Things to Do at Great Pyramid of Giza

The Great Pyramid of Giza, also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or Cheops, stands as the last surviving wonder of the ancient world and one of humanity's most remarkable architectural achievements. Built around 2580-2560 BCE during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom, this colossal monument was constructed as the eternal resting place for Pharaoh Khufu. Originally standing at 146.5 meters (481 feet) tall, it remained the world's tallest man-made structure for over 3,800 years. Composed of approximately 2.3 million limestone blocks, each weighing between 2.5 to 15 tons, the pyramid showcases the incredible engineering prowess of ancient Egyptian civilization. The precision of its construction is astounding - the base is level to within just 2.1 centimeters, and its orientation to the cardinal directions is accurate to within 3/60th of a degree. Located on the Giza plateau alongside the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, plus the iconic Great Sphinx, this UNESCO World Heritage site continues to captivate millions of visitors annually while maintaining many of its ancient mysteries.

The Great Pyramid is located in Giza, approximately 20 kilometers southwest of central Cairo. Take a taxi or ride-sharing service (30-45 minutes from downtown Cairo), use the Cairo Metro to Giza station followed by a bus or taxi, or join an organized tour. Many hotels offer shuttle services to the Giza complex. If driving, parking is available near the entrance, though traffic can be heavy during peak hours.