The Giza Necropolis is a large and well-preserved archaeological site also known simplistically as the "Pyramids of Giza". Located on the outskirts of Cairo, it is one of the most visited sites in all of Egypt.
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Known as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Pyramids of the Necropolis are the only structures on this list that have survived to this day.
What to see in the Necropolis of Giza?
Giza is one of the most famous monument reserves in the world, especially for its three well-preserved pyramids and the famous Great Sphinx statue. Plan to visit the archaeological site for at least 2 hours.
Giza is dominated by the three great pyramids, which served mainly as tombs for Egyptian kings, as well as a large archaeological site excavated adjacent to the city, a number of other smaller tombs and the statue of the Sphinx.
The Pyramid of Khufu
Also known as the Pyramid of Cheops or the Great Pyramid, the Pyramid of Cheops is the largest Egyptian pyramid and the largest stone structure from the ancient period. The impression of a perfect spire is spoiled at first glance by the missing spire and also by the lining, which has not survived at all.
The Pyramid of Khufu was built around 2570 B.C. It stands on a base measuring 230.38 m x 230.38 m and reaches a height of 138.8 m.
The interior of the Pyramid of Cheops is the largest, with two main chambers open to the public - King Khufu's tomb and the smaller Queen's tomb.
Rachef's Pyramid
The slightly smaller tomb of King Rachef may appear at first glance to be larger than the Pyramid of Cheops. For one thing, it stands on a slight elevation, has a steeper wall slope and a full apex, around which some of the original panelling has also survived.
Rachef's pyramid thus has a slightly more photogenic exterior; on the other hand, only one small tomb is open to the public in the interior.
The pyramid has a foundation measuring 215.25 m x 215.25 m and reaches a height of 136 m. It was built a little later than the Pyramid of Khufu - it was built around 1372 BC.
Pyramid of Menkaure
The smallest pyramid in Giza has a square base with one side measuring 108.4 metres and is 66.45 metres high. It dates from around 2500 BC and is the only one without an accessible interior.
The Great Sphinx of Giza
According to many, the most interesting monument in the Giza Necropolis is located at the southern entrance. The Great Sphinx statue is in the form of an animal (lion or anupa) with a human head, and with dimensions of 73.5 metres in length, over 20 metres in height and 19.3 metres in width, it is the largest statue in the world carved from a single stone.
The age and purpose of the Sphinx are often disputed. The most widespread theory is that it was built during the 4th Dynasty during the 3rd millennium B.C. during the time of Pharaoh Rachef and was intended to represent the likeness of Pharaoh Khufu, father of Rachef.
Admission and opening hours
The Giza Metropolis has two main entrances, and although many rogues standing outside will tell you that the particular entrance you are heading to is car-only or closed, don't heed their "advice". Both entrances are open to the walking public.
The entire necropolis area is accessible, but you can only get inside at Khufu's and Rachef's pyramid.
The following times are open:
- April to September: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- October to March: 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Always buy tickets at the official ticket office right at the edge of the grounds. Payment can only be made by credit card.
Ticket prices are as follows:
- 540 egp - Entrance to the grounds
- 600 egp - entrance to the interior of the Pyramid of Khufu
- 150 egp - entrance to the interior of the Rachef pyramid
Tickets to the site can also be purchased online via the Ministry of Tourism's official website: egymonuments.com/Pyramids.
The price is half price for students under 26 with a valid ISIC card.
Admission to the interior of the pyramids does not include entrance to the complex. In practice, you have to buy two or three separate tickets.
Tickets for the pyramid must always be purchased at the main entrances. It is not possible to purchase additional admission on site directly in front of the pyramids.
What to watch out for when paying
If you go to the pyramids on your own, be prepared for the "alley of shame" at both entrances, where you will be constantly harassed by pushy scammers.
Some look very convincing, brandishing their ID cards and saying they are "government officials". Stay calm and, above all, ignore them spectacularly. Always pay for your ticket at the official ticket office right at the fence.
Official ticket sales are located at these exact locations and nowhere else:
Camel and horse carriages
Even inside the complex, you will often encounter forced services, especially camel rides or horse-drawn carriages. However, these "hellomyfriends" are relatively easy to dismiss with a simple "no".
If you would like a ride on a camel or horse-drawn carriage, the price depends entirely on your bargaining skills. It is common to start haggling at 200 egp for half an hour, but the price can be reduced to a third.
How to get to the Giza pyramids?
Although one of Cairo's metro stations is called "Giza", it is actually in the centre of the city of the same name, about 15 km from the pyramids...
Taxi
By far the easiest and quickest way to get to the Giza is by taxi. However, we strongly recommend using the services of Uber, which operates without a problem here and therefore without inflating prices. This is also why it is advantageous to have a local data SIM card in Cairo.
The normal Uber fare from the central Tahrir Square is between 120 egp and 140 egp depending on peak times.
Taxis can be negotiated to similar prices by really clever travellers, but you're much more likely to get a ride for a price between 200 egp and 300 egp.
By bus
First you need to take metro line 2 from the centre to Giza station (about 10-15 minutes). A ticket for the metro from the centre goes for 6 egp and is always paid at the station window.
After getting off the metro, refuse the offers of many taxi drivers and head to the main street, Al-Haram. From the metro, first right when you reach the street, go left towards the east and cross under the bridge. Just under the overpass there is a bus stop (google.com/maps), which is not marked in any way. Just wave clearly at a passing bus.
You can use the following lines:
- 2002 - price 10 egp, pay inside the bus to the conductor
- M7 and M21 - price 12 egp, pay inside the bus to the driver
The stops are not announced in any way, you need to press the stop button if you want to get off. Ideally follow the route on the map on your mobile phone and get off at this junction (google.com/maps). Here the buses turn right, but you have to walk along the pavement still straight for about 1 km to the ticket offices. Along the way, firmly reject any chasers who tell you that you are going the wrong way. They are lying and just want to take you in a taxi to a more distant entrance for a ridiculous amount of money.
When travelling from the northern entrance to central Cairo, you don't have to walk all the way to the intersection you got off at. The stop in the direction of the centre is much closer to the ticket offices and is located here: google.com/maps.
By minibus
There are also a significant number of unmarked minibuses running along Al-Haram Street from the Giza Metro towards both the south and north entrances to the pyramids. The price is around 8 egp per ride. You just need to consistently make sure that the van goes to the end of the street, where it's a short walk to the pyramids, or in the direction of the center, that it's really going to the metro.
Accommodation at the pyramids
If the pyramids are your main destination in Cairo and you want to spend the whole day there, there are many hotels and hostels nearby.
- Elite Pyramids Boutique Hotel **** - A nice smaller and modern hotel at the northern entrance with prices from 65 usd.
- Marriott Mena House ***** - A luxury hotel with a golf resort right at the North Entrance is almost literally a quiet oasis in the busy dry desert. Prices from 180 usd are higher, but you get the full facilities of a modern multinational hotel.
- Pyramids Top Inn - a small, cheap, well rated and clean guesthouse in a lively neighbourhood at the southern entrance with prices from 30 usd.
For more tips on hotels elsewhere in the city, check out the Accommodation in Cairo section.
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