Things to Do at Pyramids of Giza
Complete Guide to Pyramids of Giza in Cairo
About Pyramids of Giza
What to See & Do
Great Pyramid of Khufu
The oldest and largest of the three, built around 2560 BC. 146 meters tall, 2.3 million blocks, base covers 5.3 hectares. Interior entry (EGP 440, 300 tickets/day) involves crouching through a narrow ascending passage to the King's Chamber - a granite room with an empty sarcophagus. Claustrophobics should skip the interior. The exterior alone is overwhelming
The Great Sphinx
The 73-meter limestone figure with a human head and lion's body, carved from the bedrock of the plateau. The missing nose has spawned centuries of theories (Napoleon's cannons is a myth - it was already gone by the 14th century). Best photographed from the viewing platform near the Valley Temple, or from the sound-and-light show seats for a perspective that includes all three pyramids behind
Pyramid of Khafre
The second pyramid, slightly smaller than Khufu's but appearing taller because it sits on higher ground. The tip still has its original limestone casing - the smooth white cap that once covered all three pyramids. Interior entry EGP 100. The Valley Temple at its base has massive granite pillars and is often empty - one of the most atmospheric spaces on the plateau
Solar Boat Museum
A 43-meter cedarwood boat buried in a pit beside the Great Pyramid in 2600 BC and reassembled from 1,224 pieces over 14 years. The craftsmanship is extraordinary - no nails, only rope lashing and wooden dowels. EGP 100 extra. Being relocated to the Grand Egyptian Museum - check current location before visiting
Panoramic Viewpoint
Drive, ride a camel (negotiate EGP 200-400 round trip), or walk 20 minutes past the Pyramid of Menkaure to the desert road viewpoint. All three pyramids line up against Cairo's skyline in the distance - this is the photograph you came for. Best at sunrise or golden hour. Avoid camel touts at midday who will quote EGP 1,000+
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Daily 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (winter) or 6:00 PM (summer). The site tends to be less crowded in the early morning or late afternoon.
Tickets & Pricing
General admission around 200 EGP ($6-8 USD). Entering the Great Pyramid requires a separate ticket (400 EGP). The Solar Boat Museum is an additional 100 EGP. Tickets are often limited for pyramid interiors, so booking ahead is wise.
Best Time to Visit
October to April offers the most comfortable weather. Within any day, early morning (8-10 AM) or late afternoon (3-5 PM) provide the best light and fewer crowds. Avoid midday in summer - it's genuinely brutal.
Suggested Duration
Plan for 3-4 hours minimum, though you could easily spend a full day here. If you're entering a pyramid interior, add at least another hour.
Getting There
Things to Do Nearby
About 30 minutes south, this vast burial ground includes the Step Pyramid of Djoser - actually older than the Giza pyramids. It's less crowded and gives you a broader sense of ancient Egyptian burial practices.
The ruins of ancient Egypt's first capital, now an open-air museum. The colossal statue of Ramesses II lying on its back is genuinely impressive, and it's often combined with a Saqqara visit.
Finally opened near the pyramids after years of delays, this massive museum houses an incredible collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including many of Tutankhamun's treasures.
Back in the city proper, this UNESCO World Heritage area is filled with medieval mosques, madrasas, and bazaars. It's a completely different side of Cairo's layered history.