15 Essential Tips for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza (Ace Your Adventure!)

Step into the realm of antiquity and prepare for an extraordinary adventure as we unveil 15 Travel-Tested Tips for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza.

These monumental structures have stood proudly for millennia, drawing travelers from around the world to witness their enigmatic allure.

In this guide, we will take you on a journey through the sands of time, revealing insider insights and invaluable advice to help you make the most of your visit to this iconic archaeological wonder. Our tips will ensure that your trip to the Pyramids of Giza is nothing short of extraordinary.

Join us as we uncover the secrets of these ancient giants and embark on a quest to create lasting memories amidst the sands of Egypt!

PRO TIP: You might also like: 10 Epic Things to See and Do at the Pyramids of Giza (Unlock Giza’s Gems!)

• Ancient Wonder of the World: The Pyramids of Giza hold a special place in history as one of the last remaining wonders from the ancient world. Visiting them allows you to connect with the past and witness an achievement that has fascinated humanity for centuries.
• Architectural Marvels: These pyramids are architectural marvels, showcasing the advanced engineering skills of the ancient Egyptians. Their precise construction techniques, alignment with the cardinal points, and massive scale continue to intrigue architects and historians.

• Historical Significance: Beyond their awe-inspiring presence, the pyramids serve as tombs for pharaohs, offering a glimpse into the profound cultural and religious beliefs of ancient Egypt. Exploring their chambers and hieroglyphics provides a window into this ancient civilization.
• Sphinx Encounter: Adjacent to the pyramids stands the Great Sphinx of Giza, a colossal statue with the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh. It guards the pyramids and adds an air of mystery and symbolism to the site.

• Astrological Alignment: The pyramids’ alignment with celestial bodies, particularly with the stars, has fascinated astronomers and scholars for centuries. You can learn about these celestial connections and the significance they held for the ancient Egyptians.
• Photo Opportunities: The pyramids offer an array of breathtaking photo opportunities. Whether capturing their majesty from a distance or exploring their intricate details up close, you will create lasting memories through photography.

• Mysterious Legends: The pyramids are surrounded by intriguing legends and mysteries, from the search for hidden chambers to theories about their construction methods.
• Sunset and Sunrise Spectacle: Witnessing the pyramids during sunrise or sunset is a magical experience. The warm, golden light transforms these ancient structures into ethereal wonders, creating a truly memorable sight.

• Timeless Symbolism: Reflect on the timeless symbolism of the pyramids, which represent human ambition, achievement, and the pursuit of immortality. These enduring structures continue to inspire and captivate people worldwide.
• Bucket List Destination: For many, a visit to the Pyramids of Giza is a lifelong dream. Checking it off your bucket list provides a sense of accomplishment and a deep connection with history.
• Global Heritage: Recognize the global significance of the pyramids as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They stand as a testament to human achievement and serve as a shared cultural heritage for people of all backgrounds.

The Great Pyramids of Giza sit on the Giza Plateau, which is located on the edges of the Western Desert. Specifically, they are positioned approximately 9 km (5 mi) west of the Nile River in the city of Giza and about 13 km (8 mi) southwest of Cairo.

The best way to get to the Pyramids of Giza is by having a driver and a guide. This option gives you total flexibility. You can decide how much time you need to see everything at the Pyramids of Giza. Plus, having a knowledgeable guide by your side is priceless!

You can ask your hotel for a bus tour that stops at all major attractions in Cairo. It is probably one of the least expensive options. But, it does not give you much flexibility.

Another option is to just book a taxi and head to the Pyramids of Giza. You will always be able to hire a guide right at the entrance.

Image Source: Map data ©2020 ORION-ME

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

1. The Great Pyramid of Giza, also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops

2. Pyramid of Khafre

3. Pyramid of Menkaure

4. Great Sphinx of Giza

5. Queens Pyramids

6. Solar Boat Museum

In addition, there are causeways, valley pyramids, several cemeteries, and the remains of a workers’ village

Map of the Pyramids of Giza Complex / Tips for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza / Image Source: Wikipedia

The pyramids were constructed during the period of the Old Kingdom, also known as the “Age of the Pyramids” or the “Age of Pyramid Builders (c. 2686-2181 BC). Specifically, they were built during the reign of the Fourth Dynasty Pharaohs.

The Pharaohs: Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure erected the Pyramids of Giza.

Interestingly, the pyramid building project was started with the Step Pyramid in Saqqara during the reign of the Third Dynasty Pharaohs. Specifically, the Step Pyramid was built for the burial of Pharoah Djoser.

In addition, King Sneferu, the founding pharaoh of the Fourth Dynasty of Egypt, was the first one who attempted to build smooth-sided pyramids at Dahshur.

