Best things to do in Giza
Find out more about those top places in Giza
Giza: Where Giant Triangles Rule (and You Can Play Indiana Jones...Sort Of!) - Your Hilariously Honest Travel Guide to Pyramidal Greatness!
Alright, fellow adventurers, buckle up your sandals because we're heading to Giza, the northern Egyptian city that's basically famous for one thing, and boy, is it a big one (literally!). While Cairo has kind of given Giza a big, unplanned hug with its urban sprawl, this city still holds its own unique charm – mostly because it's home to some seriously ancient rock piles that you might have heard of.
We're talking, of course, about the Great Pyramids, the last surviving rockstars of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World! And let's not forget their stoic, lion-bodied, human-headed buddy, the Sphinx. These colossal structures jutting out of the desert sands aren't just impressive; they're mind-bogglingly ancient and undeniably one of the planet's most visited top attractions.
So, if you're planning a trip to Egypt, Giza is non-negotiable on your list of places to visit. Our hilarious (and helpful!) travel guide is here to give you the lowdown on the best things to do and how to make the most of your sightseeing adventure in the shadow of these monumental marvels.
Top Attractions That Will Make You Say "Wow!" (and Maybe Sweat a Little)
Let's be real, the top attractions in Giza are pretty obvious, but that doesn't make them any less spectacular.
The Great Pyramids: Seriously Big Piles of Rocks (But Like, Really, Really Old and Impressive Ones!)
Yep, we're starting with the big kahunas. The Great Pyramids of Giza – Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure – are an absolute must-see. Built as ridiculously geometrically perfect tombs for ancient pharaohs, they're a testament to the engineering prowess (and sheer manpower!) of the ancient Egyptians. During the day, be prepared for a bit of a tourist tango as day-trippers from Cairo descend. But trust us, braving the crowds to stand at the base of these behemoths is a sightseeing experience you won't soon forget. Just try not to get lost in the sheer scale of them – they're bigger than they look in pictures!
The Iconic Sphinx: The Stone-Faced Guardian with All the Secrets (Probably)
Standing guard over the pyramids is the enigmatic Sphinx, a colossal limestone statue with the body of a lion and the head of a human. This ancient dude has been chilling in the desert for millennia, silently observing the comings and goings. Gazing upon its serene (and slightly mysterious) face is a quintessential Giza sightseeing moment. You can almost feel the weight of history emanating from its weathered form.
Things to Do Beyond Staring at Really Big Ancient Stuff (Because Variety is the Spice of Life, Even in the Desert!)
While the pyramids and the Sphinx are the undisputed stars of the show, our travel guide suggests a few other things to do to round out your Giza experience:
- Sunset at the Pyramids: Trust us on this one. As the day-trippers head back to Cairo and the sun begins its fiery descent, the pyramids take on a magical golden glow. This is arguably the best time for sightseeing and capturing those postcard-perfect photos. The atmosphere is significantly more peaceful and you can almost feel the ancient energy of the place.
- Camel or Horseback Riding: Embrace your inner Lawrence of Arabia (minus the whole leading a rebellion thing) with a ride through the desert surrounding the pyramids. It's a fun (and slightly bumpy) way to take in the views and get some unique photo opportunities. Just be sure to negotiate the price beforehand!
- Explore the Solar Boat Museum: Located near the Great Pyramid of Khufu, this museum houses the remarkably well-preserved solar boat, believed to have been used in the pharaoh's funerary rituals. It's a fascinating glimpse into ancient Egyptian beliefs and craftsmanship.
- Sound and Light Show: In the evening, the pyramids come alive with a dramatic sound and light show that narrates the history of Giza and its ancient wonders. It's a bit cheesy, perhaps, but undeniably entertaining and a unique way to experience the top attractions after dark.
- Venture into a Pyramid (If You Dare!): For the claustrophobic among us, maybe skip this one. But if you're feeling adventurous, you can often pay to enter one of the smaller pyramids and experience the narrow passageways and burial chambers firsthand. Just be prepared for some tight squeezes and a lot of dust!
So, there you have it! Giza isn't just a place you tick off a list; it's an experience that will leave you in awe of human history and ingenuity. While the pyramids and the Sphinx are the undeniable top attractions, there are plenty of other things to do to make your visit memorable. Just remember to bring your sense of wonder, plenty of water, and maybe a good hat to shield you from the desert sun. Happy sightseeing in the land of the giant triangles!
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Giza Necropolis
The Giza Necropolis, known for its standout attraction, the Pyramids, is one of the world’s most legendary destinations. As the last extant ancient wonder of the world, the Pyramids are rightfully Egypt’s most visited archaeological site and for the best experience guided tours are highly recommended. More than just letting you skip the queues, tour guides are one hand to reveal the Pyramid’s mysteries.
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Great Sphinx of Giza
One of Giza’s most mysterious attractions, the now faceless Sphinx is rumored to depict the pharaoh Khafre – although no one can be sure. To learn more about this iconic attraction guided tours of the monument are available.
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Cairo Citadel
Sprawling across Mokattam Hill in eastern Cairo, the city’s medieval Islamic fortress is one of the city’s most underrated attractions. While most visitors come for the splendor of ancient Egypt, the Citadel’s history of repelling European crusaders and housing the Egyptian royal family for most of the Middle Ages is bound to enthral.
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Egyptian Museum
Housing one of the world’s greatest collections of antiquarian art, the Egyptian Museum is the heart of downtown Cairo. The vast museum houses treasures from the reigns of Tutankhamen alongside a plethora of artifacts ranging from household goods to mummies whose names have been lost to history. For the best experience, knowledgeable tour guides can take you on an enthralling tour through ancient Egyptian history.
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Camel Ride By the Pyramids
For those who fantasize about Lawrence of Arabia, there is no more iconic experience than riding camel back through the sand dunes that surround the Pyramids of Giza. For the best experience, take the camel tour in the early morning or evening both to avoid the heat of the midday sun and to see the Pyramid’s illuminated by the sun’s reddish glow.
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Sakkara and Dahshur
As Egypt’s largest archaeological site, visitors could easily spend days exploring the tombs, pyramids and other ancient ruins that pepper the Western Desert at Sakkara. Built as the vast cemetery for the ancient Egyptian capital Memphis, the area is the final resting place for innumerable deceased pharaohs alongside other notables from ancient society. For those visiting Sakkara as a day tour from Cairo, guides are highly recommended to make sure that you manage to see all the world-class attractions.
