Why Giza?
The Giza plateau on the west bank of the Nile, 20 km from central Cairo, holds the three most famous royal pyramids in the world: Khufu (Cheops, 146 metres tall), Khafre (Chephren, 143 metres) and Menkaure (65 metres). All were built between 2580 and 2510 BCE. The Great Pyramid is the only surviving one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The Great Pyramid of Khufu
Khufu was built from about 2.3 million stone blocks, each weighing between 2.5 and 15 tonnes. Original height 146.6 metres (today 138.8 m after the outer casing eroded). You can enter the King's Chamber inside (extra 900 EGP on top of the site ticket), but the corridors are narrow, low and hot.
The Sphinx — the guardian
The Sphinx, beside Khafre's pyramid, was carved from a single limestone outcrop 73 m long and 20 m tall. It represents a pharaoh's head (thought to be Khafre) on a lion's body. The nose has been missing since the 14th century. You can view it from close range but cannot approach the base itself.
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
The Grand Egyptian Museum fully opened in November 2025 after 20 years of construction at a cost of one billion USD. Sitting 2 km from the pyramids, it holds over 100 000 artefacts, including the entire treasure of Tutankhamun on display together for the first time. Ticket: 1 200 EGP for foreigners, 400 for Egyptians. Plan a full day.
Getting there and prices
From central Cairo: Metro Line 3 to Giza station (30 min), then Uber to the pyramids (20 EGP). Or a direct taxi (150–200 EGP from central Cairo). Base site ticket 540 EGP for foreigners. Entry to the Great Pyramid 900 EGP extra, to Khafre's pyramid 300 EGP. Best times: 7:00–9:00 am (opening) to avoid heat and crowds.
Sound and light show
Every evening the sound-and-light show at Giza (25 min, in various languages). It narrates the history of the pyramids with dramatic lighting. Price: 750 EGP. Beautiful but a bit kitsch — many still love it.
Practical tips
Wear a hat, bring 2 litres of water per person, beware of hawkers (they sell worthless items at high prices). Avoid camel rides unless booked with an official guide (official price 500 EGP for 30 minutes). Photography is allowed outside the pyramids and forbidden inside them. Do not attempt to photograph in the King's Chamber.