10 Epic Things to See and Do at the Pyramids of Giza (Unlock Giza’s Gems!)

Welcome to the timeless wonderland of the Pyramids of Giza, where history and mystery intertwine beneath the desert sun.

Journey with us as we unveil the secrets of these iconic structures and reveal the unforgettable experiences that await you! From ancient marvels to modern-day adventures, this guide will lead you through the most epic things to see and do at the Pyramids of Giza.

So, gear up for an unforgettable journey through time and explore the treasures that lie within this extraordinary archaeological wonder.

PRO TIP: You might also like: Pyramids of Giza – Tips for Visiting Egypt’s # 1 Attraction

The Pyramids of Giza

The Great Pyramids of Giza are the most magnificent structures and the most iconic sight in the world.

Built during the Old Kingdom (c. 2686-2181 BC), specifically, during the reign of the Fourth Dynasty kings, more than 4,000 years ago, the Great Pyramids of Giza give us a glimpse into Egypt’s past.

The Great Pyramids of Giza are part of the Giza Pyramid Complex, which is also called the Giza Necropolis.

The pyramid complex is vast and consists of:

• Great Pyramid of Giza, also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops
• Pyramid of Khafre
• Pyramid of Menkaure
• Great Sphinx of Giza
• “Queens” Pyramids
• Solar Boat Museum
• In addition, there are causeways, valley pyramids, several cemeteries, and the remains of a workers’ village.

A visit to the Pyramids of Giza can be overwhelming. To take all the stress out of visiting the Pyramids of Giza, we curated a list of 10 unforgettable things to see and do at the Pyramids of Giza, so that you can focus on top things and not miss anything!

Before we embark on this journey, let’s uncover some fascinating facts about the Pyramids of Giza that will enrich your visit and prepare you for an unforgettable experience:

• Ancient Wonder: The Pyramids of Giza, located on the Giza Plateau just outside Cairo, Egypt, are the only surviving structures from the original list of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. They have captured the imaginations of people for centuries due to their sheer size and mysterious construction.
• Age: The Great Pyramid, also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops, is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids at Giza. It is estimated to have been constructed around 2560 BC during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom of Egypt.
• Monumental Size: The original height of the Great Pyramid was approximately 146.6 meters (481 feet), which made it the tallest man-made structure in the world for an astonishing 3,800 years. It held this record until the completion of the Lincoln Cathedral in England in the 14th century AD.

• Precision Engineering: The construction precision of the pyramids is awe-inspiring. The Great Pyramid’s base is almost perfectly level, with less than one inch of variation over its 13-acre base. Additionally, the sides of the pyramid are incredibly accurately aligned with the cardinal points of the compass.
• Labor Force: While there was a long-held belief that the pyramids were built by slave labor, contemporary archaeological evidence suggests that skilled laborers, not slaves, were employed in their construction. These workers likely lived in nearby workers’ settlements.
• Construction Materials: The primary building materials for the pyramids were limestone and granite blocks. Limestone was used for the outer casing, which was originally polished smooth to create a gleaming appearance.
• Solar Alignment: The Great Pyramid’s precise alignment with the cardinal points of the compass has led to speculation about its astronomical and symbolic significance. Some theories suggest that it was used as an ancient observatory or had religious significance related to the sun.
• Mysterious Chambers: The internal structure of the Great Pyramid consists of three main chambers: the King’s Chamber, the Queen’s Chamber, and a subterranean chamber. While the King’s Chamber is thought to have contained the sarcophagus of Pharaoh Khufu, the purpose of the other chambers remains a subject of debate among archaeologists.
• Missing Casing Stones: The outer casing stones, originally made of Tura limestone, were removed over time for use in other construction projects. These casing stones, when intact, would have created a smooth, reflective surface that glistened in the sun.

• Tomb Robbing: Despite the pyramids’ intended use as tombs for pharaohs, they were looted in antiquity. The treasures and mummies of the pharaohs were stolen, leaving the chambers empty when they were later discovered by modern archaeologists.
• Tourism Attraction: The Pyramids of Giza have been a major tourist attraction for centuries, drawing millions of visitors from around the world who come to marvel at their architectural brilliance and historical significance.
• Protected UNESCO World Heritage Site: To ensure their preservation, the Pyramids of Giza, along with the nearby Sphinx and other structures, were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. This status helps safeguard these ancient wonders.
• Ongoing Discoveries: Archaeological research around the pyramids is continuous. Recent discoveries include hidden voids and chambers within the Great Pyramid, which has sparked new interest and questions about their purpose.
• Legends and Myths: The pyramids have inspired various legends and myths, from claims of mystical powers to theories about their construction involving advanced ancient technology or even extraterrestrial assistance. These legends continue to fuel public fascination.
• Iconic Landmark: The Great Pyramid’s original height and its association with ancient Egyptian civilization make it an iconic symbol of human ingenuity and achievement, and it remains one of the most recognizable structures in the world today.

The  Great Pyramid of Giza (also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops) is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza Pyramid Complex.

Egyptologists believe that the pyramid was built over a 10 to 20-year period concluding around 2560 BC.

Initially standing at 146.5 meters (481 feet), the Great Pyramid was the tallest man-made structure in the world for more than 3,800 years until Lincoln Cathedral was finished in 1311 AD.

