Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

Complete Guide to Visit The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt (2022)

“NO!” I said loudly, and firmly to the poor little boy, no more than 13 years old. My finger pointed angrily to drive the point home. The look on his wounded little face broke my heart. However, obliging the child one picture would send 20 other kids running toward us, cell phones set to selfie mode.

They would start tugging at my clothes and my hair, shoving each other out to get closer to me, and shouting “picture? picture?” And the thought of being in the middle of the mob yet again made my guilt subside just a little.

I hate being that asshole Westerner. But spending a Friday visiting the Pyramids of Giza as an American girl with fair skin, blonde hair, and blue eyes is the equivalent of Justin Bieber showing up at a fifteen-year-old girl’s birthday party… sheer madness.

Visiting the Pyramids: Complete Guide to the Great Pyramids of Giza: Selfie Mob
At the center of the selfie mob

Why do you ask? Well, tourism in Egypt pretty much dropped off after the revolution in 2011. Even though Egypt is an incredibly enticing destination for most people, the dangers that are portrayed in the media cause most to vacation elsewhere. So a lot of the children in Egypt rarely, if ever, see tourists. Our “exotic” light-toned features alone are enough to elevate us to celebrity status in their eyes.

Visiting the Pyramids: Complete Guide to the Great Pyramids of Giza: Taking Selfies with the Locals
Being pursued by teenagers for a selfie

The effect that the drop in tourism has had on Egypt is rather sad and it’s been especially difficult for cities that rely heavily on tourism. In 2016, the value of the Egyptian Pound dropped considerably and the touts in Giza are desperate to sell their goods and services to the few tourists that still visit. What that means for your visit to the pyramids is that both the aggressiveness of the touts and the curiosity of the locals have increased in recent history.

But those challenges and all of the other challenges that you’ll face while you visit the pyramids (that we are going to outline for you in detail below) are absolutely, 100% worth enduring in order to visit the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – the spectacular, mythical, wondrous Pyramids of Giza!

Visiting the Pyramids: Complete Guide to the Great Pyramids of Giza: Pyramid of Khafre in Giza
Finally away from the chaos!

Complete Guide to Visiting the Great Pyramids of Giza

Know Before You Visit the Pyramids

  • The currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (LE). At the time of writing the conversion rate was about 17.89 LE to $1 USD. We’ll be referring to costs in Egyptian Pounds so keep in mind that if we say something costs 100 LE, that’s just about $5.50 USD.
  • Each Egyptian Pound is made up of 100 Piastres and the bills look similar so familiarize yourself with both.
  • Keep small change on you for a “baksheesh”, or tip. You’ll need to tip for photos with camels, to use the toilet, and other unexpected (and occasionally unwanted) help you may receive while you visit the pyramids.
  • Egyptians speak Arabic and you should learn a few key phrases to get around. “Al Salam Alaikum” (pronounced sall-em wall-a-come) is a nice way to say “hello”. “Shukran” (pronounced shoo kran) is “thank you”. “Ma’-Elsalama” (pronounced ma sell lem-a) is “goodbye”.
  • Islam is the official religion for 90% of the population and most of those are Sunni Muslims. As with most conservative countries, women are expected to cover their knees and shoulders when venturing out of the house (although this isn’t the case in many upscale neighborhoods in Egypt). However, this is a touristy area so you’ll likely see some foreigners at the pyramids who aren’t covered up.
  • Read my entire article about things I wish I had known prior to visiting Egypt.
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Getting from Cairo to the Pyramids

The Great Pyramids are located in the town of Giza, just a short 30-minute car ride from Cairo. While the Pyramids are possible to see on a day trip, we would highly recommend staying for at least one night in Giza.

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Best Time to Visit the Pyramids

October until April is considered the high season in Giza as the weather is more bearable than in the sweltering summer months. Although during the off-season, you’ll find that sites are less crowded and prices are generally lower.

On Fridays and Saturdays, the pyramids are flooded with children who have those days off of school. If you plan to visit the pyramids on either of those days and you don’t resemble an Egyptian, be prepared to experience my story above firsthand.

Visiting the Pyramids: Complete Guide to the Great Pyramids of Giza: Kissing the Sphinx
We couldn’t resist!

Also, make sure you check out my list of what to pack for Egypt.


