Visiting Pyramids of Giza | Opening Hours, Getting There, Facilities & More
The Pyramids of Giza are one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and for thousands of years, they were the tallest man-made structures in the world. Dating back over 4,500 years, these awe-inspiring tombs were built by kings of Egypt's Old Kingdom. They were meant to be monuments that endured through eternity, and the Pyramids have done just that. If you plan to visit the Pyramids of Giza, here’s everything that you will need to know.
Pyramids of Giza Opening Hours
Summer (April - September): 8 AM - 5 PM
Winter (October - March): 8 AM - 4 PM
Last tickets are issued one hour before closing time.
How long does it take to tour the Pyramids of Giza?
When visiting the Pyramids of Giza, it is recommended to spend at least 3 hours to half a day to see all three pyramids, go inside one of the pyramids, visit the Solar Boat Museum, and also have time to take pictures from the Panoramic Point.
What is the Best Time to Visit the Pyramids of Giza?
Winter (October to March) is the best time to visit Egypt. More specifically, the best time to visit the Pyramids of Giza is between 10 AM and noon after the morning rush, when you’ll skip the crowds and also miss the hazy skies that prevent visibility. If you happen to visit in the summer months (April to September) try to visit in the morning to avoid the heat.
How to Visit the Pyramids of Giza?
To enter the Pyramids of Giza complex, you must first buy a ticket. There a many options:
- Pyramids of Giza General Admission Tickets: Adult: EGP 200 / Student: EGP 100
- (This ticket does not cover entrance to the Great Pyramid, Pyramid of Khafre, Pyramid of Menkaure, Worker's Cemetery, or the Solar Boat Museum)
- Pyramids of Giza Inclusive Area Tickets: Adult: EGP 600 / Student: EGP 300
- (This ticket includes entry to The Great Pyramid and the Solar Boat Museum)
You can also opt for comprehensive guided tours.
Pyramids of Giza Entrances
Once you have your tickets, it is important to know that there are two entrances to the Pyramids of Giza. One is next to the Great Pyramid, near the Marriott Mena House hotel. The second is further down from the pyramids in front of the Sphinx.
Get Your Pyramids of Giza Tickets
Pyramids of Giza Location
Address: Giza Necropolis, Al Haram, Giza Governorate, Egypt
The Pyramids of Giza are situated in the Giza Governorate, to the west of the Egyptian capital of Cairo. They are located along Al Haram Street in Giza.
Directions to Pyramids of GizaGetting to the Pyramids of Giza from Cairo
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.
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. Just remember to pick the entrance you wish to use - the Great Pyramid entrance, or the Sphinx entrance.
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, just ask the driver where they are going.
By Metro
Metro line 2 runs to Giza, and the nearest station is Giza on Al Haram Road. From here you can take either bus 900 or 997, or a taxi to the Pyramids. There are also usually two carriages on each train reserved for women.
Events at the Pyramids of Giza
There are regular events at the Pyramids of Giza.
- 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 summer.
- Al-Ahram Squash Festival: Takes place towards the end of September
- Pharaohs' Rally: Eleven-day motorcycle and 4x4 car and truck race competition taking place in October
Cairo International Film Festival: Held during the last week in November and the firest week of December
Know Before You Visit Pyramids of Giza
Toilets: There are several public toilets at the Pyramids of Giza, available for a small fee. One is located to the right of the tick booth before you enter the Pyramid Complex, and there is another located near the gift shop in the Solar Barque Museum.
Baby Changing facilities: While there are no baby changing facilities inside the Pyramids of Giza complex, you will find several options near the attraction.
Shopping: Visitors can purchase gifts and souvenirs from the shops located near the Pyramids of Giza.
- The Pyramids of Giza are not fully accessible by wheelchair. It is possible to get fairly close to the Pyramids of Khufu and Khafre via the sidewalks.
- You can also drive around the Giza complex to look for picture-taking opportunities.
- For those with hearing impairments, while there are no official audio guides available, you can download them from the internet if needed.
