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9 Useful Pyramids of Giza Visitor Tips to Help You Plan Your Trip
Pyramid of GizaTips
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The Pyramids of Giza are one of the most enduring relics of the Old Kingdom period of ancient Egypt. They comprise the three Pyramids- the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Khafre, along with the Queen’s Pyramids, Valley temples, and Mortuary tombs. These ancient structures are known for their architectural precision and the cultural significance they continue to hold in modern Egypt.
Top 9 Pyramids of Giza travel tips & hacks
1) Keep a map handy
The Giza Necropolis has three Great Pyramids, the Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure. It also contains the Great Sphinx, the Queen’s Pyramids, Valley Temples, and other mortuary tombs. Get a copy of the Giza Necropolis map to navigate the area easily.
Pyramids of Giza Map
2) Visit early in the morning
If you want to enjoy comparatively fewer crowds, try to reach as early as possible. Upon reaching the Pyramids of Giza around 8 AM, you can avoid the tour bus crowds that arrive around 9 AM. Public holidays and weekends are generally more crowded than weekdays, so it is best to visit on a weekday.
Plan Your Visit to the Pyramids of Giza
3) Attend the Light and Sound show
The Light and Sound show of the Pyramids of Giza combines history, storytelling, and visual effects to bring the ancient wonders to life. A multilingual recorded narrative is synchronized with evocative music. If you want to get closer insights into ancient Egyptian culture, make sure to attend this show.
Inside the Pyramids of Giza
4) Carry cash
While most eateries and establishments accept cards, you must carry some cash to pay for souvenirs and items outside the Necropolis. The small shop vendors outside the Pyramids of Giza do not accept card payments.
5) Use tour buses
The most convenient and economical way to reach the Pyramids from the Cairo city center is to get on a metro from Line 1 and catch a tour bus from the Giza station. You can also book guided tours that include round-trip transfers to and from the pyramids in air-conditioned vehicles.
6) Book guided tours
The best way to learn more about the rich history, anecdotes, and cultural significance of the Pyramids of Giza is to book a guided tour. An expert Egyptologist guide would accompany you on a tour and acquaint you with interesting facts about the Giza Necropolis.
7) Carry sun protection
The desert sun is scorching hot no matter the season. You must carry a hat or scarf to protect your skin from the harsh sun rays. Also, wear sunscreen on all your exposed skin. When visiting the Pyramids of Giza, make sure to wear light, breathable clothing to beat the heat.
8) Dress modestly
The Pyramids of Giza are ancient structures built to house the remains of Pharaohs and guide their spirits into the afterlife. While there is no particular dress code that you must adhere to when visiting the Giza Necropolis, it is best to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect.
9) Have some hours handy
We recommend you spend at least four to five hours exploring the Pyramids of Giza. The Giza Necropolis does not only include the three pyramids, but also the Valley temples, the Queen’s Pyramids, and the Great Sphinx. The interiors of the Great Pyramid of Khufu are a must-visit.
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Frequently asked questions about tips to note when visiting the Pyramids of Giza
When should I visit the Pyramids of Giza?
November to February are the best months to visit the Pyramids of Giza. The weather is cool and more suitable for outdoor adventures like dune bashing, guided tours, camel rides, and more. You can also visit during late spring or early autumn like April to May and September to October. The weather is slightly hotter but bearable. We recommend you arrive early in the morning and visit during weekdays to enjoy comparatively fewer crowds.
What are some helpful tips I should know before visiting the Pyramids of Giza?
When visiting the Pyramids of Giza, make sure to wear comfortable footwear and light, breathable clothing. Most restaurants accept cards, however, it is a good idea to carry some cash to buy souvenirs from the shops outside the Necropolis. Make sure to also attend the Light and Sound show and enjoy a Pyramids of Giza camel safari.
How can I visit the Pyramids of Giza on a budget?
Online ticket bookings help you save time and money. If you book Pyramids of Giza tickets online, you can enjoy reduced prices and can choose from a variety of guided tours for your convenience. You can also secure your tickets in advance and avoid standing in long lines. If you want to explore the Giza Necropolis on a budget, choose half-day guided tours of the Pyramids and the Sphinx.
Is there a dress code at the Pyramids of Giza?
There is no specific dress code that you must follow when visiting the Pyramids of Giza. However, we recommend you wear clothing that covers your knees and shoulders as a sign of respect for the ancient pyramids. Wear light, breathable clothes to beat the scorching heat.
What facilities are available at the Pyramids of Giza?
While there are no facilities for wheelchair users to explore the interiors of the Pyramids of Giza, there is a ramp leading to the entrance of the Great Sphinx, meaning you can get up close to those monumental ancient structures. Visitors with limited mobility can ride on camelbacks to reach the Panoramic Point, the spot offering the best views of the Necropolis. You can also make use of restrooms at the pyramids for a small fee. You can also shop for souvenirs outside the pyramids.
Are there any restaurants at the Pyramids of Giza?
Yes, there are plenty of restaurants, offering a variety of cuisine outside the Pyramids of Giza like the Khufu’s Restaurant, El-Dar Darak, Tasty House Cleopatra Lounge, and 9 Pyramid Lounge. Dine at these establishments and enjoy spectacular views of the Giza Necropolis. You can also find vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options in many of these restaurants.
Can I shop at the Pyramids of Giza?
Yes, you can buy souvenirs and mementos at the small, local shops outside the Giza Necropolis to bring back home with you. Make sure to negotiate with the vendors for favorable prices.
What are some must-see highlights of the Pyramids of Giza?
Explore the interiors of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the northernmost and biggest pyramid in the entire Necropolis. Known for its distinctive casing stones, the Pyramid of Khafre is also a must-visit site. The Pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest in the complex but also warrants a visit. Also, make sure to click pictures in front of the Great Sphinx, a colossal statue with the body of a lion and a human head. When exploring the Pyramids, you must take advantage of camel rides, sunset photo tours, and the Giza Light and Sound Show.
What are some helpful tips to know if I’m visiting the Pyramids of Giza with my family?
We recommend you keep an eye out for your toddlers and children. The way to the Pyramids of Giza is uneven and rocky at times. If you feel your children may suffer from claustrophobia, it is best to not take them with you inside the chambers. The passageways and the outside rocky terrain are not suitable for prams or strollers. If you are carrying your infant inside, it would be best to carry them or strap them on you.
Is there a restroom at the Pyramids of Giza?
Yes, there are 2 restrooms that you can use at the Pyramids of Giza, one near the tick booth of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, and another near the gift shop of the Solar Barque Museum. You have to pay a small fee to use these restrooms.
Should I go on a guided tour of the Pyramids of Giza?
The best way to explore the interiors and understand the cultural significance of the pyramids is to book a guided tour of the Pyramids of Giza. A multi-lingual Egyptologist guide would accompany you on each of these tours to acquaint you with the myths and legends surrounding the Giza Necropolis.
