Top Attractions & Activities in Giza Egypt

• By Egypt Day Trips
• 23 December 2024
• Egypt Things to do

Imagine standing at the edge of the Giza Plateau. The sun casts golden rays over the iconic pyramids. These structures have stood for nearly 5,000 years.

The air is filled with rich history and ancient stories. The Pyramids of Giza are not just tombs of Pharaohs. They represent a civilization that has fascinated travelers for centuries.

Planning your adventure in Giza? This guide will show you the top attractions and activities. You'll get a glimpse into the ancient world of dynasties and pharaohs. Millions visit these spots each year, drawn by their unique allure.

From the Great Pyramid of Khufu to the Great Sphinx, each landmark has its own story. You'll dive into Egypt's glorious past. Get ready to explore one of the world's most captivating destinations.

The Great Pyramid of Khufu

The Great Pyramid of Khufu is a wonder of ancient times. It's the oldest and biggest landmark in Giza. Built around 2570 BC, it was once 146.6 meters tall. It's made of about 2.3 million limestone blocks, each weighing 2.5 to 15 tons.

The pyramid's construction is incredibly precise. It's aligned with true north with just a 4.4 centimeter error. This shows the ancient Egyptians' skill in building.

It's a key spot for tourists in Giza. It's the only ancient wonder left standing for over 4,500 years. People come to see its massive size and the ancient Egyptians' engineering skills.

The pyramid was not just a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu. It also shows the ancient beliefs about the afterlife. They believed the pharaoh needed his earthly things in the afterlife.

To see the Great Pyramid of Khufu, you need to pay 160 Egyptian Pounds to enter the Giza Plateau. To go inside the pyramid, it's another 360 EGP. Buying tickets early helps avoid long lines.

Be careful of unofficial guides who might offer horse or camel rides. They might ask for money for these services. For the best view, visit in midday or afternoon in winter. This time avoids the morning haze.

In short, the Great Pyramid of Khufu is a marvel of ancient wisdom. It draws people who want to learn about Egypt's history. Seeing it up close is a truly awe-inspiring experience.

The Pyramid of Khafre

The Pyramid of Khafre is a key landmark at Giza, built for Pharaoh Khafre around 2520 BC. It's the second tallest pyramid, reaching 136.4 meters (448 feet). Its high spot on the Giza Plateau makes it seem even taller than the Great Pyramid of Khufu.

Khafre's pyramid is more than just tall. It has original casing stones near the top, showing its former beauty. It's also linked to the Great Sphinx, a symbol of the pharaoh's divine protection.

• Year of construction: c. 2520 BC
• Height: 136.4 meters (448 feet)
• Significant architectural feature: Intact casing stones at the summit
• Connection to: The Great Sphinx

Seeing the Pyramid of Khafre helps us understand ancient Egyptian architecture and culture. This huge structure has amazed many visitors, showing the skill and creativity of its builders. For those visiting the Pyramids of Giza, seeing Khafre’s pyramid is a must. It's a key part of learning about this ancient civilization's history.

The Pyramid of Menkaure

The Pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest of the Giza pyramids but very important. It was once 66.5 meters tall but now stands at about 65 meters. Built for Pharaoh Menkaure in 2548 BC, it's a key part of ancient Egyptian architecture.

When you visit Giza, don't miss the Pyramid of Menkaure. It may be smaller than the others, but it has its own special features. These details make it a must-see.

Exploring the Pyramid of Menkaure shows its amazing design. It has a main structure and smaller pyramids for Menkaure's queens. There are 203 steps to the top. The base is 108 meters square, made from over two million stone blocks, each weighing about 2 tons.

• Visitors can see the granite casing that covers the pyramid, even though some parts are missing.
• Check out the temples for Hathor and Anubis nearby. They show off the art from the Fourth Dynasty.
• The valley temple east of the Great Pyramid is also worth a visit. It gives a glimpse into ancient ceremonies.

Remember some important Giza travel tips when you go. Dress modestly, as you would in a religious place. Egypt is taking extra steps to keep tourists safe. Seeing the Pyramid of Menkaure adds to your Giza experience and connects you with ancient Egypt's history.

The Great Sphinx of Giza

The Great Sphinx of Giza is a stunning landmark in Giza. It's a huge limestone statue, 73 meters long and 20 meters tall. It's thought to be of Pharaoh Khafre, with a lion's body and a human head.

