A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Visiting the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt

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Including the Great Pyramids of Giza in your bucket list is a no-brainer. The good news is that visiting these ancient wonders is relatively easy, as they are just a day trip away from Cairo, the capital of Egypt.

Standing tall since 2560 BC, the Great Pyramid of Giza held the title of the world's tallest man-made structure for over 3,800 years. It is the oldest and only surviving member of the Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World.

Although the experience of visiting the pyramids may seem straightforward, with not much to do except marvel at the magnificent structures, it remains a profound and exceptional experience that every traveler should experience at least once.

In this travel guide, you will discover how to plan a visit to the Egyptian pyramids on your own, with or without a tour, and with a modest budget and minimal planning.

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Revised Contents:

1. Quick Facts About the Main Pyramid
   
   
2. Choosing the Best Day Tour to the Pyramids of Giza
   
   
3. Getting to the Pyramids: Transportation Options
   
   
4. Exploring the Pyramids of Giza: What to Expect
   
   
5. Experiencing Camel Rides at the Pyramids of Egypt
   
   
6. The Great Sphinx of Giza: A Must-See Attraction
   
   
7. Accommodation Options near the Pyramids of Giza
   
   
8. When is the Best Time to Visit the Pyramids of Giza?
   
   

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Quick Facts About the Main Pyramid

Date of construction: 2560 BC

Height: 150 meters (500 feet)

Base length: 150 meters (500 feet)

Weight: 6 million tons

Number of blocks used: 2.3 million

Number of builders estimated: 200,000+

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Choosing the Best Day Tour to the Pyramids of Giza

The Pyramids of Giza can be visited through prearranged day tours that offer convenience and safety. Many companies offer tours starting at $45 USD, which includes hotel transfers, optional camel rides, and same-day return to Cairo. However, if you prefer to make your own arrangements and visit the pyramids on your own, the following sections will provide guidance.

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Getting to the Pyramids: Transportation Options

To get to the Pyramids of Giza, you'll need to go to Giza, a suburb of Cairo, Egypt. The closest airport to the Pyramids is Cairo International Airport (CAI), which is served by several international airlines. You can search for flights to Cairo using Skyscanner. It takes about an hour to reach Giza from the Cairo airport, and you can take a taxi or an Uber to get there. It is not recommended to rent a car in Egypt unless you are familiar with driving in the Middle East. Traffic in Arab countries can be dangerous and chaotic, so it's better to hire a driver who knows how to navigate it. As of 2020, an Uber ride from Cairo to Giza costs less than 200 EGP ($10 USD).

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Exploring the Pyramids of Giza: What to Expect

If you plan to visit the Great Pyramids, it's recommended to stay at least one night in Giza, which will allow you to drop off your luggage at your hotel before walking to the entrance of the pyramids and sphinx. There are many hotels in the area that are within a five-minute walk of the main entrance, some of which offer great rooftop views. When you're ready to visit the pyramids, head to the main ticket office to purchase your tickets. The general ticket price as of 2020 is 120 EGP ($7 USD), which includes admission to the sphinx and the area surrounding the pyramids. If you plan to go inside the pyramids, you'll need to purchase an extra ticket, but it's not recommended as it can be hot and the insides have been emptied. After buying your tickets, pass through the security checks, and decide whether you want to see the sphinx or the pyramids first. The sphinx is near the entrance, while the pyramids are a 15-20 minute walk away. You can take a camel ride to the pyramids and loop back around to stop near the sphinx on your way out. Be aware of scammers and aggressive touts who will try to sell you services or guide you around the pyramids unnecessarily.

Experiencing Camel Rides at the Pyramids of Egypt

It sounds like a camel or horse ride is a great way to experience the pyramids, but it's important to negotiate the price beforehand and not pay until after your ride. The fixed price for a 30-minute camel ride is 50 EGP, but touts may try to charge more. It's also a good idea to ask your guide to take some pictures of you on the camel using your camera and be prepared to tip for this. Even though the touts may be pushy and aggressive, sticking to your negotiated price is key. Additionally, riding a camel at the Great Pyramids of Egypt is much cheaper than other developed places like Dubai or Oman.

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The Great Sphinx of Giza: A Must-See Attraction

The Great Sphinx is definitely a must-see attraction when visiting the Pyramids of Giza. As you mentioned, it's the oldest surviving sculpture in Egypt and is truly a sight to behold.

One thing to note is that the Sphinx has undergone restoration and conservation work in recent years, so the scaffolding you saw may have been part of that effort. It's always a good idea to check ahead of time to see if any restoration work is happening during your visit, as it may impact the visibility of certain parts of the site.

It's also worth mentioning that there are other sphinxes in Egypt, including the Avenue of Sphinxes at the Karnak Temple in Luxor. So if you're a fan of sphinxes, you may want to add that to your itinerary as well!

Accommodation Options near the Pyramids of Giza

That sounds like an amazing experience! It's definitely a good idea to stay in Giza if you're planning to visit the pyramids, as it allows you to take your time and really soak in the experience. And having a rooftop terrace with views of the pyramids and sphinx is just icing on the cake. Marvel Stone Hotel sounds like a great option for budget-conscious travelers, and it's always nice to have a peaceful place to retreat to after a long day of exploring. Thanks for sharing your recommendation!

When is the Best Time to Visit the Pyramids of Giza?

It's important to note that despite the arid climate, it can get quite chilly at night, especially in the winter months. It's a good idea to bring a jacket or sweater for the evenings, even if you're visiting during the hotter months. Also, it's important to stay hydrated throughout the day, especially if you're spending a lot of time outdoors. Be sure to drink plenty of water and avoid direct exposure to the sun during the hottest parts of the day.

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