What kind of bucket list would be complete without the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt? Surprisingly, visiting the Giza pyramids is quite manageable on a day trip from Cairo, the capital city of Egypt. Constructed in 2560 BC, the Great Pyramid of Giza held the title of the tallest man-made structure in the world for 3,800 years.
It is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the only one that remains intact today. Exploring the Egypt pyramids is a relatively straightforward experience; while there isn’t much to do except admire the massive stone structures, it’s still an impactful and unforgettable experience that every traveler should include in their journey.
This travel guide will detail how you can explore the Egyptian pyramids independently, whether you choose a tour or not, all while keeping a tight budget and requiring little preparation!
Quick Facts (Main Pyramid)
Builders: 200,000+
Date: 2560 BC
Height: 150 meters (500 ft)
Base Length: 150 meters (500 ft)
Weight: 6 million tons
No. of Blocks: 2.3 million
Top Day Tours to the Pyramids of Egypt
If you’re pressed for time and wish to bypass the hassle of organizing your own visit to the pyramids or prefer the safety and ease of traveling with a group, you have some options available.
Several companies provide organized day tours to the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, starting at just $45 USD. The tour includes hotel pick-up, an optional camel ride, and a return to Cairo on the same day.
If you prefer to plan your own experience and explore independently, that option is discussed next.
How to Reach the Giza Pyramids
The Great Pyramids are situated on the edges of Giza, a district in Cairo, Egypt. The closest airport is Cairo International Airport (CAI), which is connected by numerous international airlines. You can find flights to Cairo on Skyscanner.
From Cairo airport, it takes about an hour to drive to Giza. The arrivals area has numerous taxis available, but I opted for Uber and would strongly recommend it since it’s generally more economical and likely safer as well.
Unless you are accustomed to driving in the Middle East, it’s best not to rent a car in Egypt! The traffic in Arab nations can be perilous and unpredictable, so you’d be better off hiring a driver who understands the local driving conditions.
Moreover, drivers in Egypt are quite reasonably priced — as of 2025, the fare for an Uber trip from Cairo to Giza can be as low as 340 EGP (around $7 USD).
Giza Pyramids: What to Anticipate
If you plan to stay in Giza for at least a night, which I suggest, you can first leave your luggage at your hotel and then comfortably walk to the entrance of the pyramids and the sphinx.
Several hotels in Giza are just a 5-minute stroll from the main entrance to the pyramids, and they typically offer fantastic rooftop views as well. There will be more details on that later.
When you’re ready to explore the pyramids, simply make your way to the main ticket office to purchase your tickets. You’ll encounter scammers and touts trying to engage you in conversation, but it’s best to ignore them.
As of 2025, a general ticket costs 540 EGP (approximately $11 USD), which allows you access to both the sphinx and the surrounding area of the pyramids.
If you intend to explore the interiors of the pyramids rather than merely observing them from the outside (which is what I chose to do), you will need to purchase an additional ticket.
The cost is 220 EGP for entry into the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, or 900 EGP for the pyramid of Khufu.
In my opinion, spending extra for these tickets isn’t worth it. The heat inside can be quite oppressive, and the chambers were largely robbed by tomb raiders long ago.
It would be a wiser decision to save that money and visit the Egyptian Museum or some attractions in Luxor, where you can still admire the intricate tombs and gold artifacts.
At this stage, you will have arrived at the pyramids and acquired your tickets. Security checks at the entrance are relatively quick, and the wait times are minimal.
Just keep an eye on your belongings. One time, I had cash taken from my wallet while it was being processed through one of those x-ray machines in Egypt.
You’ll need to choose whether to visit the sphinx first or the pyramids.
The sphinx is located close to the entrance, while the pyramids require a 15-20 minute walk from there. I suggest taking a camel ride to the pyramids, and then you can circle back to stop by the sphinx on your way out.
Beware of scams! Giza is notorious for scammers and aggressive sellers, just like other tourist spots in Egypt.
Be ready to face persistent harassment from dubious individuals claiming you can’t explore the pyramids without a guide (which is false), insisting you need their services (also false), or promoting their camel rides as the best available (well, maybe).
