Visit the Great Sphinx of Giza

























































What to expect when you visit the Great Sphinx

Up-close views

Stand just metres from the colossal limestone statue and take in its detailed face, paws, and headdress.

Dream Stele

See the ancient granite tablet between the paws that tells Pharaoh Thutmose IV’s story.

Gorgeous scenery

Enjoy sweeping views of the Sphinx with the pyramids as a backdrop and capture unforgettable shots in the best light, with early mornings being the least crowded.

Visitor facilities

Make use of rest areas, information signs, and on-site guides to enhance your visit.

About the Great Sphinx

History & construction

Carved around 2500 BC during Pharaoh Khafre’s reign from a single limestone outcrop, the Great Sphinx is the world’s oldest monumental sculpture. Blocks cut from its body were used to build the nearby Sphinx Temple.

Physical description

Measuring 73 m long and 20 m high, it combines a lion’s body with a human head. Once brightly painted red, yellow, and blue, it also wore a ceremonial beard.

Purpose & symbolism

Facing due east toward the rising sun, the Sphinx embodied royal power, solar worship, and divine protection, watching over Khafre’s pyramid complex.

Dream Stele & rediscovery

The granite Dream Stele shows Pharaoh Thutmose IV’s vision and his excavation of the buried statue, adding to the mystery surrounding its origin.

Legacy & significance

The Sphinx remains the largest monolithic statue ever built, a focus of ongoing research, restorations, and worldwide fascination.

Things to do around the Great Sphinx of Giza

Camel rides

Explore the Giza Plateau on a camel, getting unique perspectives of the Sphinx and pyramids.

Camel Ride Around the Giza Complex

Quad biking adventures

Thrill-seekers can enjoy quad biking across the desert sands with the Sphinx as a backdrop.

Quad Biking Tour of the Pyramids

Visit nearby pyramids

Combine your Sphinx visit with tours of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure pyramids for a complete Giza experience.

Giza Complex Skip-the-Line Tickets + Access to Khufu Pyramid

Sound & Light Show

Experience the evening Sound & Light Show at Giza, bringing ancient history to life after sunset.

Sound & Light Show at The Giza Pyramids

Guided tours

Take a full-day guided trip from Cairo to Giza and surrounding attractions for a hassle-free experience.

Half Day Giza Pyramids & Sphinx Tour

History of the Great Sphinx of Giza

Origin

Carved around 2500 BC during the reign of Pharaoh Khafre of Egypt’s Old Kingdom. It is considered one of the world’s oldest monumental sculptures and the centerpiece of the Giza Plateau.

Construction

Sculpted from a single limestone outcrop, the Sphinx’s massive lion body and human head reflect advanced engineering. Stones quarried from its body were later used to build the nearby Sphinx Temple.

Belief & role

Thought to be a guardian of Khafre’s pyramid complex, representing strength, wisdom, and divine protection. Oriented east, it also reflects solar worship tied to the rising sun.

Later history

The Sphinx was gradually buried in sand and lost to memory until rediscovered by Pharaoh Thutmose IV, who erected the Dream Stele, recording a divine dream that inspired its excavation.

Preservation

Over millennia, it suffered erosion, weathering, and human damage. Ancient repairs and modern interventions have attempted to maintain its structural integrity.

Restoration

Restoration projects span from ancient repairs under later pharaohs to modern conservation efforts, including reinforcing weakened areas, cleaning surfaces, and protecting them from environmental damage.

Interesting facts about the Great Sphinx of Giza

  • Multiple ancient names – Possibly called “Hor-em-Akhet” (“Horus of the Horizon”) or “Khepri,” but no inscription records its original name.
  • Hidden chambers theory – Centuries of legends about secret passages under the Sphinx; minor cavities exist but no “Hall of Records” has been found.
  • Buried in sand for centuries – By Roman times the statue was already neck-deep in sand and remained so until 20th-century excavations.
  • Earliest restoration blocks – The oldest visible repairs date back to the New Kingdom over 3,000 years ago.
  • Greek “Sphinx” name – The word “Sphinx” was applied by the Greeks more than 2,000 years after its creation.
  • Dimensions vs. modern structures – Its body length rivals a Boeing 747, giving visitors a sense of its scale.