The Great Pyramid is made of an estimated 2.3 million blocks of stone which most believe to have been transported from nearby quarries.

Each block weighs approximately 2267.96 kilograms (2.5 tons).

For an additional fee, on top of the entrance ticket to the Great Pyramid Complex, you can go inside the Great Pyramid of Giza, Pyramid of Khafre, or Pyramid of Menkaure. It costs 400 EGP to go inside the Great Pyramid of Giza, versus 100 EGP to enter the Pyramid of Khafre or Menkaure.

The entrance to the Great Pyramid is through the hole located on the north side of the pyramid.

Going inside the Great Pyramid is one of those lifetime chances to experience the Ancient Wonder of the World. Once you enter, you will go up through the Grand Gallery until you reach the King’s Chamber. Inside the King’s Chamber, you will be able to see a sarcophagus.

The sarcophagus is made out of one solid piece of granite. You might wonder how was it transported through the narrow passages? Interestingly, there are claims that the Great Pyramid was built around the sarcophagus, rather than it being brought inside.

Make sure you are up to going inside the pyramid. The passages are narrow with no ventilation and poor lighting. On top of that, it gets crowded. If you are claustrophobic or have breathing problems, then you definitely should skip it.

You can take pictures inside the pyramids with your cell phone. Unfortunately, cameras are not allowed inside the pyramids. My suggestion is to safely store it inside your backpack and always be ready. I found out that the rules and regulations constantly change while I was traveling through Egypt.

The Pyramid of Khafre or Chephren is the tomb of the Fourth-Dynasty pharaoh Khafre (Chefren), who ruled from c. 2558 to 2532 BC.

It is the second-tallest and second-largest of the Pyramids of Giza. It rises to a height of 136.4 meters (448 feet). However, if you look at it, it appears to be taller than the Pyramid of Khufu. It is because it sits on a bedrock, which is 10 meters (33 feet) higher than Khufu’s pyramid.

Also, the slope of Khafre’s Pyramid is steeper than the Pyramid of Khufu. It rises at a 53° 13′ angle compared to 51°50’24”.

The Pyramid of Menkaure is the tomb of the Fourth Dynasty Egyptian Pharaoh Menkaure. Menkaure’s length of reign is uncertain. It is estimated that it lasted from 18 to 22 years starting in 2530 BC.

The Pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest of the three main Pyramids of Giza. It is estimated that the original height was 65.5 meters (215 feet). However, today it stands at 61 meters (204 feet).

Did you know that at the end of the twelfth-century al-Malek al-Aziz Othman ben Yusuf, Saladin‘s son and heir, attempted to demolish the pyramids, starting with that of Menkaure?

Workmen recruited to demolish the pyramid stayed at their job for eight months but found that they could only remove one or two stones each day. Despite their efforts, workmen were only able to damage the pyramid to the extent of leaving a large vertical gash at its northern face.

The Great Sphinx of Giza is a limestone statue of a reclining sphinx.

When I first saw it, it just took my breath away! I certainly did not expect how grand it was! It measures 73 m (240 ft) long from paw to tail, 20 m (66 ft) high from the base to the top of the head, and 19 m (62 ft) wide at its rear haunches.

The date of the construction of the Great Sphinx of Giza is not known for certain. Some theories state that the head of the great Sphinx shows the likeness of the Pharaoh Khafra. As a result, it is estimated that it was built between 2600 and 2500 BC.

The Great Pyramid Complex is walkable. Needless to say, make sure that you have comfy shoes. And, if you are visiting during the summer months, make sure to wear a hat, carry plenty of water, and layer on the sunblock.

Once to get to the Panoramic Spot and you will be rewarded with the most spectacular views of the pyramids.

Hands down, go on a camel ride! It is part of the experience.

However, before you get on the camel, negotiate the price of your ride and clarify where and how far you will ride. I suggest riding the camel to the Panoramic Spot and asking the camel handler to take a few of your pictures. There are plenty of camels to choose from. So take your time!

Getting on the camel can be a little tricky. Make sure to lean back as much as possible while the camel is getting up and kneeling down. Once you are situated, then it is a piece of cake. Just relax your body and off you go.

I had a great camel handler who took some pretty cool pictures of me on the camel!

If you are not up to a camel ride, go on a horse-drawn carriage ride around the Great Pyramids of Giza. Before you get into the carriage, make sure to negotiate the price of your ride and find out all the details like how long the ride will be and where you will be taken.

There are three boat-shaped pits around the Great Pyramid of Giza. Egyptologists speculate that they once contained complete boats. However, they disintegrated over time.

In May 1954, the Egyptian archaeologist Kamal el-Mallakh discovered a fourth boat pit. The pit was covered with slabs of stone which preserved 1,224 pieces of wood that were found inside.

It took Haj Ahmed Yusuf, an experienced boat builder, 14 years to put all the pieces together.

The result is an absolutely amazing cedarwood boat that measures 43.6 meters (143 ft).

If you need some ideas for things to do at night in Cairo, then my suggestion is that you catch the Sound and Light Show at the Great Pyramid Complex. You will learn some interesting facts re-told by the Sphinx about the great builders of the pyramids:  Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure.

Above all, you will be able to see the pyramids and the sphinx beautifully illuminated!

The show lasts about an hour and it is done in different languages. Check the schedule and the prices here.