Best things to do in Giza
Find out more about those top places in Giza
While the city of Giza has been encircled by the vast and unplanned urban sprawl of nearby Cairo, this northern Egyptian city has a charm all of its own. Giza is undoubtedly most famous for its Great Pyramids, which are the last remaining extant ancient wonder of the world, and its iconic Sphinx. Towering above the surrounding sand dunes, the pyramids were built as the perfectly geometric tombs of ancient pharaohs and today are one of the world’s most visited tourist attractions. During the day the pyramids can be inundated with visitors day tripping from Egypt’s capital but in the early evening, as the tourist crowds disperse and the sun begins to set, they remain one of the most magical structures on earth.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
