Egypt is one of the most fascinating places in the world. With a profoundly rich history and sightseeing, this is a bucket-list destination for so many. When people think of Egypt, they very likely think of the Pyramids of Giza. They are almost synonymous with the country, and absolutely breathtaking.
The pyramids of Giza, along with the Sphinx form one of the most iconic sights in the world, and the only one of the seven wonders of the ancient world still standing today.
In this guide, get all the answers to your questions about how to visit the Pyramids of Giza.
Facts About The Pyramids Of Giza
The Giza Pyramids Complex, also called the Giza Necropolis, is the site on Giza Plateau in Greater Cairo, Egypt that include the Great Pyramid of khufu,The Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure along with the Great Sphinx.
The Pyramids of Giza were built during the fourth Dynasty of old Kingdom, almost 5,000 years ago. The site includes the valley Temple of Khafre, Solar Boat of Khufu, six small Pyramids with several cemeteries and the remains of a workers village.
The site is at the edges of the Western Desert, approximately 9 km (5 mi) west of the Nile River in the city of Giza, and about 13 km (8 mi) southwest of the city Centre of Cairo.
Egypt’s pharaohs expected to become gods in the afterlife. To prepare for the next world they erected temples to the gods and massive pyramid tombs for themselves—filled with all the things each ruler would need to guide and sustain himself in the next world.
The Pyramids Of Khufu,Khafre, And Menkure
Pharaoh Khufu began the first Giza pyramid project, circa 2550 B.C. His Great Pyramid is the largest in Giza and towers some 481 feet (147 meters) above the plateau. Its estimated 2.3 million stone blocks each weigh an average of 2.5 to 15 tons.
Khufu’s son, Pharaoh Khafre, built the second pyramid at Giza, circa 2520 B.C. His necropolis also included the Sphinx, a mysterious limestone monument with the body of a lion and a pharaoh’s head. The Sphinx may stand sentinel for the pharaoh’s entire tomb complex.
The third of the Giza Pyramids is considerably smaller than the first two. Built by Pharaoh Menkaure circa 2490 B.C., it featured a much more complex mortuary temple.
Best Things To Do At The Pyramids Of Giza
- See the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure
- Go inside one of the Pyramids
- Go on a Camel or Horse ride
- Visit Panoramic Point
- Visit the Solar Boat Museum
- Visit the Great Sphinx
- Visit the Valley Temple
- Enjoy Sound & Light Show
How To Go Inside The Great Pyramid
If your inner-explorer has you dreaming of venturing inside Egyptian Pyramids, You are in luck!! You can purchase a ticket to go in all the three of the Pyramids, including the Great Pyramid of Khufu. If you are not claustrophobic, the experience can be pretty cool.
The pyramid of Cheop’s Queens, is free to go inside, and is the only free pyramids in the complex. I highly suggest going in as it’s quite different from the three main pyramids. It’s also smaller and free…so you’ve got nothing to lose!
The Great Pyramid
To enter the Great Pyramid, you need to climb blocks of limestone until you find the entrance, where you will see plenty of people hanging out and taking pictures. The entrance located on the north face of the Pyramid. To get up to Kings burial chamber, you will walk up a ramp through the Grand Gallery (150 feet in length) until you reach the kings chamber, the room very impressive for its simplicity, and made from Aswan red granite .inside the room pharaoh’s empty broken granite sarcophagus.
Great Pyramid additional fees: 400 LE per person
Important Note: you can take photos inside the Great Pyramid with a cell phone, at no additional fee. However, photography with a camera is not permitted inside of the Great Pyramid.
Pyramids Of Khafre And Menkaure
These two Pyramids are smaller, cheaper, and typically less crowded than the Great Pyramid.
Entrance to Inside of 2nd or 3rd Pyramid: 100 LE per person
Is Going Inside The Great Pyramid Worth It?
Entering the Great Pyramid costs additional money and will add about 30 minutes to your visit to the Giza Plateau. It can be a hot, crowded walk up through the Grand Gallery of the Great Pyramid so if you dislike crowds or have claustrophobia, skip going this Pyramid.
There’s not much to see as the mummies and treasure has long been plundered or relocated. It’s much different experience than the Valley of the Kings.
Can You Climb The Pyramid
Technically, the answer to this is “no”! At one point it was possible to climb the pyramids, however those days are gone. The only place where you’re able to go up a few steps without asking permission is at the entrance to the Great Pyramid.
Is A Camel Ride Worth It?
If you want to leave the crowds behind and behold stunning views of the pyramids, put a camel ride on the top of your list of things to do here.
