Heritage & monuments
Great Pyramid of Giza
About the Great Pyramid of Giza
The Great Pyramid is the largest of the three main pyramids on the Giza Plateau, built around 2560 BCE as a tomb for the pharaoh Khufu. It's the only surviving structure of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Most visitors come to see its scale up close, walk the plateau around it, and view it alongside the neighboring Pyramid of Khafre and the Great Sphinx.
Getting there
The Giza Plateau sits on the western edge of greater Cairo, roughly 30-45 minutes by car or taxi from central Cairo, depending on traffic. Ride-hailing apps and licensed taxis are the most straightforward options; some hotels also arrange transfers. If arriving via Cairo International Airport (CAI), plan for 45-60 minutes to reach the plateau by road.
How much time to allow
Allow at least two to three hours to see the pyramid itself, walk the surrounding plateau, and take in the Sphinx and other nearby structures without rushing. Add extra time if you plan to go inside a pyramid chamber or explore the wider site on foot or by camel/horse.
When to go
Early morning is the quietest time, before large tour groups arrive and before the midday heat sets in. The site gets crowded by late morning, especially during peak tourist season and around midday. Desert sun can be intense with little shade, so sun protection and water are worth bringing regardless of season.
What to combine it with
Because the main sites are clustered together, it's easy to see several in one visit:
- Giza Plateau (0.4km) - the broader site surrounding the pyramids
- Pyramid of Khafre (0.5km) - the second-largest pyramid, still retaining some original casing stone near its peak
- The Great Sphinx (0.5km) - the limestone statue guarding the plateau
- Pyramid of Khentkaus I (0.6km) - a smaller, less-visited tomb nearby
These are all within easy walking distance of each other, making it practical to visit them together in a single trip to the plateau.
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors