Giza, Egypt: 10 Must-Know Travel Tips for the Land of Pharaohs (2025)
Giza (Al Jizah), located on the west bank of the Nile River, is one of Egypt’s most famous destinations and home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks. From the legendary Great Pyramids of Giza and the mystical Sphinx to fascinating museums and camel rides through the desert, Giza offers an unforgettable journey through 5,000 years of history.
Why Visit Giza?
✅ The Great Pyramids – One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
✅ The Sphinx – A legendary statue guarding the pyramids.
✅ Ancient Egyptian History – Explore tombs, temples, and artifacts from the past.
✅ Desert Adventures – Ride a camel or go on an ATV tour through the golden sands.
✅ Nile River Views – Enjoy breathtaking boat cruises and scenic sunsets.
✅ Egyptian Cuisine – Try delicious local dishes like koshari, falafel, and shawarma.
Top Attractions in Giza
1. The Great Pyramids of Giza 🏺
The Pyramids of Giza are Egypt’s most famous monuments, built over 4,500 years ago. These ancient tombs of the pharaohs still mystify travelers today.
📸 Best Spot: Take a panoramic photo from the Giza Plateau for the perfect view of all three pyramids.
🐫 Camel Ride: Experience the desert on a camel while admiring the pyramids!
2. The Great Sphinx of Giza 🦁
The mysterious Sphinx, with its lion’s body and human head, is one of the world’s oldest statues.
🧩 Mystery: Scholars still debate how and why it was built!
📸 Tip: The best pictures are taken from the front side, capturing the Sphinx with the pyramids in the background.
3. The Pyramid of Khufu (Great Pyramid) 🏛️
The largest and oldest pyramid in Giza, built for Pharaoh Khufu. You can even enter the pyramid’s narrow tunnels for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
🎟️ Tip: Get your entrance ticket early as spots are limited.
4. The Pyramid of Khafre & Pyramid of Menkaure 🏗️
These two smaller pyramids are part of the Giza complex. The Pyramid of Khafre still has some of its original casing stones, giving us a glimpse of how all the pyramids once looked!
🔍 Look for: The smooth limestone cap still visible at the top of Khafre’s Pyramid.
5. Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids 🌟
At night, the Giza Pyramids come to life with a stunning sound and light show that tells the story of ancient Egypt.
🎟️ Show Time: Starts around 7:00 PM – perfect for an evening visit.
6. The Grand Egyptian Museum (Opening Soon) 🏺
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), set to be the world’s largest archaeological museum, will house over 100,000 artifacts, including King Tutankhamun’s treasures.
⏳ Opening: Expected in 2025 – a must-visit for history lovers!
7. Saqqara & The Step Pyramid of Djoser ⏳
A short drive from Giza, Saqqara is home to the oldest pyramid in Egypt, the Step Pyramid of Djoser, built over 4,700 years ago.
📸 Must-See: The Serapeum, an underground tomb with giant sarcophagi.
8. Memphis – The Ancient Capital of Egypt 🏛️
Once Egypt’s first capital, Memphis is home to the giant statue of Ramses II and ancient ruins that showcase Egypt’s power during the Old Kingdom.
🗿 Highlight: The massive Ramses II statue inside the museum.
Best Things to Do in Giza
🐫 Ride a Camel or Horse – Experience the pyramids from a camel’s back!
🚙 Go on an ATV Desert Tour – Speed through the golden sands on an ATV.
🌅 Enjoy a Sunset Felucca Ride – Cruise along the Nile for a peaceful sunset.
📷 Take a Panoramic Pyramids Photo – The Giza Panorama viewpoint is the best spot for wide-angle shots.
🛍️ Shop for Souvenirs – Visit local bazaars for papyrus paintings, perfumes, and Egyptian jewelry.
What to Eat in Giza 🍽️
Egyptian food is rich in flavor and deeply traditional. Here are the must-try dishes:
🍛 Koshari – A mix of pasta, rice, lentils, chickpeas, and spicy tomato sauce.
🥙 Shawarma – Grilled meat wrapped in fresh pita bread.
🫓 Falafel (Ta’ameya) – Egyptian falafel made with fava beans.
🍢 Grilled Kebabs & Kofta – Juicy, flavorful meat skewers.
🍲 Molokhia – A green soup made from jute leaves.
🍮 Om Ali – A creamy Egyptian bread pudding dessert.
🥭 Fresh Mango Juice – A must-try in Egypt!
🍽️ Best Restaurants in Giza:
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- Koshary Abou Tarek – Best place for authentic koshari.
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- Felfela Village – Traditional Egyptian cuisine in a unique setting.
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- Andrea El Mariouteya – Famous for grilled chicken and kofta.
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- 9 Pyramids Lounge – A luxury dining experience with pyramid views.
Best Time to Visit Giza ☀️
🌸 Spring (March – May): Ideal weather for exploring outdoors.
☀️ Autumn (September – November): Perfect temperatures for sightseeing.
❄️ Winter (December – February): Cooler weather, fewer crowds.
🔥 Summer (June – August): Hot, but great for budget travelers (lower hotel prices).
💡 Pro Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds at the pyramids.
How to Get Around Giza 🚕
🚇 Metro – Cheap and connects to Cairo.
🚖 Uber & Careem – Safer than local taxis.
🐪 Camels & Horses – Fun for tourists near the pyramids.
🚌 Public Buses – Budget-friendly but crowded.
🚙 Private Car Hire – Best for comfort and exploring Saqqara & Memphis.
⚠️ Safety Tip: Watch out for scams near tourist sites. Always agree on prices beforehand.
Where to Stay in Giza 🏨
🏛️ Luxury: Marriott Mena House – 5-star hotel with pyramid views.
🎨 Mid-Range: Steigenberger Pyramids Cairo – Modern hotel near the pyramids.
🎒 Budget: Pyramids View Inn – Affordable stay with rooftop views of the pyramids.
Final Travel Tips for Giza
✔️ Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP). Cash is preferred in markets.
✔️ Language: Arabic, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
✔️ Tipping: Expected for most services (restaurants, guides, taxis).
✔️ Dress Code: Modest clothing, especially for women.
✔️ Stay Hydrated: The desert heat can be intense, so drink plenty of water.
Why You Should Visit Giza 🏺
Giza is a bucket-list destination, offering legendary pyramids, fascinating history, and incredible cultural experiences. Whether you’re riding a camel across the desert, exploring ancient tombs, or enjoying Egyptian street food, Giza promises a trip of a lifetime.
Start planning your Giza adventure today with Preparing Travel! 🌍✈️
