Visiting the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt is definitely one of those things that has to be on everyone’s bucket list. I mean, it’s not only just a world wonder, but it’s the only old wonder of the world left standing!
We’ll be honest, we usually don’t enjoy our time at super touristy places, but we have to say that visiting the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt was an experience that is far from overrated.
There’s a lot to know for visiting the Pyramids of Giza, which is why we’ve written a complete guide for you. We’ll be going over how to get your tickets, whether or not you need a guide, the rules for visiting, and also the best places to stay for epic views of the pyramids in Giza.
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Where are the Pyramids Located?
The Pyramids are located in Giza, Egypt.
What City is Closest to the Pyramids?
The city that’s right next to the pyramids is Giza, which is a town that borders the Nile, with Cairo on the other side. It’s a rather small town, so of course the only real reason anyone stays there is for visiting the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
What is the Best Way to Get to the Pyramids of Giza?
The best way to get to the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt is to first fly to Cairo, which is the biggest airport in the country. Other airports that you can consider if you find better flight options are Hurghada, Luxor, or Sharm El-Sheikh.
Flight Tip: Using Skyscanner you can put from "your city" to "Egypt". This way you can see which is the cheapest airport in the area to fly. Also, you can check the calendar to see which are the cheapest dates for your destination!
Can You Do a Day Trip from Hurghada to the Pyramids?
You can absolutely do a day trip from Hurghada to the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt! Would we necessarily recommend doing it this way? Not unless you are flying in and out of Hurghada, and are pressed for time.
It is certainly a good option for families with small children who do not want to spend the entire day at the pyramids, or for those that have just a couple of days in Hurghada.
There are plenty of Pyramids tours from Hurghada online, or you can also simply try to find someone on the streets selling tours in the city. Truthfully though, if it’s a priority for you, we wouldn’t risk just waiting until you arrive just in case.
Other Options for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza from Hurghada
If you happen to have more time and would like to go on your own, you can actually get bus from Hurghada to Cairo. They leave every couple of hours, and you can purchase them at the station, although we would definitely suggest purchasing your bus tickets online.
The journey takes around 5 hours, with a half hour stop in the middle of the ride for food.
Visiting the Pyramids of Giza from Luxor
Luxor is another city you can reach from Cairo by bus, but it is definitely longer of a journey. We would suggest getting the overnight bus from Luxor to Cairo, so that you don’t miss out on a lot of hours during your day, and you can even get a tour from Luxor to the Pyramids of Giza including an overnight transfer.
The other option which is certainly quicker, is to fly from Luxor to Cairo, which takes only an hour.
Visiting the Pyramids of Giza from Sharm El-Sheikh
Sharm el Sheik is in the west of Egypt, and certainly is a bit further than Hurghada, but is also not quite as far as Luxor is. You can also get either a bus from Sharm El-Sheikh to Cairo, or you can opt for a quick flight instead.
How Do I Get from Cairo to the Pyramids?
Now that you know the different ways to get to Cairo, let’s cover how to get from the city of Cairo to the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
You can very easily reach the Pyramids of Giza if you are staying in Cairo, and there are a multitude of options to choose from:
- Take a bus: You can take the 355 or 357, and it's about 30-40 minutes depending on traffic and the absolute cheapest option.
- Take the subway and then a bus: Take the subway to Ramses, and then take one of the minibuses waiting outside of the station.
- Take an Uber: This is the fastest way to get to Giza from Cairo, and they are surprisingly affordable!
- Rent a car: We would only recommend this if you plan on visiting places off the beaten path outside of Cairo (it’s pretty chaotic to drive in Cairo itself).
- Take a tour: There are a ton of tours from Cairo to the Pyramids that you can choose from. This will be the priciest option, but convenient for those that want an organized experience or are in big groups.
Visiting the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt: What to Expect
Now that you know how to get to the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, let’s talk about the logistics, as well as everything you're going to experience while you're there.
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Getting Tickets for Visiting the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt
First- It’s time to get your tickets! There are 3 different entrances to the pyramids, but we were brought to the main ticket office which is in the front of the complex right behind the town of Giza. The good thing is that you can purchase your tickets right on the spot, so there’s no need to stress about getting them in advance.
If you happen to be taking a tour, you won’t need to worry about this part at all. Once you purchase your tickets, you’ll then have to go through security.
Going Through Security Before Visiting the Pyramids of Giza
You aren’t allowed to bring drones, but you are allowed to bring your camera and tripod.
That being said, they can be a bit funny if you bring a few lenses. The woman told us originally we weren’t allowed to bring our telephoto lens, and that she would hold on to it. We begged a little, and she let us go, but did expect a tip, so we gave her 40 Egyptian pounds (which was equivalent to a little less than a dollar).
