Giza Plateau | A Historic Site of Egypt

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The Giza Plateau is a site on the outskirts of the Egyptian capital city of Cairo. It is the site of an ancient Egyptian cemetery, which includes the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, several lesser pyramids, a workers' village, and more. Before you visit, find out more about what you will find on the Giza Plateau.

What is the Giza Plateau?

The Giza Plateau is a large area near Giza, a suburb of Cairo. The area was once located on the outskirts of the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis, making it the perfect site for a vast funerary complex.

It is where you will find the Giza Necropolis, which is where many rulers of ancient Egypt’s Fourth Dynasty were buried, along with their families, nobles, and courtiers. Among these are the famous Pyramids of Giza, which were the tombs of the pharaohs, Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. Each of these pyramids has a small complex with various temples, and subsidiary pyramids.

Why Visit the Giza Plateau?

Giza Plateau

Buy Your Pyramids of Giza & Giza Plateau Tickets

Half-Day Tour of the Giza Pyramids & Sphinx
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Flexible Duration
Guided Tour
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Full-Day Guided Tour of Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, Saqqara and Dahshur
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Flexible Duration
Guided Tour
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Half-Day Guided Tour of Pyramids & Sphinx with Nile River Felucca Boat Tour
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5 hr.
Guided Tour
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Guided Tour of the Egyptian Museum, Pyramids & the Bazaar
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8 hr.
Guided Tour
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Quad Biking Tour of the Pyramids with Optional Camel Ride
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2 hr. - 4 hr.
Hotel Pickup
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Giza Plateau Location

Address: Giza Necropolis, Al Haram, Giza Governorate, Egypt

Find on Maps

The Giza Plateau is situated along Al-Haram Street in Giza, to the west of the Egyptian capital of Cairo.

Getting to the Giza Plateau

Giza Plateau

By Taxi

You can take a taxi to the Pyramids from any part of Cairo at a reasonable cost. you can flag down a taxi, or pre-book a taxi and ask them to wait for you until you’ve finished your visit.

Giza Plateau

By Uber

You can book an Uber to take you to the Pyramids, it is both convenient and also will not involve haggling for the price.

Giza Plateau

By Bus

From central Cairo, public bus routes 355, 357, 900, or 997 will take you out to Giza and the Pyramids. You can also take a microbus to the pyramids from any normal bus stop.

Giza Plateau

By Metro

Metro line 2 runs to Giza, and the nearest station is Giza on Al-Haram Road. From here you can take either a bus or a taxi to the Pyramids.

What Can You Do at the Giza Plateau?

There are a number of activities that you can do on the Giza Plateau when you make a visit to the Pyramids of Giza.

Giza Necropolis
Giza Necropolis
Giza Necropolis
Giza Necropolis

Events at the Giza Plateau

There are regular events held on the Giza Plateau.

  • Pyramids Sound and Light Show: Three daily shows in different languages at 7 PM, 8 PM, and 9 PM during the winter, and 2 hours later during the summer.
  • Al-Ahram Squash Festival: Takes place towards the end of September 
  • Pharaohs' Rally: Motorcycle, 4x4 car, and truck race taking place in October
  • Cairo International Film Festival: During the last week in November and the first week of December

Plan Your Visit to the Giza Plateau

Opening Hours
Accessibility
Dress Code
Facilities
Giza Plateau
Giza Plateau
  • The Pyramids of Giza are not fully accessible by wheelchair. But, it is possible to get fairly close to the Pyramids of Khufu and Khafre via the sidewalks. 
  • While there are no official audio guides available, you can download them from the internet if needed.
Giza Plateau
  • There is no official dress code for visiting the Pyramids, but it is recommended that you wear something comfortable and fairly modest. 
  • Try to opt for clothes made of a breathable material like cotton or linen as it gets very hot near the pyramids. 
  • Take something to cover your head, such as a hat or a scarf to protect yourself from the harsh desert sun. 
  • Also, remember to wear comfortable footwear as you will have to do a lot of walking.
Giza Plateau

Visitor Tips for the Giza Plateau

  • Try to book your ticks to the Pyramids of Giza in advance and online, as tickets are limited and often sell out quickly.
  • If you have purchased discounted tickets, please carry a valid photo ID for verification.
  • Be wary of unauthorized camel drivers and touts. If necessary, you can approach the uniformed Tourist Police for assistance.
  • You cannot climb on any of the pyramids as it is both forbidden and dangerous.
  • Egypt can get very hot during the summer months, so ensure that you carry plenty of water with you. 
  • To protect yourself from the harsh sun, wear sunscreen, and carry sunglasses or a hat. 
  • Wear comfortable shoes as you will have to do a lot of walking.
  • If you’re planning to explore inside the pyramids, the passageways and galleries inside the pyramids are very narrow, especially if you suffer from claustrophobia.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Giza Plateau

Q. What is the Giza Plateau?

A. The Giza Plateau is a site on the outskirts of Cairo that was once an ancient Egyptian cemetery, which includes the Great Pyramids of Giza.

Q. Where is the Giza Plateau located?

A. The Giza Plateau is situated in the Sahara Desert, in the outskirts of the Giza Governorate, to the west of the Egyptian capital of Cairo.

Q. Why is the Giza Plateau important?

A. The Giza Plateau has some of the most recognizable and enduring monuments of ancient Egypt, including the famous Pyramids of Giza. They were built over 4500 years ago, and are still standing tall after all these years.

Q. How old are the Pyramids on the the Giza Plateau?

A. The oldest building on the Giza Plateau is the Great Pyramid of Khufu, which dates back to c.2600 BC. This makes it over 4,500 years old.

Q. How many pyramids are there on the Giza Plateau?

A. There are three big pyramids of the pharaohs at the Giza Necropolis, as well as 6 smaller subsidiary pyramids of queens and other royal women.

Q. What is inside the Pyramids of Giza?

A. The pyramids are the tombs of the Pharaohs. They are filled with are many chambers including the King's Chamber where you will find the sarcophagus.

Q. Can you go inside the Pyramids at the Giza Plateau?

A. Yes, you can enter all the three Pyramids of Giza, as well as a number of the Queen’s Pyramids.

Q. When is the Giza Plateau opened to tourists?

A. The Pyramids of Giza Complex is open seven days a week from 8 AM - 5 PM in the summer and 8 AM - 4 PM in the winter.

Q. What is the best way to get to the Giza Plateau?

A. The best way to visit the Giza Plateau and the Pyramids of Giza is by taking a taxi or bus. Learn more about getting there.

Q. Can I buy tickets to visit the Giza Plateau?

A. Yes. Tickets to the Pyramids of Giza are available here.

More Reads

Giza Necropolis

About Pyramids of Giza

Giza Necropolis

Inside Pyramids of Giza

Giza Necropolis

Plan Your Visit to the Pyramids of Giza