Visiting the Pyramids of Giza-your full guide
My 2022 visit - one of many. This was September early morning
Looking at visiting the Pyramids of Giza? I have visited the Pyramids over 15 times and am never tired of seeing this colossal ancient wonder. The mysteries of Egypt are forever drawing people to discover a land draped in historical wonders. This full Egypt travel guide on visiting the Pyramids will help you plan your day out and includes everything from going inside the Pyramids, having a tour guide or not, when to go and what to expect during your time.
Why it’s worth visiting the Pyramids of Giza
If there was ever an place on earth everyone wants to visit, it’s the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. It is without doubt the most famous of all Egypt tourist attractions drawing in a staggering amount of people through its gates each and every year.
Along with Cruising the Nile River and visited the famous Red Sea, Egypt is home to an incredible amount of must see attractions that can all be included in an epic tour such as the 14 day Wonders of Egypt.
Be sure to also read my Travel Tips for Egypt to help you plan a smooth trip away.
About the Giza Pyramids
Built over 4500 years ago, Giza Pyramids are ancient structures that have long captivated the world.
The Giza Necropolis as it is called is home to three famed pyramids. They were constructed as tombs for the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. The most well-known of these pyramids is the Great Pyramid of Khufu which is the largest and oldest of the three. The other two, while slightly smaller, are also impressive and significant structures in ancient Egyptian history.
They are part of a larger complex that includes the Great Sphinx and several smaller pyramids and tombs. The precise alignment and sheer scale of the pyramids continue to intrigue all that stand before them, mesmerized by the hidden secrets that lie within.
Nearby, is the less famous but equally as impressive Sakkara Pyramids Necropolis well worth checking out. Also, for a more historic look at Egypt, a consider a visit to Coptic Cairo.
A map of the Pyramids Complex
Interesting facts about the Pyramids
The Great Sphinx is a top spot for those iconic shots
10 Interesting Facts About the Pyramids of Giza
The Pyramids of Giza are the last surviving of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
The Great Pyramid of Giza, also known as the Pyramid of Khufu, is the largest of the three pyramids and was built over a 20-year period around 2560 BC. It was the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years.
The Great Pyramid’s base is level to within 2.1 cm, and the sides are aligned true north with an accuracy of almost perfect alignment to the cardinal points.
The Pyramids were originally covered in smooth casing stones made of highly polished limestone, which reflected the sun’s light and made the structures shine like a gem.
The exact methods used to construct the pyramids remain a subject of debate. Some experts believe that a straight or zigzagging ramp was used to move the huge stones into place, while others speculate about the use of levers, counterweights, or even a combination of these techniques.
The Great Pyramid once contained three interior chambers: the King's Chamber, the Queen's Chamber, and an unfinished subterranean chamber. Many theories and speculations exist about the purpose of these chambers, including religious, astronomical, and symbolic interpretations.
The Sphinx, a legendary creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human, is situated near the Pyramids of Giza. It is believed to have been built during the reign of Pharaoh Khafre and is thought to represent him.
The Pyramids have been the subject of numerous explorations and excavations, with discoveries such as boat pits, worker camps, and other tombs shedding light on the lives and traditions of the ancient Egyptians.
The Pyramids of Giza continue to be a popular tourist destination, attracting up to 14 millions visitors each year who marvel at the scale, precision, and mystery surrounding these ancient marvels.
The average weight of each block used to build the Great Pyramid of Giza is estimated to be around 2.5 tons. Some of the larger blocks at the base of the pyramid can weigh up to 80 tons. The total weight of all the blocks used in the construction of the Great Pyramid is estimated to be around 6 million tons.
Where are the Pyramids located?
The iconic Pyramids of Egypt are located on the Giza Plateau in Giza, just outside the city of Cairo.
Around 9 km west of the Nile, visitors can easily access the Pyramids from the heart of downtown Cairo. Alternately, there are many hotels within walking distance that offer great views of the entire complex from their front facing rooms or rooftop viewing points.
While downtown Cairo offers a city of modern landscapes and bustling streets, the Giza area around the Pyramids is much older and traditional.
What are the best hotels near the Pyramids?
Enjoying breakfast at a roof top hotel
Without doubt the most prestigious hotel located near the Egypt Pyramids is Marriott Mena House.
Located a short 50 metres from the iconic Pyramids, the 5 star Mena House has hosted kings and emperors, Heads of State and many celebrities.
It is situated on 40 acres of lush garden grounds. With pyramid view rooms, luxury amenities, a heated pool, various restaurants and cocktails every night, there is no more famous hotel than this.
Perfect for couples seeking a 5 star luxury stay, you simply can’t miss Marriott Mena House.
