Best Tips for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt in 2024 (From a Local!): Everything to Know Before You Go

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Visiting the Pyramids of Giza is pretty much on everyone’s bucket list. I’m sure you remember being 8 years old and excitedly learning all about pharaohs and mummies and thinking how cool it would be actually see them for yourself one day.

There are a lot of misconceptions about Egypt. Back in the day, it was a matter of people thinking that Egyptians use hieroglyphics to communicate and dance like they do in that 80s music video. The sad news is that nobody uses hieroglyphics anymore but the not-so-sad-news is that Egyptians are much better dancers than The Bangles. Nowadays, people are afraid to visit Egypt thanks to the media, but I can assure you it’s totally safe. But let’s get back to the Pyramids before I go on a tangent.

If you’ve found yourself on this page, it’s probably because your childhood dreams are coming true and you’re planning a visit to the Pyramids! Woohoo!

So here’s the thing. The Pyramids of Giza and The Sphinx are seriously amazing. The first time you get a glimpse of them in real life, you’ll be awed by how spectacular they are.

But.

The actual visit to the Pyramids is a tad bit stressful. Egyptian tourism isn’t at its heyday at the moment so everyone working there is as desperate for your business as my mom is for me to get married (read: very).

So be warned: visiting the Egyptian Pyramids without a guide means you’ll be asked, over and over again, to buy souvenirs, ride camels and horses, and who knows what else. Having been three times now (once on a tour with fellow travelers and twice with locals), I can say that it’s the one place in Egypt I recommend “splurging” on a tour.

If you want to be an ultra-cool backpacker and travel all around Egypt by yourself, by all means, read my first-timer travel tips and go for it. But if you can spend a little to book a tour to the Pyramids, it will make the experience that much more enjoyable. Check out the tours below.

If you still want to visit the Pyramids of Giza on your own, I’m going to arm you with all the knowledge you need so you can thoroughly enjoy your visit to one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. Behold, everything you need to know before visiting the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.

Where are the Pyramids of Giza located?

The Pyramids of Giza are located in the Giza province, which is on the west side of the Nile River. It’s around 30 minutes from Downtown Cairo when there’s no traffic. If there is traffic, which is likely because it’s Cairo, it can take an hour or more to get there. Luckily the Pyramids are iconic so your chances of getting lost are pretty slim.

 

Where to stay in Egypt to See the Pyramids

I highly recommend staying at a hotel near the Pyramids for one night so you can get the true Pyramids experience. It’s magical to be able to see the sun rise and set over the Pyramids and it means you won’t have to wake up quite as early as you would if you were staying in Cairo. There are tons of hotels in the area, so I’ve helped you narrow down your options with my recommendations below.

Marriott Mena House

This is the only 5-star hotel with views of the Pyramids. It’s about half a mile away from the Giza complex itself, and worth the splurge, so you enjoy the facilities before and after your visit to the Pyramids.
Check out reviews on TripAdvisor and book on Booking.com 

Panorama Pyramids Inn

This hotel is only a 10-minute walk from the main entrance to The Pyramids and has seriously spectacular views. You can watch the evening Sound and Light Show from the comfort of the hotel (fo’ free, heyyy). Plus they have a restaurant on-site and excellent customer service.
Check out reviews on TripAdvisor and book on Booking.com 

If the Panorama Pyramids Inn is fully booked and you’re looking for options at a similar price point with good views and service, check out Great Pyramid Inn, Pyramids View Inn, Royal Pyramids Inn, or Hayat Pyramids View Hotel.

 

How to get to the Giza Pyramids from Cairo

If you decide not to spend the night in Giza, there are several ways to get to the Pyramids from Cairo. You know what they say: all roads lead to Rome The Pyramids. I recommend Uber, although you can also take a taxi or the bus. Here are the pros, cons, and tips for each option.