Entry Fees and Ticket Prices for the Pyramids

  • Giza Plateau Area only: 200 LE per person
  • Great Pyramid: 400 LE per person
  • Workmen Cemetery: 400 LE for adults, 200 LE for students
  • Entrance to Inside of 2nd or 3rd Pyramid: 100 LE per person
  • Boat Museum: 100 LE per person
  • Pyramids Sound and Light Show: 250 LE per person

Camera and Tripod Rules and Fees at the Pyramids

Can you bring your tripod to the Pyramids? Yes! Visitors are allowed to bring a tripod into the Giza plateau for an additional 20 LE.

Cameras are not allowed inside the tombs. Plan on checking it with the security guard that will be checking tickets at the entrance to each (and don’t be surprised if they request a tip). There is also an additional 50 LE fee to take pictures in the Khufu Boat Museum, or you can leave your camera with the guard.

Visiting the Pyramids: Complete Guide to the Great Pyramids of Giza: View of the Pyramids
The only picture we took with our tripod
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The Pyramids Entrance Hours

  • The Giza Plateau Area is open from 8 am – 4 pm all days
  • The inside of the Great Pyramid is open from 8 am – 12 pm and 1 pm – 4 pm all days
  • The pyramids require constant renovation so it is uncommon to find all three open to the public at the same time.

Is it Safe to Visit the Pyramids?

Absolutely! Will curious people want to take your photo? Yes. Will desperate touts pester you to ride their camel until you finally give in just to keep your sanity? For sure. But actual, physical danger? Not likely.

Best Hotels Near the Pyramids

The Marriott Mena House Hotel is an absolute must when you visit the pyramids! Not only is this lavish hotel immaculate both inside and out, but the views of the pyramids from the perfectly manicured gardens are arguably better than those you’ll see within the Giza Plateau Area! And you can enjoy them without any stress or hassle. After a long, hot, dusty day exploring the pyramids, you’ll be dreaming of kicking off your shoes, changing into your bathrobe, and relaxing in your divine room-with-a-view!

Visiting the Pyramids: Complete Guide to the Great Pyramids of Giza: View of the Pyramids
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Brief History of the Great Pyramids of Giza

The pharaohs of Egypt’s past believed that in order for their dead to reach the afterlife, elaborate accommodations must be made. They went through lengthy and extensive mummification processes,  erected temples, and built pyramid tombs. They also filled the tombs of the dead with jewelry and treasures to guide and sustain them in the next world.

The pyramids were built as tombs to house the bodies of three Pharaohs to help guide them to their afterlife. How they were built is one of Egypt’s biggest mysteries to this day. They are known to have been built roughly between 2550 and 2490 BC by Pharaoh Khufu, Pharaoh Khafre, and Pharaoh Menkaure.

The first to erect a pyramid was Pharaoh Khufu – his is the largest of the three and is some 480 feet tall. It took an estimated 2.3 million stone blocks, each weighing somewhere in the vicinity of 2.5 – 15 tons. This is the largest and tallest of the three and is the famed “Great Pyramid of Egypt”.

Visiting the Pyramids: Complete Guide to the Great Pyramids of Giza: Pyramid of Khafre in Giza

Following the tradition of the time, Khufu’s son, Pharaoh Khafre, built the second pyramid but made it shorter than the first out of respect for his father – only 447 feet tall. You can easily identify the Pyramid of Khafre by the cap of original limestone still remaining at its apex.

Khafre’s necropolis also included the Sphinx which represents Ra-Harakhte, the sun god. The Spinx is 66 feet tall and has the head of a pharaoh (possibly Khafre himself) and the body of a lion and stands guard of the pyramid. Although it has been renovated extensively over the years, the Sphinx has suffered deterioration and sadly lost its nose in 1798 by gunfire.

Visiting the Pyramids: Complete Guide to the Great Pyramids of Giza: Feeding a Camel at Menkaure's Pyramid
Menkaure’s Pyramid (and Val feeding a camel)

The third pyramid is, at only 228 feet tall, much smaller than the first two, and was built by Pharaoh Menkaure, son of Khafre. While it may be smaller, it was built with more costly materials, including gleaming white limestone and red granite all the way from Aswan.

Contrary to popular belief, it is now known that the hundreds of thousands of laborers were not actually slaves. They were skilled, well-taken-care-of, highly organized Egyptian workers who were provided with a nearby temporary city. They were likely farmers who worked on the pyramids for the three months out of the year when farming was impossible – the Nile’s annual flood season.

