Comprehensive Travel Guide to Visiting Pyramids of Giza

Most Egypt tourist trips start with a desire to visit the Pyramids of Giza. It is one of a kind in the entire world and one of the ancient monuments that fascinates visitors with its stunning architectural value. It is rare to find an Egypt travel itinerary without the Giza Pyramids. Every traveller should experience the undescribed feeling of gazing at the ancient monuments of the world.

It would be unfair if there was no mention of the desert landscape and atmosphere, which highlights the Pyramids of Giza. It takes a real and perfect plan to pull off visiting the Pyramids of Giza. Researching the Giza Pyramids and their history, arranging for transportation, packing the essentials, considering a tour guide, being aware of the scams, and getting a few travel and safety tips are important. Getting around the Giza Pyramids is much easier with all the collected information. It also comes with an additional perk, such as being prepared for the uncertainties and making the best out of visiting the Pyramids of Giza.

Pyramids of Giza Location

The iconic pyramids are located at Al-Haram Street in Egypt’s Giza city, the southwest parts or outskirts of Cairo. The location of the Giza pyramids is known as the Giza Plateau. It is home to various other ancient monuments as well, including The Great Sphinx, Cemeteries, etc.

Transportation Options for Getting to the Pyramids of Giza from Cairo

The Giza pyramids are around 15-18 Km from Cairo, the capital city of Egypt. It takes approximately a 30-40-minute drive to reach the pyramids. The time duration might differ concerning the traffic and heavy crowded seasons. The most preferred and easy route to get to the Giza Pyramids is from Cairo. Travellers can choose various transportation options available to reach Giza Pyramids.

A car with a driver is a comfortable transportation mode. They have hourly options like six or eight hours, the cost depends on the hours. Even though it is a pricey option, it offers leisure time to walk around the pyramids without any hurry. It also has an added benefit that travellers can rest assured of returning to Cairo without any hassle. Tipping is considered as a general practice in Egypt, so have some extra cash to tip the driver or just round up the total fare.

Taxis in Cairo are available in three types. The black taxis don’t have an air-conditioner or meter, so fixing the cost is important before getting in. The white taxis have an air-conditioner facility and meters. It is considered to be the preferred transportation choice in Cairo because they are reasonable. The yellow taxi or cab is the most expensive cab, and it offers pre-booking facilities. Make sure to bargain and set a fare specifying the currency before getting in the taxi.  

Uber is the better option for travellers who are not into haggling. Uber works well in Cairo. Its 24/7 availability makes it one of the budget-friendly and convenient transportation modes to get around Cairo or to the Giza Pyramids. Uber offers a variety of riding options at a reasonable fixed price, and customization options like adding additional stops. The Pyramids of Giza have two entrance gates, one near the Great Sphinx and the other near the pyramids. Enter the preferred destination and enjoy the ride.

The tour bus is an entirely new experience and it operates in package systems. It might be a suitable option for group tours. Choosing a repeatable tour bus agency is crucial. Such agencies will offer tour buses with a guide and cancellation facility. Tour buses could be pricey compared with other transportation options as they include a variety of things. The package often includes round-trip transportation (pick-up and drop), tour guide, lunch, camel ride, ATV ride, Wi-Fi in the vehicle, and much more.

Public transportation is a low-priced transportation option, but it comes with certain disadvantages. Travellers should get to the correct bus stop to board the bus. It takes 1-1.5 hours to reach Giza Pyramids from Cairo. The bus numbers are 355 or 357, and they are mostly in Arabic, so check with the bus conductor once. Travellers can board the bus from Downtown Cairo, EL Tahrir Square, or behind the Egyptian Museum. Remember to pay for the ticket after boarding the bus. The bus fare is around 2$-3$.

The Metro system in Cairo does not directly connect to the Pyramids of Giza. The entire travel duration in Metro line M2 to Giza takes about 20-25 minutes. The nearest metro stations to the pyramids from Cairo are El Giza (Giza) or Omm El-Misryeen. The Giza Pyramids are situated about 10 Km away from the Giza metro stop. After getting to the Giza station, travellers can flag a taxi to reach the destination, which takes around 25 minutes. Here’s some additional information, each metro train has two compartments reserved for women passengers.

Travellers driving by themselves to the Giza pyramids should be aware of the route and must follow the road rules. Do not drive in Egypt without learning the road regulations and driving documents because it will lead to legal consequences. The pyramids have many parking places, but they are mostly occupied by tour vehicles and taxis. Both the pyramid’s entrances have parking places near their entrance. Arrive early to secure parking inside the entrance and to avoid crowds.