Other 5 star hotels worth looking at include:
There are also some good budget friendly hotels such as the one I stayed in - pictured above.
Do you need a tour guide to see the Pyramids?
Our amazing guide Dalia with the group at the Great Pyramids of Giza October 2023
The short answer is no. The long answer is yes.
For most, visiting the Pyramids of Giza is a long await bucket list event. You’ve probably contemplated this moment for years and can’t believe you are actually going to see them for the first time. So why would you not have a guide to take you through this once in a lifetime event? I just can’t imagine standing there with no informative guide to transport me back in time.
All tour guides need to be licensed and obtain a qualification in Egyptology to take tourists around the main attractions of Egypt. This doesn’t mean you won’t stumble upon someone trying to pass themselves off as a guide.
I recommend booking your guide in advance though a reputable company. This way you won’t get caught out or be worried about who to trust. They will generally arrange transfers, tickets and a comprehensive historical guide to the complex.
Our private 4 day tour of Cairo includes entry fees, guide, transfers and accommodation while in Cairo.
Planning your trip to the Pyramids
September 2018 - shoulder month is hot without the big crowds
Looking for help planning your trip to the Pyramids of Giza?
Here is some common questions and travel tips to make your visit a memorable one.
When is the best time to visit the Pyramids?
The best time to visit the Giza Pyramid Complex is based on 3 factors;
Weather
To avoid the heat it is best to visit the Pyramids between October to May. This is when temperatures are at their coolest and conditions are most favourable. The complex itself has little to no shade so you will be out in the elements during your entire visit.
For the coolest of conditions, going in the winter months of December, January and February will mean sunny skies and ideal temperatures on average of 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. Earlier times of day such as first things in the morning may require a jacket to stay warm.
The months of June, July and August are summer time, so temperatures are insanely hot. It is considered best to avoid these months unless you are also planning one of the Red Sea Resort areas.
Crowds
Egypt is seeing bumper crowds coming from overseas, so you may prefer to avoid some of the busiest times. While December to February is considered the best weather conditions, it also draws bigger crowds. If you want to visit the Pyramids and avoid having hundreds of people in your photos, you would avoid this time.
The shoulder months of March to May & September to November are your best months for avoiding too many people.
Time of day
Mid morning is usually the busiest time to visit the Pyramids in Cairo. Once 10am hits, the crowds are starting to peak. Tour buses are also arriving in max numbers. This goes on till mid afternoon but is dependent on the time of year. The hotter it is, the earlier these buses aim to get there.
Try getting there first thing in the morning or later in the day (giving you enough time before closure)
My personal experience
After visiting the Pyramids of Giza over 15 times and over various months., I actually prefer the warmer months just because I would rather the heat over the crowds. Of course, this is a personal choice. My best experience at these iconic structures occurred in August. I went first thing in the morning to avoid the hottest part of the day, and I literally had the place to myself. It was simply amazing. Otherwise I think the shoulder months are ideal.
August 2019 - visiting first thing in the morning to avoid the heat
Entry points
There are 2 entry points when going to the Pyramids.
The first is near the Great Pyramid and is where tour buses park to allow visitors to pass through security. There is a ticket office here and you will have your bags scanned before proceeding through. The walk from here is only a short distance.
The other entrance is the Sphinx Entrance(I‘ve heard it will close in future) located out the front of the Great sphinx. It’s a much smaller entrance but you will also be scanned when passing through.
Pyramid viewing points
Another visit in May 2014 in front of the Great Pyramid.
When visiting the Pyramids of Giza complex, there are a range of thrilling panoramic views of the surrounding landscape from various vantage points.
Around the base of Pyramids
While everyone tends to stand direct in front to admire these ancient wonders, do yourself a favour and walk the entirety of the base around the Pyramids. When I did this, I was the only person on the outer sides taking epic shots by myself while others got their pictures with a hundred other spectators photo bombing their precise memories.
Panoramic Point
Getting to Panoramic Point is a bit if a distance but if you are with a guide, he should take you there as part of your tour. Alternately, you can opt for a horse and cart ride or camel ride. Be sure to negotiate the price first. The views here are one of my favourite and you should be lucky enough to avoid others in your shot.
Desert Vantage point via camel ride
If the heat is bearable or you are willing to walk, moving out to the desert surrounds to a better view point is a great option. Taking a camel ride is a good option too and you’ll get those super impressive shots while at it.
In front of the Great Sphinx
The Great Sphinx is a short walk from the top of the complex as you can walk via a roadway or by horse and cart. Once there, it seems obligatory to get a precisely placed picture either kissing, hugging, touching or petting the pharaohs head. Apart from that, this particular location is as iconic as it gets. This is probably where you saw all those incredible shots online and now you are here in person. WOW!
