Top tips on how to visit the Giza pyramids in Cairo,Egypt
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When i had just started writing this post , the goal was to write about the best places to visit in Egypt but it turned out that i had so much to share about the Giza pyramids. So here we are with the best ways you can have a perfect day at the Giza pyramids..
The pyramids are one of the seven wonders of the Ancient world that still exist. There are 6 pyramids at Giza but only 3 are prominent since they are the biggest – The great pyramid of Giza(khufu), pyramid of khafre(khafra), and the pyramid of Menkaure(Menkaure)
Originally built as tombs for pharaohs and their queens by the ancient Eyptians, the pyramids have become one of the most visited sites in the world. With approximately 8 million tourist flocking the pyramids per year- this has got to be top on your list when you travel to Egypt.
How to get to the Giza Pyramids
You can hire a tour guide to show you around the entire place but if you want to get there on your own like i did , here is how you can get there.
If you are coming from Cairo, take a train up to Giza station (its fast and cheap, 3 Egyptian pounds to be precise). From there you can just take a taxi or an Uber which takes like 40-50 minutes.
There is only one point where you can buy the tickets from (at the gate), pretty much visible, since there would be other tourist purchasing the tickets. There will be so many tour guides telling you how the government doesn’t allow tourist to go to the pyramids alone, don’t fall for that, they just want you to pay them to show you around- something you can do yourself.
Others will claim as they are the only ones that know the best spot to see all the 3 biggest pyramids in line.Clearly i was able to find the best spot on my own , since that’s where most people are always headed.
How to buy things inside the Giza pyramids
This might not be the best place to buy so many things since they are a bit pricey compared to how they are sold outside but if you are compelled to buy, the best way to to do this is by using Egyptian pounds. Many vendors will tell you the price in dollars or Euros (it might sound cheap but by all means they just want to overcharge you). So always ask for the price in the local currency.
Rules to follow while inside the Giza pyramids
The only rule that must be followed is not to climb the pyramids. Yes you might be trying to be adventurous and all that but don’t fall a culprit. You might see a few locals trying to disobey this law by climbing but don’t join them, it is extremely dangerous and it might be your unlucky day and get fined-You don’t want that on you trip.
pyramid of menkaure
Other things to do inside the Giza pyramids
There is a huge ditch in some chambers next to the synthix. It is believed that when you throw money in this hole and make a wish, it will come true. I saw a good amount of money in the ditch, i guess many people want there wishes to come true. Did i throw in money or not? (Hmmm) – I am not really a superstitious person, so i just watched what was going on, didn’t throw in any coin.
Ride on a camel-There are so many locals who offer this service all at different prices, you just need to find one who offers a “good price” as the Egyptians call it.
Related post: 15 Best landmarks to visit in Egypt
To hire a tour guide or not?
Yes i know this is their job but in my personal experience, a tour guide is not needed to enjoy your day at the pyramids. And some times you just want to stay a little longer at a certain place but if you are in a group, you have to go wherever everyone else is going.
The synthix of Giza
Some of the frequently asked questions about visiting the giza pyramids
1. Is it safe to visit the Giza pyramids?
It is definitely safe to visit the giza pyramids- A decade ago, it might have been unsafe to even travel to Egypt but it’s nolonger the case.
2. What time are the giza pyramids open?
The gates to the giza pyramids are normally opened at 8am and closed by 5pm so be sure not to miss out.
3. Where to eat when you visit the giza pyramids?
There are no restaurants canteens or eateries inside the giza pyramids. I would advise you to buy water before you enter inside the pyramids since its super hot inside. There are restaurants just outside the giza pyramids but if you are on budget i don’t advise you to eat from them as they are very expensive just like anything in a touristy area.
4. Can you climb the Giza pyramids?
Do not, i repeat do not climb the pyramids. I dont know how to emphasize this more but please don’t climb the pyramids as it is not allowed and it is not safe for you.
5. What is the ticket price for entering the giza pyramids?
As of April 2018, the giza pyramids ticket (at the entrance)was at 80 Egyptian pounds approx 4.5$ but kids pay half the price. But to access the inside of the Great pyramid of Khufu, it is 200 egyptian pounds approx 11.50$ (this is optional if you want to enter the great pyramid).
