyramid structures.</span></p> <p><b>Traveler’s Insight: </b><span>Explore the temple’s symbolic art, representing the human journey from worldly desires to enlightenment.</span></p> <p><b>Getting There: </b><span>Candi Sukuh is situated on the western slope of Mount Lawu, near Solo, Central Java. It’s accessible by car or motorbike from Solo or Yogyakarta.</span></p> <p><b>Things to Consider: </b><span>The temple is less touristy, so it’s a peaceful visit. However, the path can be steep and slippery, especially during the rainy season, so wear appropriate footwear.</span></p>

#4. Indonesia – The Hidden Gem of Candi Sukuh

On the slopes of Mount Lawu in Java, Indonesia, lies Candi Sukuh, a pyramid-like temple with unique Hindu-Buddhist carvings. Its terraced levels and thematic reliefs set it apart from other pyramid structures.

Traveler’s Insight: Explore the temple’s symbolic art, representing the human journey from worldly desires to enlightenment.

Getting There: Candi Sukuh is situated on the western slope of Mount Lawu, near Solo, Central Java. It’s accessible by car or motorbike from Solo or Yogyakarta.

Things to Consider: The temple is less touristy, so it’s a peaceful visit. However, the path can be steep and slippery, especially during the rainy season, so wear appropriate footwear.

<p><span>In Lima, Peru, discover Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Columbian pyramid made entirely of adobe bricks. Amidst the urban landscape, this pyramid is a stark reminder of the region’s rich pre-Incan history.</span></p> <p><b>Traveler’s Insight: </b><span>Take a guided tour at night when the pyramid is beautifully illuminated, offering a unique perspective to its magic.</span></p> <p><b>Getting There: </b><span>Huaca Pucllana is in the Miraflores district of Lima, easily accessible by taxi or public transport from anywhere in the city.</span></p> <p><b>Things to Consider: </b><span>The site is in an urban area, so it’s a convenient visit. Guided tours are available and recommended to understand the site’s history better. The night tour offers a different perspective with the pyramid lit up.</span></p>

#5. Peru – The Ancient Adobe Pyramid of Huaca Pucllana

In Lima, Peru, discover Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Columbian pyramid made entirely of adobe bricks. Amidst the urban landscape, this pyramid is a stark reminder of the region’s rich pre-Incan history.

Traveler’s Insight: Take a guided tour at night when the pyramid is beautifully illuminated, offering a unique perspective to its magic.

Getting There: Huaca Pucllana is in the Miraflores district of Lima, easily accessible by taxi or public transport from anywhere in the city.

Things to Consider: The site is in an urban area, so it’s a convenient visit. Guided tours are available and recommended to understand the site’s history better. The night tour offers a different perspective with the pyramid lit up.

<p><span>Your journey through these pyramids is more than just a tour of ancient monuments; it’s an adventure into the soul of civilizations that shaped our world. Each pyramid’s unique story and setting offers a new understanding of history and humanity.</span></p> <p><span>Go beyond the famous landmarks and explore these wonders. Let these ancient stones whisper their secrets to you, and you’ll find yourself part of a story that spans millennia.</span></p> <p><span>Each destination requires some planning, from considering the best time to visit to preparing for the local climate and terrain. By understanding these aspects, you can ensure a fulfilling and memorable experience at each of these ancient wonders.</span></p> <p><span>Happy exploring!</span></p> <p>The post The 5 Best Pyramids in the World in 2024 republished on Passing Thru with permission.</p> <p>Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Bucha Natallia.</p> <p>For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.</p>

The Bottom Line

Your journey through these pyramids is more than just a tour of ancient monuments; it’s an adventure into the soul of civilizations that shaped our world. Each pyramid’s unique story and setting offers a new understanding of history and humanity.

Go beyond the famous landmarks and explore these wonders. Let these ancient stones whisper their secrets to you, and you’ll find yourself part of a story that spans millennia.

Each destination requires some planning, from considering the best time to visit to preparing for the local climate and terrain. By understanding these aspects, you can ensure a fulfilling and memorable experience at each of these ancient wonders.

