Visiting the Pyramids of Giza: Complete Guide
Visiting the Pyramids of Giza allows you to discover the history of Ancient Egypt through archaeological sites, the necropolis and the many vestiges that dot the Giza plateau.
Visiting the Pyramids of Giza allows you to discover the history of Ancient Egypt, thanks to archaeological sites, the necropolis and the many vestiges that dot the Giza plateau. But this ancient site, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World, requires a little planning… Best time to visit, types of visits, rules to follow: we tell you everything you need to know for an unforgettable journey through time!
What is the best time to visit the Pyramids of Giza?
Winter: the coolest season
Winter (October to March) is the coolest season in Égypte (around 22°C during the day) and is therefore the most pleasant for visiting the Pyramids of Giza. However, this period is also the most expensive and most touristy. To avoid the crowds? Schedule your visits between 10am and 12pm, just after the influx of tour buses – and the morning haze!
Winter hours: 8 am - 4 pm
Summer: the least expensive season
In summer (April to September) the Giza plateau is subject to scorching heat, which can make visiting the pyramids difficult (often over 30°C during the day). It's also the least touristy and therefore least expensive season. If you choose this period, plan your visits at the site's opening.
Summer hours: 8 am - 5 pm
Good to know Plan at least half a day for a site visit. This time allows you to see three pyramids and visit one of them. Note that the last admission is one hour before closing (so 3pm in winter). |
How to get to the Pyramids of Giza?
Where are the pyramids located?
The pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, Menkaure and Khentkaous I are located on the Giza plateau, on the west bank of the Nile. This vast ancient site lies in the desert, 8 km from the center of Giza and 25 km from Cairo. It also houses the Great Sphinx and numerous buildings, such as temples, mastabas and a workers' village.
This area was once located on the outskirts of Memphis (the ancient Egyptian capital, founded around 3100 BC) and was then considered the religious and political center of the country. Note that the Giza plateau and the "open-air museum of Memphis" are two distinct archaeological sites.
How to access the ancient site?
From Cairo (the capital), it will take you between 30 minutes and 1 hour to reach the Giza plateau, depending on your mode of transport. The complex has two entrances. The first is located near the pyramid of Khufu, the second near the Great Sphinx.
By bus
The coach is the most popular way to reach the site. Inexpensive, the network provides easy access to the Giza plateau. From downtown Cairo, you can take lines 355, 357, 900 and 997.
By metro
Line 2 of the metro serves the city of Giza. After getting off at the Om-Elmasreen station, you will then need to take a bus (line 913 or 924), then finish by taxi or on foot (about 10 minutes' walk) to reach the plateau.
By taxi
Taking a taxi is the most expensive of the three transport options, but also the most convenient. Note, however, that the amount remains affordable, as the price of a ride costs on average 70 Egyptian pounds (about €2.10).
Address of Giza plateau: Al Giza Desert, Giza 3512201, Égypte
Can you enter the Pyramids of Giza?
It is possible to visit the inside of the pyramids. The smaller ones are freely accessible. The 3 main ones, Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, are paid (in addition to site entry) but are not always open simultaneously.
What are the prices for the Pyramids of Giza?
Standard visits
Tickets without access to the inside of the pyramids
Standard tickets provide access to almost the entire Giza plateau, including the pyramids, the Sphinx and various buildings. Be careful, the simple ticket does not include the inside of the pyramids or the Solar Boat Museum.
Prices: €6 adult; €3 student (with card presentation)
Tickets with pyramid visits
To have access to the entire plateau and to be able to visit the inside of the pyramids, tickets are a bit more expensive. Note that, even if entering a pyramid is incredible, it is more of a symbolic visit than a spectacular one (you will not find, for example, precious objects or works of art inside).
Prices: €18 adult; €9 student (with card presentation)
Guided tours
Visits can be conducted with an Egyptologist guide. This option is not mandatory, but makes the experience more instructive if you know little about the history of Ancient Egypt!
The prices of guided tours vary depending on the duration (half-day or full day), the number of sites visited, whether meal service is included or not, etc. The prices given here are for guidance only, but give you an idea of the budget.