9 Pyramids Lounge
The recently opened cafe within the Pyramid Complex offers diners a chance to sit, eat and rest while taking in a faraway view of the Pyramids. You really need transport to get here, as it was much further out than I thought. While I wasn’t overly impressed with the dining experience here, it was a new vantage point I hadn’t been to. It is also the only place to eat or drink within the complex, though there are plenty of options outside the complex.
Is it worth going inside the Pyramids?
Inside the Great Pyramid before it got even tighter - October 2023
I have been inside both the Great Pyramid (Khufu) as well as Khafre Pyramid. There is a third pyramid, Menkaure you can also enter. While what you will see inside might be of great disappointment, I get you’ll probably never get another chance. So I say go for it.
Entry to either pyramid is in addition to your entry cost and should be purchased at the ticket office. The cost for the Great Pyramid is four times the price of the other two, so if you want to go inside a pyramid to see for yourself but don’t want to to pay the extra cost, I recommend Khafre.
A word of warning
Large cameras are not allowed. You’ll need to leave them at the entrance or with someone else.
It is hot as hell inside. There is little room to move and you will not find any remains here.. You’ll need to visit the Egyptian Museum or Civilization Museum for that. So you are simply going inside for the experience.
My first visit was inside Khafre during a scorching September day. There was barely any room to move and for someone who gets claustrophobic, I was shocked I actually went inside. The good part was, there was not too many people so getting in and out didnt take too long.
My last visit was into Khufu (Great Pyramid) in October. The line up was impressive and once inside it was humidity overload. Too many people and limited room. We ascended to even hotter temperatures until I could barely breath. Once, I reached the top I quickly went down as fast I could. I could see people really struggling, and that scared me. They shouldn’t be there I thought. Many were sliding on the backsides as the height of the chamber is low in sections. It was impossibly uncomfortable.
I can’t stress enough, if the outside temperature is warm, it will be unbearable inside. And if you do go in, don’t feel you have to reach the top, just turn around and head back out. Anyone will health or mobility issues should avoid it all together.
Should I see the Sound and Light Show?
Sound and light show from a roof hotel
I love the Sound and Light Show, but I have only seen it from outside the Pyramid Grounds. If you are lucky enough to stay close to the pyramids, you can also see the show from a distance. The downside is, you cannot hear the narration.
The Sound and light shows takes place after dusk and lasts for around 1 hour. You’ll hear the story of the kings that these colossal Pyramids are dedicated to. Light projections and lasers shoot through the sky and hit the outer walls of these magnificent structures. The changing colours that move from one pyramid to the other is stunning under darkness.
Why not include the Sound and Light Show in your Tailor Made Tour.
What should I pack for the day?
Here are a few items I recommend taking when you visit the Pyramids of Egypt.
a good camera - either your mobile phone or a camera
water - lots of it
extra cash in case you decide to take a camel ride or horse and cart
sunscreen - there is little to no shade
a hat - to keep your face and neck shaded
sunglasses - because you’re looking up toward the sun a lot
Extras
gimble - great for moving shots
small back pack to stay hands free
How long should I visit the Pyramids for?
For visiting the Pyramids, I would allow a minimum of 2 hours, and up to 3 hours for the most relaxed comprehensive experience.
Take time to view the complex, see each Pyramid, walk around the base, go to different viewing points, ride a camel and maybe go inside a pyramid. Don’t skimp on time here, it’s probably half the reason you chose to come to Egypt.
What are the opening hours?
October to March is the winter season - opening hours 8 am to 4 pm.
April to September is the summer months - opening hours 7 am to 6 pm.
What are the entrance fees for Pyramids?
The entrance fees for getting into the complex tend to go up each year. As of 2024 the cost to enter the pyramids is 600 Egyptian Pounds for international travellers.
Absolute Egypt Private tour at the desert vantage point on camels
Visiting the Pyramids conclusion
Iconic, mesmerizing and down right famous, these mega structures have stood the test of time. They hold a world of history, some known and much kept secret over a lifetime.
While we may never know the secrets that the Great Pyramids possess, they will continue to captivate us nether the less.
For more about Egypt, see this Best Travel Tips to help you plan better, and best time to visit Egypt to avoid heat, crowds and increased prices.
There are also many other Egypt tourist attractions worth seeing either in Cairo or throughout the country.
Consider including a visit to the Sakkara Necropolis to see the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the first pyramid built in Egypt.
To see the Pyramids and all of Egypt’s ancient treasures, a small group tour is a great way to immerse yourself into this fascinating culture and history.
Alternately, this 4 day Cairo tour with premium accommodation, airport transfers, tour guide and daily breakfast is a great intro to Cairo. Or choose your own private tour of Egypt taking in the famous Nile River, Abu Simbel or the Red Sea.
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