Happy exploring!

The post The 5 Best Pyramids in the World in 2024 republished on Passing Thru with permission.

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Bucha Natallia.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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This ancient diary reveals how Egyptians built the Great Pyramid

The Pyramids of Giza are an architectural feat, and long thought a mystery. But the Red Sea Scrolls give an unprecedented look at who built the ancient wonder.

Located on the Egyptian coast of the Red Sea, Wadi al-Jarf is a quiet, unassuming place today. Dry desert sands and placid blue water stretch out as far as the eye can see; across the water one can spy the Sinai Peninsula. This seeming tranquility masks the busy hub it once was more than 4,000 years ago. Wadi al-Jarf’s historical importance was cemented in 2013 when 30 papyri, the world’s oldest, were found hidden away in manmade limestone caves there.

Aside from their age, the so-called Red Sea Scrolls are remarkable for their contents. Not only do they reveal Wadial-Jarf’s distant past as a bustling port, they also contain eyewitness accounts of a man named Merer who took part in the building of the Great Pyramid of Pharaoh Khufu.

The Wadi al-Jarf site was first discovered in 1823 by an English traveler and antiquarian, John Gardner Wilkinson, who believed its ruins to be a Greco-Roman necropolis. Then, in the 1950s, two archaeology-loving French pilots, François Bissey and René Chabot-Morisseau, stumbled upon the site again. They suggested that it had once been a center for metal production. But the 1956 Suez crisis delayed further investigation.

It wasn’t until 2008 that work at the site resumed. French Egyptologist Pierre Tallet led a series of excavations that definitively identified Wadi al-Jarf as an important port that dated back some 4,500 years to the reign of Khufu and the building of the Great Pyramid. Tallet’s teams revealed that Wadi al-Jarf was a vibrant economic hub at the center of the trade in materials used to build the pyramids, some 150 miles away. Supporting the archaeology was the landmark find of Merer’s diary among the papyri.

( The Pyramids at Giza were built to endure an eternity—but how? )

A satellite photo centers on the Red Sea, which Egyptian traders had to cross to obtain copper from Sinai.

Pyramid port

The Wadi al-Jarf site consists of several different areas, spread over several miles between the Nile and the Red Sea. From the direction of the Nile, the first area, about three miles from the coast, contains some 30 large limestone chambers used for storage. It was in these caves that the papyri were discovered.

This ivory statuette is one of the only depictions of Pharaoh Khufu that survives from his time, some 4,500 years ago.

Continuing east toward the sea for another 500 yards, a series of camps appears, and after those, a large stone building divided into 13 parallel sections. Archaeologists surmised that the building was used as a residence. Finally, on the coast is the harbor itself with dwellings and more storage spaces. Using pottery and inscriptions found at the site, archaeologists have been able to date the harbor complex to Egypt’s 4th dynasty, some 4,500 years ago. They believe the harbor was inaugurated in the time of Pharaoh Sneferu and abandoned around the end of his son Khufu’s reign. It was active for a short period, but during that time the port was devoted to building Khufu’s tomb , known then as Akhet-Khufu, meaning “Horizon of Khufu.”

( This Egyptian queen's tomb lay untouched in the shadows of Giza. )

Along with the papyri, many other important archaeological finds there have revealed the importance of the port. Large structures, like the 600-foot-long stone jetty, show deep material investment in the area. Tallet and his team uncovered some 130 anchors, whose presence implies a busy harbor.

A watercolor depicts the busy harbor at Giza

From the harbor, called “The Bush” by the ancient Egyptians, the pharaoh’s ships would sail across the Red Sea to the copper-rich Sinai Peninsula. Copper was the hardest metal then available, and the Egyptians needed it to cut the stones for their pharaoh’s massive pyramid. When Egyptian ships returned to port, they were loaded with copper. Between voyages, the ships were stored in the limestone chambers.