- Full-day guided tour all-inclusive: €170 for 2 adults (and 2 children).
- Half-day guided tour (4-5 hours) all-inclusive: €29/adult
- Private pyramid visit by quad (1h): €50/adult
Tickets are generally valid for one day and can be booked in advance. Some have skip-the-line options.
Note There are also plateau visits on horseback or by camel... It is not recommended to choose these options, in order to combat animal exploitation. Indeed, they are often mistreated and overexposed to high heat. |
Sound and light show
The sound and light show is an iconic spectacle that has been running since 1961! It's an opportunity to discover the pyramids from a different angle, thanks to the colors illuminating the ancient vestiges, and the soundtrack accompanying the projections.
The audio recording exists in all languages. The English-speaking version plays on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 8pm in winter and 8:20pm in summer. The text is also available with audio headsets.
The price ranges from approximately €3 to €4.50, depending on seating. Note that coolness sets in during the evening… If you don't want to burden yourself with warm clothing, know that blanket rentals are available.
How to dress for visiting the pyramids – and what rules should you follow?
Dress code
When visiting the pyramids and, more generally, visiting Égypte, it is recommended to follow a few dress code rules. Whether man or woman, it is required to cover your legs below the knee (shorts should be avoided, even for men).
If you are a woman, you may need to cover your shoulders in certain places, so take a shawl with you in your bag. Finally, tight and transparent clothing is prohibited. Also opt for closed-toe shoes (because of dust and sand).
Safety rules
To avoid any conflict, rely only on official guides – even if solicitors make you offers at more attractive rates. These are dishonest services that will always cost you more in the end. So be cautious and avoid opportunities that seem too cheap or free.
Within the site, only the options included with your ticket apply. You therefore do not have to pay any additional fees beyond those already settled in your pass! Similarly, taking photos is not a paid option…
What facilities are available on the Giza plateau?
Restrooms
There are sanitary facilities at the two entrances of the complex, namely near the Great Sphinx and the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Accessibility for people with reduced mobility
The ancient site is not fully accessible by wheelchair. However, it is possible to access the Pyramids of Khufu and Khafre, thanks to sidewalks.
Lockers
There are no lockers on the site. If you cannot leave your belongings in a vehicle, be sure to carry only essentials – including your sunscreen – to burden yourself as little as possible.
Shops
The Pyramids of Giza do not have official shops. However, it is possible to buy souvenirs at stalls located at the entrances.
Dining
There are several restaurants as well as fast-food options near the Giza plateau.
Frequently asked questions
Entry to the Giza plateau costs around €6 for an adult and €3 for a student (with card presentation). To access the inside of the pyramids, count €18 for an adult and €9 for a student. These prices are given as guidance and may change.
Yes, it is possible to enter the Pyramids of Giza. The smaller ones are freely accessible. For the three great pyramids (Khufu, Khafre, Menkaure), a specific ticket is required. Know, however, that the interior is relatively bare: you will not find precious objects or works of art.
The best time to visit the Pyramids of Giza is in winter, October to March, when temperatures are most pleasant (around 22°C). However, this is peak tourist season. To avoid crowds, favor visits between 10am and 12pm. In summer (April to September), it's over 30°C but prices are lower.
From Cairo, you can reach the Giza plateau in 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on the transport you choose. By bus, take lines 355, 357, 900 or 997 from downtown Cairo. By metro, get off at Om-Elmasreen station (line 2) then take a bus. By taxi, count around 70 Egyptian pounds (about €2.10).
The sound and light show is an iconic attraction at the site, existing since 1961. It illuminates the pyramids and the Sphinx with colorful light displays, accompanied by narration available in several languages. In English, it takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 8pm in winter and 8:20pm in summer. The price ranges from €3 to €4.50 depending on seating.
It is recommended to cover your legs below the knee (shorts should be avoided, even for men). Women should plan to carry a shawl to cover their shoulders in certain places. Tight and transparent clothing is prohibited. Opt for closed-toe shoes because of sand and dust.
