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🔺Wonder of the Ancient World

Cairo & Giza Pyramids: The Complete 2025 Guide

Stand before the last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World. Everything you need to know about visiting the Pyramids, the Sphinx, and exploring Cairo.

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🏛️ Why Visit Cairo?

Cairo is a city that hits you like a tidal wave — the noise, the energy, the chaos, and the sheer weight of 5,000 years of history. It's home to the Great Pyramid of Giza (the last standing Wonder of the Ancient World), the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum (the world's largest archaeological museum), and the medieval Khan el-Khalili bazaar that has been trading since 1382.

With over 20 million people, Cairo is overwhelming — but that's part of its magic. The call to prayer echoing across the skyline at sunset, the aroma of fresh koshari from street carts, the Nile reflecting the city lights at night. Cairo doesn't just show you history in museums — it wraps you in it.

The city is also your gateway to all of Egypt — from here you can easily reach Luxor, Aswan, Alexandria, and the Red Sea resorts by train, bus, or short flight.

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Top Cairo & Giza Attractions

With entry costs, tips, and what to expect at each site

🔺

Great Pyramid of Khufu

The last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World. Built around 2560 BC, it stood as the tallest structure on Earth for 3,800 years. You can enter the narrow passages to reach the King's Chamber inside.

🎫600 EGP extra
💡Only 300 people/day allowed inside — buy tickets at 8 AM
🦁

The Great Sphinx

The iconic limestone statue with the body of a lion and head of a pharaoh. 73 meters long and 20 meters high, it guards the Giza Plateau. No extra ticket needed.

🎫Included in Giza ticket
💡Best photos from the viewing platform in front
🏛️

Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

The world's largest archaeological museum, opened in 2024. Houses the complete Tutankhamun collection (5,000+ artifacts), royal mummies, and 100,000+ pieces spanning 5,000 years.

🎫600 EGP (~$12)
💡Allow 3-4 hours minimum. Audio guide is worth it.
🏪

Khan el-Khalili Bazaar

Cairo's legendary medieval bazaar, operating since 1382. A labyrinth of narrow alleys selling spices, jewelry, lanterns, perfumes, and souvenirs. Don't forget to haggle!

🎫Free
💡Visit after 4 PM when it comes alive. Start at 50% of asking price.
🕌

Islamic Cairo & Citadel

The magnificent Citadel of Saladin overlooks Cairo with stunning views. Inside, the Mohamed Ali Mosque (Alabaster Mosque) features Ottoman architecture and panoramic city views.

🎫300 EGP
💡Combined with a walk through Al-Muizz Street — Cairo's open-air museum

Old Cairo (Coptic Quarter)

Home to the Hanging Church (7th century), Ben Ezra Synagogue, and the Coptic Museum. A peaceful, historic neighborhood where Egypt's Christian heritage is beautifully preserved.

🎫Free (museum: 100 EGP)
💡Start at Mar Girgis metro station. 2-3 hours is enough.

🔺 4-Day Cairo & Giza Itinerary

Day 1: Pyramids of Giza & Sphinx

Arrive at 8 AM when Giza Plateau opens (beat the heat and crowds). Start at the Great Pyramid of Khufu — buy the inner chamber ticket immediately (only 300/day). Walk to the Pyramid of Khafre and Menkaure. Head to the Panoramic Viewpoint for the classic three-pyramids photo. Visit the Great Sphinx and Valley Temple. Optional: camel ride ($10-15, negotiate hard). Afternoon: explore the Grand Egyptian Museum (nearby, allow 3-4 hours).

Great PyramidSphinxGrand Egyptian Museum

Day 2: Islamic Cairo & Khan el-Khalili

Morning at the Citadel of Saladin — visit the Mohamed Ali Mosque for panoramic Cairo views. Walk down Al-Muizz Street (Cairo's most beautiful historical street) through medieval mosques and madrasas. Lunch at a local Egyptian restaurant (try koshari or ful medames). Afternoon into evening at Khan el-Khalili bazaar — browse spices, lanterns, jewelry, and papyrus. End with tea at El Fishawy café (open since 1773).