( What it’s like to scuba dive under pyramids. )

A view of the Pyramids of Giza, with blue sky behind, sand in front, and two camels in the foreground

Treasures in the caves

After the Wadi al-Jarf harbor was decommissioned around Khufu’s death, records show that a team was sent from Giza to close the storage spaces carved into the limestone. They were known as the Escort Team of “the Uraeus of Khufu Is Its Prow,” which most likely refers to a ship bearing the Uraeus (protective cobra) on its prow. During the process of blocking up the limestone caves, Merer’s now obsolete papyrus documents likely became lodged among the stone blocks.

They remained in the desert air for some four and a half millennia until their discovery during an excavation by Tallet in 2013. The first batch of Red Sea Scrolls was found on March 24 that year near the entrance to the storage space designated G2. The second and largest set of documents was found 10 days later, wedged between blocks in storage space G1.

A fragment of Merer's journal on papyrus

There are several types of documents among the Red Sea Scrolls, but the writings of Merer caused the most excitement. The leader of a working party, Merer kept records of its activities in his diary. It is a daily record of the work his team carried out over a three-month period during the construction of the Great Pyramid.

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Merer’s team consisted of some 200 workers who traveled across Egypt and were responsible for carrying out all tasks related to the construction of the Great Pyramid. Among the most interesting were the limestone blocks used for the pyramid’s cladding. Merer recorded in great detail how the team retrieved them from the quarries of Tura and brought them by boat to Giza.

( What do the Dead Sea Scrolls reveal about the origins of Christianity? )

A sketch of a 15th-century B.C. relief from the temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Dayr al-Bahri shows workers loading ships sailing to the Land of Punt.

Merer’s men would load the limestone blocks onto boats, transport them up the Nile, and watch when they were tallied in an administrative area before being taken to Giza. A fragment from the diary records the three-day journey from the quarry to the pyramid’s site:

Day 25: Inspector Merer spends the day with his za [team] hauling stones in south Tura; spends the night in south Tura. Day 26: Inspector Merer sets sail with his za from south   Tura, laden with stone blocks, to Akhet-Khufu [the Great Pyramid]; spends the night in She-Khufu [administrative area with storage space for the ashlars, just before Giza]. Day 27: Embark at She-Khufu, sail to Akhet-Khufu laden with stones, spend the night at Akhet-Khufu.

The next day, Merer and his workers returned to the quarry to pick up a new shipment of stones:

A 4,500-year-old bust of Ankhhaf, royal architect and half brother of Khufu

Day 28: Set sail from Akhet-Khufu in the morning; navigate up the river towards south Tura. Day 29: Inspector Merer spends the day with his za hauling stones in south Tura; spends the night in south Tura. Day 30: Inspector Merer spends the day with his za hauling stones in south Tura; spends the night in south Tura.

Merer’s diary even gives a glimpse of one of the pyramid’s architects. Ankhhaf, Khufu’s half brother, held the position of “head of all the king’s works.” One of the papyrus fragments states: “Day 24: Inspector Merer spends the day with his za hauling [text missing] with people in elite positions, aper-teams, and the noble Ankh-haf, director of Ro-She Khufu.”

( Who built the Sphinx? Who broke its nose? 4,500 years later, a fresh look. )

Floating to Giza

A 3D model of the building site of the Pyramids of Giza

Working men

Merer also carefully kept track of how his crew was paid. Since there was no currency in pharaonic Egypt, salary payments were made generally in measures of grain. There was a basic unit, the “ration,” and the worker received more or less according to their category on the administrative ladder. According to the papyri, the workers’ basic diet was hedj (leavened bread), pesem (flat bread), various meats, dates, honey, and legumes, all washed down with beer.

( These mighty pyramids were built by one of Africa’s earliest civilizations. )

It has been long accepted that a large labor force built the Great Pyramid, but historians have long debated the status of this workforce. Many have argued that the workers must have been enslaved, but the Red Sea Scrolls contradict this notion. Merer’s detailed payment records demonstrate that those who built the pyramids were skilled workers who received compensation for their services.

