No journey to Egypt is complete without a visit to the Pyramids of Giza. These historic marvels are situated in Cairo’s Giza Plateau and go back more than 4,500 years. Since we received a lot of inquiries on self-guided Pyramid visits, we put together this blog article with all of our recommendations for seeing the Great Pyramids of Giza without a guide.
You can additionally check out my other blog article “Pyramids of Giza : Ultimate guide to budget friendly trip” where I discuss how to manage Egypt on a budget and share my trip experiences.
Where to Stay in Egypt?
Cheap and Safe Accommodation Near Egypt Pyramids: While exploring the Pyramids of Giza, one might seek affordable yet safe accommodation options. The area of Giza itself offers numerous budget-friendly hotels and hostels, providing convenient proximity to the ancient wonders without compromising safety.
Immersive Cultural Experience: For those craving a deeper immersion into Egyptian culture, staying in Cairo’s bustling neighborhoods can offer a plethora of opportunities. Areas like Downtown Cairo or Zamalek boast a rich tapestry of history, art, and culinary delights, allowing travelers to soak in the essence of Egypt beyond the pyramids.
Our recommendation:
We suggest staying in Cairo for its proximity to Cairo Airport, which reduces the need for extensive travel during arrival and departure. This minimizes the risk of missing flights due to unexpected circumstances. The Giza Plateau, home to the pyramids, is approximately an hour’s drive from Cairo city, and with ride-sharing services like Uber, transportation costs remain reasonable.
Getting Around
In Egypt, you have lots of ways to get around. You can take taxis, buses, or even use ride-sharing apps like Uber or Careem. But for tourists, it’s often best to join a tour or hire a guide with a car. This way, you can explore safely and learn more about the places you’re visiting.
Our recommendation:
We suggest traveling using Uber. As in Cairo city specially for the tourists everyone will try to scam you by inflating the cost. First of all during out visit we found uber to be very inexpensive and you will know the ride cost in advance. Plus, you will have a supporting company (Uber) in case of unexpected circumstances.
Watch Out for Scammers at pyramids
During your visit in egypt, people might try to trick you, especially around tourist spots like the pyramids. They might pretend to be guides or sell you things at really high prices.
Our recommendation:
- Hire a guide online: As booked online there will be a fixed price for the tour and other scammers will not bother you out of respect to the tour guide.
- If you prefer to explore on your own: Check the cost of activities beforehand. Keep the local currency with you as cards will not be acceptable (in most cases) and NIGOTIATE. Negotiation is the key.
- Scammers: While exploring a lot of scammers posing as the official guides, security members will tell you that you are in restricted are (Which is actually being a public area). And will tell you that they will guide you for a cost.
Just be careful and stick to official guides and vendors to avoid getting scammed.
Visiting the pyramids
There are a couple of entrances to the pyramids, but the one near the Sphinx is recommended for a nicer view. It’s also a good idea to go early in the day to avoid the crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giza_pyramid_complex#/media/File:Giza_pyramid_complex_(map).svg
Tickets and Photos
You’ll need to buy separate tickets to go inside the pyramids, and remember, cameras aren’t allowed inside. But don’t worry, there are plenty of great spots around the pyramids to take pictures and capture the amazing views.
Source:
https://egymonuments.com/locations/details/Pyramids
Stay Connected
Consider getting a local SIM card for your phone. This way, you’ll have internet access wherever you go, which can be really handy for maps, translations, and staying in touch with friends and family back home.
Conclusion
Visiting the Pyramids of Giza is an incredible experience that you’ll never forget. They’re a window into ancient Egypt’s history and culture, and exploring them is like traveling back in time. By following these simple tips, you can make the most of your trip and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Ultimately I could say that the key to stress free trip is to plan your trip in advance. Do check my blog “The Ultimate Trip Planning Checklist” for more details and let me know your comments.
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