THE DO’S AND DON’TS FOR VISITING THE PYRAMIDS

THE DO’S AND DON’TS WHEN VISITING THE PYRAMIDS OF GIZA - Travel Tips and Tricks for Visiting the Great Pyramids of Giza | www.popoversandpassports.com |

You’ll never forget the moment when you lay eyes on the Great Pyramids of Giza.  The experience of seeing the last remaining of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World with your own eyes is a humbling moment.  This post contains a list of the do’s and don’ts to make planning your trip to the pyramids a breeze! 

I’m here to tell you that Egypt is safe to visit, and there’s no time better to experience this beautiful country than right now. If you’re getting ready to finally cross the Pyramids of Giza off your bucket list, consider these tips to make the most of your time during your visit.

GETTING TO THE PYRAMIDS

If you’re planning to visit the Pyramids on your own from Cairo without a structured tour, I would suggest an Uber over a cab to ensure a fixed price and a safe mode of transportation. Even though Giza is only 10 miles outside of Cairo, the roads can be very busy. Depending on when you’re traveling, you should budget between 30 minutes and 60 minutes.  If you want to avoid the heat and the crowds, get there early when the doors open before the tour groups arrive around 10am.  The site opens every day between 8 am and 5 am. 

Cairo is a fascinating city with so much culture…don’t sip it! For five experiences that will make Cairo unforgettable checkout my blog post here.

Linnea in front of the great pyramids of giza

GUIDE OR NO GUIDE? 

It’s entirely up to you how you wish to experience the pyramids, but if you have a limited time frame, I would recommend hiring a guide to accompany you to pyramids. If you wish to explore on your own time please be cautious of locals who might be trying to sell you gifts, or press you for a camel, or horse ride.

Pros of Taking a Guide: 

  • Someone to take photos of you, or your group 
  • Air-conditioned vehicle for transportation 
  • Someone who is knowledgable about the history of the pyramids 
  • A guide would reduce the amount of people who would approach you to offer services (camel rides, souvenirs, horse rides)  

Pros to exploring the pyramids without a Guide: 

  • No additional cost beyond the entrance tickets 
  • You’re on your own time and never rushed 
  • You don’t have to worry about any other tourists with you 

Linnea riding a camel at the pyramids of giza

THE DO’S AND DON’TS WHEN VISITING THE PYRAMIDS OF GIZA - Tips on how to make your visit to the Great Pyramids of Giza Memorable | www.popoversandpassports.com |

PYRAMIDS ADMISSION PRICES

The cost of your visit depends what you want to do. Currently in 2018, the general admission is 120 EGP (Egyptian Pounds) per person, or under $7USD. If you want to go inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu this will cost you 300 EGP (or $17 USD). If you are a student, show them your ID to take advantage of their student discounts. 

You won’t find any mummies inside, but crawling up and around the Great Pyramid of Khufu is still a unique experience if time allows. You have options to purchase tickets to visit the other two, but the Pyramid of Khufu will be the most interesting. If you suffer from claustrophobia, it’s best to sit this one out. 

Linnea blowing a kiss at the sphinx in giza

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE PYRAMIDS AND THE SPHNIX  

There are around 138 pyramids in all of Egypt, but the most famous pyramid structures are the Pyramids of Giza. 

The pyramids are now housing places for the tombs of the pharaohs who commissioned them, but historians and archeologists still are not entirely sure how they were built, exactly who built them, and for what reason. 

The Pyramids were constructed around 200 B.C. The Pyramid of Khufu is the oldest and largest among the three pyramids standing around 455 feet as of today.   

The Sphinx is made out of limestone and represents a lion’s body with a human head. It’s believed that the Sphinx’s face is that of pharaoh Khafra. 

THE DO’S AND DON’TS WHILE VISITING THE PYRAMIDS 

DO:

  • Bring water and protect yourself from the sun!  The Egyptian sun is incredibly strong, and you’re going to want to have plenty of water and be protected from intense sun exposure with sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, or all of the above!  If you need a place to cool off and grab a quick bite, the Marriott Mena House is a short notice away with a nice restaurant (rather on the pricy side) or bar overlooking the pyramids. 
  • Dress Conservatively. Yes, it’s hot out. Please don’t forget that Egypt is a predominately Muslim country, and it’s still important for both women and men to dress conservatively.  For women long lightweight cotton dresses, or pants below the knee are ideal, and a light shawl to go over your arms is not only respectful, but can be styled very well. For men, it’s not acceptable to wear shorts, so pants and a t-shirt is a standard option. Remember, you’re not here to change the culture, you’re here to experience a new one.
  • Ride a camel and take photos! You’re in Egypt for goodness sake! Please don’t leave without enjoying a moment exploring the pyramids and taking photos to document the occasion. 

  Before you take a camel, horse, or carriage ride follow these three tips below:  

  1. Be mindful to always negotiate a price before getting on a camel. 
  2. Discuss where you’ll be going and how long you’ll be on the camel.
  3. Be sure to tip!

