Things to Do in Giza: My 1-Day Itinerary for the Pyramids and Beyond

The best things to do in Giza are the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, the new Grand Egyptian Museum next to the plateau, and a trip south to Memphis, the Step Pyramid at Saqqara and the Red Pyramid at Dahshur. You can see the pyramids and the southern sites in one long day; add half a day or more for the museum. Go between October and April, arrive when the plateau opens in the morning, and carry a card, as ticket offices no longer take cash. Here is how I did it, updated with 2026 tickets and tips.

Most people rush to see the Great Pyramid and leave, but they miss half the magic. From the chaotic energy of the Giza Plateau to the silent Red Pyramid at Dahshur, this is the one-day itinerary I followed, misadventures included.

Morning: The Great Pyramids & Sphinx

I woke up at Pyramids Loft Homestay and went straight to the rooftop. There was the view of the Pyramids of Giza, the only surviving wonder of the ancient world.

I took a quick breakfast and headed out. Although I am a solo backpacker, I was a bit nervous. The night before, touts at the airport had swarmed me. To keep my peace of mind, I negotiated with my hostel owner to hire a local guide.

Start early to beat the crowds and the heat: the plateau opens at about 8am (sometimes 7am).

Inside the Giza Complex

The moment I stepped out, I knew I was in Egypt. Camels were roaming the streets, people in long galabeyas were shouting, and the energy was intense.

Having a guide was the best decision I made. While other tourists were being hassled, my guide handled everything. She walked me through the history of how these structures have survived for 4,500 years and even took me to a quiet spot where guards were sharing their food.

Then came the photo session. As much as I tried to be serious, she wouldn’t have it. I was directed to “kiss” the Sphinx and “hug” the Pyramids. I felt silly, but looking back, these are my favourite memories!

When I had seen all three pyramids and the Sphinx, I took a camel ride. It was my first time on a camel, and I felt like a Bedouin.

I spent four hours in the complex.

Things have changed since my visit. The main entrance is now a new visitor centre on the Fayoum Road, on the south side of the plateau, and private cars and tour buses are no longer allowed inside. Electric shuttle buses run between the pyramids, the panorama viewpoint and the Sphinx. Tell your Uber driver to take you to the new Giza Pyramids visitor centre, not the old Mena House gate.

What You See on the Giza Plateau

• The Great Pyramid of Khufu: the largest, and the last survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. You can go inside with an extra ticket.
• The Pyramid of Khafre: it looks taller because it stands on higher ground, and still has some of its original casing stones at the top.
• The Pyramid of Menkaure: the smallest of the three, with smaller queens’ pyramids beside it.
• The panorama viewpoint: the classic photo of all three pyramids together.
• The Great Sphinx: at the bottom of the plateau, beside the Valley Temple of Khafre.

Giza Tips: Tickets, Camels and Scams

Camel Ride Scams and How to Avoid Them

The camel ride at the Pyramids is iconic, but it is also famous for scams. Handlers often quote a low price (like 50 EGP) to get you on the camel, then refuse to let you down unless you pay a “landing fee” of $20 or more.

The Safe Way to Do It

Instead of haggling with touts, agree the total price, currency and length of the ride, including getting off, before you climb on, and pay at the end with small notes. Walk away if the handler will not agree clearly, and do not ride animals that look exhausted or badly treated. Easier still, pre-book a guided tour that includes the camel ride, which gives you a fixed price and a respectful handler.

A Safe Option With No Haggling

Pyramids and Great Sphinx Private Tour with Camel Ride (GetYourGuide) includes hotel pickup and a guide who knows the best photo spots.

Tickets

The plateau ticket costs EGP 700 for foreign adults and EGP 350 for students (2026 prices). Going inside the Great Pyramid needs an extra ticket, EGP 1,000 on the official price list (some 2026 guides quote more), and only a limited number are sold each day. Bring a card, as the ticket offices no longer take cash. To skip the queue, buy a Giza Pyramids QR code entry ticket online.

Attractions Covered

• The Great Pyramid of Giza (the Pyramid of Khufu) and its neighbours
• The Great Sphinx
• A camel ride

Afternoon: Memphis, Saqqara and Dahshur

Most tourists stop after the Pyramids. Don’t do that.

I did not go inside the Great Pyramid, as it was crowded and expensive. Many people do not realise there are other pyramids near Cairo, so they only see Giza. I wanted to see more.

I hired a taxi driver named Ahmed for the rest of the day to visit Memphis, about an hour away, Saqqara and Dahshur. Ahmed was a gem: we chatted about everything from Egyptian history to the falling value of the pound.

Transport tip: finding a trustworthy driver like Ahmed on the street is luck. For a fixed price, book this full-day tour covering Giza, Saqqara and Memphis on Viator, which includes an Egyptologist guide.

Memphis: The Ancient Capital

Memphis was the capital of ancient Egypt in the Early Dynastic Period and the Old Kingdom. Little of the city survives, and what is left, at Mit Rahina, is now an open-air museum. I liked it for three reasons.