I once agreed to a camel ride only for the guy to try to put me on a horse instead, claiming it was just as good — no way! Just stand your ground and make it clear that you won’t pay unless you receive what you agreed upon.
Camel Rides at the Pyramids of Egypt
If you decide to take a ride on a camel or horse, which I believe is a fantastic choice, be sure to agree on your price and terms BEFORE getting on.
It’s usual for the touts to concoct outrageous prices once you’re already on the camel and feeling pressured. Always wait to make your payment until after your ride, regardless of what they claim! As of 2024, the Egyptian government has set a standard rate for camel rides at 500 EGP (~$10 USD) for one hour. There is a notice near the entrance stating this, and you can always refer to it if you’re struggling to negotiate a reasonable price with the touts.
You can ask your guide to take some photos of you on the camel with your camera, but be ready to give a tip for this; adding around 50 EGP should suffice.
Your guide may ask for a lot more and might become rude or forceful, but that’s just how things are in Egypt.
Just agree on a price beforehand and stick to it. Even the most persistent touts will back off when they see that you are steadfast. This is a common aspect of life and travel in Egypt.
Just so you know, 50 Egyptian Pounds is an excellent price for a camel ride.
I’ve explored many areas in the Middle East, and I can confidently say that the camel rides in Giza are significantly less expensive than those in more developed regions like Dubai or Oman! So, if you’re looking to experience riding a camel, this might be the best spot in the world for it.
I enjoyed two camel rides at Giza – one lasting 30 minutes and the other for 60 minutes – and both were fantastic. Riding camels can feel a bit intimidating since you’re so high up, but it’s truly an amazing experience.
Moreover, you can share stories about your adventure of riding a camel at the Great Pyramids of Egypt – it’s legendary!
The Grand Sphinx of Giza
Be sure to visit the Grand Sphinx as well.
This legendary beast, featuring a lion’s body and a pharaoh’s head, is the most ancient sculpture still standing in Egypt. It is also part of the same 120 EGP ticket you purchased at the pyramids’ entrance, so simply present your ticket at the sphinx’s entrance, and you can approach it.
Outside, there’s a fantastic photo opportunity by the gate, where you can capture a front shot of both the sphinx and the Pyramid of Khafre together (as shown in the picture above).
Unfortunately, during my visit, I couldn’t get a complete profile shot of the sphinx’s body and paws because it was covered in scaffolding, likely in preparation for the visit of U.S. First Lady Melania Trump, who was expected the following week.
Don’t forget to take a moment to admire the enormous stone blocks at the entryway! The weight of those blocks must be incredible.
Hotels Near The Egyptian Pyramids
There are a bunch of neat hotels in Giza that are within a 5 minute walk to the main entrance for the pyramids, and they usually have awesome rooftop views of the whole area.
I would highly recommend staying at least one night in Giza, because it allows you to go at a relaxed pace and make the most of your time there.
It also allows for an effortless experience of the Sound & Light Show, or simply relaxing and enjoying the sunset at Giza.
I spent $32 USD per night at the Marvel Stone Hotel, which featured a fantastic rooftop terrace offering views of the pyramids and the sphinx, equipped with comfortable chairs and even a pool table.
This was truly one of the high points of my trip to Giza, as I could relax and appreciate the pyramids and the camels roaming in the distance — all while avoiding harassment from vendors and touts. In the evening, I enjoyed watching the sunset over the Pyramid of Khafre and captured some photos from the rooftop.
What is the ideal time to explore the Giza Pyramids?
Egypt experiences a dry climate, making it hot and arid throughout the year.
The most pleasant months to visit are from December to March, which is likely the peak tourist season for the pyramids; however, any month during spring or fall would also be suitable. I traveled to Egypt in September and found the heat intense at times (especially in Luxor), but it wasn’t unbearable in Giza. Compared to other nearby Middle Eastern nations like Qatar or the UAE, northern Egypt is not as scorching.
Morning is a decent time for photos of the pyramids, but the dust can dull the colors slightly. The optimal time for photography at the pyramids is around noon, when the dust dissipates and the blue sky becomes visible in the background.