Construction workers carry sandstone blocks in a relief detail from the Temple of Luxor

There is something even more extraordinary in the lines of the frail papyri. In the words of Merer, there is a firsthand account of a person who not only witnessed the building of the pyramids but whose team was also a crucial part of the everyday business of getting the job done. Because of this discovery, Egyptologists have a detailed (and somewhat prosaic) snapshot of the final stages of the Great Pyramid’s construction.

( How to spend a day in Cairo, the eclectic Egyptian capital. )

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  1. Pyramids of Giza: The Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors

    The Pyramids of Giza were built almost 5,000 years ago, at the beginning of human recorded history. The Great Pyramid of Giza, also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops, is the oldest of the three main pyramids on the Giza plateau. This pyramid was built around 2570 BC and it is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient ...

  2. Pyramids of Giza: Attractions

    1. Great Pyramid (Pyramid of Cheops or Pyramid of Khufu) Giza's Great Pyramid. Giza's Great Pyramid (also called the Pyramid of Cheops) is not only this ancient site's most famous monument but one of the most well-known monuments in the world.. It was built by the Pharaoh Khufu (commonly called by its Greek transliteration of Cheops) and was known to the ancient Egyptians as Ekhet Khufu ...

  3. 14 MUST-KNOW Tips for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt: The

    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. ... 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 ...

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

    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.

  5. Getting to know the Pyramids of Giza

    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.

  6. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt: The Complete Guide

    Great Pyramid of Giza. The Great Pyramid of Giza is both the largest and the oldest of the Giza pyramids. It was constructed as a tomb and monument for the pharaoh Khufu, and completed around 2560 B.C. Like the other pyramids, it is built out of vast blocks of granite and limestone that would have been quarried, transported and assembled by hand.

  7. Pyramids of Giza

    8. Queens' Pyramids. 0.21 MILES. Along the Great Pyramid of Khufu's east face, three small structures some 20m high resemble piles of rubble. These are the Queens' Pyramids, the tombs of…. View more attractions. The last remaining wonder of the ancient world; for nearly 4000 years, the extraordinary shape, impeccable geometry and sheer bulk ...

  8. Your Guide To Visiting The Pyramids Of Giza

    However, if you still want to visit in the summer, ensure you arrive at the Pyramids of Giza at around 8 a.m. to beat the heat. Winter, between October and March, is a great pick, but that means more crowds and higher prices. During winter, the best time to explore the pyramids is after 10 a.m. (via Pyramids of Giza Map).

  9. 15 Essential Tips for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza ...

    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

  10. The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Pyramids of Giza

    10 Budget-Friendly Travel Destinations Around the World. 6 Ways to Spend Less on Travel. LUXURY TRAVEL. The Best Luxury Honeymoon Destinations ... If you want to explore inside the Great Pyramid, you will pay an extra 300 LE (about $18.50 USD). If you are bringing a tripod, you'll pay an extra 20 LE ($1.20 USD)—this may seem a bit odd but ...

  11. The Ultimate Guide To Visiting The Pyramids Of Giza

    The most renowned of the Pyramids of Giza is the Great Pyramid of Khufu, also known as the Pyramid of Cheops. Built as the tomb for Pharaoh Khufu, it is the largest and oldest pyramid among the three main pyramids. Constructed around 2580-2560 BC, it stood as the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years.

  12. Giza Plateau

    The pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx are among the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and indeed already were even in Roman times. Each of these spectacular structures served as the final resting place of a king of the 4th Dynasty (c.2613-2494 BC). The Great Pyramid of Giza was built for king Khufu (c.2589-2566 BC), and the other two for Khafre and Menkaure, his son and ...

  13. How to Visit the Great Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza

    The Best Time to Visit the Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx and Entrance Fees (2023) The best time to visit the complex is as soon as it opens at 7 am. At the time of this writing, it costs 240 EGP (~ $8) for a ticket into the complex. There's an additional fee of 440 EGP and 150 EGP to gain entrance into the Khufu and Khafre Pyramids.

  14. Egypt's Giza Pyramids are getting a revamp to boost tourism

    The Great Pyramids of Giza are one of the most recognisable tourist attractions in the world. The ancient Egyptian pharaohs built them to last forever and now, 4,500 years later, they're getting ...

