Things to do in Giza

Giza is one of the most important places to visit in Egypt, that’s why it is one of the most touristic cities in the country. When you go to visit Giza you will find the most significant monuments of Ancient Egypt. In fact, the pyramids are easily recognizable even if you are not well versed in pharaonic culture. These majestic structures are priceless for travelers to witness in person.

As it is only 20 km from Cairo and close to the Nile, visiting Giza is quite feasible for all travelers who decide to go to Egypt. Besides, there are many more things to do in Giza. In this post we are going to recommend you all the points that you can’t miss when you go to visit it. We will also give you tips to keep in mind when you enter this wonderful city, so read on to find out all the details!

What are the best places to visit in Giza?

When you go to see Giza you will notice that all the monuments are within the same compound. Tickets to any part of it must be purchased in advance at the ticket offices, so you have to keep in mind that once you are inside there will be nowhere to buy them. The entrance to the site costs 200 EGP, and there are packages with different prices depending on the monuments you want to access inside. Read on to see the places and the price of each of the monuments that we recommend you to visit in Giza!

1. The pyramid of Cheops or of Jufu

Of the three majestic pyramids, the pyramid of Cheops is undoubtedly the largest and most important. It was built by order of the pharaoh Cheops around 2,570 B.C. It is so huge that no less than 2.3 million stones weighing 2.5 tons were used to build it! So, do not doubt that this pyramid will be one of the monuments that will impress you the most when you go to see Giza.

Today the summit has eroded and its ancient white or pink limestone cladding has also disappeared. Nevertheless, it remains an enigmatic and fascinating construction. When you go there, it is sure to meet all your expectations. Remember that inside you should also visit the queen’s chamber, the great gallery and the king’s chamber. The entrance fee is 400 EGP.

2. The pyramid of Chephren or Khafra

The pyramid of Chephren was ordered to be built by another pharaoh, the son of Cheops. It was completed in 2600 BC. This incredible architectural work will impress you with its grandeur. Although the pyramid of Cheops is larger, the higher location of the pyramid of Chephren will make it one of the most impressive Egyptian remains that you will see in Giza. In addition, inside of the pyramid there is the mysterious sarcophagus chamber. The entrance fee is 100 EGP.

Just 500 meters from the pyramid of Chephren, is the Kephren Funerary Temple. In addition to being the entrance to the funerary complex, it is believed that he mummification process was carried out in these temples.

3. Solar-ship-museum

The Solar Boat Museum is where you can see the funerary boat of Cheops. This boat measures no less than 43 meters and was a very important element in Ancient Egypt. They believed that in this type of ships the dead traveled to the afterlife guided by the sun god. Visiting the Solar Boat Museum is perfect to learn more about the rites and curiosities used by the ancients, it will surprise you a lot. The entrance fee is 100 EGP.

4. The pyramid of Mycerinus or Menkaura

The pyramid of Mycerinus is the smallest of the three, although it measures 64 meters. But that doesn’t make it less amazing. It’s magnificent like the rest of the monuments you’re going to see in Giza. Continuing with the dynasty, this pyramid was ordered by the grandson of Cheops and son of Cheops, Mycerinus. You will differentiate it also because it has a large crack caused by an explosion that took place in the 12th century AD to obtain material for building in Cairo. The entrance fee is 100 EGP.

Also, on the south side of the pyramid of Mycerinus, there are the so-called pyramids of the queens. These were built for the tombs of the wives and sisters of the pharaohs.

5. The great sphinx

This statue of 57 meters long and 21 meters high has become a symbol recognizable by everyone. It is undoubtedly one of the places that will impress you the most when you visit Giza. Its grandeur and majesty have impacted millions of travelers. Although its date of creation remains an absolute mystery, several researches agree that it was around 2,500 B.C.