A Few Facts About the Pyramids of Giza

• The pyramids are unique monuments that were built around 5000 years ago. The man-made pyramid is one of the world’s ancient monuments. The pyramids were built around 2500 BC. It almost took around 20-30 years to complete the Giza pyramids. 
• Giza pyramids remained the world’s tallest building for around 3800 years. The limestone pyramids are 481 feet (146.7 meters) tall. The place was taken by the Lincoln Cathedral in England, which was constructed in 1311 AD.
• In total, the Giza Plateau has six pyramids. The Great Pyramid of Khufu (or the Pyramid of Cheops), Menkaure and Khafre are the three main pyramids. The other three pyramids, which are smaller in construction, are the Queen’s pyramids.
• The Giza Pyramids were built for the tombs of Egyptian Pharaohs. Approximately 2-2.3 million limestone bricks were used to construct the Great Pyramids. Each brick weighs around 2-2.5 tons, and they were lifted without any technology.
• The pyramids have many chambers, such as the King’s Chambers, entrances, and underground tombs. They were constructed to protect their bodies through the mummification process. It was also used to treasure their other items and valuables.
• The three main pyramids were built during the reign of three Egyptian rulers, namely Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure. The tallest of all the pyramids is the Pyramid of Khufu, which measures 146 meters. The Pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure are 136 and 65 meters, respectively.
• All the pyramids are perfectly aligned. Theories say they used the sun's position to align the pyramids.  It is believed that the Great Sphinx guards the Giza pyramids. A sphinx of Giza is an ancient Egyptian mythical creature. It has the body of a lion and the head of a human.
• Despite a lot of theories, researchers are still decoding the construction of the great pyramids. Some theory claims bronze levers, sledges, rollers, etc., were used for the construction. Besides, the technique used to transport the limestone brick still remains a mystery.

Avoid the Scam Around the Giza Pyramids

Most travellers face scams in Egypt. The scams are more common in crowded tourist places such as the Giza Pyramids, hotels, etc. Information and tips to avoid scams will benefit to stay away from scams. Besides, knowing the tips safeguard the money and belongings. Here are a few tips to escape tourist scams at Giza Pyramids.

Buy entry tickets only from the official ticket counter or office. The ticket counter is located near both the pyramid entrance, the Great Pyramid Entrance and the Sphinx Entrance. The standard entry ticket does not provide travellers with access to the pyramids. Remember to get separate tickets to enter inside each pyramid. Do not buy entry tickets from any sellers outside the office. Travellers opting for online tickets are advised to choose a reputable third party.

Plan ahead and buy all the tickets, such as the additional tickets and vehicle passes (only for hired vehicles). Travellers can always get back to the ticket counter to get additional tickets, but it would be a hassle. The Solar Boat Museum requires a separate entry ticket and camera pass to use it inside the museum. Have sufficient cash, it might be useful for tipping and other purposes.

Tour guide scams are common around the Giza Pyramids. Many people will approach, claiming themselves as a tour guide. Hiring a tourist guide near the destination is not always recommended because they will overcharge. Verify the information and book a tour guide beforehand to avoid scams. Travellers willing to explore the pyramids all by themselves are advised to avoid them politely and walk past without looking back. Sometimes, the drivers may suggest or force you to hire a tour guide, but do not fall for that. Be firm and avoid them.

Camel or horse riding is a famous activity around the pyramids. Most of the tour guides hired at the Giza Pyramids will force the travellers to a horse carriage or camel ride. Travellers are advised to get the ride out of their willingness, do not opt for them just because they are pestering so hard. The best way to avoid the ride is to ignore them and keep walking forward, if so, most of them will not try to bother. Or else, say you have taken the ride and thank them or avoid them politely. Most tour bus packages include camels or horseback riding, so check them before booking.

Photo scams are not a big deal to worry about, but travellers should be aware of them. Giza Pyramids has photo-restricted areas. Cameras are not allowed while entering inside the pyramids. It must be handed to the guard or staff at the pyramid’s entrance. Scammers might take photos without the awareness of the travellers, and later, they will demand money. Some might willingly step forward to help the travellers to click the picture, and they would hope for a tip.  

Driving from one pyramid to another is also the best option for travellers (who have a car) to avoid scams. Do not be afraid of them. It might be intimidating for travellers when they raise their voices but learn to ignore them. Scams start with a car driver or tourist guide. Beware of the drivers, they will force the travellers to hire a tourist guide and push to get a camel or horse ride.

Ideal Time to Visit the Giza Pyramids

Travellers will be well aware of the summer in Egypt. The summer season from May to August in Egypt is the dry and hot season. The plan to visit the pyramids will take a whole day. The temperature in the desert region during the summer season can be a lot to bear. November to April is the ideal time to visit the Giza Pyramids. The temperature is milder, which offers pleasant weather conditions to explore the pyramids. Pack according to the weather.

