• Historic monuments – Khufu, Khafre, Menkaure pyramids and the Great Sphinx.
• Local life – Hawker stalls sell roasted pigeon, falafel, and Arabic coffee; cafés stay open 12 h for late‑night travelers.
• Scenic moments – Dawn walks on the Corniche, sunlit pyramid reflections, endless desert horizon.
• Daily rhythm – The metro rumble from Cairo echoes across the desert, blending ancient silence with urban energy.

• Spring & Autumn (Mar–May, Sep–Nov): 20–30 °C (68–86 °F), ideal for walking and photography.
• Summer (Jun–Aug): 35–40 °C (95–104 °F); sunrise (≈ 5:00 am) or sunset (≈ 4:15 pm) tours recommended.
• Crowd windows – 10 am–3 pm most crowded; early morning or late evening offers quieter experience and softer light.

• Pyramid complex (Khufu, Khafre, Menkaure) – Entry: 200 E£ (≈ $13).
• Great Sphinx – Entry: 100 E£ (≈ $6.50).
• Bundle – Pyramid + Sphinx for 250 E£ (5 % discount).
• Hours – 08:00–17:00 daily, including weekends.
• Discounts – Children < 12, seniors > 60, and Egyptian nationals get 20 % off.

• Cash – Withdraw via ATMs at Egyptian Bank (Giza Gate) and Suez Bank (Corniche); note 2–3 % withdrawal fee.
• Exchange – Giza International Exchange: 1 USD = 30.75 E£ (rate fluctuates; check Egyptian Bank official site).
• Cards – Acceptable at most hotels, larger shops; many street stalls require cash.

• Airport taxi – Flat rate 80–100 E£ (~$5–$6), ≈ 45–60 min (traffic‑dependent).
• Shuttle bus – “Cairo‑Giza Express” hourly, 150 E£ (~$8), 4 h travel.
• Private transfer – 250 E£ (~$15), 60 min.
• Peak‑hour note – During 8–10 am & 5–7 pm traffic may add 10–15 min to travel time.

Shuttle Bus #2

• Stops: Giza Pyramids Corner, Giza Corniche, Egyptian Museum.
• Fare: 25 EGP single, 45 EGP round‑trip.
• Duration: 30‑45 min (peak adds 10‑15 min).
• Travel tip: If the bus is full when you arrive, wait just 5 minutes—queues are short and you’ll still hit the site before sunset.

Avis Rental

• Rate: 3,000 EGP/day (includes limited‑use insurance).
• Fuel: ~10 EGP/L (€0.07/L).
• Route: Take Road 5 south → ~30 km to Giza.
• Travel time: 30‑35 min (avoid rush 16:00‑18:00).
• Safety tip: Enable GPS or download the MapQuest offline map before departure; signs post “GIZA” only after 10 km.

• Tickets: Buy at the station or bus stop. Keep a handful of 10 EGP notes for buses/taxis.
• Cash: Most local buses and taxis don’t accept cards. 1 EGP = ≈ €0.005.
• Language: “مِصْدَقَة؟” (Do you have a ticket?) – 0 m 10 s “midadha?” “سيارة سريعة” (quick taxi) if you need a faster ride.
• Luggage:
• Metro: one small pack + carry‑on (no large suitcases).
• Bus: one seat‑back bag + 1 small carry‑on.

• Taxi: up to 2 large suitcase + 1 small backpack.

• Pyramid Entry: 200 EGP for foreign guests; buy online via the official Giza Pyramid Authority portal or at the ticket office.

• Parking: Paid lot at Giza Pyramid Square costs 50 EGP per vehicle; permit needed for larger cars.
• Weather: July can hit 40°C. Pack sunscreen, a wide‑brim hat, and bottled water (brands like Agbar or Masdar).
• Traffic Alerts:
• 07:00‑09:00: +20 min.

• 16:00‑18:00: +25 min.

• Safety: Stick to licensed taxis or Careem/Uber for night travel; avoid unofficial “tuk‑tuk” pickups near the airport.

Best For

• Panoramic pyramid & Sphinx views from rooftop cafés
• Early‑bird sunrise photo ops – the terraces at 4 am have the least crowds.
• Day‑trip convenience from Cairo (≈40 min by metro or 15 min by private shuttle).

Vibe

• Iconic, tourist‑centric zone anchored by the great monuments.
• Mix of luxury resorts, mid‑range hotels, and budget hostels all lined on the east side of the plateau.

Getting There

Tip: Book a shared shuttle from Cairo to the museum – 10 min walk from the Giza metro exit.

Safety & Health

• Stick to main streets; avoid isolated alleys after 9 pm.
• Carry a small bottle of water (1 L ≈ $1) and a reusable straw.
• Emergency numbers: 122 (police), 124 (ambulance).
• First‑aid kits available at the museum lobby; free bottled water at the visitor center.

Entry Requirements

• Visa: Most nationals need an e‑visa or visa on arrival (check https://www.mfa.gov.eg/).
• Passport: Valid at least 6 months beyond your stay.
• COVID‑19: No proof required as of 2026‑08, but bring a mask for indoor spaces.

Money & ATM

• 1 USD ≈ 30 EGP (July 2026).
• ATMs at the museum lobby and in Giza Center Mall – no foreign‑currency fee if you use a credit card.
• Best rates at large banks (National Bank, BRB) – avoid street kiosks.

Mobile & SIM

• Buy a Vodafone Orange SIM at the airport or Giza station.
• 3‑month data plan: 60 EGP ($2 USD) for 3 GB + unlimited calls.