It was built around 2500 BC. The Sphinx watches over the Giza Plateau, where pharaohs are buried. It's near the Great Pyramids, making it a key spot for visitors.

People can see the Sphinx all year. The Giza Plateau is open from 8 am to 4 pm. Tickets cost EGP 200 for adults and EGP 100 for students. Guided tours cost between EGP 500 and EGP 1500.

• Visit during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn for a more comfortable experience.
• Plan a 30-minute journey from central Cairo to reach the Giza Plateau.
• Consider public transportation as a budget-friendly option to explore this area.

The Sphinx has had many repairs, including one in 1931. But, its nose is missing. Many stories try to explain why, like Napoleon's soldiers or iconoclasts.

Seeing the Great Sphinx of Giza is a special experience. It's a must-see for anyone interested in ancient history.

Wissa Wassef Art Centre

The Wissa Wassef Art Centre is a lively spot for Giza culture. It shows off Egypt's artistic side through local arts in Giza. It's in southern Giza, near Saqqara, and is a must-see for its cultural richness.

Here, you can see how artisans make beautiful tapestries. It takes about a month to weave just one square meter. This shows the hard work and skill of each craftsman.

Artisans at the Wissa Wassef Art Centre create without sketches. This makes each piece special and shows the artist's unique view. They use natural plants for dyes, making the colors and textures rich.

These tapestries are not just art. They are also loved worldwide, shown in museums everywhere.

There are two parts to the center. One lets you see artisans at work. The other is a museum and gallery where you can buy art. Tapestries start at $100, and batik art at about $10.

Street parking is easy, and there are free tours. This lets you really get into the local arts in Giza.

• Artisans are paid for their time and work quality.
• Batik art fabric is treated with wax and boiled.
• The museum has big tapestries and is mostly easy for strollers. But, some paths are dirt.
• There's also the Adam Henein Museum nearby, adding to the area's culture.

The Wissa Wassef Art Centre is dedicated to keeping traditional crafts alive. Visiting here is a calm and educational experience. It lets you dive deep into Giza culture, making your visit both informative and meaningful to the local arts scene.

Giza Necropolis: An Overview

The Giza Necropolis is famous for its huge structures and history. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you can see the Great Pyramid, built by Pharaoh Khufu, and other pyramids.

These pyramids show the ancient Egyptians' architecture and burial customs. The necropolis shows how pyramids evolved and the beliefs about the afterlife. You can learn about these tombs and their history when you visit.

Entry fees range from 200 EGP (about $11) for general access to 600 EGP (around $33) for the Great Pyramid. The site is open from 6 am to 10 pm every day. This gives you plenty of time to see its beauty.

• The Great Pyramid of Giza has 2.3 million limestone blocks, each weighing about 2.5 tons.
• Chephren's Pyramid looks bigger because it's higher up.
• The Valley Temple connected to Khafre was for mummification.
• The Great Sphinx is made from one sandstone piece, showing ancient art skills.
• King Menkaure’s pyramid, Mykerinos, is 65 meters high, made of white and red granite.

Getting to the Giza Necropolis is easy by bus, taxi, or guided tours. Taxis cost about 50-60 EGP. For more fun, try camel rides for 200 EGP or a Nile boat ride for 250 EGP.

The necropolis is safe and welcoming for visitors. Your Giza travel guide will help you explore these ancient sites. It promises a memorable trip back in time.

Things to do in Giza Egypt

Giza is full of activities, not just famous sights. Visiting the pyramids is a must. The Great Pyramid costs 400 EGP to enter. The other pyramids and the Solar Boat Museum cost 100 EGP each.

• Take guided tours to learn more about Giza's sights, like the Giza Necropolis.
• Try camel rides for a special view of the monuments.
• Shop at local markets for traditional crafts and souvenirs.

For a better trip, follow some Giza travel tips. Eat at places like El Dar Darak or The Blue Restaurant & Grill. Meals cost between 7 € and 14 €. Stay at places like Pyramid Edge Hotel or Cleopatra Pyramids View for 65 euros and 57 euros per night, including breakfast.

Plan your trip well to see everything. Giza has lots to do for all kinds of travelers.