How to visit the Great Sphinx

Opening hours: Daily, 8am to 5pm (Last entry: 4pm).

  • Allow about 30–60 minutes to view the Sphinx and Dream Stele
  • Give yourself extra time if you’re combining it with the pyramids or nearby temples.
  • Time of day: Arrive as close to 8am as possible to enjoy cooler temperatures, softer light for photos, and fewer crowds.
  • Day of the week: Weekdays (Sunday–Thursday) are generally quieter than weekends and public holidays.
  • Season: November to February offers the most comfortable weather with milder temperatures and clearer skies.
  • The Great Sphinx sits on the eastern edge of the Giza Plateau, directly in front of the Pyramid of Khafre, about 15 km (9 mi) from central Cairo.
  • Entry is through the same main gate as the Pyramids of Giza; no separate entrance is required.
  • Taxi / ride-hailing: 30–45 minutes from downtown Cairo depending on traffic.
  • Guided tours: Most pyramid tours include the Sphinx; hotel pickup and drop-off make access easy.
  • Metro & microbus: Metro to Giza station, then a microbus or taxi to the plateau entrance.

Attractions around the Great Sphinx

Pyramid of Khufu

Explore the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the largest of the Giza pyramids and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Skip-the-Line Tickets to Giza Complex + Access to Khufu Pyramid

Pyramid of Khafre

Visit the second-largest pyramid, often associated with the Great Sphinx, and admire its well-preserved structure.

Pyramid of Menkaure

Discover the smallest of the three main pyramids, known for its elegant proportions and historical significance.

Egyptian Museum of Antiquities

Explore thousands of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including statues, jewelry, papyrus scrolls, and mummies, showcasing Egypt’s rich history and culture.

The Egyptian Museum of Antiquities in Cairo Skip-the-Line Tickets

Sound & Light show

Experience the evening Sound & Light Show, where the pyramids and Sphinx are illuminated while narrating Egypt’s history.

Sound & Light show at The Giza Pyramids

Additional attractions

Visit nearby Saqqara, Memphis, or local bazaars for a richer Egyptian cultural experience.

Saqqara, Memphis & Dahshur: Skip-the-Line Tickets

Other ways to explore Giza

Nile Dinner Cruise

Enjoy a luxurious evening cruise along the Nile, complete with dinner, live entertainment, and city views.

Sunset Nile Dinner Cruise

Private tours

Opt for private or customized tours tailored to your schedule and interests.

Full-Day Tour of Giza, Sphinx, Saqqara & Memphis

Felucca ride

Sail on a traditional wooden felucca along the Nile for a relaxed, authentic way to view Cairo’s skyline and riverside landmarks.

Half-Day Giza Pyramids & Sphinx Guided Tour with Nile Felucca Ride

Frequently asked questions about the Great Sphinx of Giza

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?

Yes, online ticket booking is recommended to avoid long queues and secure entry, especially for peak times.

What are the opening hours of the Sphinx and Giza Complex?

The site is generally open from sunrise to sunset. Check your tour provider for exact timings.

Can I enter the Sphinx enclosure?

Visitors can walk around the enclosure and get close views, but direct entry inside the Sphinx is restricted.

Is there an official guide available?

Yes, licensed guides are available on-site or through tours, offering historical context and storytelling.

Are there any dress or photography rules?

Comfortable shoes and sun protection are recommended. Photography is allowed, but drones require special permission.

Are the tours wheelchair accessible?

Some areas are accessible, but the plateau has uneven terrain. Check with your tour provider for specific accessibility options.

Can I combine the Sphinx visit with other attractions?

Absolutely! Many tours include the pyramids, the Egyptian Museum, and Sound & Light shows. Combo packages are available.

What is the best time to visit for photos?

Early morning or late afternoon offers soft lighting and fewer crowds for optimal photography.

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