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Inside the Giza Complex Gate

What to Expect at the Great Pyramids

There are two entrance gates – one near the Sphinx and one near the Great Pyramid. If you are staying at the Mena House Hotel, you’ll enter by the Great Pyramid which is less than a five-minute walk from the hotel entrance. Beware of the men pointing you to an entrance off to the left, ignore them, and continue straight until you see the sign for the ticket office.

If you follow our recommended instructions and arrive at the Pyramids bright and early at 8 am, you’ll likely find some peace and solitude for the first two hours or so. This is a good time to enter the tomb of the Great Pyramid if you’ve purchased the additional ticket. It’s also a good time to head up to Panorama Point to beat the midday heat.

Visiting the Pyramids: Complete Guide to the Great Pyramids of Giza: Panorama Point at the Great Pyramids
Panorama Point in the morning

That blissful time in the early morning will be short-lived as busloads of locals and tourists will begin arriving around 10 am. The madness will begin. The crowds mainly congregate around the Great Pyramid, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Sphinx. As such, the further away from those areas that you get, the more likely you are to find some solitude (and fewer touts).

Visiting the Pyramids: Complete Guide to the Great Pyramids of Giza: Panorama Point at the Great Pyramids

Regardless of whether you avoid going to the pyramids on a Friday or Saturday as we recommend, you’ll still likely be bombarded by requests for selfies by Egyptian children visiting the site. They are completely harmless but once you say yes to one, you’ll have said yes to all of them.

The Pyramids are absolutely magical to behold in-person. The amount of planning and precision that went into their construction is truly remarkable. It will be nearly impossible for you to snap a bad photo.

Visiting the Pyramids: Complete Guide to the Great Pyramids of Giza: View of the Pyramids

Plan to visit the Pyramids for about 4-5 hours which should give you time to explore the highlights and then hit your hotel pool once you’ve had enough “hey brother!” “where are you from?” “Welcome to Alaska!” “you want to ride a camel?” “I give you good price” “I work for the government, see my badge?” conversations that you can muster.

Sites to Explore During Your Visit to the Pyramids

The Tomb of the Great Pyramid of Giza

You’ll climb a set of very steep stairs, half of which are in a tunnel with a low ceiling, so you’ll have to crouch to fit. The climb ends in the room that held the tomb of Pharaoh Khufu. It is just an empty stone room with a no-frills stone tomb. Still, it’s a pretty incredible experience to be climbing around inside of an ancient Egyptian pyramid and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World so you absolutely must do it!

Visiting the Pyramids: Complete Guide to the Great Pyramids of Giza: The Entrance to the Great Pyramid
The entrance to The Great Pyramid

The Khufu Boat (Giza Solar Boat) Museum

The world’s oldest intact ship that was sealed into a pit at the foot of the Great Pyramid is housed in this museum. It was likely one of the grave goods intended to help Pharaoh Khufu navigate the afterlife after his death.

Visiting the Pyramids: Complete Guide to the Great Pyramids of Giza: The Khufu Boat Museum
The Khufu Boat Museum

The Tomb of the Khafre Pyramid

The interior of the Khafre Pyramid was closed during our visit so unfortunately, we were not able to go inside.

The Tomb of the Menkaure Pyramid

Unlike the Great Pyramid, you’ll be descending a steep staircase that ends in the underground tomb room that once held Pharaoh Menkaure. However, the actual tomb is similar to that of the Great Pyramid – no frills. It’s pretty unnecessary to visit if you’ve already been to the Great Pyramid.

Panorama Point

This spot is on a hill above the plateau and offers views of all three pyramids from one spot. This spot is teeming with vendors and camel men so be prepared to be hassled.

Visiting the Pyramids: Complete Guide to the Great Pyramids of Giza: Panorama Point Views
Being an embarrassing tourist at Panorama Point

Tip: No photography is allowed inside the tombs so it may surprise you when the security guard who is standing watch offers to take your photo. He will be expecting a tip. 

Transportation Options Inside the Pyramids

While the pyramids are reasonably close together and walking to all of the sites is doable, remember that you will be walking through thick sand in the direct sun all day long. And if you want to see all of the highlights of the area, you’ll likely cover no less than seven miles. If that amount of walking is not your cup of tea, don’t fret! You won’t be able to walk more than 20 feet without being offered a ride on a pack animal from a persistent tout.