If you want to ride a camel or horse at The Pyramids, know that there is an official rate: Feel free to negotiate further if you can, but know that nobody is allowed to charge you more than that amount.
Here are my tips for ensuring you don’t get scammed or overpay:
Wait until you get inside the complex to ride an animal. Don’t let anyone outside the ticket office convince you. There are plenty of animals at every turn.
Be clear and firm when you’re negotiating your price. Say out loud how long you’ll be riding for and to where, and state the price in Egyptian pounds. If someone tries to pull a fast one on you at the end, stand your ground and walk away if necessary. Signs about the official rates are posted in several places.
Don’t pay until after you’ve completed your ride. Most animal handlers expect a tip, as is customary in Egypt. It’s up to you how much you’d like to give. we recommend 20 – 50 EGP.
Feel free to pick another animal if yours looks hungry or tired. Unfortunately, not all animals are well-taken care of.
How Much Time Do You Need At The Pyramids Of Giza
From our experience, minimum 3 hours you need at Giza Pyramids. This gives you enough time to go inside one of the Pyramids (Half Hour), go on a Camel ride for (Half hour), visit Panoramic Point, seeing the Great Sphinx and Valley Temple.
Best Time Of The Day To Visit The Pyramids
First of all, No matter which season or month you choose to visit Egypt, come to the pyramids as soon as they open. Most visitors and tour groups don’t start showing up until 9 or 10 am, so you can enjoy some peace and quiet and photos without people in them by arriving early.
If you will be visiting Egypt during the months of December and January, it is common for the Pyramids to be hazy in the morning.so we recommend visiting the pyramids after 10 am.
During summer season we highly recommend visiting the Pyramids morning to beat the heat and wear hat and drink water as much as you can.
Lastly, Fridays and Saturdays are holidays in Egypt, and that’s when the Pyramids are typically filled with schoolchildren, and many local Egyptian visiting during this time, making the Pyramids more crowded.
What To Wear
It doesn’t matter what time of year you visit the pyramids, it will be HOT! And if you’re planning to go inside the pyramids it will be exceptionally hot (and humid). There’s also very little shade around the pyramids so there’s little respite from the sun.
There are no restrictions as to what to wear when you visit the Pyramids of Giza. Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy pair of walking shoes and a lightweight hat with a wide brim if possible. Egypt is conservative country, so we recommend keeping your shoulders covered and not wearing very short shorts.
How Do You Get To The Pyramids Of Giza
To get to the Pyramids of Giza, your best option is to either take a taxi, Uber, or hire a guide and driver.
We highly recommend by Private Guide and Driver, especially if you want to avoid all the hassle of negotiating camel rides, getting around the Giza Plateau, buying tickets, etc.,
How To Get Around The Pyramids Of Giza
There are two entrances at the Pyramids of Giza. One entrance is near the Great Pyramid, not far from Marriott Mena House. The second entrance near the Sphinx.
How Much Does It Cost To Visit The Pyramids
It’s not outrageously expensive to visit the Pyramids, considering they’re the only remaining ancient wonder in the world. Kids and students (under 30 years old, with a valid student ID) are half price, which is pretty consistent throughout Egypt.
Where To Take The Best Pictures Of The The Pyramids Of Giza
It’s hard to take a bad photo at The Pyramids because they’re so epic (and visible from everywhere!). That being said, there are a few key places you can stand to ensure you get an awesome shot. On Camel ride, panoramic point, in front of the Great Sphinx.
2020 Pricing List For The Giza Plateau
Hours: 7am-4pm
Cost: 200 LE adults, 100 LE student (valid ID)
Combination Ticket: OR (Giga Plateau& Great Pyramid & Solar Boat Museum) 600LE per person
KHUFU’S PYRAMID – THE GREAT PYRAMID OF GIZA
Hours: 8am-4pm, closed 12-1pm
Cost: 400LE adult, 200 LE Student
KHAFRE’S PYRAMID – THE MEDIUM PYRAMID
Cost: 100LE adult, 50 LE Student
MENKAURE’S PYRAMID – THE SMALL PYRAMID
Cost: 100LE adult, 50LE student
Solar Boat Museum
Cost 100 per adult, 50 per student
Tripod– 20 LE
Bathrooms At Giza Plateau
There are only a few toilets inside the gate so plan accordingly. They are located:
- At the top of Panorama Point
- Beside the Great Pyramid
- Outside the Panorama Sphinx Restaurant
- Each bathroom will have a bathroom attendant that will expect a tip for keeping the toilets relatively clean. The current rate is 2 LE per person.
