Giza travel guide
Giza Tourism | Giza Guide
You're Going to Love Giza
Step back in time in Giza, Egypt, with a history that dates back to the 26th century B.C. and beyond. As one of the most famous historic sites on the globe, it is located across the Nile River from Cairo. Along with its iconic pyramids, the Great Sphinx, and other historic monuments, the city offers travelers a thriving modern dining and entertainment scene.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Giza
1. The Pyramids
For thousands of years, the Giza Plateau has been home to the iconic Great Pyramid, the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, along with the enigmatic Great Sphinx and other monuments.
2. Parks
The city boasts many large parks, including the large forested Orman Park and the Giza Zoo with its animal exhibits.
3. Egypt's Incredible History
Between Giza and Cairo, there are dozens of museums and historic sites to explore and discover, even apart from the Necropolis and its landmarks, including the Grand Egyptian Museum.
4. Desert Adventure
Try quad biking, a horseback, or even camel-back tour of the desert with the iconic pyramids as your backdrop.
5. The River Nile
Along with the city itself, Giza is the ideal location to take a Nile cruise for a day or overnight trip to explore deeper into the country's centuries of history, including Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and many other ancient sites.
What to do in Giza
1. Ancient History Stands Proud
The Great Pyramid is the oldest, and most impressive, of the Pyramids of Giza. Built in 2560 B.C. this is also the oldest of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. This pyramid has held up amazingly well and its size is truly remarkable. It was originally built just over 480 feet tall, but due to erosion it's now around 455. However, the volume of this pyramid is an incredible 88,000,000 cubic feet. While you can take tours of the pyramid and see tombs and rooms within it, experts still believe there are are parts still to be discovered.
2. Strength And Wisdom Preserved
When people think of Egypt, one of the first images to come to mind is a Sphinx, the mythical creature with the body of a lion but the head of a human. Sphinxes were a symbol of strength and wisdom in the ancient world. The Great Sphinx of Giza is carved straight from the limestone rock bed and the face is generally believed to be that of the Pharaoh Khafre. Being 238 feet tall, this giant memorial to the Pharaoh really gives off strong vibes. It's humbling to see such an ancient part of history so well preserved.
3. Live Like King Tut For A Day
Living museums aren't necessarily unique, but when you're talking a time in history that was so long ago, it's kind of incredible to witness what life might actually have been like, which is what makes the Pharaonic Village so special. This replica of an ancient village has more than just ancient relics and live representations of ancient Egyptian life. It also has the tomb of Tutankhamen, or King Tut as you might know him.
4. An Expanse Of Ancient History
If you've been to see the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx of Giza then you'll have been on the Giza Plateau - as it's the expanse of desert terrain on which those monuments sit. However, being so close to Cairo, it's incredible to go out to the Giza Plateau where there's no vegetation and no civilization. This stark difference is uncommon these days and is well worth seeing. In the future, there are hopes to build the Grand Egyptian Museum on the site. It's hoped that this will open in 2018.
5. Row To The Heavens
It's no secret that ancient Egypt has a fascinating history, but this solar boat is something that is almost never discussed, and seeing it is a special experience. History experts strongly believe this boat was built for King Khufu the second pharaoh of the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom, and it was found in a tomb of the Great Pyramid of Giza. Experts painstakingly reconstructed this boat, which the ancient Egyptians believe was the vessel that could take you to heaven.
1. Ancient History Stands Proud
The Great Pyramid is the oldest, and most impressive, of the Pyramids of Giza. Built in 2560 B.C. this is also the oldest of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. This pyramid has held up amazingly well and its size is truly remarkable. It was originally built just over 480 feet tall, but due to erosion it's now around 455. However, the volume of this pyramid is an incredible 88,000,000 cubic feet. While you can take tours of the pyramid and see tombs and rooms within it, experts still believe there are are parts still to be discovered.