Were the Pyramids of Giza built by slaves?

The ancient Greeks believed the pyramids were built with a massive slave labor force.

However, Miroslav Verner, in his book The Pyramids: The Mystery, Culture, and Science of Egypt’s Great Monuments, argues that the pyramids were not only built by humans—instead of aliens or gods—but they were constructed by tradesmen and artisans whose skills were in high demand and who were paid wages and organized under a complex bureaucracy. Source: Open Culture

In addition, Egyptologists Mark Lehner and Zahi Hawass claim that 20,000-30,000 skilled laborers, including stone masons, engineers, architects, surveyors, builders, and other craftsmen, were conscripted to construct Khufu’s temple, while a more significant force of workers was summoned during the summer months when the Nile flooded the surrounding valley and integrated with the permanent labor force.

Pharaohs held a special position in Egyptian society. It was a status of a being that combined both human and divine characteristics. As a result, this godlike status was held even after death

First of all, the pharaoh’s body was mummified and then buried in elaborate tombs, like pyramids.

Mummification was a necessary process since the Egyptians believed that the mummified body served as a home of the three spirits: ka, ba, and akh.

Ka was essentially a person’s double. It was the life force and at death it was separated from the body. However, it was important that after the pharaoh’s death ka had a home as well as be properly nourished and cared for. It was important that the deceased body would resemble the living body as much as possible so that ka, which was free to roam around and then return, could recognize his body.

That is the reason why each tomb would contain absolutely anything that they might need and what would help them in their afterlife.

Interestingly, if the body was destroyed, or the name of the pharaoh was erased, like in the case of a sad story of Pharaoh Hatshepsut, then ka would be lost.

There are many theories on how the Pyramids of Giza were built.

• Some reports claim that the pyramids were built by either dragging, rolling, and then lifting the huge blocks into place.
• Some theories suggest that a system of ramps had to have been constructed for maneuvering the huge blocks.
• Finally, there are theories that suggest that wooden and bronze levers were used to intricately position the stones into their place. These are all speculations.

• I think that the most fascinating fact that I came across was made by Robert Bauval in his book Orion Correlation Theory: 

Bauval claimed that the three Pyramids of Giza are aligned exactly like the three stars of the Orion Belt: Alnilam (Epsilon Orionis), Alnitak (Zeta Orionis), and Mintaka (Delta Orionis). He reported that the layout of the pyramids and their relative sizes were a deliberate design plan.

It is a controversial theory and has been criticized by Ed Krupp of Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, and Anthony Fairall, an astronomy professor at the University of Cape Town, South Africa.

• Another interesting observation that I came across was the fact that the Great Pyramid at Giza’s latitude, 29.9792458°N, perfectly matches up to the speed of light, which is 299,792,458 meters per second. It is a fascinating fact!

Some claim that the ancient Egyptians had some greater knowledge of the speed of light, space travel, and, potentially, advanced alien spaceships.

• The mystery that still puzzles the scientists is whether or not mortar was used to attach the stones to each other.

How is it possible that some of the blocks are so perfectly matched that not even human hair can be inserted between them? Why, despite the existence of millions of tons of stone, carved presumably with copper chisels, has not one copper chisel ever been found on the Giza Plateau?

• Another interesting theory that I read about suggested that the Pyramids of Giza were once covered in a white casing made of highly polished limestone blocks which reflected the sun’s rays.

The pyramid’s angled sides symbolized the rays of the sun and were designed to help the pharaoh’s soul ascend to heaven and join the sun god Ra. The theory goes on and claim that the casings slowly disappeared after becoming loosened by earthquakes and crumbling to rubble or being cut loose and taken to build other structures.

• Another fascinating discovery that you should be aware of is that although at first sight, the Great Pyramid of Giza appears to have four sides, in reality, it has eight sides.

Each of the four sides of the pyramids is evenly split from base to tip. The discovery goes back to 1940 when a pilot named Robert Marsland Groves while flying over it noticed the indentations.

These are all interesting speculations and it is fun to read about them. It just shows how little we know about the ancient Egyptians and how much more we still need to learn about them.

How do you decide what to see and do at the Great Pyramids of Giza?

Make sure to read my post 10 Epic Things to See and Do at the Pyramids of Giza to find out all the details. This bucket list contains 10 of the best experiences you can have at the Giza Pyramid Complex. It will help you to get a sense of this incredible place and all the treasures it holds.