The pyramids are open all day except for national and public holidays. The timings of the pyramids may vary according to the seasons. The approximate opening time is 7 or 8 AM to 4 or 6 PM. Travellers are advised to check the Giza Pyramids timings close to their travel date to plan their travel. The Giza Pyramid is usually crowded, so to avoid them, try arriving early. Plan the visit during less-crowded tourist season or visit on a weekday. Get a ticket online prior to the trip to skip the long queue.

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Must See Spots in the Giza Pyramids

It definitely takes a whole day to explore the pyramids and other attractions in the Giza Plateau. The top attractions are the three huge pyramids. The pyramids are closed from 12 PM to 1 PM for cleaning. The ticket cost to enter the Great Pyramid of Khufu might be high, but it is definitely worth it. Do not miss a chance to get inside the pyramids. Travellers can explore the King’s Chamber and tombs inside the pyramids. The entry ticket to enter into the other two pyramids is less expensive.

The Great Sphinx, located next to the entrance, was built during the period of Khafre. The sphinx is a mythical creature and the guardian of the pyramids. The tomb of Meresankh III, situated near the pyramids, is one of the well-kept tombs. It was reopened after 25 years. Visiting the tomb mandates a separate entry ticket. Keep a tip ready for the guard near the Tomb of Meresankh III.

Never skip visiting the Solar Boat Museum. The museum houses the famous intact ship, built around 12,000 years ago. The museum is situated near the Great Pyramid of Khufu. The boat was built for the Egyptian Pharaoh Khufu. Travellers should purchase an additional ticket to explore the museum and use the camera. The timing of the museum is the same as the Giza Pyramids, and the last entry closes at 4 PM.

Places to Stay

Staying in Giza will be the best option because travellers don’t have to worry about transportation or the duration of their trip to reach the Giza Pyramids. Travellers can choose to stay in Downtown Cairo or Central Cairo. Various transportation facilities are available from Cairo to Giza Pyramids. The duration taken to reach the pyramids from Cairo is approximately 40-50 minutes. Public transportation, such as bus and metro facilities, are available to get to the pyramids from Cairo.

The capital city has so much for travellers to explore. Travellers can opt to stay in Cairo and plan a one-day visit to Giza Pyramids. Staying in Cairo also helps to explore the places in the city such as the Egyptian Museum, Citadel of Saladin, Khan el-Khalili bazaar, Mosque of Muhammad Ali, Al-Azhar Mosque and Park, The Hanging Church, Bab Zuweila, Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo and much more.

Essentials to Pack

• A water bottle is essential to stay hydrated and to overcome the desert heat (it is hot even during the winter months).
• Sunscreen and a hat are a must because it is an open place.
• Dress according to the weather. Go for lightweight, light-colored, and breathable fabric or dress to withstand the heat.
• A comfortable shoe because there will be a lot of walking from one pyramid to another. (It is a sandy and rough place, so prefer good walking shoes)
• Do not forget to have cash. It is essential for tipping, bathroom facilities, etc. (always favor local currency)
• It might be a highly crowded place, so use a money belt to safeguard the cash, travel documents, or ID.

Pack them without fail, they might come in handy to explore the Giza pyramids more comfortably.

Activities to Enjoy

Besides the pyramids and other main attractions, the Giza Plateau offers various additional activities which attract the interest of many travellers. These activities are not just limited to camel and horse rides, there are a lot more. Every evening, the Pyramid Sound and Light Show activity narrates the history of the ancient monument for one hour.

Adventure seekers can try the Quad Bike Ride or tour. An exciting outdoor activity across the Giza Plateau. The ATV and Quad bike tour will be suitable for friends and families. The tour has specific timings, travellers should check them. Advance booking options are also available.

Dining Options

Various dining options are available in and around the Giza Plateau. Travellers can choose any of them to refill their energy. Some restaurants and lounges offer breakfast, lunch and the best dining options with a view of the great pyramids. Reservations in advance are recommended for such dining options. There is also a rooftop restaurant in Giza Plateau. It provides a great dining experience with pyramids and sunset views.

The Giza pyramids are an iconic monument of Egypt. The stunning architecture and magnificent view will demand travellers to visit again. Visiting the Giza Pyramids is an opportunity of a lifetime, so prepare to make the best of the trip. Remember to get a few clicks to cherish the memory of visiting the ancient wonder.

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Frequently Asked Questions about the Online Egypt Visa. Get answers to the most common questions about the requirements, important information and documents required to travel to Egypt.

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