  15. Visit The Pyramids of Giza: Practical Guide

    All three of the great pyramids offer entry at an additional fee. The general pyramids of Giza entry tickets allow you to explore outside the three pyramids and the Sphinx. However, you can purchase an on-site ticket to enter different pyramids. The extra ticket for the Great Pyramid is 400 EGP, while entrance to the 2nd or 3rd pyramid is 100 EGP.

  16. 20 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Egypt

    2. Luxor's Temples & Tombs. Karnak Temple. Famed for the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and the Memorial Temple of Hatshepsut, the Nile-side town of Luxor in Upper Egypt has a glut of tourist attractions. This is ancient Thebes, the power base of the New Kingdom pharaohs, and home to more sights than most can see on one visit.

  17. The Pyramids travel guide

    You can tour the pyramids on foot, or take a camel or horse ride between the main sites. Great Pyramid of Khufu. The oldest and largest of the three Pyramids is the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops; 2589-2566BC). With its original limestone casing (sadly requisitioned for other buildings over the centuries), the pyramid towered 146.6m (480ft) high.

  18. 15 Must-Visit Pyramids Around the World

    Here are 15 of the most incredible surviving pyramids of the ancient world. Image Credit: Shutterstock. 1. Pyramids of Giza. Probably the most famous pyramid site in the world, Giza is home to Ancient Egypt's Great Pyramid, the famous Sphinx and two other amazing pyramids. The largest pyramid in Giza, and in the world, belongs to the second ...

  19. The Great Pyramids Of Giza, Egypt Travel Guide

    The Great Pyramid of Giza. The Great Pyramid of Giza, also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops, is the largest and oldest of the three pyramids. It was originally 146.6 metres (481 feet) tall, but due to erosion and the removal of its outer casing stones, it now stands at 138.8 metres (455 feet).

  20. The Egyptian Pyramids: Facts, Inside, Location...

    The Great Pyramid is the tallest building that was constructed before Christ, and it was only surpassed by a steepled cathedral in Britain in 1300. Today, the height of the pyramid is about 138.8 meters (455 ft). ... Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions. Hassle-free travel and peace of mind: Every aspect of ...

  21. The Giza Pyramids: A Tourist Destination And One Of The Seven Wonders

    The Pyramids of Giza are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Egypt. They are also one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Pyramids were built over 4,500 years ago and are a great example of ancient Egyptian architecture.. The pyramids of Giza have long been regarded as one of the world's most stunning architectural treasures.Visits are a time spent learning, and we've ...

  22. The 5 Best Pyramids in the World in 2024

    The Great Pyramid of Khufu, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, is particularly awe-inspiring with its massive scale and precise construction. Traveler's Insight: Don't miss the ...

  23. Why People Visit The Great Pyramid Of Giza

    The Great Pyramid is the most impressive and ancient of the Giza pyramids. It is not only the world's oldest structure; it was built in 2560 B.C. and is also the world's oldest. This pyramid has managed to withstand harsh conditions, and the size is astounding. ... There are numerous tourist attractions in Giza, but the pyramids are ranked ...

  24. This ancient diary reveals how Egyptians built the Great Pyramid

    The Pyramids of Giza are an architectural feat, and long thought a mystery. But the Red Sea Scrolls give an unprecedented look at who built the ancient wonder. Arid conditions at the Wadi al-Jarf ...

  25. Great Pyramids Travel

    Great Pyramids Travel specializes in providing exceptional daily trips, tours, activities in Egypt Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and rich history ... Top Destinations. A set of carefully selected locations for the most popular and frequently visited places in Egypt. Cairo. 69 Place Luxor. 32 Place Hurghada. 31 Place Aswan. 25 Place

  26. Gospel Travel on Instagram: " Egipto fue el hogar de una de las

    10 likes, 0 comments - gospeltravel on December 21, 2023: " Egipto fue el hogar de una de las civilizaciones más antiguas e importantes del mundo. ..."