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Summary
We still had about one km to drive to our hotel as we noticed something on the horizon when looking out of the car window. I could not believe my eyes. It truly were the pyramids – bigger than I could have imagined. If until then we were not sure whether this wonder of the ancient world really was worth the hype, then now we were speechless. And we had only seen a silhouette.
Visiting the pyramids of Giza is an experience that will transport you to a realm where legends and reality intertwine, where colossal structures rise from the desert sands, and where the echoes of the past whisper through the corridors of time. Join us witnessing the architectural brilliance of these magnificient structures.
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Key Facts
How to get to the Pyramids?
Getting to the Pyramids of Giza is fairly easy. Cairo has well-established international airport and can be reached from a lot of different countries directly. As we were located in Hurghada, we chose a private transfer to the city – as it was the more affordable option compared what a flight would have costed us. The cost for the transfer was 150 USD one-way and took around 6 hours.
Once you are in Cairo, the most convenient option is to take a taxi or Uber from you accommodation. There are also plenty of accommodation options around the Pyramids, some of them offering a direct view on them from their rooftops. In case you choose one of them (they were only slightly more expensive compared to a downtown room) you can easily walk to the entrance gate.
If you plan to spend your day at the Pyramids then coming early is the best options. We spent the night in Cairo before visiting the Pyramids, which gave us the option to enter early to avoid the crowds. Keep in mind that most tours arrive from Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Luxory around noon to early afternoon – after that it will get quite busy.
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How much does it cost to visit the Pyramids?
Entrance Fee
The entrance fee to visit the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx is 200 EGP per person (7 USD) with the option to go inside the Pyramids for an additional fee of 440 (15 USD).
Once you arrive at the entrance gate, make sure to choose the left lane to enter. While we were visiting the Pyramids we first queued with the local school classes before we found out that we could skip the line as there was a separate entrance for tourists.
Is it worth to go inside the Pyramids?
Visitors have the option to book a ticket to go inside the Pyramids, when they arrive at the entrance gate. Inside you’ll encounter narrow passageways that wind through the structures, originally designed to deter tomb robbers and provide a secure resting place for the pharaohs’ bodies.
However, our personal experience of exploring the interior was rather underwhelming. Regrettably, we had not done thorough research beforehand and were disappointed with what we encountered. Despite being fortunate enough having avoided the long queues at the entrance, the inside of the Great Pyramid was still crowded, and the lack of ventilation (which is of course understandable) made the air uncomfortably sticky.
As we ventured deeper into the pyramid, our hopes of discovering elaborately decorated walls and ceilings adorned with carvings and hieroglyphics were dashed. The burial chamber, which should have housed the pharaoh’s sarcophagus, turned out to be a small room with plain stone walls and only a stone case in the center. There was not a single sarcophagus to see. And by not more than 20 minutes we were out again.
Considering the comparably high fee to enter the Pyramids and the underwhelming sights inside, we can definitely not recommend booking the ticket. No worries, you won’t miss anything!
What to wear when visiting the Pyramids?
It is advisable to wear closed shoes and comfortable attire that covers your shoulders and knees when visiting the pyramids. Cairo’s summers can be quite hot, so opting for lightweight cotton clothing is recommended for a more comfortable experience.
Visiting the Pyramids of Giza
Exploring the Pyramids of Giza
We visited the site on our second day in Cairo. As the hot sun was beating down on the endless desert sands, we caught the first glimpse of the Pyramids of Giza rising majestically from the horizon. The sight before you definitely takes your breath away, and all you can think is “wow” as you approach these incredible ancient structures. Towering over 140 meters tall, we were struck by the sheer scale of the engineering skills that were required to build them. It’s hard to believe that these massive stone structures were constructed over 4,500 years ago, without the aid of modern machinery or technology.
Walking around the site, we could feel the weight of mystery surrounding these incredible wonders of the world. We imagined the thousands of laborers who worked tirelessly to build these structures, and marveled at the intricate engineering and architectural features achieved by the ancient Egyptians. It’s an experience that leaves you with a profound sense of awe and appreciation for the incredible achievements of our ancestors.
