Giza
Destination
This Giza travel guide covers the best things to do in Giza: the Pyramids and the Sphinx, the Grand Egyptian Museum and nearby Saqqara. Below you will also find the best time to visit Giza, how to get there and around, and a choice of hotels in Giza.
Giza is the capital of Giza governorate and forms the western half of Greater Cairo, on the west bank of the Nile. It is a huge, busy city in its own right, with Cairo University, the zoo and dense residential districts, but it is best known for the Pyramids of Giza on the desert edge, where the Great Pyramid is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing.
History
The pyramids were built in the 4th Dynasty, around 4,500 years ago, for the kings Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, close to the old capital of Memphis across the river. The Giza plateau is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Memphis and its Necropolis, which runs south through Saqqara to Dahshur. The modern city grew rapidly in the 20th century as Cairo expanded westwards.
What to see and do
- Giza Plateau: the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, the Great Sphinx, the Valley Temple and the boat and workers’ areas. Separate tickets are needed to enter the pyramids themselves; check the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities for current prices.
- Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM): officially inaugurated on 1 November 2025 beside the plateau, it displays the complete Tutankhamun collection and thousands of other objects in vast new galleries. Allow at least half a day.
- Sound and light show: an evening show at the Sphinx.
- Saqqara, Dahshur and Memphis: the Step Pyramid, the Bent and Red Pyramids and the colossus of Ramesses II make a good day trip south.
- Orman Garden and Giza Zoo: historic green spaces near Cairo University, which have been under redevelopment; check whether they have reopened.
Practical tips
Plan at least one full day for the pyramids and the GEM, and another for Saqqara and Dahshur. Arrive at opening time to avoid heat and crowds. Ride-hailing apps are the easiest way around; Metro Line 2 serves Giza but not the plateau itself. Agree prices for camel and horse rides in advance, and politely decline unofficial guides at the entrances.
Last checked October 2026. Sources: en.wikipedia.org, whc.unesco.org, en.wikipedia.org, egyptianstreets.com.
Historical background
Tourist ideas
Complete guide to Giza
About the city, its weather, the best time to visit and how to get there.
About Giza
- Arabic name
- الجيزة
- Governorate
- Giza (الجيزة)
- Region
- Greater Cairo
- Top landmark
- Pyramids of Giza
- Destination type
- Main
- Travel region
- Cairo and Giza
What is the weather like in Giza?
- Jan
- Apr
- Jul
- Oct
Average daytime highs, °C. Reference: Cairo and Giza.
When is the best time to visit Giza?
- Best season
- October to April
How do I get to Giza?
Cairo International (CAI) and Sphinx (SPX) airports serve the city. The metro, ride-hailing apps and taxis cover Cairo and Giza.
What to see in Giza
- Pyramids of Giza
- Grand Egyptian Museum
- Saqqara
- Dahshur
- Memphis
Archaeological sites in Giza governorate
Museums in Giza governorate
Hotels near Giza
Things to do from Giza
Day trips with hotel pickup, run by a local operator. Book directly with them.
Where to eat in Giza
9 Pyramids Lounge 9 بيراميدز لاونج
Terrace restaurant inside the pyramids site, with views of all nine pyramids.
Khufu's خوفو
Fine-dining restaurant at the plateau serving a refined Egyptian tasting menu facing the pyramids.
139 Pavilion (Marriott Mena House) 139 بافيليون - مينا هاوس
Hotel terrace restaurant with direct views of the Great Pyramid.
Andrea El Mariouteya أندريا المريوطية
Garden restaurant famous for rotisserie chicken, grilled meats and fresh bread baked on site.
Last checked October 2026. Opening hours and menus change; check with the venue before you go.
Shopping in Giza
Mall of Egypt مول مصر
Huge mall with hundreds of shops and Ski Egypt, an indoor snow park.
Mall of Arabia مول العرب
One of west Cairo's biggest malls, with department stores, a cinema and many restaurants.
Arkan Plaza أركان بلازا
Open-air lifestyle centre with cafes, restaurants and shops around landscaped walkways.
Americana Plaza أمريكانا بلازا
Busy open-air mall known for its large selection of cafes and restaurants.
Kerdasa Market سوق كرداسة
Village market known for handwoven textiles, galabeyas and embroidered goods.
Last checked October 2026. Opening hours and menus change; check with the venue before you go.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Giza?
Cairo International (CAI) and Sphinx (SPX) airports serve the city. The metro, ride-hailing apps and taxis cover Cairo and Giza.
What is the nearest airport to Giza?
The nearest airports to Giza are Sphinx International Airport (SPX) and Cairo International Airport (CAI).
Where can I eat in Giza?
Popular choices include 9 Pyramids Lounge, Khufu's, 139 Pavilion (Marriott Mena House), Andrea El Mariouteya. See the dining section above for more.
Where can I go shopping in Giza?
Try Mall of Egypt, Mall of Arabia, Arkan Plaza, Americana Plaza. See the shopping section above.