• The bus: You can take bus 355 or 357 from the bus stop near the Egyptian Museum in Downtown Cairo. While this will cost you the equivalent of about 15 cents, I don’t recommend this method because the bus system is a tad confusing. Also, you’ll still have to walk quite a ways to get to the entrance of the Pyramids.
• Uber: I recommend Uber because the drivers will take you to the main entrance of the Pyramids (where you buy your tickets) and you don’t have to negotiate prices beforehand. Plus, you can get picked up wherever you want.
• Taxi: Pretty much the same as Uber except you’ll have to negotiate your fare to ensure you don’t get ripped off. I personally don’t take cabs in Egypt because Uber is so hassle-free. There’s really no reason to take a cab unless you don’t have data and are incredibly confident in your negotiating skills.

 

Visiting the Pyramids of Giza without a guide

I know I said this in the introduction but I’m just going to say it again for good measure. I don’t recommend visiting the Pyramids without a guide because the hassle from vendors can be overwhelming. Let me just clarify that it’s totally safe to visit the Pyramids on your own (even as a solo female, but the harassment is just extra in that case), it’s just a tad annoying.

If you’re a seasoned traveler or have already spent some time in Cairo, then a visit to the Pyramids on your own won’t be that big of a deal. But if it’s your first time in Egypt or you find vendors to be overwhelming, book a tour.

I speak Arabic and even when I went with my local Egyptian friend, we were more than a little tired of vendors by the time we left. That is all.

How to Tour the Pyramids (once you’re inside)

• Pyramids: Once you’re inside the complex, I recommend following the path just to the left of the ticket office. Explore the Pyramids from closest to furthest: the Pyramid of Khufu, Khafre, then Menkaure.
• Panorama: Once you’ve seen the Pyramids (including going inside, if you purchased tickets to enter), make your way to the Panorama viewpoint. It’s not visible on the map but if you continue following the orange road past the Builders’ Quarters, you can head up to the Panorama. It’s a bit of a trek through the sand dunes, so if you decide you want to ride a horse or camel, this would be a good place to do so.
• Sphinx: From the panorama, make your way to the Sphinx via the Temple of the Sphinx. That’s where you can take your iconic and cheesy Sphinx photo!

If you’re interested in fully exploring the complex, there’s a lot to see including the Boat Museum, the Pyramids of Queens, the Cemetery, and more!

 

Giza Pyramids Opening Hours

The Pyramids are open daily from 8 am to 5 pm between October and March, and 7 am to 7 pm between April and September.

 

The Best Time to Visit the Pyramids

First of all, if you haven’t booked your Egypt travel yet, I highly recommend visiting anytime besides the summer (and also booking a guided tour to the whole country, if I’m being honest). Summer in Cairo is really hot (it is a desert, after all!) and that doesn’t make being outside that much fun.

No matter which season you choose to visit, come to the Pyramids as soon as they open. Most tour groups don’t start showing up until around 10 am, so you can enjoy some peace and quiet (and photos without people in them #priorities) by arriving early. Plus, you’ll beat the heat. Even brown people like me get sunburned in Egypt.

Lastly, Fridays and Saturdays are holidays in Egypt, and that’s when the Pyramids are typically filled with schoolchildren. The school kids are strangely fascinated with foreigners and will swarm you for selfies if you look foreign. I’ve never been so thankful for my ethnic ambiguity. If you want to know what it feels like to be a superstar, then go on a Friday or Saturday. Otherwise, avoid those days like the plague.

 

Pyramids of Giza Entrance Fee

It depends on what you want to see. If you just want to see the Pyramids and Sphinx from outside without entering any pyramids, it costs 120 EGP for adults and 60 EGP for students. The prices for the other parts are listed below:

• The Pyramids and Sphinx (complex) – adults: 240 EGP, students: 120 EGP
• The Great Pyramid (Khufu) – adults: 440 EGP, students: 220 EGP
• Khafre Pyramid – adults: 100 EGP, students: 50 EGP
• Menkaure Pyramid – adults: 100 EGP, students: 50 EGP

I’ve personally paid to go inside the Great Pyramid before and while it was cool to do once, I wouldn’t do it again, namely because it was excavated a long time ago and all the findings are in The Egyptian Museum. It’s hot and cramped inside, so don’t enter in the summer or if you’re particularly claustrophobic. Be sure to wear sturdy, non-slip shoes as well.

 

Is it safe to visit the Pyramids in 2024?

I’ve spent a total of five months in Egypt over the last couple of years and most recently went in November 2023. I’m a solo female traveler and I never once felt unsafe in Egypt. I will eventually write a blog post about this because everyone asks but trust me, you’ll be fine.

The Pyramids are safe to visit. There’s a security checkpoint upon entering, complete with metal detectors and bag checks. There are also police officers inside the complex to make sure nothing sketchy happens. The only thing you have to do is be wary of vendors trying to sell you things, but they’re harmless.

 

Can you go inside the Pyramids of Giza?

Yes, for an extra fee. Refer to the prices section for costs. Note that no cameras are allowed inside, so the guard will hold your camera for you (and expect a tip).

 

What’s inside the Pyramids?

Not much. Each pyramid has an empty room or rooms with a stone tomb inside. All the mummies and treasures have been excavated and can be seen at The National Museum of Ancient Civilizations.

 

Can you climb the Pyramids?

You can’t climb the Pyramids, no. It’s illegal and although there may be officers or vendors that encourage you to do so and look the other way, don’t. The Pyramids are thousands and thousands of years old. If every tourist climbed them or took a piece home with them, what will be left? Let’s be responsible travelers and respect the places we visit.

 

Where’s the Sphinx located?

There are two main entrances to the Pyramids: one is near the Great Pyramid and likely where you’ll be dropped off and the other is near The Sphinx. Once you pay for your ticket, you can enter and walk left to follow the main road. You’ll pass the Pyramid of Khufu and the Eastern Cemetery to arrive at The Sphinx. If you walk from the main area, you’ll be able to get photos of The Sphinx from all angles – its left and right side, as well as head-on. Alternatively, you can head there after the panorama viewpoint, in which case you’ll arrive at the entrance via The Temple of the Sphinx.

 

Where to take the best pictures of The Pyramids of Giza

It’s hard to take a bad photo at The Pyramids because they’re so epic (and visible from everywhere!). That being said, there are a few key places you can stand to ensure you get an awesome shot. Refer to the map for visual details.

At the Pyramids

• Once you walk into the complex, you’ll immediately see the Great Pyramid of Khufu. Head around to the corner near the boat pits and snap a photo from there. You can also get a solid shot from the corner between the ticket office and the Western Cemetery.
• Take a camel/horse or walk to the panorama viewpoint (where the very first photo in this post was taken). This is the best place to get an epic “desert with the three Pyramids” shot. Try to beat the tour buses here because it gets crowded (and stays crowded) real quick.
• I experimented a lot but ultimately just wanted a few solid photos with me in them. But if you’re super intense and want a detailed step-by-step guide on where to get great shots, check out this post.

At the Sphinx

• If you walk down the modern road from the Pyramid of Khufu, you’ll arrive on the right side of the Sphinx. It’s less crowded on that side, so it’s easier to snap a shot.
• Continue down the road, where you will turn right and see the Sphinx entrance gate. From there, you can take a shot of the Sphinx with the Pyramids in the background.
• Next, you’ll have to continue and circle all the way around to get a photo of the Sphinx from the left side. Be sure to have your ticket handy because you’ll need it to re-enter via the Temple of the Sphinx. This is where most people get their shots of the Sphinx.

 

Riding a Camel or Horse at the Pyramids

I do not recommend riding a camel or horse at The Pyramids. Animals, especially those used for tourism, are not well taken care of. Please do not support animal tourism in Egypt.

 

 

What should you wear when visiting the Pyramids?

Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country and people dress conservatively. I recommend doing the same because I think it’s important to mirror cultural norms.

That being said, everyone at the Pyramids is used to tourists so, in theory, you can wear what you’d like. But to avoid unwanted attention, I suggest covered legs and a t-shirt for both men and women. I’ve included a few options below.

• Comfortable walking sandals: These are my favorite sandals for travel for both their comfort and breathability.
• A hat: It’s hot, hot, hot. Keep sunburns away with a hat.
• A long dress or these awesome travel pants paired with a lightweight top: Dress conservatively and keep cool.
• Sunglasses: No explanation necessary.