- There is no official dress code for visiting the Pyramids, but it is recommended that you wear something comfortable and made of a breathable material like cotton or linen as it gets very hot near the pyramids.
- If you are planning to go inside the pyramids, avoid flowy dresses and shorts as the passageways can get very steep.
- Do not forget to take something to cover your head, such as a hat or a scarf to protect yourself from the sun.
- Also, remember to wear comfortable footwear as you will have to do a lot of walking.
Grab a bit to eat after your visit to the Pyramids of Giza. Here are some nearby restaurants:
9 Pyramids Lounge: This is the only restaurant on the Giza plateau, it is located near the Sphinx and serves Egyptian food.
Khan Al Khalili: About 5 minutes away from the Pyramids of Giza at the Marriott Mena House hotel, this restaurant has both local and international fare available.
Felfela: A 5-minute walk from the Pyramids, this restaurant serves Middle Eastern and Egyptian food, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options
Opposite the main ticket gates, there are also some kid-friendly options such as a Pizza Hut and a KFC.
Budget Hotels: Great Pyramid Inn, Pyramids View Inn, Royal Pyramids Inn, Pyramids Tower Inn
Mid-Range Hotels: Steigenberger Cairo Pyramids Hotel, Pyramids Valley Boutique Hotel, Mamlouk Pyramids Hotel & Spa
Luxury Hotels: Marriott Mena House Hotel, Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa, Four Seasons Hotel Cairo
Egyptian Museum: Home to the world’s most important ancient Egyptian collections, including over 120,000 artifacts.
Khan el Khalili: One of the oldest bazaars in Cairo, it is home to many Egyptian artisans and workshops. It’s the best place to buy any kind of souvenir.
Coptic Museum: An art museum that houses Coptic art from the earliest days of Christianity.
Cairo Citadel: Built by Salah Al-Din in the 12th century, this castle was home to Egypt’s rulers for 700 years. It is famous for its stunning city views and its mosques and museums.
Tips for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza
- Try to book your tickets to the Pyramids of Giza in advance, as tickets are limited and often sell out by 8 AM. Buying tickets online means you can also get some great discounts.
- 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 the desert sands can shift, and you need to walk around a lot.
- Be wary of unauthorized camel drivers and touts. If needed you can approach the uniformed Tourist Police for assistance.
- If you have purchased discounted tickets, please carry your valid photo ID for verification.
- Kindly ensure that you arrive 10-15 minutes beforehand to avoid any delays.
All Your Questions About Visiting the Pyramids of Giza Answered
A. Yes, the Pyramids of Giza have now been reopened after Covid-19. You can purchase your Pyramids of Giza tickets online.
A. It’s best to visit the Pyramids of Giza in the mornings, between 10 AM and noon.
A. You can visit the Pyramids of Giza buy getting tickets to the site here.
A. There are many types of Pyramids of Giza tours available, including guided tours, combined tours with other sites in Cairo, and more.
A. Yes, it is safe to visit the Pyramids of Giza as long as you follow precautions such as wearing a face mask and social distancing.
A. It is required that you wear face masks at the Pyramids of Giza. You might also have to show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 to access the site. Additionally, maintain social distancing from people that aren’t traveling with you.
A. The Pyramids of Giza are open daily from 8 AM to 4 PM in the winter, and up to 5 PM in the summer months.
A. The Pyramids of Giza close at 4 PM in the winter months, and at 5 PM in the summer.
A. The Pyramids of Giza are located at the Giza Necropolis, Al Haram Street, Giza Governorate, Egypt.
A. It takes at least 4 hours to explore the Pyramids of Giza in their entirety.
A. Yes, there are guided tours of the Pyramids of Giza. You can find out more about them here.
A. It takes at least 3 to 4 hours to explore the Giza Necropolis and 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.
A. Yes, certain parts of the Pyramids of Giza site are wheelchair accessible.
A. The best way to visit the Pyramids of Giza is by taking a taxi or bus. Learn more about getting there.
A. Yes, the Pyramids of Giza can be reached by Cairo's Metro and Bus systems. Find out more here.
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