6. Where are the best pyramids in Egypt?
There are eight pyramids in the Egyptian history but the biggest and the most famous are the Giza pyramids with the biggest pyramid as the Great pyramid of kufu.
Final thoughts about visiting the Giza pyramids.
The pyramids were way big compared to what i had imagined- i just kept wondering how and who built them, who carried all those huge stones, piling up one by one. How long it took those energetic men. Even up to now i just cant wrap my head around it. Indeed it is a wonder of the world. I would definitely go back to this magnificent site.
Have you been to the Giza pyramids, share with me in the comments how your experience was, did you hire a tour guide or you went solo? Planning a trip there, let me know how i can help.
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Sadly when I got to visit Egypt I didn’t go to the pyramids, I went to Sinai only. 🙂
OH sorry you missed out but there is always another time. perhaps you will visit the pyramids the next time you travel to Egypt
Wow! I’m so jealous! I’d love to visit the pyramids. It’s like a dream to fulfill looking at those wonderful symmetrical forms. Cool adventure for you!
I was last in Egypt about 15 years ago. It’s nice to see that it seems to be about the same. They are truly spectacular!
Yes even after the 15 years, they are still as spectacular as they were
Good ones. I have no idea before about how to visit the pyramids, but now I am well prepared.
I am so glad the information was helpful
Another tip (for a very specific population): don’t say you’re Egyptian even if you are Egyptian but have been educated in the West, because they won’t believe you and you’ll end up wasting much too much time lol.
Haha thanks for the tip, i didn’t know about it
How fantastic are your pictures! This is definitely on my bucketlist!
Thank you very much. I think the pyramids should be literally on everyone’s bucketlist
This is high on my list of things to do. I’ve always wanted to see the pyramids and hopefully one day soon I’ll make it. Thanks for such an interesting and informative post.
Thank you for appreciating, i hope you get to see the pyramids soon.
Thank you for appreciating. the pyramids are indeed a wonder that everyone should get a chance to see at one point
Giza pyramids, it’s my dream to visit one day! I’d like to combine scuba diving on the same trip, do you think it would be possible?
I hope you visit some time, it is amazing.
I don’t think scuba diving is possible in Cairo but it is definitely possible in Dahab and sharm el sheikh. You could visit Cairo and Dahab on the same trip and be able to do all that.
I will be publishing my next post about Dahab tomorrow, perhaps you can check back and get more info.
I can’t wait to visit the pyramids. I hope to go sometime soon! Thank you for the water tip – I would have assumed it would be cooler inside but I guess not!
Love the idea of Egypt but I’m just not sure it’d be for me! Loved your take on it and your photos though!
I am sure you would love it. Egypt has something for everyone. The high end, the low end and something in between.
the pyramids so beautiful ! a day is not enough for me i wish can stay more longer there
I know…i wish i had more time to enjoy the pyramid but nevertheless, i enjoyed my short stay.
That is one of the things, that you should see at least once in a lifetime…. but I save if for later, when I am at the age of 60… now I am more interested in parties than in pyramids.
hahahah i get you but am not sure you will be energetic enough at 60 to walk up the dessert to see the pyramids upclose. But it definitely worth seeing
Ah, the pyramids. Such a wonder! I too always wondered how on Earth they moved such big slabs of rock without the machinery we have today. I hope to go one day, thanks for the tips!
I know. Even up to now, i still cant comprehend how they carried the huge stones. I hope you get a chance to visit the pyramids one day, you will be blown away.
Awesome, i can’t wait to visit the pyramids one day
I hope you travel there, and i cant wait to see your story when you do.
ahhhhhh I’m so jealous that you got to visit the pyramids! I’ve always wanted to visit Egypt and see all the ancient Egyptian stuff. It’s definitely in my top 2 on my bucket list.
Aaaww thanks. I was always jealous of people who went there before i did. Trust me its worth the “envy”. Its good to hear its top on your bucket list, the next time you will be sharing your story of how great of a time you had at giza.
WOW! I always wanted to visit Egypt. I love visiting historical places. And, the pyramids of Egypt are like a portal way to the past. It seems like you have enjoyed a lot.
yes i really enjoyed it a lot- Its amazing how they were constructed, the time, energy and dedication. It is a must see historical site