Check out my Egypt packing list for everything I recommend for a trip to Egypt!

Other recommendations for all trips abroad: travel insurance, an eSIM, and these travel items.

 

What to Bring on a Visit to the Pyramids of Giza

There’s only one restaurant inside the Pyramids, and it’s overpriced and not that great. I recommend bringing plenty of water and some snacks to keep you from getting too hungry. This is my favorite daypack for travel (and it includes a water bladder so you can avoid single-use plastic) but this inexpensive alternative works as well. I’ve used both!

Definitely bring sunscreen along and reapply as needed. You’ll need a camera, of course, and you can bring a tripod inside with you for an extra 20 EGP.

 

Other Advice on Visiting the Pyramids

• Make sure the driver takes you all the way to the main ticket entrance.
• Get there as early as possible to avoid crowds.
• Don’t let the vendors working there get to you. They’re just doing their job, so either ignore them or joke around with them as I did. Getting angry won’t make the experience fun. Of all the places tourists visit in Egypt, The Pyramids are the only place in Egypt where the hassle is particularly annoying.
• Be wary of people working inside: many want you to buy their souvenirs or to be your guide (for a fee). Be firm and don’t give anyone your ticket, camera, etc. even if they say they’re with the government or the police.
• Fridays and Saturdays are days off in Egypt, so avoid visiting then when possible.
• If you’re foreign-looking (read: blonde), teens and young kids may ask to take selfies with you. Feel free to say no, as this can turn into a swarm pretty quickly.
• If you’re a student, be sure to bring your student ID for a discount on ticket prices.
• Tipping for anything and everything is customary in Egypt. That means tipping the person helping you with your camel/horse if you’re riding one, as well as anyone who takes your photo.
• Knowing a few key Arabic phrases is helpful while traveling in Egypt. I recommend this book to help you.
• If you’re hungry after your excursion and are looking for a good restaurant nearby, check out Pyramids Restaurant outside the gates near The Sphinx. Alternatively, there are some fast food options like KFC or Pizza Hut available. For the best food to eat in Cairo, check out my Egyptian Food Guide.
• For more fun things to do in Cairo, check out this post!

 

Other things that might surprise you at The Pyramids

• The Pyramids are right in the heart of Giza, close to hotels, shops, and restaurants. They’re not in the middle of a deserted desert like the photos look.
• There’s a lot of construction going on en route to The Pyramids since the new Egyptian Museum is partially open (but set to open fully sometime this year or next).
• You can actually get a pretty decent shot of the Sphinx and Pyramids from the KFC or Pizza Hut across the street.

There you go. The ultimate guide on everything you need to know before visiting the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. I know this may seem a bit overwhelming, but don’t let anything I’ve written deter you from going. I mean, it’s the Pyramids, you guys! 100000% worth going. If anything, you’re now prepared and armed with the knowledge you need to have a fun experience. And if any of the things I wrote about the vendors worries you, just book a tour. They’re really affordable, especially considering how much you shelled out to get to Egypt in the first place.

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More Egypt Resources

Planning a trip to Egypt soon? Check out ALL my posts on Egypt below:  

• 30+ Awesome Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt: The Ultimate Cairo Travel Guide
• What to Pack for Egypt: The Ultimate Egypt Packing List
• 2 Days in Luxor Itinerary: The Best Things to Do, See, and Eat in Luxor
• 2 Days in Aswan Itinerary: Best Things to Do in Aswan, Egypt
• Egypt Travel Guide
• Pharaohs and Feluccas: Exploring Egypt with Intrepid Travel
• Camping in the White Desert, Egypt: A First Timer’s Guide
• Traditional Egyptian Food Guide: 20 Must Eat Foods in Cairo, Egypt
• Egypt Travel Tips for the First Time Visitor: Expectations vs Reality
• Bellies En-Route Downtown Cairo Food Tour: The Best Thing to Do in Cairo for Foodies
• Visiting the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt: Everything to Know Before You Go
• Where to Stay in Cairo, Egypt: The Best Hotels in Cairo for Every Budget

 

Tell me: have you ever visited the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt? What was your experience like? Share in the comments below!

 

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