Do You Need a Tour for the Pyramids in Giza?
So many people told us we need a guide while visiting the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. The truth is though, that guides are completely optional!
In order to really learn all of the unique details about the history of the Pyramids, it definitely is great to hire a local guide, so we decided we’d look for one to hire for the day.
The reality though, was that there actually weren’t a ton of guides around (we went as soon as they opened), and there were just a ton of guides offering camel and horse rides. We do not like to support this type of tourism, as often times the animals are treated very poorly.
Visiting the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt on Your Own
The complex of the pyramids is so much bigger than we thought! It’s really interesting, because unlike most major tourist attractions, tourists are free to wander around the grounds without having any kind of obligatory paths or a crazy amount of rules.
There aren’t a ton of signs, nor did we find any kind of map. However, you can easily follow the crowds or simply walk towards to pyramids, and you'll easily make your way around. For the best photos of the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, all you have to do is look for the camels! You'll find herds of them in all of the typical photo spots.
There are a ton of great viewpoints around the Pyramids of Giza.
Can You Enter Inside of the Pyramids?
You can actually enter inside a few of the different pyramids! Each one has its own charge though, so we suggest just choosing one to go inside. We opted for going inside Khufu, which is also known as the Great Pyramid. This is the biggest one, and definitely the most popular for tourists to go inside.
Going Inside the Pyramids of Giza
Going inside the pyramids of Giza in Egypt is certainly an item for the bucket list! Being able to be inside one of the oldest structures in the world really is a wonder in itself, and it's obvious why everyone wants to do it!
We do want to say that the inside really isn't so glamorous, but it's also not as bad as everyone makes it seem.
There are two parts where you have to hunch down to get through, and the traffic going in is the same way as coming out, which definitely can make it a bit tight in there. The higher you go, the hotter it gets, so I definitely gets pretty toasty, and we're sure even more uncomfortable in the summer months. As long as you're in decent shape though, we're sure you'll be fine.
Is it Worth it to Go Inside the Pyramids of Giza?
We definitely think if you are in shape and want to tick this off the bucket list that you should do it. If you are with small kids, have clastrophobia, or are very out of shape, then we'd probably give it a pass.
For us, we're happy we did it the one time, but certainly preferred seeing the pyramids from the outside. We'll definitely be back to Egypt someday and plan on visiting the pyramids of Giza again, but most likely won't go back inside them again.
Can You Go Inside the Sphinx?
While you can go inside a few of the pyramids, the Sphinx is not able to be visited. In fact, unlike the pyramids, the Sphinx is actually blocked off, so you cannot get up close enough to touch it. (The pictures you see in front of the Sphinx look up close due to using a telephoto lens).
You can only enjoy the Sphinx from the outside.
More on Enjoying the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt
Once you're inside the complex of the Pyramids of Giza, you're free to roam as you wish. There are 9 pyramids in total, and they are outstanding up close, as well as far away. There is also the Sphinx, tombs, and other historical spots to see while walking around the grounds.
Make sure to walk on the outskirts to get some really cool pictures. While we don't support riding the camels, they're simply everywhere, and one happened to photobomb our pictures, which we were honestly pretty happy about.
You'll find a lot of guides walking around with their camels and horses and smiling, ready to sell. They may ask your name or where you're from first, but the destination of the conversation will be the same - them trying to get you on one of their camels, or paying them to take a photo with their camels. While it seems fun and cute, we really don't think we should be participating in these things, as it's bad for the well-being of the animal in the long run.
Camels make the perfect photo bomb at the pyramids.
Security at the Pyramids of Giza
There are random security officers scattered around the complex, almost none of which speak English well. Some are pretty chill, while others will look for reasons to yell at people.
Interestingly enough, we had a few bother us for "spending too much time in one location" or "not being able to use two outfits". Meanwhile there were a couple of people actually climbing on the pyramids and they said nothing!
Each person has their own rules, so just try to to be respectful. DO NOT climb the pyramids, or cross areas that are blocked off. Also make sure to save your ticket, as sometimes they also randomly check for them.
Even if you see people climbing the pyramids, do not join!
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Visiting the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt: Amenities Inside
Now that you know the basics for visiting the Pyramids of Giza, you probably have figured out you'll be spending quite some time there! So amenities are a big deal, and something we'll obviously be covering so that you can perfectly plan your visit to the pyramids.
Are There Toilets at the Pyramids of Giza?
There are two different areas that have toilets on the complex of the Pyramids of Giza. Despite paying for a ticket though, there is a small charge to go to the bathroom, which is 15 Egyptian pounds (about 33 cents USD).
