The pyramids of Giza are the grand finale of the story that began at Saqqara and Dahshur. Khufu — Sneferu’s son — used everything his father’s architects had learned to build the Great Pyramid, originally 146.6 metres tall and the tallest human-made structure on earth for nearly 4,000 years.
Alongside it stand the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, the Great Sphinx and a sprawl of tombs and temples. Giza is busy, but it is also unmissable — and seeing it together with Dahshur lets you appreciate just how quickly the pyramid builders perfected their art.
Top things to do
Circle the Great Pyramid
Walk around its base to grasp the precision: each side is about 230 metres long, aligned almost perfectly to the cardinal points.
Meet the Sphinx
The Great Sphinx, carved from the living rock, guards the causeway to Khafre’s pyramid.
Ride to the panorama point
Camel or horse rides to the desert viewpoint give the classic view of all nine pyramids — agree the price before you start.
Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum
The vast new museum beside the plateau displays Tutankhamun’s treasures and thousands of other artefacts.
How to get there
- Giza lies on the western edge of Greater Cairo, about 25 km (40 minutes) north of Dahshur and 15–20 km from downtown.
- Many tours combine Giza with Saqqara and Dahshur in one long day; alternatively, stay in Giza and visit Dahshur on a separate half-day.
- Arrive at opening time to beat the tour buses and the heat.
- Entry to the Great Pyramid interior requires a separate, expensive ticket — the Red Pyramid at Dahshur is included in its site ticket.
- Use only licensed guides and agree prices for rides in advance.
Best tours that include Pyramids of Giza
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to visit Pyramids of Giza — with transport from Cairo or Giza and a guide who brings the stones to life:
Top pick · Day trip from US$55 Giza: Sakkara, Memphis & Dahshur (Pyramid & Felucca Options)
- Choose your combo: Dahshur, Saqqara, Memphis, Giza and a Nile felucca
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo or Giza
Best for: First-timers who want the full pyramid story in one day
Day trip · Best value from US$42 Giza Pyramids, Memphis & Sakkara with Optional Dahshur & Felucca
- Pick the sites you want — add Dahshur as an option
- Private guide and air-conditioned transport
Best for: Budget-conscious travellers with one day in Cairo
Private · All-inclusive from US$103 Cairo: Giza Pyramids, Sakkara & Dahshur All-Inclusive Tour
- Giza, Saqqara and Dahshur in one private day
- Entry fees, lunch and water included
Best for: Travellers who want Giza + Dahshur fully arranged
Small group · Bestseller from US$73 From Cairo: Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, Saqqara & Memphis Tour
- One of Cairo’s best-reviewed tours — 3,600+ reviews
- Giza pyramids, Sphinx, Saqqara and Memphis
Best for: Pairing with a separate Dahshur visit
