Inside Pyramids of Giza | Tombs, Temples & More

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The Pyramids of Giza are one of Egypt's top attractions and see millions of visitors every year. Today, they are both a UNESCO Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Located in the Giza Necropolis, the pyramids are part of a cluster of ancient monuments. Before you plan a visit, read on to find out more about what is inside the Pyramids of Giza.

What’s Inside the Pyramids of Giza?

inside pyramids of giza

How to Get Inside the Pyramids of Giza

Pyramids of Giza tickets start at EGP 200 per person for adults, EGP 100 for children and students. While you can buy the tickets to the palace at the entrance, it is recommended that you pre-book your tickets online.  

If you have not bought a comprehensive ticket, or it is not included in your tour package, please keep in mind that entering the pyramids themselves costs extra. 

  • The Great Pyramid of Khufu: EGP 400
  • The Pyramid of Khafre: EGP 100
  • The Pyramid of Menkaure: EGP 100
  • Solar Boat Museum: EGP 100

Note: There are two ticket offices, one near each entrance to the Pyramid of Giza - the Sphinx Entrance, and the Great Pyramid Entrance. 

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Half-Day Tour of the Giza Pyramids & Sphinx
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Full-Day Guided Tour of Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, Saqqara and Dahshur
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Half-Day Guided Tour of Pyramids & Sphinx with Nile River Felucca Boat Tour
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Guided Tour of the Egyptian Museum, Pyramids & the Bazaar
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Quad Biking Tour of the Pyramids with Optional Camel Ride
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What to See Inside the Pyramids of Giza?

inside pyramids of giza

Pyramid of Khufu

The Great Pyramid features three burial chambers inside, which can be accessed by entering through the “Robbers' Tunnel”. A sloping passageway named the Grand Gallery leads to three chambers - the “Queen’s Chamber”, the King's Chamber, and the Subterranean Chamber. 

They are all built of closely fitting slabs of red granite, some of which weigh over 400 tons. 

Visitors can make their way to the King's Chamber and see the sarcophagus of the ancient king, though it is now empty.

inside pyramids of giza

Pyramid of Khafre

The Pyramid of Khafre has two entrances leading to a single burial chamber. While they are less elaborate than those in the Great Pyramid, they are still made out of enormous blocks of granite. The burial chamber itself is carved out of bedrock, with a gabled roof of white limestone. 

Like the Great Pyramid, you can go inside and descend through its passageways to see the Pharaoh's stunningly ornate sarcophagus, which was sunk into the floor.

inside pyramids of giza

Pyramid of Menkaure

The Pyramid of Menkaure has chambers on three distinct levels, more complex than those of his father Khafre. They include a chamber carved with decorative panels and another with six large niches, as well as a vast burial chamber. 

This chamber once held two wooden coffins. One is in the British Museum and the other was sadly lost. 

However, just walking through its descending galleries can be a wonderful experience. This pyramid is also typically less crowded than the Great Pyramid.

inside pyramids of giza

The Queen’s Pyramids

Near the Pyramids of the three Pharaohs, there are smaller pyramids belonging to the pharaohs’ wives, mothers, and daughters. 

There are three small pyramids east of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, belonging to his mother Hetepheres I, and his wives Meritites and Henutsen. There are also three more small Queens’ Pyramids near the Pyramid of Menkaure.  

These are built in the same manner as the larger pyramids, with long passageways leading to a burial chamber. They are open to visitors a few at a time. Usually, tickets include a visit to one of the three pyramids of the queens of Khufu. You can also ask the ticket office which ones are open.

Other Highlights Inside the Giza Complex

inside pyramids of giza

The Great Sphinx

Situated in front of the Pyramid of Khafre, the colossal Sphinx depicts a mythical creature with the head of a man, and the body of a lion. It is 20 m (66 ft) tall and 73 m (240 ft) long, and is famous for its broken nose. Don’t miss climbing the viewing platform to get the best pictures of the Sphinx.

inside pyramids of giza

Solar Barque Museum

Also known as “Khufu's Boat Museum,” the museum houses a reconstruction of the pharaoh Khufu’s solar barque. This was the ship buried with the king to use on his journey across the heavens. In August 2021, the original was relocated to the Egyptian Museum.

Inside Pyramids of Giza

Valley Temples

Each of the three main pyramids has a valley temple which was used in the pharaoh’s mummification process, and where priests prepared the deceased pharaoh for burial. You can visit the Valley Temple of Khafre, which is located right near the Sphinx.

inside pyramids of giza

Worker's Village

All-inclusive tickets to the pyramids include the Worker’s Village which is not to be missed. This was a small settlement built for the thousands of workers who helped construct the pyramids. Here you will find ancient bakeries, breweries, kitchens, and even a hospital.

inside pyramids of giza

Cemeteries

When the pharaohs built the pyramids, many lesser royals and nobles who were a part of their court also chose the area as their final resting place. Today you can see hundreds of tombs in the Western and Eastern Cemeteries, with mastabas arranged along near rows and avenues.

inside pyramids of giza

Mortuary Temples

Adjoining each pyramid is a mortuary temple, where priests worshipped the deceased pharaohs. Also called “funerary temples”, daily funerary rites were performed here and priests presented offerings of food and other items to the dead kings.

Tips for Going Inside the Pyramids of Giza

  • The passageways and galleries inside the pyramids are very narrow, so please reconsider going inside if you suffer from claustrophobia.
  • It takes about 30 minutes to complete a visit inside the Pyramids of Giza, and can take longer on crowded days.
  • Cameras are not allowed inside the pyramids, and you can leave them at the entrance with the guards. You will get a ticket to collect them after your visit. 
  • If you are planning to go inside the pyramids, avoid long flowy dresses as the passageways can get very steep. 
  • Remember that there are no mummies inside the pyramids, since they were all moved to the Egyptian Museum, which is well worth a visit.
  • You cannot climb up the outside of the pyramids, as it is illegal and extremely dangerous.

Visitor Facilities

inside pyramids of giza

Frequently Asked Questions About What’s Inside the Pyramids of Giza

Q. Can you go inside the Pyramids of Giza?

A. Yes, you can go inside the three largest Pyramids of Giza, as well as a number of smaller pyramids at the site. However, you might need to purchase additional tickets to gain entry.

Q. What is inside the Pyramids of Giza?

A. Inside the Pyramids of Giza, you will find passageways leading to the burial chamber of the king or the queen. 

Q. How long does it take to tour the Pyramids of Giza?

A. It takes at least 3 hours to tour the Pyramids of Giza, and 30 minutes to explore the inside of each pyramid

Q. What are the opening times of the Pyramids of Giza?

A. The Pyramids of Giza are open from 8 AM to 4 PM in the winter, and to 5 PM in the summer.

Q. Is it possible to climb the outside of the Pyramids of Giza?

A. No, visitors are forbidden from climbing the outside of the Pyramids.

Q. Can I buy tickets to visit the Pyramids of Giza?

A. You can purchase your Pyramids of Giza tickets here.

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