Something to keep in mind is that a lot of the stalls probably won't have toilet paper, so you'll want to make sure to ask the person at the entrance of the bathroom for toilet paper before doing your business and realizing it's too late.
Another option for the bathrooms is to go to one of the restaurants, where you can use the bathrooms for free.
Restaurants at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt
There is one restaurants on the complex of the Pyramids of Giza, and they is has excellent views, great food, and honestly not insanely expensive prices.
We decided to go to Nine Pyramids for breakfast, and absolutely fell in the love with the place. The service was incredible, there were adorable puppies, and incredible views, The manager even took us to show how they make their fresh bread to order, and we had such an amazing experience that we decided to go back for lunch!
To get here you'll have to walk from the pyramids through the large sandy area, which takes about 15 minutes. It looks far, and many guides will say the trails to get there are only for camels, but this is simply not true. There was also a parking lot, so if you have a car, you can actually drive straight there after getting your ticket for the pyramids!
9 Pyramids Lounge has fantastic views of the pyramids of Giza.
Pyramids of Giza Souvenirs
On the left side of the Sphinx you'll find a full row of kiosks selling souvenirs. Each of the vendors will try to lure you in with their "$1 souvenirs", and proceed to show you the rest of the things that they offer in their shop.
Honestly, most shops have very similar items, and there isn't an overwhelming selection. However, people weren't nearly as pushy as we thought they'd be, and prices are very reasonable.
Keep in mind that Egypt is known for their bargaining, so play around a bit to get to a price that makes sense. Support the locals, but also don't accept the first price, as it typically is much higher than you should be paying. Also, don't forget to bring cash!
There are plenty of people selling souvenirs outside.
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Visiting the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt: Prices & Timetable
Now you know what to expect for visiting the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt! Here are some of the important numbers to keep in mind.
Opening Hours for the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt
The pyramids are open in the winter months (October to March) from 8 am, and in the summer. months (April to September) from 7 am. The ticket office closes at 4, which is the last time of entry allowed. We actually got a few different answers for when the Pyramids officially close though.
Most said that the gates close at 5, and despite us still seeing people inside, we believe you should have left beyond the grounds by this point. In the summer months, the grounds are open a bit later, until around 6 pm.
We suggest going to a nearby cafe right outside the pyramids so that you can enjoy the sunset there.
You can watch the sunset over the pyramids from a nearby cafe in Giza.
Can You Walk Around the Pyramids at Night?
The grounds of the Pyramids of Giza close before the sun sets, and you can't get anywhere near the pyramids at night time, unless you have tickets for the light show, which is a one hour show that has lights shining on the Pyramids.
In the summer there is show is at 7:30 pm in English, and a second show at 8:30 pm (in different languages) on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. In the winter the first show is at 6:30 pm, and the second is at 7:30 pm.
How Much Does it Cost to Visit the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt?
Visitor Ticket to Enter the Pyramids: 540 EGP
Student Visitor Ticket to Enter the Pyramids: 270 EGP
Khufu Pyramid Visitor Ticket: 900 EGP
Khufu Pyramid Student Visitor Ticket: 450 EGP
Menkoure Pyramid Visitor Ticket: 220 EGP
Menkoure Pyramid Student Visitor Ticket: 110 EGP
Mers Ankh Tomb Visitor Ticket: 120 EGP
Mer Ankh Tomb Student Visitor Ticket: 60 EGP
*Children under 6 years old are free
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Where is Best to Stay in Egypt to See the Pyramids?
While a lot of people opt to stay in Cairo, the town of Giza really is a special place to stay while visiting the Pyramids of Giza. The neighborhood itself doesn't have a ton to offer, but we highly suggest spending at least one night there, so that you can experience somewhere with a view of the pyramids!
Which Hotel Has the Best View of the Pyramids?
There are a lot of places to stay that are right near the pyramids, but we have a few incredible places to share with you that you'll love:
The Jacuzzi Airbnbs
This is the apartment we stayed in while visiting the Pyramids of Giza, and we absolutely loved it! The owner actually has several apartments, all of which face the Pyramids, and have a jacuzzi right in front of the window. It was one of the most epic places we've ever stayed, and didn't cost an arm or a leg either.
There are a few unique apartments that feature jacuzzis facing the pyramids!
Hi Pyramids
Located right next to the Jacuzzi Airbnbs in Giza is another stay that has become increasingly popular due to social media.
Hi Pyramids is an apartment that has a gorgeous balcony that faces the pyramids, and is definitely one you'll want to book in advance. It was sold out for the dates we were in Cairo, but we're definitely going to book it for our next visit.
The Marriott Mena House
Normally we're not fans of supporting big chain hotels, and that includes the Marriott. However, we're willing to make an exception for this one, as the Marriott in Giza is one of the oldest and most iconic hotels in the world!