The great sphinx is believed to represent the lion-bodied Pharaoh Khafre. Although it could also be a lion-bodied guardian to represent strength and wisdom in Ancient Egypt. In any case, its mysticism makes the great sphinx an even more attractive monument. It was sculpted on limestone rock and was once painted in bright colors. Today, its orange stone glows in the desert sun, and although it is not painted in color, it is a beautiful sight.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

Things to do around Giza

1. Cairo

Cairo is only 7 kilometers from the famous pyramids, so it is very convenient to use the capital of Egypt as a starting point when you go to see Giza. This city has hosted different civilizations, and today that translates into an atmosphere of magic, history and mystery. We recommend you to approach and wander around its vibrant streets full of people until you reach the market of Khan El Khalili. There a characteristic aroma of spices and products of a thousand colors permeates every corner.

In addition, Cairo offers an extensive list of monuments to visit, such as its famous Citadel, Mezque of Ibn Tulun, or the Cairo Tower. From the latter, the panoramic view of the city is breathtaking. Take advantage of your trip to Giza to delve into the magical and bustling city of Cairo!

What to see in Giza in a day

If you have only one day to see Giza, you should:

• Visit the pyramid of Cheops.
• View the pyramid of Chephren and the pyramid of Mycerinus.
• Contemplate the marvelous Great Sphinx.
• Go to the Solar Boat museum.

Where and what to eat in Giza

When you go to Giza, you will be surprised by the diversity and intensity of its gastronomy. It perfectly reflects the cultural diversity and historical richness of Egypt. All dishes are characterized by their traditional aromatic mixture, such as dolmas, mezzes, or falafel. Also, after a good meal, remember to leave room for dessert because the typical sweets, such as baklava and kanafeh, are incredible.

• Restaurant El Dar Darak: If you want to try the most traditional local food when you go to Giza, you will love this restaurant. Customers highlight the friendliness of the staff and their dedication when it comes to giving you recommendations. You have to try their kofta, it’s delicious! The average price per person is from 7 € to 14 €.
• The Blue Restaurant & Grill: This beautiful restaurant decorated in blue and white shades, is also one of the most claimed in Giza. All their food is fresh and delicious, at a very attractive price! Customers also make special mention of the friendliness of the waiters and the wonderful views from the luxurious The Blue Restaurant & Grill. The average price per person is €7 to €14.
• The View Restaurant: As its name suggests, this place offers an extraordinary panoramic view from all its tables. It is “wrapped” in a huge glass window, showing the Cairo skyline while you dine on traditional Egyptian food. In addition, the restaurant has vegetarian and vegan options. The average price per person is from 6 € to 21 €.

Where to stay in Giza

• Pyramid Edge Hotel: This beautiful three-star hotel is the ideal choice for a low price without giving up a view of the pyramids. The Pyramid Edge Hotel is located just 900 meters from the Pyramids of Giza and 600 meters from the Great Sphinx! The average price per room is 65 euros per night including breakfast.
• Cleopatra Pyramids View: This is probably the closest hotel to the Sphinx, just 300 meters away! Besides the fact that rooms are especially spacious and modern, they feature all kinds of amenities for their guests. The average price per room is 57 euros per night with breakfast included.
• Mercure Cairo Le Sphinx: This four-star hotel, even if it didn’t have stunning views of the pyramids, would still be a marvel. It has a beautiful garden full of palm trees, an outdoor pool, restaurants…. The rooms are spacious and modern. The average price per room is 68 euros per night with breakfast included.

Tips for your trip to Giza

• The official currency of Egypt is the Egyptian pound (EGP)..
• We recommend that you exchange your money before your trip to Giza, as it will be cheaper than at the airport.
• The best months to see Giza are March to May and September to November.
• Giza is a fairly safe city and is tourist-friendly. Although we recommend you to be careful with your belongings, especially in the crowded areas.
• To enter Egypt you will need a passport with a minimum validity of 6 months and a visa.
• Always drink bottled water.
• Take sunscreen with you, especially in the summer months, as well as light clothing that covers you from the sun’s rays. And stay hydrated.
• Hedge yourself against possible medical emergencies: travel insured.
• Get yourself an eSIM card to have internet connection on your trip to Giza.

How to prepare what to see on your trip to Giza

Sign up or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travelers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organize your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or typology (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and information of the trip.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodations, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app so you always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documentation…
• Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travelers with your experience. In addition, you will be able to share your own travel tips to Giza.
• Enjoy your trip to Giza!

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.

Frequently asked questions about a trip to Giza