10 Epic THINGS TO SEE and DO at the PYRAMIDS OF GIZA

The Great Pyramids of Giza are the most magnificent structures and the most iconic sight in the world. They have been on my bucket list of places to visit for the longest time.

Built during the Old Kingdom (c. 2686-2181 BC), specifically, during the reign of the Fourth Dynasty kings, more than 4,000 years ago, the Great Pyramids of Giza give us a glimpse into Egypt’s past.

The Great Pyramids of Giza are part of the Giza Pyramid Complex, which is also called the Giza Necropolis. The pyramid complex is vast and consists of:

• Great Pyramid of Giza, also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops
• Pyramid of Khafre
• Pyramid of Menkaure
• Great Sphinx of Giza
• “Queens” Pyramids
• Solar Boat Museum

In addition, there are causeways, valley pyramids, several cemeteries, and the remains of a workers’ village. To make your visit manageable and efficient, here are 10 epic things to see and do at the Pyramids of Giza.

Before we start with 10 epic things to see and do at the Pyramids, read 15 Travel-Tested Tips for Visiting the Pyramids of Giza to make sure your visit is smooth, efficient, and memorable.

Traveling in Egypt can be challenging, even for the most seasoned nomad. There’s so much to know about Egypt and consider before planning a trip. I came up with essential 14 Egypt travel tips, that will help you make the most of your time,  avoid possible challenges, and ensure you have a safe and enjoyable stay in Egypt.

Read 14 Egypt Travel Tips to Save You Time, Money, and Keep You Safe before going to Egypt.

Now, with no further delay, here are 10 epic things to see and do at the Pyramids of Giza.

The  Great Pyramid of Giza (also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops) is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza Pyramid Complex.

Egyptologists believe that the pyramid was built over a 10 to 20-year period concluding around 2560 BC.

Initially standing at 146.5 meters (481 feet), the Great Pyramid was the tallest man-made structure in the world for more than 3,800 years until Lincoln Cathedral was finished in 1311 AD.

The Great Pyramid is made of an estimated 2.3 million blocks of stone which most believe to have been transported from nearby quarries.

Each block weighs approximately 2267.96 kilograms (2.5 tons).

For an additional fee, on top of the entrance ticket to the Great Pyramid Complex, you can go inside the Great Pyramid of Giza, Pyramid of Khafre, or Pyramid of Menkaure. It costs 400 EGP to go inside the Great Pyramid of Giza, versus 100 EGP to enter the Pyramid of Khafre or Menkaure.

The entrance to the Great Pyramid is through the hole located on the north side of the pyramid.

Going inside the Great Pyramid is one of those lifetime chances to experience the Ancient Wonder of the World. Once you enter, you will go up through the Grand Gallery until you reach the King’s Chamber. Inside the King’s Chamber, you will be able to see a sarcophagus.

The sarcophagus is made out of one solid piece of granite. You might wonder how was it transported through the narrow passages? Interestingly, there are claims that the Great Pyramid was built around the sarcophagus, rather than it being brought inside.

Make sure you are up to going inside the pyramid. The passages are narrow with no ventilation and poor lighting. On top of that, it gets crowded. If you are claustrophobic or have breathing problems, then you definitely should skip it.

You can take pictures inside the pyramids with your cell phone. Unfortunately, cameras are not allowed inside the pyramids. My suggestion is to safely store it inside your backpack and always be ready. I found out that the rules and regulations constantly change while I was traveling through Egypt.

The Pyramid of Khafre or Chephren is the tomb of the Fourth-Dynasty pharaoh Khafre (Chefren), who ruled from c. 2558 to 2532 BC.

It is the second-tallest and second-largest of the Pyramids of Giza. It rises to a height of 136.4 meters (448 feet). However, if you look at it, it appears to be taller than the Pyramid of Khufu. It is because it sits on a bedrock, which is 10 meters (33 feet) higher than Khufu’s pyramid.

Also, the slope of Khafre’s Pyramid is steeper than the Pyramid of Khufu. It rises at a 53° 13′ angle compared to 51°50’24”.

The Pyramid of Menkaure is the tomb of the Fourth Dynasty Egyptian Pharaoh Menkaure. Menkaure’s length of reign is uncertain. It is estimated that it lasted from 18 to 22 years starting in 2530 BC.

The Pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest of the three main Pyramids of Giza. It is estimated that the original height was 65.5 meters (215 feet). However, today it stands at 61 meters (204 feet).

Did you know that at the end of the twelfth-century al-Malek al-Aziz Othman ben Yusuf, Saladin‘s son and heir, attempted to demolish the pyramids, starting with that of Menkaure?

Workmen recruited to demolish the pyramid stayed at their job for eight months but found that they could only remove one or two stones each day. Despite their efforts, workmen were only able to damage the pyramid to the extent of leaving a large vertical gash at its northern face.

The Great Sphinx of Giza is a limestone statue of a reclining sphinx.

When I first saw it, it just took my breath away! I certainly did not expect how grand it was! It measures 73 m (240 ft) long from paw to tail, 20 m (66 ft) high from the base to the top of the head, and 19 m (62 ft) wide at its rear haunches.

The date of the construction of the Great Sphinx of Giza is not known for certain. Some theories state that the head of the great Sphinx shows the likeness of the Pharaoh Khafra. As a result, it is estimated that it was built between 2600 and 2500 BC.

The Great Pyramid Complex is walkable. Needless to say, make sure that you have comfy shoes. And, if you are visiting during the summer months, make sure to wear a hat, carry plenty of water, and layer on the sunblock.

Once to get to the Panoramic Spot and you will be rewarded with the most spectacular views of the pyramids.

Hands down, go on a camel ride! It is part of the experience.

However, before you get on the camel, negotiate the price of your ride and clarify where and how far you will ride. I suggest riding the camel to the Panoramic Spot and asking the camel handler to take a few of your pictures. There are plenty of camels to choose from. So take your time!

Getting on the camel can be a little tricky. Make sure to lean back as much as possible while the camel is getting up and kneeling down. Once you are situated, then it is a piece of cake. Just relax your body and off you go.

I had a great camel handler who took some pretty cool pictures of me on the camel!

If you are not up to a camel ride, go on a horse-drawn carriage ride around the Great Pyramids of Giza. Before you get into the carriage, make sure to negotiate the price of your ride and find out all the details like how long the ride will be and where you will be taken.

There are three boat-shaped pits around the Great Pyramid of Giza. Egyptologists speculate that they once contained complete boats. However, they disintegrated over time.

In May 1954, the Egyptian archaeologist Kamal el-Mallakh discovered a fourth boat pit. The pit was covered with slabs of stone which preserved 1,224 pieces of wood that were found inside.

It took Haj Ahmed Yusuf, an experienced boat builder, 14 years to put all the pieces together.

The result is an absolutely amazing cedarwood boat that measures 43.6 meters (143 ft).

If you need some ideas for things to do at night in Cairo, then my suggestion is that you catch the Sound and Light Show at the Great Pyramid Complex. You will learn some interesting facts re-told by the Sphinx about the great builders of the pyramids:  Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure.

Above all, you will be able to see the pyramids and the sphinx beautifully illuminated!

The show lasts about an hour and it is done in different languages. Check the schedule and the prices here.