Citadel of SaladinAl-Muizz StreetKhan el-Khalili

Day 3: Old Cairo & Nile Cruise

Morning in Coptic Cairo — visit the Hanging Church (Al-Mu'allaqa), Ben Ezra Synagogue, and Church of St. Sergius (built over the cave where the Holy Family supposedly sheltered). Walk through the Coptic Museum. Afternoon: visit Tahrir Square and the surrounding downtown architecture. Evening: take a Nile dinner cruise (felucca sailboat for budget, dinner cruise boat for luxury).

Hanging ChurchCoptic MuseumNile Cruise

Day 4: Saqqara & Memphis Day Trip

Day trip to Saqqara (30 min from Cairo) — home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser (the world's oldest pyramid, 2630 BC) and recently opened tombs with incredible painted walls. Continue to Memphis open-air museum to see the colossal Ramesses II statue and alabaster Sphinx. Return via Dahshur to see the Red Pyramid (you can enter for free!) and Bent Pyramid.

Step PyramidMemphisRed Pyramid

Cairo Scams to Avoid

🐪 "Free" Camel Photo

Someone offers a "free" photo on their camel. Once you're up, they demand $50+ to let you down. Fix: Negotiate price BEFORE mounting. Fair price: $5-10 for photos, $15-20 for a ride.

🏛️ "Museum is Closed"

A "helpful" local tells you the museum/site is closed today and offers to take you somewhere else (usually a shop). Fix: Ignore and walk to the entrance yourself. It's almost never closed.

🚕 Taxi Meter Tricks

Taxi drivers claim the meter is broken or quote absurd prices. Fix: Use Uber or Careem in Cairo — they're cheap, safe, and metered. A cross-city ride costs $3-5.

🎁 Gift-Then-Demand

Someone gives you a "gift" (scarf, papyrus, bracelet) then aggressively demands payment. Fix: Politely decline all unsolicited gifts. Say "la shukran" (no thank you) firmly.

Cairo Budget Breakdown

🎒

Budget

$25-40/day

Hostels ($8-15), street food ($2-5), metro/Uber, entrance fees

🧳

Mid-Range

$60-120/day

3-star hotel, restaurants, private guide, Uber, all sites

💎

Luxury

$200+/day

5-star Nile view hotel, private Egyptologist, Nile dinner cruise

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter the Pyramids of Giza?

The Giza Plateau entry costs 540 EGP (~$11) for adults. Entering the Great Pyramid (Khufu) costs an additional 600 EGP (~$12). The Solar Boat Museum costs 100 EGP. Total for everything: approximately $25-30. Student discounts (50%) are available with a valid ISIC card.

What is the best time to visit the Pyramids?

Arrive at 8 AM when the gates open to beat the heat and crowds. The best months are October to April when temperatures are comfortable (15-25°C). Avoid visiting June to August when temperatures exceed 40°C. Friday and Saturday are the busiest days.

How many days do you need in Cairo?

3-4 days is ideal for Cairo. Day 1 for the Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx, Day 2 for the Grand Egyptian Museum and Old Cairo, Day 3 for Islamic Cairo and Khan el-Khalili bazaar, and Day 4 for Saqqara and Memphis (optional day trip).

Is Cairo safe for tourists?

Cairo is generally safe for tourists. The main concerns are aggressive touts and scams near tourist sites (not safety). Keep valuables secure, use Uber/Careem instead of unofficial taxis, negotiate prices before buying, and be firm with 'no thank you' to persistent sellers. Female solo travelers should dress modestly.

Is the Grand Egyptian Museum open in 2025?

Yes! The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) near the Giza Pyramids opened its doors in 2024. It houses over 100,000 artifacts including the complete Tutankhamun collection. It replaces the old Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square as the main museum. Entry costs around 600 EGP (~$12).

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