First, I met the second sphinx of the day.

Second, it was much quieter than Giza. I loved how the grounds were dotted with date palms, and the standing statue of Ramses II looked fantastic among them.

Third, inside a museum building, a giant statue of Ramses II lies on its back. It is so huge, it blew my mind.

Saqqara: The Step Pyramid

From there, a short drive took me to the Pyramid of Djoser, the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, believed to be the oldest pyramid in the world. It was built for King Djoser, who reigned around 2667 to 2648 BC, so it is about 4,650 years old. It was hard to grasp; I can only count a hundred years at most.

Much of the complex is in ruins. Several people offered to show me around, but in Egypt, a helping hand usually ends with a demand for a tip, so I avoided them as politely as I could.

Dahshur: The Red Pyramid (My Favourite)

This was the highlight. When we arrived at the Red Pyramid in Dahshur, there were hardly any tourists. It felt like I had discovered a secret.

I took my time wandering around. The Red Pyramid is mighty impressive, and I loved it.

I always wondered what it feels like to be inside a pyramid. Here I finally found out, and I filmed it for you.

There was also a small museum area with ancient objects on display.

I spent about five hours on the southern sites, including the driving.

Tickets (2026, foreign adults): Saqqara costs EGP 600, with extra tickets for the Step Pyramid interior and some tombs; Dahshur and Memphis cost EGP 200 each. Going inside the Red Pyramid was included in the Dahshur ticket when I went. Prices change often, so check before you go.

Attractions Covered

• Memphis open-air museum
• The Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara
• The Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid at Dahshur

Lunch and Evening: Kebab and Rooftops

After a long day, I was starving. Ahmed took me to a local restaurant where the menu was all in Arabic. I let him order, and 20 minutes later I was feasting on Egyptian kebab and kofta.

I could hardly move after such a meal, but being greedy, I could not resist buying some sweets too.

By the time I got back to my hotel in Giza, I was exhausted. I hugged Ahmed goodbye; I am grateful for his company.

How to Spend the Evening in Giza

A sound and light show runs at the Sphinx in the evenings, with a separate ticket; check the schedule and language before you go. I skipped it and watched from my hotel rooftop instead, which gave me a good feel for it.

Then it was time to sleep, after a day I will never forget.

Add a Day: The Grand Egyptian Museum

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), close to the pyramids, was inaugurated on 1 November 2025 and opened fully to the public on 4 November. It is the largest museum in the world devoted to a single civilisation, and it displays the complete Tutankhamun collection together for the first time.

• Tickets: about US$35 for foreign adults from 1 November 2026, paid in Egyptian pounds, with reduced prices for students and children. Tickets are sold online with a timed entry.
• Hours: galleries 9am to 6pm, and until 9pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays; last gallery entry is an hour before closing.
• Time needed: at least half a day, so it is best on a separate day from the pyramids.

Considering a Guided Tour?

Explore a variety of guided tours for your Giza trip.

Where to Stay in Giza: Best Hotels with Views

Staying in Giza lets you wake up to the pyramids. These are my picks for every budget:

• Marriott Mena House (luxury): a historic palace hotel with breakfast in front of the pyramids.
• Guardian Guest House (best view): famous for its rooftop terrace facing the Sphinx.
• Pyramids Loft Homestay (budget): where I stayed, with a great rooftop at a very affordable price.

You can check more hotel options below.

Summary of a Day in Giza

• The Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx
• Memphis open-air museum
• The Step Pyramid at Saqqara
• The Red Pyramid at Dahshur

Trivia

Everywhere I went that day is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Memphis and its Necropolis: the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur.

Practical Tips for Giza

Pay by card: the ticket offices at the pyramids and most major sites no longer take cash, so carry a credit or debit card.

Use Uber or Careem: to get from Cairo to Giza, use a ride-hailing app. It is safe, tracked and saves you haggling with taxi drivers. Allow 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic.

Safety: Giza is generally safe for tourists. The main annoyance is aggressive selling, so say “la, shukran” (no, thank you) firmly and keep walking.

Best time: October to April, and December to February is the most comfortable. Arrive at opening for the quietest hour and the softest light, and avoid the middle of the day in summer, when there is little shade and the hottest days can pass 40°C.

Visa: as a Bangladeshi, I had to get my visa in advance from the Egyptian embassy, and Bangladeshi passport holders still do. Many other nationalities can get an e-visa or a visa on arrival, but the rules depend on your passport, so check the official Egypt e-visa portal or your nearest Egyptian embassy.

Cover up: wear loose clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, a hat and sunscreen, and carry plenty of water.

I hope this Giza itinerary helps you plan a scam-free and unforgettable trip!

Giza FAQs

Planning Your Egypt Trip?

Check out my other guides to build the perfect trip:

• The Ultimate 7-Day Egypt Itinerary (Start Here!)
• Cairo 1-Day Guide
• Aswan 2-Day Guide
• Luxor 2-Day Guide

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