Complete Guide To The Pyramids Of Giza
Photo Credit: Thinkstock
Nothing beats being able to see history in person. The Pyramids of Giza will take you back in time to when pharaohs ruled Egypt. During your visit to this region of the world you will have access to ancient tombs of kings and can explore rooms filled with hieroglyphics and other historic treasures. This is one vacation getaway that will give you access to towering monuments that show the power and ambition of Egyptian rulers of the past.
Getting There
You will have a few different transportation options available to take you to the pyramids. You can hire a taxi, which is the most popular and easiest way of getting there. Taxis can be hired for a half-day trip, which will include transportation around the site and back to your hotel. You can also hire the taxi one way and then find another taxi by the Sphinx entrance to take you back to the city.
Public transportation is available to get you to the pyramids. By using both the Cairo Metro and minibus systems you can end up right outside the Giza metro station, where you can take a minibus to the pyramids. Or if you prefer, you can hire a taxi from the Giza metro station. Those renting a car during their stay in Egypt will also be able to drive to Giza and parking is available by the Sphinx.
Related: 7 Reasons To Visit Cairo Egypt
Getting Around
You will have a variety of different ways to get around the site. Those able to do a decent amount of walking can easily walk among the pyramids and to the Sphinx. If you hired a taxi to bring you to the site, your driver can take you to all of the different sites, including going up to the perfect panoramic viewpoint.
If you are looking for more of an adventure, you can hire horses and camels to be used within the site. Horses can be acquired at the Village Stables, which are located by the Sphinx car park area. The best time to enjoy a horse ride around the site is at sunset, when you will have a breathtaking view of the monuments as the sun sets behind them.
Top Things To See
There are many different areas of the Pyramids of Giza to see and explore. Those who are not claustrophobic will find they have many different crevasses and cavities within the pyramids to navigate. Some must-see things at the Pyramids of Giza include:
- Eastern Cemetery
- Great Pyramid of Khufu
- Nobles' Tombs
- Pyramid of Chephren
- Pyramid of Mycerinus
- Queens' Pyramids
- Sphinx and Temple of the Sphinx
- Solar Barque Museum
- Western Cemetery
Photo Credit: Thinkstock
Fun Historical Facts
The Pyramids of Giza were built by the rulers during the Fourth Dynasty. These structures are some of the oldest manmade creations that are still standing today. They were part of the first Seven Wonders of the World due to the fascination of technical achievement and advancements required at the time to build such massive structures. Some fun historical facts include:
- Approximately 2,300,000 stone blocks, each weighing from two to 30 tons each, were used during construction.
- The Pyramid of Khafre, the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the Pyramid of Menkaure were set up and aligned with the Constellation of Orion.
- The base of the pyramid is 55,000 square meters and is estimated to weigh 5,955,000 tons.
- Ball and socket construction was used to create the cornerstone foundations to help deal with earthquakes and heat expansion.
- There is no explanation for the type of mortar used, nor does anyone know its origin.
- The Great Pyramid is aligned to True North.
- The Great Pyramid once had a swivel door entrance.
Related: Travel The Wonders Of The World
Where To Eat
You will find a unique collection of places to eat in and around the Pyramids of Giza. Some restaurants specialize in local cuisine serving up grilled chicken, fish and pigeon, while others offer a variety of international cuisine options. Some of the most popular restaurants in the area include Fish Market, Khan El Khalili, The Moghul Room, The Pharaohs and Nile City. These are just a few of the options near the pyramids.
The closer you get into the city of Cairo, the greater your options are. You will have a variety of both local and international cuisine options, including Mexican, American,Italian and Chinese. Some of the most popular dining options in Cairo include Osmanly, Table Luna, Birdcage,Zooba and Barbecue Terrace.
Where To Sleep
There are limited accommodation options within the Giza district, which is why most travelers make plans to stay in and around the central Cairo area and explore the pyramids for either an entire day, or divide their visit over two or more days. When staying in Cairo, you will find a variety of different accommodations available, from budget-friendly all the way up to luxury hotels and resorts. Some of the more popular places to stay when in Cairo include Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza, Berlin Hotel, Sara Inn Hostel, Hotel Royal Egypt and Pension Roman.
However, if you are determined to stay near the pyramids, here are some of the options that will be available to you:
When you are looking for somewhere unique to travel, make plans to visit the Great Pyramid of Giza. You will not be disappointed visiting one of the world's most well-known monuments. You are sure to be amazed by the mammoth structure that took more than 100,000 men to complete.
Heather Landon (Heather Leigh Carroll) is a freelance writer with more than 20 years of experience. She has combined two of her passions - writing and travel - to share her experiences with others. You can read more of her articles at Examiner.com.