Khafre’s Valley Temple

Khafre’s Valley Temple is east of Chefren's pyramid in the Pyramids of Giza Complex. It's a key spot in ancient Egyptian architecture. Built in the 4th Dynasty, it was for King Khafre, who built the second-biggest pyramid in Giza.

This temple was mainly for cleaning Khafre’s mummy before burial. It was a big part of the mummification process.

The temple is a square, 482 feet on each side. It has a special design with:

• An entrance hall leading to an open courtyard
• Sturdy pillars supporting the roof
• Niches and storerooms for various purposes
• An inner sanctuary complete with stelae and a false door

It was made from local limestone, with fine Tura limestone and pink granite ashlars. This shows the skill of ancient Egyptians. Found in the 19th century, it's the best-preserved valley temple in Egypt.

In the 1860s, archaeologists found twelve statues of Khafre. Some were taken by later rulers.

Khafre’s Valley Temple shows the talent of ancient Egyptians. It's a big draw for those interested in Giza temples and ancient Egyptian culture. What's left today gives us a peek into their rituals and beliefs. This marks the Fourth Dynasty as a key time in Egypt's history.

Menkaure's Valley Temple

Menkaure's Valley Temple is east of the Pyramid of Menkaure. It shows the beauty of ancient Egyptian buildings. Though damaged, it's a key spot in Giza, showing Menkaure's time.

The temple's carvings and design show it was for worship. It had statues of Menkaure, helping us understand the pyramids and temples in Giza. Walking through, you see the skill and effort in building it.

• Explore the detailed carvings of the pharaoh's life.
• Marvel at the design that shows the site's religious importance.
• Learn about the discoveries that highlight the temple's history.

Visiting this temple makes your trip to Giza Necropolis better. It's a key site in the world. Menkaure's Valley Temple shows the advanced skills of ancient Egyptians and their lasting impact.

Queens' Pyramids

The Queens' Pyramids are found south of the Great Pyramid of Khufu. They are smaller but just as interesting. Each pyramid is about 20 meters tall. They show the queens' status and importance in ancient Egypt.

These pyramids are different from the big ones. They give us a peek into Giza's history and royal life. The queens were honored in their own way, but not as grandly as the kings.

• Each pyramid shows the Old Kingdom's architecture and skill.
• Their smaller size shows the gender roles of ancient times.
• Seeing the Queens' Pyramids lets you see their designs and history.

Visiting the Queens' Pyramids helps you understand royal history and Giza's past. These sites show the important role women played in ancient Egypt. They left a lasting legacy.

Solar Barque Pits

The Solar Barque Pits are at the Great Pyramid of Khufu's eastern side. They give us a peek into ancient Egyptian burial rituals. These pits were for ceremonial boats, helping the pharaoh on his afterlife journey.

The Egyptians built these pits with great care. This shows their deep respect for the journey from life to the next world.

In 1954, the famous Khufu Ship was found. It was made around 2500 BC from cedar wood. The ship was 43.6 meters long and 5.9 meters wide.

It took fourteen years to put the ship back together. Chief restorer Ahmed Youssef Moustafa did this amazing work.

• Solar Barque Pits were key to Giza tourism, showing ancient Egyptian culture's details.
• Khufu's ship, the biggest f fourteen royal vessels found, shows the era's skill.
• The ship's purpose might have been as a funerary barge or for royal pilgrimages.

Visiting the Khufu Ship Museum near the pyramid lets you see the ship up close. Remember, you need a special ticket for this, not the usual Giza Plateau ticket.

The Solar Barque Pits' discovery shows the depth of ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife. It draws visitors who want to learn more about Giza tourism and its history.

Conclusion

Giza is a window into ancient Egypt's world. It shows us the rich culture of the past. You can see the Great Pyramid of Khufu, over 4,500 years old, and the Sphinx.

Visiting Giza, you'll find many things to do. You can explore tombs or see local art at the Wissa Wassef Art Centre. It's a place for everyone.

But, be ready for crowds, even in the evening. The Sound and Light Show is amazing. It tells stories of Pharaohs and the Pyramids.

Booking with Egypt Day Trips is a good idea. It makes sure you see everything important. This way, you won't miss out on anything.

Your trip to Giza will be memorable. You can ride camels or learn about the Great Pyramid. It's a journey full of energy and history.

Get ready for amazing experiences in Giza. Let the magic of this timeless place surprise you.