Visiting the Pyramids: Complete Guide to the Great Pyramids of Giza: Camel Ride

All rides (camel, horse, and carriage) cost a government-fixed rate of 100 LE per animal (not per person) for a 30-minute ride and 200 LE per animal for a 60-minute ride. Don’t let anyone talk you into more and if anyone tries to charge you less, chances are it’s a scam (see below).

You will certainly be asked repeatedly for a tip which is behavior that we hate to condone. Whether or not you choose to concede to their requests is up to your discretion.

Visiting the Pyramids: Complete Guide to the Great Pyramids of Giza: Camel Ride

Bathrooms at the Great Pyramids

There are only a few toilets inside the gate so plan accordingly. They are located:

  • At the top of Panorama Point
  • Outside the Panorama Sphinx Restaurant
  • In the Khufu Boat Museum (a ticket will be required and you’ll need to pass through security)

Each bathroom will have a bathroom attendant that will expect a tip for keeping the toilets relatively clean. The current rate is 2 LE per person.

Scams to Avoid at the Pyramids

There are several scams that are common within the Giza Pyramids area. Once you’re aware of them, they’re quite easy to spot and avoid. Check out the list of scams that we encountered during our visit.

Visiting the Pyramids: Complete Guide to the Great Pyramids of Giza: Views of the Pyramids

“Government employees” with a badge (but not in a police uniform) asking to see your ticket. They will be hanging out near the entrances to sites like The Spinx or the Boat Museum. They will yell at you and act really angry if/when you refuse to show them. They’ll say “I work for the government” and they’ll show you their badge (if you look closely it just says “Pyramids” – there is nothing official about it). They are just trying to get you to stop and have a reason to converse with them so they can ask to be your guide. Either ignore them or break out your phone and start videotaping them – they’ll leave you alone fast.

An agreed-upon price that isn’t what you’re expected to pay. Prices are clearly posted everywhere. Make sure you agree on a price to get on (and off) the camel (or to do anything around Giza) in Egyptian Pounds. They may try to claim they meant UK Pounds. Don’t commit to anything until this is understood. Stand your ground and take a video of them agreeing to a price if you are concerned. There’s nothing they can actually do except pester you.

“Free” gifts. Or essentially forced souvenirs. Nothing in the Pyramids of Giza area is free. Literally nothing. Not even the bathroom. If they take a scarf out of the plastic and put it on your head, they’ll claim you need to buy it because they opened it. You don’t. If they try to place a bead in your hand as a “free gift”, don’t fall for it.

The entrance gate that isn’t actually the entrance gate. You’ll know the entrance gate when you arrive. There is a parking lot filled with tour buses and a proper ticket booth. And there will NOT be touts yelling at you to turn left to go to the entrance. They are lying, just ignore them.

People attempting to help you take pictures. “Hey! You want to kiss the Sphinx? Look that way and pretend to kiss – give me your phone, I’ll take your picture.” It’s not so much a scam as just someone pretending to be helpful but is really just looking for a tip. Unless you are traveling alone, these photos are pretty easy to take on your own, for free, without their help.

Tip for Avoiding Scams: This is going to sound cruel but just don’t make eye contact and ignore them (unless you actually want to ride that camel or purchase that souvenir). Even exchanging what you think are pleasantries (or offering a curt but polite “no thank you”) will give them hope and you’ll end up regretting it. 

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Food and Drink Options Inside the Complex

  • Panorama Sphinx Restaurant is the only restaurant inside the Pyramid Area. They are overpriced but will be your only option if hunger strikes. They serve a lunch buffet for 150 LE as well as hot and cold drinks.
  • Pyramids Restaurant is right outside the gate near the Sphinx. After several hours spent wandering around in the desert, you’re bound to work up a hefty appetite. Their Mixed Grill plate is hearty and seasoned to perfection.
Visiting the Pyramids: Complete Guide to the Great Pyramids of Giza: Pyramids Restaurant in Giza
Grill Plate at Pyramids Restaurant