Season & Crowds

• Best months: October‑March – cooler (20–26 °C), fewer tourists.
• Avoid: July‑Sept (heat >35 °C, peak school holidays).
• Night tours: Book through Pyramids Tours Co. (reservation required, $40 GBP per person).

Parking

• Paid lots near Grand Egyptian Museum: 20 EGP/hour, first 2 hrs free.
• Free municipal parking outside the pyramid complex – limit: 3 hrs (parking fee 5 EGP/10 min after 3 hrs).

Links

• Giza Pyramids Authority
• Grand Egyptian Museum
• Cairo Tourism Portal

1️⃣ Local Dishes you should taste

• Koshary – rice, lentils, pasta, tomato sauce, garlic vinegar & fried onions.
• Ful Medames – slow‑cooked fava beans served with olive oil, lemon, cumin, and a side of fresh bread.
• Molokhia – green leafy stew with chicken or rabbit, served over rice.
• Mahshi – stuffed vegetables (courgette, bell pepper, onion) in tomato sauce.
• Taameya (Egyptian falafel) – chickpea‑based patties seasoned with cumin, dill, and garlic.
• Grilled Kebabs – kebab baladi (beef or lamb) on skewers, often served in a ta’boulé wrap.
• Baklava & Basbousa – sweet pastries for dessert or coffee.

2️⃣ Top Restaurants & Cafés

3️⃣ Street Food & Quick Bites

• Taameya stalls – 2–3 USD per plate.
• Koshary carts – 4–5 USD.
• Fresh Feta sandwiches from kiosks near the pyramids – 3–4 USD.

4️⃣ Budget Guide

5️⃣ Reservation & Dining Tips

• Peak Times: 12:30–14:00 and 18:00‑21:00; tables fill quickly in mid‑range spots.
• Speak Arabic or bring phone with translation – most wait‑staff prefer short phrases.
• Tipping: 10 % for restaurants; 5–7 USD for cafés.
• Cash Preferred: While many places accept cards, small vendors only take cash.
• Dress Code: Traditional seating areas appreciate modest dress; no shorts in mosque‑view restaurants.
• Special Requests: Ask for spicy or light versions of dishes in advance; most kitchens will adapt.

• e‑Visa
• Apply online through visa2egypt.gov.eg
• Process time: 3–7 business days

• Valid for 30 days, single entry ($30 USD) or multiple entries ($60 USD)

• Visa on Arrival

• Available at Cairo International Airport

• Cost: $30 USD (cash only, exact change required)

• Requirements

• Passport: valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay, at least one blank page
• Recent passport‑size photo (if requested)

• Proof of onward travel or accommodation booking (recommended)

• Special Cases

• Syrian “Syriain‑only” stamps are free at the Red Sea resorts only; not valid for Giza.

• Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP) – also accepted in major banks; 1 USD ≈ 30 EGP (exchange rates vary).
• ATMs: Widely available in Giza, Cairo, and Sphinx area; use cards with International ATM logos.
• Cash: Bring small denominations for tips and small purchases; avoid large amounts.
• Credit/Debit: Visa & MasterCard accepted in hotels, restaurants, and some shops. Check with your bank for foreign‑transaction fees.
• Currency Exchange: Use official exchange counters in the airport or reputable banks; avoid street exchangers.

• Official Language: Arabic.
• Useful Phrases
• Hello: “أهلا وسهلا” (ahlan wa sahlan)
• Thank you: “شكرا” (shukran)
• Yes/No: “نعم/لا” (na’am / la)

• Excuse me / I’m sorry: “عفوا” (afwan)

• English: Widely understood in tourist areas but not in rural parts.

• Tip: Carry a small phrasebook or a translation app.

• Personal Safety
• Stick to reputable tour operators and hotels.
• Avoid walking alone after dark near the pyramids.

• Keep belongings in a money belt or zipped backpack.

• Health

• Stay hydrated; carry bottled water.
• Sunscreen SPF 30+, hat, and sunglasses are essential.

• Mosquito repellent; local malaria risk is low but precautions are wise.

• Travel Insurance

• Mandatory health insurance covering COVID‑19, accidents, and repatriation.

• Emergency Numbers

• Police: 122
• Ambulance/Medical: 124
• Tourist Police (English): 115

• Clothing
• Light, breathable fabrics (cotton, linen).
• Comfortable walking shoes; sturdy sandals for pyramid walks.

• A light jacket for cooler evenings.

• Essentials

• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, SPF 30+ sunscreen.
• Small first‑aid kit: plasters, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers.
• Flashlight or headlamp (LED batteries).

• Power adapter: Type C or F plugs; 220‑V supply.

• Documents

• Passport, visa approval, travel insurance, copies of accommodation and flight tickets.
• Emergency contacts and embassy details.

• Morning – Arrive early (7 am) to beat the crowds at the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx.
• Mid‑day – Camel ride or quad bike around the plateau; grab a quick lunch in the surrounding bazaars.
• Afternoon – Visit the Solar Boat Museum (near the Great Pyramid) to see the ancient Nile vessel.
• Evening – Sunset view from the Giza National Museum terrace (if open).

Length of stay: 6–8 hours; best for a fast trip from Cairo or a day‑break itinerary.

Notes: Saqqara is 30 km from Giza; a guided tour adds context to the Step Pyramid’s significance.

Length of stay: 2 days, 14–18 hours in total.

Travel time: ~1‑hour each leg.
Why 3 days? Allows for a relaxed pace, deeper dives into early dynastic architecture, and nighttime Nile experience.

Key tip: Book early‑morning or evening flights from Cairo to Luxor to maximize the Luxor experience.

Length of stay: 4 days, ~30‑35 hours of guided visits plus travel.