Is It Safe To Visit The Pyramids In 2021?
The Pyramids are safe to visit. There’s a security checkpoint upon entering, complete with metal detectors and bag checks. There are also police officers inside the complex to make sure nothing sketchy happens. The only thing you have to do is be wary of vendors trying to sell you things, but they’re harmless.
Tips For Visiting The Pyramids With Kids
Visiting the Pyramids of Giza is pretty much on everyone’s bucket list. Especially children, because, they learn about the Pyramids, Pharaohs, Mummies and King Tutankhmun. They think how cool it would be actually see them for real. You can take kids to the pyramids at any age, but I’d suggest waiting until they’re at least 6 or 7 years old. By this point they’ll know what they are, be able to appreciate the experience, and can put up with a bit of walking and heat!
The pyramid complex is spread over a fairly large area that can require a lot of walking in the desert sun. I’d suggest hiring an air-conditioned car and driver for the day. Although you won’t need much driving, it’s nice to have the vehicle to transport you between the various pyramids and viewpoints. You can also leave extra water in the van, as well as some snacks and a change of clothes if needed.
Make sure the kids wear sturdy hiking sandals, to protect them from the hot sand while keeping their feet cool.
Bring LOTS of water! It can get very hot and you’ll still do a lot of walking even if you hire a car. You’ll need to stay hydrated to avoid heat stroke. Make sure everyone wears a hat and sun glass.
Basic Advice On Visiting The Pyramids Of Giza
The best time to visit Egypt pyramids is in the winter when the temperature is the coolest. Ideally you’ll want to visit between December and March.
The best time of day to visit the pyramids is first thing in the morning, again when it’s coolest! The pyramid complex opens at 8am, so try to be there as early as possible.
If you’re visiting the pyramids on your own, you’ll have to walk from the entrance to the pyramids. It’s only about 10min, but it’s uphill, so prep yourself!
There’s a metal detector and bag check at the entrance. You’ll have to pass through this after you’ve bought your tickets.
You can go inside all three pyramids (if they’re open), but you’ll have to purchase the tickets at the entrance. You need to decide which ones you want to go inside before you start your visit. The inside of all three pyramids are very similar, and they’re all hot and claustrophobic!
Carry small bills with you to use as baksheesh (tips). You may not need it much (we actually didn’t at all), or you may feel like someone’s asking you for baksheesh every time you turn around.
Don’t let the vendors working there get to you. They’re just doing their job, so either ignore them or joke around with them as I did. Getting angry won’t make the experience fun. Of all the places tourists visit in Egypt, The Pyramids are the only place in Egypt where the hassle is particularly annoying.
Be wary of people working inside: many want you to buy their souvenirs or to be your guide (for a fee). Be firm and don’t give anyone your ticket, camera, etc. even if they say they’re with the government or the police.
Fridays and Saturdays are days off in Egypt, so avoid visiting then when possible.
If you’re foreign-looking (read: blonde), teens and young kids may ask to take selfies with you. Feel free to say no, as this can turn into a swarm pretty quickly.
If you’re a student, be sure to bring your student ID for a discount on ticket prices.
Tipping for anything and everything is customary in Egypt. That means tipping the person helping you with your camel/horse if you’re riding one, as well as anyone who takes your photo.
If you’re hungry after your excursion and are looking for a good restaurant nearby, check out Pyramids Restaurant outside the gates near The Sphinx. Alternatively, there are some fast food options like KFC or Pizza Hut available.
Where To Stay
Marriott Mena House. Located in Giza, close to the Great Pyramids, the Marriott Mena House is a picturesque palatial hotel with a royal history, starting in 1869. It is surrounded by gardens of jasmine, and you will be swept into another time by the luxurious and traditional decor. The hotel offers many modern amenities to facilitate your stay such as a golf course. Actually being renovated where you can tee under the pyramids, a pool, a fitness center, internet access, and a wide range of upscale restaurants offering both local and international dishes.
Le Meriden Pyramids Hotel & Spa.
Offering pyramid views, this high-end hotel is one km from The Great Pyramid at Giza, The Grand Egyptian Museum and the Great Sphinx of Giza.
Note: The Hotel under renovation 2021
Steigenberger Pyramids Hotel is poised at a prime location with only 3 km away from the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. The hotel is ideally located directly facing the New Egyptian Grand Museum with only 25 km away from both Sphinx International Airport and 53 km from Cairo International Airport.
This small hotel offers views of the Sphinx and the Pyramids. The view from the rooftop terrace is amazing and this is a great place to watch the Sound & Light Show.
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