Our Advice for Visiting The Great Pyramids of Giza

  • Try to avoid a visit to the pyramids on a Friday or Saturday if possible.
  • Arrive at the entrance at 8 am sharp to beat the tour buses and crowds. You’ll also avoid long lines at the ticket booth.
  • Either take a lighthearted approach and have fun with the touts or pretend you don’t speak English and ignore them completely. Getting angry or being mean only makes things worse.
  • If you do choose to partake in a ride on a pack animal, be clear on your price and expectations and stand your ground. You may want to videotape them agreeing to your terms so you can play it back if they argue.
  • If everything we’ve described about the scams and the selfies sounds like your worst nightmare, hire a guide to show you around. They’ll also act as your personal bodyguard.
  • Unfortunately, the Giza Plateau is not open for sunrise and sunset but you can still catch spectacular views from Mena House Hotel!
Visiting the Pyramids: Complete Guide to the Great Pyramids of Giza: Sunset Hookah at the Mena House Hotel
Sunset Hookah at Mena House

And be sure to check out our recommendations of things to see and do in Captivating Cairo!

We hope you enjoy visiting the Great Pyramids of Giza!


Planning a visit to Egypt? Check out our favorite books!


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About the Author:

  • Valerie Wheatley

    Val grew up in Portland, Oregon but moved to Oahu on a whim back in 2013. She sold her house and all of her belongings and bought a one-way ticket. Since then she’s taken two around-the-world trips and has visited 60-ish countries while living out of a duffel bag.

    Val started documenting the Wandering Wheatleys travels back in 2013 as a way to update friends and family about her whereabouts and to relay humorous daily interactions. The only readers were her mom and her mother-in-law but that didn’t stop her!

    These days you’ll find Val dreaming up future trips, creating new travel content, managing a team of amazing travel enthusiasts, and chasing around her two adorable but naughty kids.

27 thoughts on “Complete Guide to Visit The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt (2022)”

  1. Amazing photos – and I especially like the one of you “kissing” the Sphinx. Too cute! I’ve always wanted to visit Egypt and see the pyramids…your post has a lot of very good and insightful information that helps de-mystify the process of getting and staying there. Thanks for all the great information!

  2. So happy to find your stories of Egypt. I plan on making it my 50 birthday trip. I really like the dresses you have in the various pictures. Would you recommend them? And do you have a favorite place to buy them?

    1. Valerie Wheatley

      Thank you so much! The long yellow one is from H&M and I buy the others on Amazon. Did you see my packing list for Egypt? Dresses are nice because Egypt is so damn HOT!

  3. Thanks for the great tips. Super helpful. I noticed your footwear. Did you leave flats, sandals behind as they weren’t suitable for the terrain? And if you don’t mind asking, what brand footwear are your boots. I’ll need to start researching footwear for my family.

    1. So glad you found our article helpful!

      I wouldn’t recommend wearing sandals just because it is a large area and there is a lot of walking. You should be fine in flats though as the terrain isn’t all that rough – just sandy.

      Val is wearing “Joan of Arctic” wedges from Sorel. You can buy them here on Amazon if you want: https://amzn.to/2saZVhj

  4. Your pictures are fabulous. How did you manage to get such great frames (without the thousands of other tourists in the background)?

    1. It’s a pretty big area so you can find some angles without too many people in them if you’re patient. That being said there are a lot of visitors at the pyramids around mid-day so if you want good photos you should plan to arrive as soon as the plateau opens.

  5. the reason I asked again was because the link in the comment above has laces and the link in the “what to pack” does not. I love the ones in the pics and can’t tell if they have laces.

    1. Valerie Wheatley

      Yes they are! I have both pairs but I prefer the ones in the packing list since they are smaller and easier to fit in my bag. Here are the ones with laces; https://amzn.to/2WgkghZ. I just bought a cheap pair of blue laces on Amazon to add a little pop of color. I LOVE Sorels! So comfy and cute!

  6. Hi, I’m heading to Egypt in September. I’m confused about the proper dress code. I want to be respectful of the culture I’m visiting, so it seems that shorts are not ok, neither are sleeveless or off the shoulder tops? How conservative should I be? I’m a California girl and my clothing is not skimpy or inappropriate, but I like to wear flowy tips and shorts in warm climates. Thanks for any advice!

    1. Hey Merel, we visited the Pyramids in early December. The weather in Cairo was actually a bit chilly at night but became quite hot during the day. It was also dry and dusty, I don’t recall it raining at all the whole time we were in Egypt.

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