10 Things to Know Before Visiting the Pyramids of Giza

By mioricelesta80 | Dec 20, 2022
Africa > Egypt

From either Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh, a trip to Giza to see the pyramids is something you must do while in Egypt, and it's one of those places that every traveler should visit at least once.

1. What are some of the best attractions in Cairo?


Cairo, Egypt.

Cairo, Egypt.

Near Cairo, Egypt's modern capital, you can visit several pyramids. They first appeared in ancient Egypt 4,500 years ago, when Memphis was the metropolis, and modern-day Cairo was still a little outpost. To commemorate their previous wealth, the pharaohs erected pyramids.

The most famous is Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure pyramids in Giza, Cairo. Located 22 kilometers south of Giza, the step pyramids of Saqqara are among Egypt's most visited historical sites.

The best of Cairo awaits you on your day trip from Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh; here are some of the city's most famous landmarks.

The pyramids of Giza: Cheops, Chephren, and Menkaure are all located in Giza, Egypt. The Sphinx and the small pyramids of their first husbands and wives can still be seen today.
Visit the Egyptian Museum: To see the mummies of ancient Egyptian pharaohs, Tutankhamun's sarcophagus and death mask, and over 200,000 other artifacts from Egypt.
Getting around Cairo: It requires a single bus ride. Tahir Square, where the revolution began, is adjacent to the Egyptian Museum. On the Nile, you can also have a meal aboard a boat.
Visiting the step pyramids in Saqqara: Located 22 kilometers south of the Great Pyramids, is not included in most tours of the Saqqara and Memphis area. The Egyptian Museum is closed, so you'll have to do without it.

2. How long does it take to get from Hurghada to Cairo?


Cairo Old Mosques

Cairo Old Mosques

Approximately 450 kilometers separate Cairo from Hurghada.

The bus took me from my hotel to the north of Hurghada at 2:50 in the morning, and the trip to Cairo begins at 2:00. It will take an extra hour to get there from Safaga or Marsa Alam.
The police require all buses to assemble at a parking lot north of Hurghada. A police escort will follow your convoy as you travel down the coast of the Red Sea toward Cairo.

3. Finally, take a plane from Hurghada to Cairo.


Cairo Sightseeing

Cairo Sightseeing

Air travel to Cairo is another service provided by tour providers.

Different bus tours have different pickup times, costs, and return dates. Taking the bus is just as effective as other modes of transportation for seeing Cairo's sights.

It eliminates the need to take a time-consuming bus trip to Cairo. Flying from Hurghada to the Pyramids will cost you between €150 and €200, or nearly three times as much as taking the bus.

4. Tutankhamun's mask and museum admission are the top four attractions in Egypt.


The admission price is higher if you bring a camera into the museum. The only areas where photography is prohibited by ticket policy are the rooms containing Tutankhamun's death mask and the mummy chamber.

You need a camera ticket to bring your camera on the bus with you. You'll have to go through a metal detector and a bag search twice, and you can forget about getting your camera with you. Meanwhile, the two bus drivers keep an eye out for valuables; thus, the camera ticket is optional.

The museum guards are okay with visitors using their phones to take pictures inside the exhibits.

The photo ticket won't get you into the room containing Tutankhamun's coffin and a death mask.

The guard stationed in front of Tutankhamun's mask is overworked; he shuffles from tourist to tourist to enforce the no-photography policy. The minimum number of guards in a given space is two.

The guards will ask you to delete the shot from your camera if you are found taking photos in Tutankhamun's room in an obvious manner.

5. The Three Pyramids of Giza (Cheops, Khafre and Menkaure)


The Great Pyramid of Giza

The Great Pyramid of Giza

Giza, where the pyramids are located, is on the outskirts of Cairo to the west. As of this moment, the city limits are practically on all sides. As of now, Greater Cairo is home to at least 25 million people.

The excursion ticket already includes entrance to the pyramids. You'll need to fork over 300 Egyptian pounds (about $50) if you use a tripod. Otherwise, the pyramids are often accessible for photo taking.

The interior of the Pyramid of Cheops costs an additional 300 Egyptian Pounds to visit the burial chamber. The burial chamber at the Chephren pyramid costs 10 euros, but that in the Menkaure pyramid costs only 5.

The little pyramid housing the tombs of Cheops's wife and their children is always accessible. My group's tour leader ensured we could all take cameras inside.

6. Best camel rides, souvenirs, and images of the Giza Pyramids.


The Great Sphinx

The Great Sphinx

Guides and Bedouins observed photographers taking pictures in front of the pyramids. Moreover, you have a clue as to where these photographs were taken.

Our tour guide will make a point to take us to all the best photo ops.

It costs 50 Egyptian pounds to ride and photograph the camels.

7. Egyptian Pounds are the sole currency accepted at the box offices.


Egyptian Bazaar in Cairo

Egyptian Bazaar in Cairo

Additional tickets for the Mummy Hall, photographer access, and the burial chamber in the Cheops Pyramid can only be purchased with Egyptian pounds, which are only accepted at the ticket offices. It's recommended that you use an ATM in either Hurghada or Cairo to get some Egyptian pounds.

If you need another option, there is an ATM next to the Egyptian Museum and the Pyramids in Cairo. Your advisor can also help you convert your money from dollars or euros to Egyptian pounds.

8. Is the day trip from Hurghada to Cairo risky?


Hurghada, Egypt.

Hurghada, Egypt.

You may safely arrange a trip to Cairo from Hurghada.

9. Tips for a Day Trip to Cairo


Cairo at Night

Cairo at Night

Breakfast Pack: The hotels provide a breakfast pack on the tours to Cairo and Luxor. Get it ready for breakfast the next day by placing an order with reception the night before. When in doubt, ask one of the local tour agencies.
Lunch: According to the description, lunch is provided on nearly all tours. You'll need to put some cash in the bar tab.
Vacation: Day trips to Cairo are always an option.

10. The value of a day trip to Cairo from Hurghada.


Egypt Day Tours

Egypt Day Tours

Over two thousand years ago, the ancient Greeks ranked the world's seven wonders, with the pyramids at the top. The Pyramids were already well-known landmarks at that time.

There is great interest in the pharaohs' massive tombs. The Giza Pyramids are well-known to kids of all ages.

I recommend that everyone at least once in their lives see the Pyramids of Giza.

Day trips from Hurghada are the most convenient option for visiting the pyramids.

Even the cruises on the Nile are a good time.

I recommend scheduling time for the pyramids soon after arriving in Hurghada. In such case, you'll come with plenty of time to bask in the sunshine before your return trip home.

If you're planning a trip to Cairo, what questions or advice do you have for me?

Egypt Egyptian pyramids Giza Things to do Africa Cairo

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