Linnea in front of the great pyramids of giza

DON’TS:  

  • Don’t climb on the pyramids. As the last Ancient Wonder of the World, we want to preserve it as much as we can so another 4500 years from now visitors can still have this experience.  
  •  Don’t encourage the people trying to sell you things. Make it clear that you do not want to buy. When asked if you want to purchase anything they have to sell reply with a firm “La shukran”, or no thank you. As always, be very mindful of your backpacks, pockets, purses etc.  
  •  Don’t be too friendly with people coming up to you and asking “Where are you from?”. The second you answer, they will continue to talk to you and give you advice, information and/or directions. They will expect a tip even after giving you information you did not want. However, at the same time, please don’t refuse totally to talk to Egyptians. They are incredibly kind and friendly people who are just trying to make a living and support their families. 

a camel overlooking the pyramids

MAKE IT MEMORABLE

Never forget during your visit to stop and cherish a moment! As the last Ancient Wonder of the World, visiting the Pyramids of Giza is nothing short of remarkable. Close your eyes and feel the desert wind blow through your hair and the Egyptian sun against your skin, and you’ll be feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Open your eyes and look up at the massive pyramid above you, and you can’t help but feeling an overwhelming sense of humility.  

Have you been to the Great Pyramids of Giza? Do you have any other questions about visiting the pyramids that I didn’t cover? Comment below! 

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Everything you wanted to know for planning your trip to Cairo and visiting the Great Pyramids of Giza. Tips on what not to miss, and how to come prepared to experience this Ancient World Wonder! Your trip to Egypt will be one that you never forget! #egypt #cairo #pyramids

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67 Comments

    1. You need to! You won’t regret it! When you do let me know if you have any other questions!

      Reply

    2. Love this and how you discussed the pros and cons of getting a guide to see the pyramids. I also had no idea how reasonable admission was. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply

  4. Oh how I would love to visit Egypt one day! Your post and pics make it sound awesome! Thanks for sharing. We are just back from Jamaica and I think I need to check out Egypt next!

    Reply

    1. Please do! It’s definitely on the cost friendly side once you get there. Jamaica also sounds like a blast too!

      Reply

    1. I love how you have a 10 year travel list! That’s the coolest thing! I definitely hope you get there soon! It’s definitely a trip of a lifetime.

      Reply

  8. LOVE your line about being there to experience a new culture, not change it. This is also a super helpful guide… did you go DIY or with a guide?

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Katie! We went with a guide around the pyramids, but most of the trip I planned on my own.

      Reply

  9. This is an amazing guide, everything you could ever want to know is covered! Plus your photos are beautiful!

    Reply

  11. Now that there are direct flights between my own country and Egypt, I am now tempted to visit. And of course I’ll visit the pyramids of Giza so this post will be very useful. Thanks.

    Reply

  12. I would love to visit the pyramids one day! What an amazing experience. It’s sad you have to tell people not to climb on them lol.

    Reply

  14. Thanks for the advice! To be honest, I didn’t know the Pyramids are so close to Cairo, that should make them easy to visit, I suppose. Would love to do that one day.

    Reply

  16. I have never heard before the expresion ” you are not here to change their culture” and I loved it! I may steal it haha. That said, were you traveling alone when you visited the pyramids? As a white (and blond) women, did you have a lot of problems visiting on your own (if that was the case?). I have been wanting to go to Egypt for years but since I usually travel on my own I am a bit taken aback about what would that experience be. Thanks!

    Reply

    1. Hi Jenn! Good question. I was actually with another female friend, but we had a private your guide with us. I highly recommend booking a private your guide!

      Reply

      1. Hi, could you please share the name of the tour guide company you used or their website? Thank you!

        Reply

  17. Those photos are absolutely breathtaking… its making me want to squeeze Egypt into my next travel plans. And super helpful tips about interacting with sellers/people giving advice in exchange for tips – I can be naively friendly to locals so I don’t realize when people are trying to butter me up to sell me something haha.

    Reply

  19. Thanks for all the tips! I’ve been to Egypt before but not to the pyramids, will make sure to use your tips when I do go!

    Reply

  21. Seeing the Pyramids of Egypt is so high on my bucket list! I’m hoping to go either later this year or sometime next year. This is a great guide! 🙂

    Reply

  23. Visiting the pyramids are on my bucket list. Thanks for the post as I’m sure when I visit I will make the most of my time there thanks to your tips.

    Reply

  26. These are great tips! Egypt has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. I’ll be saving this post for whenever I finally plan a trip there! 😁

    Reply

  30. Love how informative this post is, super helpful! I think I would opt to not take tour so I can go at my own pace, which would be such a cool experience in a place like Giza!

    Reply

  32. Hi Linea,

    I’m Egyptian living in Germany and on my way now to the airport to visit Egypt. I was looking for some tips while visiting the pyramids as I plan to visit them with my kids this time. I really liked your post and how to respect, even if you disagree with, other cultures. Thanks alot for the nice guide 🙂

    Hesham

    Reply

  33. Wow !!! Thank You for sharing! If God willing I will be going there soon the flight would be on 24 this month😍

    Hoping to experience all of those above😎😊

    Reply

  34. This is s helpful post! I’m sure bringing water is really important, and that’s a good reminder to dress conservatively, even when it’s hot out.

    Reply

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