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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Pyramids of Giza Summary
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| Public website: | egymonuments.gov.eg |
Egypt – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
220 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
Egyptian Pound (EGP) £1 ≈ EGP 74.69 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 4/5
Cashless payments are becoming more common in Egypt, especially in tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels and businesses, but cash is still preferred in many places.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is common in Egypt, with a 10-15% tip in restaurants being standard. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides also appreciate small tips. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is generally not allowed in Egypt, and alcohol consumption is limited to licensed establishments like hotels, restaurants, and bars. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is permitted in outdoor public spaces and licensed indoor venues such as cafes and bars, but it is prohibited in public transport and closed areas. |
| Revolution Day (25 January) |
National holiday celebrating the 2011 revolution |
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| Eid al-Fitr (dates vary) |
Islamic festival marking the end of Ramadan |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 122 (Police), 123 (Ambulance), 180 (Fire) |
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| Taxi apps: | Uber |
| Other: | Egypt is known for its ancient history, including the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and numerous archaeological sites. It offers a rich cultural experience combined with desert landscapes and the Nile River. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
Plateau opens around 8 am; arrive at opening to beat heat and tour groups
Interior of the pyramids needs separate tickets, with limited daily entries and occasional closures for maintenance
Sound and light show in the evening, year-round
Don't miss
- 🗝️ Enter the Great Pyramid and explore ancient burial chambers
- 🐪 Ride a camel around the pyramids at sunset
- 🦁 Visit the Great Sphinx and marvel at its mysterious face
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! The Pyramids of Giza date back over 4,500 years and showcase extraordinary architectural and engineering achievements. Constructed as tombs for Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, these pyramids represent the pinnacle of Old Kingdom Egypt's monument building.
The Great Pyramid of Khufu, originally standing at 146.5 meters, held the record as the tallest man-made structure for millennia. Its precise orientation to the cardinal points and remarkable construction using over two million limestone blocks exemplify expert craftsmanship.
The site includes the enigmatic Great Sphinx, symbolizing royal power and mystery and a sprawling complex of temples and workers’ villages discovered through archaeological research. Preservation efforts aim to protect these structures from erosion and modern environmental pressures.
Visits can be hot and crowded, especially during peak seasons. Be prepared with sun protection, stay hydrated and be cautious of tourist scams. Utilizing official guides can greatly enhance the experience by providing historical insights and ensuring safe passage around the site.
Knowledge before you go
- Arrive early; crowds peak after noon at Giza.
- Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection, as the desert climate can be harsh during midday visits.
- Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long queues at the entrance gate and secure a guided tour slot.
- Explore the lesser-known Saqqara site nearby for quieter ruins and deeper insight into ancient Egyptian pyramid construction techniques.
How to travel to Pyramids of Giza
Visitors typically arrive at Cairo International Airport, which serves a wide range of international flights. From Cairo, the Pyramids of Giza are a short drive, easily accessible by taxi, organized tours or public transport. Many visitors combine their visit with a Nile River cruise or a city tour of Cairo.
Access summary
- From Cairo Airport (CAI): Taxi or transfer to Giza plateau, about 45–90 minutes.
- From central Cairo: Taxi, rideshare or tour bus to Giza, roughly 30–60 minutes.
- From Sphinx International Airport (SPX): Taxi or transfer to pyramids, around 45–60 minutes.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay near Pyramids of Giza
Cairo offers a wide range of accommodations from budget hostels to luxury hotels, many located within easy reach of the Pyramids and the city center.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Packing recommendations for Pyramids of Giza
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🕶️
Sunglasses
🎒
Small rucksack
🔋
Power bank
👒
Sun hat
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 76% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to EGP) is 55% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is a lot cheaper compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
The Pyramids of Giza are generally safe for visitors, with well‑patrolled sites and a strong police presence. Minor pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas; stay alert, keep valuables secure and follow local guides’ advice to avoid scams.
Accessibility
The Pyramids of Giza offer limited accessibility: ramps and elevators are available at the entrance, but uneven stone steps and narrow pathways hinder wheelchair users. Signage is clear, yet guide dogs may face restrictions; advance planning for mobility assistance is advised.
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