2. Strength And Wisdom Preserved
When people think of Egypt, one of the first images to come to mind is a Sphinx, the mythical creature with the body of a lion but the head of a human. Sphinxes were a symbol of strength and wisdom in the ancient world. The Great Sphinx of Giza is carved straight from the limestone rock bed and the face is generally believed to be that of the Pharaoh Khafre. Being 238 feet tall, this giant memorial to the Pharaoh really gives off strong vibes. It's humbling to see such an ancient part of history so well preserved.
3. Live Like King Tut For A Day
Living museums aren't necessarily unique, but when you're talking a time in history that was so long ago, it's kind of incredible to witness what life might actually have been like, which is what makes the Pharaonic Village so special. This replica of an ancient village has more than just ancient relics and live representations of ancient Egyptian life. It also has the tomb of Tutankhamen, or King Tut as you might know him.
4. An Expanse Of Ancient History
If you've been to see the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx of Giza then you'll have been on the Giza Plateau - as it's the expanse of desert terrain on which those monuments sit. However, being so close to Cairo, it's incredible to go out to the Giza Plateau where there's no vegetation and no civilization. This stark difference is uncommon these days and is well worth seeing. In the future, there are hopes to build the Grand Egyptian Museum on the site. It's hoped that this will open in 2018.
5. Row To The Heavens
It's no secret that ancient Egypt has a fascinating history, but this solar boat is something that is almost never discussed, and seeing it is a special experience. History experts strongly believe this boat was built for King Khufu the second pharaoh of the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom, and it was found in a tomb of the Great Pyramid of Giza. Experts painstakingly reconstructed this boat, which the ancient Egyptians believe was the vessel that could take you to heaven.
Where to Eat in Giza
Choose from a menu of Lebanese, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean specialties at Aura, in the palatial Four Seasons Hotel, where mains start at E£135. For Middle Eastern fast food, try Kazaz, where menu items start at only E£17.
When to visit Giza
With its dry, hot desert climate, Giza is a year-round tourist destination, with an uptick in tourist visits during the summer months of July and August, when temperatures hover between 75 and 90.
How to Get to Giza
Plane
The closest international airport is Cairo International Airport (CAI) at a distance of about 16 miles. A taxi to Giza costs about E£120 - but be sure to negotiate the price before you set out.
Train
There are frequent connections from Giza by train to Cairo and many other locations along the Nile, including Luxor.
Car
There are good highway connections via Cairo and highway 75 along the Nile as far as Luxor and beyond.
Bus
There are many intercity connections from Giza to Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada, and beyond, through several companies, including Super Jet Bus company and Go Bus.
Airports near Giza
Airlines serving Giza
Where to stay in Giza
Giza Downtown - this area along the Nile River is where you will find the Giza Zoo and other parks, along with easy access to Cairo for day trips.
Popular Neighborhoods in Giza
El Haram - you'll find a wealth of options for dining, entertainment, and accommodation along El Haram street, along with the Grand Egyptian Museum, set to open in 2018, and other attractions in this neighborhood.
Village of Nazlet el-Samman - this small village on the western outskirts of the city proper is the location of the Giza Necropolis, home to the Great Pyramid and other ancient monuments.
Where to stay in popular areas of Giza
Most booked hotels in Giza
How to Get Around Giza
Public Transportation
Bus service is available through Giza and Cairo, including direct routes to the Necropolis, with fares starting at E£2. There is also a subway route from Cairo to Giza.
Taxi
Taxis are plentiful throughout the city, particularly near the Necropolis. A typical fare across town runs about E£40.
Car
A car rental isn't necessarily within the city, but may be useful for exploring beyond Giza's limits, with rentals that start at E£435.
The Cost of Living in Giza
Shopping Streets
You'll find modern shopping malls in the central part of the city, including along the Sixth of October Road. For some of the country's largest and oldest souks, or open air markets, look across the river to Cairo.
Groceries and Other
Dina Farms and Metro are two of the supermarket chains you'll find throughout the city. A quart of milk will cost about E£11.50 and a dozen eggs will run about E£14.