The Mena House is literally right in front of the pyramids, and has a stunning garden area with some of the best views you could ask for. They're a bit pricey, but certainly a hotel to add to your bucket list.
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Other Things to Keep in Mind for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt
You know almost everything you need to know for visiting the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt! But don't go just yet - here are a few other things to keep in mind for when you go.
Weather in Giza, Egypt
There's a common misconception that Egypt is always hot, but actually, they do experience a (very mild) winter!
The coldest months in Giza are December and January, while the hottest months are July and August. Temperatures are pretty mild during winter days, but do get quite chilly at night time, while summer months are scorching hot.
We visited in March, and found that the morning was pretty chilly, but by noon it got much hotter. The area around the pyramids of Giza was quite windy though, keeping it cool. This is often deceiving though, because the sun is still very strong!
It can get pretty windy at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt!
What is the Best Month to Visit the Pyramids?
We happened to visit the Pyramids of Egypt the day before Ramadan, which is in the beginning of March. We felt that it was honestly perfect, because there weren't crazy crowds at this time, and the weather was very bearable.
However, the month of Ramadan things slow down everywhere, which means things are quite limited in terms of restaurants and opening times for establishments. They also don't do the Pyramid light show during these 30 days, so if that's something you're interested in, then you may want to consider visiting in mid April, as the weather is still not crazy hot, it shouldn't be super crowded either.
What is the Best Time of Day to Visit the Pyramids?
The best time of day for visiting the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt is early in the morning. This is when the weather is cooler, and there are fewer crowds. We got there at 8:00, and found that there really weren't many other people at that time!
The best time for great lighting at little crowds is to go to the pyramids as soon as they open.
What Do You Wear to the Pyramids in Egypt?
Despite Egypt being a primarily Muslim country, there actually is no dress code for visiting the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt!
That being said, its always nice to be respectful, so you shouldn't be super exposed. We suggest wearing light and fashionable clothing that is modest, so you can be comfortable, take nice photos, and not make anyone else feel uncomfortable.
Something to note is that I brought a flying dress with me, and it was highly frowned upon by one random local woman. Security didn't care, but she made a huge deal about it. While you technically can wear whatever, the different police impose random rules of what they do and do not like, so we suggest being as subtle as possible if you have big fancy dresses,
There is no dress code at the pyramids, but the flying dress maybe wasn't the best idea!
How to Prepare for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt
Here are some of the things we suggest bringing with you while visiting the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt:
- Comfortable sandals for walking around
- Bag/ Backpack that zips (check out our list of favorite backpacks for travelers!)
- Action Camera (we use the Insta 360 X3 because you can use it with an extra long selfie stick to mimic a drone)
- Sunscreen
- Chapstick
- Reusable Water Bottle (we use this water bottle from Cafago because it holds the temperature)
- Power Bank (we use Anker power banks as they are super long lasting and durable)
- Cash (for souvenirs or the bathroom)
- Telephoto lens for epic pictures
- Tripod to get multiple shots between crowds
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Is it Worth Visiting the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt?
The Pyramids of Giza in Egypt are one of the most fascinating attractions around the world, and are far from overrated. Whether you are into architecture, history, or simply love stunning views, the Pyramids are certainly something to put on your bucket list, and visit as soon as you can!
How Many Days Do You Need to See the Pyramids in Giza?
In order to fully enjoy the full experience in and around the Pyramids of Giza, we suggest a full 24 hours. The Pyramids themselves definitely deserve quite a few hours, and enjoying the cafes in Giza as well as one of the hotels in the area is something we highly suggest.
This was our itinerary for example: We stayed the night before our visit in the nearby Jacuzzi Airbnb, and then visited the pyramids from 8 am until 4 pm, having both breakfast and lunch at Nine Pyramids.
After visiting the Pyramids of Giza we went to a nearby rooftop cafe to enjoy sunset in front of the Pyramids before heading to Cairo for dinner and taking an overnight bus to Siwa Oasis.
You need several hours to make the most of the Pyramids of Giza!
Rules & Tips for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt
- Get to the Pyramids as early as possible.
- Make sure to charge your electronics beforehand.
- Don't kiss - it's illegal to kiss in public in Egypt! (Our friends almost got arrested actually.)
- Take a lens with zoom for the different viewpoints..
- Be minimalistic, so you don't have problems with security.
- Bring cash for souvenirs.
- No drones allowed.
- No professional cameras inside the pyramids themselves.
- Do not climb on the pyramids!
- If you are a student, bring your physical student card with you.
- If you'd like a guide, book one in advance.
- Make sure to have a meal or drink at Nine Pyramids Lounge.
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