Following is a short list to get you started:

• See the Great Pyramid of Giza – The Great Pyramid of Giza, also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops, is the oldest and the largest of the three pyramids in the Giza Pyramid Complex.
• Go Inside the Great Pyramid of Giza – for an additional fee, on top of the entrance ticket to the Great Pyramid Complex, you can go inside either the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Pyramid of Khafre, and/or the Pyramid of Menkaure.
• See the Pyramid of Khafre – the Pyramid of Khafre is the second tallest and second largest of the Pyramids of Giza. However, if you look at it, it appears to be taller than the Great Pyramid.
• See the Pyramid of Menkaure – The Pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest of the three main Pyramids of Giza. 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? Despite their efforts, workmen were only able to damage the pyramid to the extent of leaving a large vertical gash at its northern face.
• Be Amazed by the Great Sphinx of Giza – I have to honestly say that when I saw the Great Sphinx of Giza, it literally took my breath away! Did you know that a sphinx is a mythical creature with the head of a human, a cat, or a sheep, with the body of a lion with the wings of an eagle?
• Go on a Camel Ride – hands down, go on a camel ride. It is part of the experience! Negotiate the prices before you get on the camel. I suggest that you ask to ride the camel to the Panoramic Spot and have your pictures taken there. Read all about it here.

You cannot climb the pyramids. However, I saw tourists tipping the guards and climbing on the pyramids.

Please do not do it. Let’s make as little of an impact as possible and save the pyramids for future generations.

• There is no set dress code or specific restrictions on what you can or cannot wear while visiting the Pyramids of Giza. The bottom line, is you can wear whatever you want. However, keep in mind that Egypt is a conservative country. So, with that being the case, cover up your body and be respectful. Skip tank tops or tube tops and short shorts.
• In addition, since you will be outside most of the time, I would suggest that you wear a hat and a sun shirt to protect yourself.
• Needless to say, wear comfortable and sturdy shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking.
• Finally, keep in mind that you will be in an open area that gets very windy and it is very dusty! It is a good idea to bring a scarf and cover up your nose and mouth. Each year, around April and May, the Khamsin winds loaded with sand hit Egypt. The winds take a toll on the Great Pyramids of Giza, but especially weathered is the body of the Great Sphinx of Giza which is carved out of a softer layer of limestone.

• The entrance ticket to the Giza Plateau costs 200 EGP per adult and 100 EGP for a student (with a valid ID).
• The entrance ticket to go inside the Great Pyramid of Giza costs 400 EGP, the Pyramid of Khafre costs 100 EGP, and the Pyramid of Menkaure is also 100 EGP.
• The entrance ticket to the Solar Boat Museum costs 100 EGP.
• Consider buying the combo ticket, which includes the entrance to the Giza Plateau, the entrance to the Great Pyramid of Giza, and the entrance to the Solar Boat Museum. The combo ticket costs 600 EGP.
• Included in your ticket is a free visit to the middle pyramid of the three satellite pyramids of the Queen of Cheops.

The Giza Plateau Archaeological Site opens every day between 8 am and 5 pm from October to March, and from 7 am to 7 pm every day between April and September.

My recommendation is to get there as early as possible. The tour buses start arriving between 9:30 am and 10 am and needless to say, it gets very crowded. You will get lucky if you manage to take a picture without any tourists in them.

My recommendation is to reserve a minimum of 3-4 hours. It is a bare minimum.

First of all, it is a huge site. It takes time to walk from pyramid to pyramid. Next, if you decide to go inside the Great Pyramid of Giza, you will need at least an hour to do it.

Moreover, if you are going to visit the Solar Boat Museum, then you need at least an hour to see the boat. Finally, if you go on a camel ride, then add another hour. Plus, you need time to take a ton of pictures!

So, do not rush it. Take your time. Find a quiet spot and soak it all in! Who knows when you are going to be back?

Get to the Giza Pyramid Complex as early as possible. First of all, you will avoid the crowds that usually swarm the place by about 9:30 am.

Second, if you are visiting during the summer months, then getting to Giza early will save you from the scorching heat.

If you are visiting during the winter months then make sure to go in the afternoon. There is usually a pretty dense fog that has a tendency to linger on in the morning during winter months and obscures the views.

I stayed at Marriot Mena House in Giza and it was fabulous!

Unfortunately, at the time of my stay, all the rooms with views of the pyramids were going through renovation. I was hoping that each morning I would be waking up to the sight of the Great Pyramid of Giza, but no such luck. However, the minute I stepped out of my room, I was greeted with the most amazing views of the pyramids.

The buffet breakfast, which I enjoyed every morning, offered endless possibilities and the food presentation was top-notch. By the way, after you have your breakfast, get your cup of coffee and go to the outdoor patio area and enjoy your coffee there while admiring the views.

I honestly have to say that the rooms are fair size, clean, and nicely decorated. Above all, the customer service is outstanding! They will absolutely go out of their way to make your stay perfect.