· EG

Giza

Giza, Al Jizah, Egypt

Step into the Sands of Time: Giza, Where Ancient Wonders Meet Modern Marvel Giza, a city pulsing with life on the outskirts of Cairo, offers a mesmerizing journey through time. Here, amidst the swirling sands of the Saha…

#Pyramids#Historical Landmark#Tourist Attraction#Ancient Civilization#Archaeological Site

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Giza.

Top Hotels in Giza

Top Flights to Giza

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Giza.

Tours

Great Pyramid of Giza

Explore the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, offering incredible views and a deep dive into ancient Egyptian history.

Sphinx of Giza

Visit the iconic limestone statue with the body of a lion and head of a king, representing ancient Egyptian royalty.

Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids

An immersive experience where the history of Egypt is narrated with stunning light displays on the pyramids.

Memphis and Sakkara Day Tour

A day trip to explore the ancient city of Memphis and the Step Pyramid of Djoser in Sakkara.

Shopping

Khan El Khalili Bazaar

Discover a vibrant market teeming with spices, souvenirs, jewelry, and traditional Egyptian crafts.

City Stars Mall

A modern shopping destination featuring international brands, dining, and entertainment options.

Outdoor

Camel Ride at Giza Plateau

Enjoy a traditional camel ride with panoramic views of the pyramids and the desert landscape.

Giza Zoo

Visit one of the oldest zoos in Africa, home to a wide variety of animal species.

Fel-Felucca on the Nile

Relax on a traditional sailing boat with stunning views of the Nile River and Cairo.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Giza.

Currency

E£ | EGP | Egyptian Pound

Population

8.8 million

Languages

Arabic, Arabic, English, French

Average weather

Giza

Jan

18°8°

Feb

20°9°

Mar

23°11°

Apr

28°15°

May

32°18°

Jun

35°21°

Jul

36°22°

Aug

36°22°

Sep

34°21°

Oct

30°18°

Nov

25°14°

Dec

20°10°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Giza.

What people love

Traveling to Giza, located in Al Jīzah, Egypt, has several pros:

Pyramids of Giza: Giza is home to the famous Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Visitors can explore these incredible ancient structures, including the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure.
Sphinx: The Great Sphinx of Giza, a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh, is another iconic attraction in Giza. Visitors can marvel at this ancient statue and learn about its history and significance.
Historical and Cultural Significance: Giza is steeped in history and offers visitors a glimpse into ancient Egyptian civilization. Travelers can learn about the pharaohs, mummification, hieroglyphics, and other aspects of this fascinating culture.
Camel Rides: Travelers to Giza can enjoy the unique experience of riding a camel around the pyramids. This is a popular activity that allows visitors to see the ancient structures from a different perspective.
Sound and Light Show: The Pyramids of Giza host a nightly sound and light show that illuminates the ancient structures with colorful lights and tells the history of the pyramids through narration and music. This immersive experience is a must-see for visitors.
Convenient Location: Giza is located just a short distance from Cairo, the capital of Egypt, making it easy to combine a visit to the pyramids with other attractions in the area, such as the Egyptian Museum and the Khan el-Khalili bazaar.

Overall, traveling to Giza offers a unique opportunity to explore ancient wonders, immerse oneself in Egyptian history and culture, and create unforgettable memories.

What to know

Traveling to Giza, located in Al Jīzah, Egypt, may have the following cons:

Crowds: Giza, being home to the iconic pyramids and the Sphinx, attracts large crowds of tourists throughout the year. This can lead to overcrowding at popular sites, especially during peak tourist seasons, making it challenging to fully enjoy the experience.
Scams: Like many tourist destinations, Giza is not immune to scams targeting unsuspecting visitors. Tourists may encounter scams such as overcharging for goods or services, fake tour guides, or being pressured into buying unnecessary products.
Heat: Egypt has a desert climate, and temperatures in Giza can soar during the summer months, often exceeding 40°C (104°F). The intense heat can make sightseeing uncomfortable and exhausting, especially if proper precautions like staying hydrated and seeking shade are not taken.
Pollution: Giza, like many urban areas, can suffer from issues related to pollution. Air pollution from vehicle emissions and dust can be a concern, especially for individuals with respiratory conditions.
Cultural Sensitivity: Egypt is a conservative country with specific cultural norms and customs. Travelers to Giza should be respectful of local traditions, dress modestly, and be mindful of local customs to avoid causing unintentional offense.
Language Barrier: While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, travelers may still encounter language barriers, especially when venturing off the beaten path or interacting with locals who may not speak English fluently.
Safety Concerns: While Egypt is generally safe for tourists, there have been isolated incidents of terrorism and civil unrest in the past. Travelers should stay informed about the current situation and follow any travel advisories issued by their government.

It's essential to research and plan your trip carefully to mitigate these potential cons and have a safe and enjoyable experience in Giza.

Giza, located on the west bank of the Nile River, is part of the Greater Cairo metropolis in Egypt. It is home to some of the most iconic monuments of ancient Egypt, including the Giza Plateau, which hosts the world-famous pyramids and the Great Sphinx. Here is a detailed history of Giza:

Ancient History

Old Kingdom (c. 2686–2181 BC): The most significant period in Giza's history is the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom, when the pyramids were constructed. The Pyramid of Khufu (also known as the Great Pyramid), the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure were built during this time. These monumental structures served as tombs for the pharaohs.
Khufu (c. 2589–2566 BC): The Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was constructed under Pharaoh Khufu. It is the largest of the three pyramids and demonstrates the incredible engineering skills of the ancient Egyptians.
Khafre (c. 2558–2532 BC): The second pyramid, slightly smaller than Khufu's, was built for Pharaoh Khafre. The Great Sphinx, with the body of a lion and a human head, is believed to bear the likeness of Khafre and is located near his pyramid.
Menkaure (c. 2532–2503 BC): The third and smallest pyramid was built for Pharaoh Menkaure. Despite its size, it is still an impressive structure and completes the trio of pyramids on the Giza Plateau.

Later Periods

New Kingdom (c. 1550–1070 BC): During the New Kingdom, Giza continued to be an important religious site, although the focus of monumental building had shifted to the Theban area (modern-day Luxor).
Roman Period (30 BC–AD 640): The pyramids of Giza became a tourist attraction even in antiquity, receiving visitors from the Roman Empire.

Medieval to Modern History

Islamic Conquest (7th Century AD): With the Islamic conquest of Egypt in the 7th century, Cairo eventually became the focal point of governance and culture. Giza remained important due to its historical and religious significance.
19th Century: During the 19th century, interest in Egyptology grew, and the pyramids of Giza became a major subject of archaeological study. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 also increased European interest in Egypt.
20th Century to Present: Giza has become a suburb of the rapidly expanding city of Cairo. It is a major tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year who come to see the pyramids and the Sphinx.

Significant Landmarks

Great Pyramid of Giza: Also known as the Pyramid of Khufu, it is the largest pyramid and was originally covered with casing stones that made it shine.
Pyramid of Khafre: Notable for having part of its smooth limestone casing still visible at the top.
Pyramid of Menkaure: Smaller than the other two, but originally had an intricate temple complex.
Great Sphinx of Giza: This massive limestone statue is one of the most famous monuments in the world. It stands near the Pyramid of Khafre.
Solar Boat Museum: Houses the reconstructed solar barque of Khufu, discovered in pits around the Great Pyramid.

Modern Importance

Giza is a vital part of Egypt's tourism industry, and its historical monuments are a source of national pride. The area continues to be studied and explored by archaeologists, revealing more about ancient Egyptian civilization. Giza is also a bustling urban area, part of the larger Cairo metropolitan area, which is one of the largest cities in Africa and the Middle East.

This history reflects Giza's significance in both ancient and modern times, showcasing its enduring legacy as a center of human achievement.