Spend the day checking out every pyramid and their unique structures. When you are done, hike a little along the road to the North to have an amazing view on the Pyramids from a distance – and away from most tourists. Also please refrain from booking a camel ride, as -even they are used to the climate- you don’t know how they are treated (learn more about how to travel sustainably and responsibly).
TIP: Don't fall for the locals trying to gift you any sort of clothes or handicrafts for free, because you look like an ancient Egyptian. Believe us, we don't look like ancient Egyptians, but still found ourselves with a scarf around our heads. There is always a catch. So politely decline if you're not interested.
Evening Show at the Pyramids of Giza
Another unique way to experience the pyramids is attending the nightly light show. As the sun sets over the desert and the pyramids fade into the darkness, the show begins, illuminating the ancient structures with a kaleidoscope of colorful lights and images.
The light show tells the story of the pharaohs and their great achievements, as well as the struggles and triumphs of the Egyptian people throughout the ages. The visuals are accompanied by a stirring narration, which is available in several languages, that brings to life the history and mythology of the pharaohs and the gods they worshipped.
TIP: We opted not to attend the light show at the pyramids' site as we had heard that one can still enjoy the spectacle from the rooftops of nearby hotels. During our dinner, we had the opportunity to witness the show from a distance. However, we must admit that it didn't quite live up to our expectations. The pyramids simply changed colors without any additional remarkable elements. Nevertheless, it is a pleasant way to spend the evening, especially when combined with a delightful meal or drinks.
Visiting the Sphinx
Next to the majestic pyramids, the Sphinx stands as a mysterious guardian of ancient Egypt. With the body of a lion and the face of a human, this colossal statue is renowned for its timeless allure and the mysteries it holds within its stone gaze.
Carved from a single block of limestone, it is believed to depict the pharaoh Khafre, symbolizing strength, wisdom, and divine power. As you stand before this iconic marvel, you can’t help but be awestruck by its sheer size and the aura of ancient secrets it exudes. The Sphinx is not only a testament to the incredible craftsmanship of the ancient Egyptians but also a symbol of the rich history and cultural legacy of this remarkable civilization.
DID YOU KNOW THAT... The head of the Great Sphinx of Giza is actually newer than its body? Over the centuries, the Sphinx's head has undergone restoration and repair work to maintain its distinctive appearance. The first known restoration happened already in 1400 BCE, during the reign of Pharaoh Thutmose IV.
How long does it take to visit the Pyramids?
Based on our personal experience, we spent approximately three hours exploring the site. For us is was sufficient, especially considering the intense heat of the sun. However, it’s important to note that everyone’s preferences and endurance levels may vary. Nevertheless, it’s always better to have enough time to fully appreciate the marvels before you than to feel rushed or overwhelmed.
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Interesting blog post. I plan to visit Egypt too in the coming year or so.
So, don’t go through the pyramid maze inside? What exactly did you do? Just go for a walk.?
And I think those pyramid lights are tacky and cheapen the whole thing.
As regards the Sphinx, you might like to know that the head and neck were remodelled from a prior sculpture to create the face of the Sphinx. The body itself is significantly older. During the Egyptian Civilization, the sphinx was already ancient, and most of the body buried in sand.
Hey Liam,
happy to hear that you’ve liked the post. Going inside the “maze” is definitely not a must-see. We expected to see some nice stone carvings, some ornaments or at least a sarcophagus, which, unfortunately, was not the case. So when being at the site, we think it’s best value for money to just have a walk around the pyramids and maybe walk up until to the viewpoint.
In case you are interested in stone carvings with hieroglyphs we would rather recommend to go to Luxor. For various sarcophagus and mummies, check out the Grand Egyptian Museum (it should open late 2023) or the Egyptian Museum in Cairo (the place we’ve been).
By the way: We took your comment as a reason to update the post. Also we included your info regarding the remodelled Sphinx head. Thanks for that 🙂
We wish you happy travels and a lot of fun in Egypt!
Jens