How to Visit the Pyramids of Giza in Cairo (New Entrance Guide, 2026)

Visiting the Pyramids of Giza in Cairo has long been a dream of ours. To many of the locals, it may just be a ‘pile of rocks’ but to us, it is a reflection of the incredible ingenuity, advanced knowledge and technology, and fascinating chapter in human civilization. Seeing it in person, being able to touch the stone, gives you a whole new appreciation for just how remarkable they are.

Now having visited the Pyramids twice, once on a guided tour and once independently, we’ve learned quite a bit about what to expect and how to make the most of your visit. In this guide, we’ll share our first-hand experience and practical tips to help you plan your visit, including whether to explore independently or book a tour, how to navigate the 2025-updated entrance and visitor transport system, what to see beyond the main pyramids, and how to avoid those famously-popular scams.

Should you visit the Pyramids on a tour or independently

We’ve now visited the Pyramids twice, once on a tour and once independently. So, which one do we recommend? Overall, if this is your first time visiting the Pyramids, we would recommend going on a private tour.

This is how we explored them the first time, and it really helped us understand the history and stories behind the Pyramids, navigate the massive complex, and, to a certain degree, protect us from local scams. We mention in particular a private tour instead of a group tour so you have more flexibility of time rather than following a big group of tourists. If you’re short on time, the most popular tour option is this Pyramids of Giza and Grand Egyptian Museum Tour.

However, if you’re like us and love adventure and having as much time as you’d like to explore, you can also visit independently. We did this on our second visit when we were already familiar with the layout of the complex and hardened to the travel style of Egypt after spending 10 days already in Cairo.

If you want to take this route, below, we’ll share exactly how to visit on your own, including how to get there, the route we recommend for seeing the best viewpoints and sights, and other helpful tips!

Where is the New Entrance for the Pyramids

In April 2025, a new main entrance was introduced to the Pyramids of Giza, with revamped visitor facilities, electric shuttle buses, and entrance system. The new Entrance is located here on Cairo-Fayoum Desert Road and replaced the old entrance which was near Mena House Hotel.

There is also theoretically a secondary entrance near the Sphinx, located here directly in Giza. However, we wouldn’t recommend using it, as the entrance area can be very chaotic and you’re likely to be approached by locals trying to scam you. We’ve heard from other travellers that some locals may try to convince you the entrance is closed or that you must book transport or a camel ride to enter. Others may crowd around the entrance, with someone offering a so-called “skip-the-line” service for an additional fee.

To avoid the hassle, we recommend heading straight to the new main entrance, which is much more organised and peaceful.

Important Tip about Getting to the Pyramid Entrance

When we booked an InDrive to the Pyramids and set our destination as the new main entrance, the driver still tried to take us to the Sphinx entrance in Giza, claiming the other entrance was inconvenient and very far away.

We suspected he was trying to trick us and possibly take us to someone he knew who could scam us. We firmly refused and insisted that he take us to the main entrance we had selected. Our advice is to double-check your destination and stand your ground if your driver tries to take you somewhere else.

Purchasing Tickets to the Pyramids

Fortunately, buying tickets for the Pyramids is very easy and hassle-free! You can purchase them online in advance, but it’s just as easy to buy them on the spot at one of the ticket booths. Payment is accepted by credit card. When we visited, the process was very quick and took less than 2 minutes.

Pyramids Ticket Prices

• Foreigner: 700 EGP for adults, and 350 EGP for students
• Egyptians: 60 EGP for adults, and 30 EGP for students

What is included in the General access Pyramids ticket

The ticket gives you access to the Giza plateau where you can explore the Pyramids of Khufu, Menkaure, and Khafre, the panoramic viewpoint, as well as the Sphinx. You’ll also be happy to hear that the electric bus shuttles that take you to the different viewpoints are free and included in the ticket price.

However, if you want to go inside one of the Pyramids, that requires an additional ticket.

Ticket Price for going inside the Pyramids

• Khufu (main pyramid): 1,500 EGP
• Khafre: between 280-750 EGP, but not always accessible
• Menkaure (smallest): 280 EGP

However, finding accurate, up-to-date information about ticket prices and access inside the Pyramids can be challenging, as the rules and conditions set by Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities can change frequently. For the smoothest experience, we recommend booking through a reputable tour company that can provide the latest information and help you plan your visit.

Opening Hours of the Pyramids of Giza

The Pyramids are open from 7:00am to 5:00pm, with the last entry at 4:00pm.

However when we went, we were able to stay even until 6:00PM with no issue, and still saw tons of people still inside when we left.

Step-by-Step Guide to Visiting the Pyramids of Giza

Here is exactly how a visit to the Pyramids works from start to finish, based on our two visits, so you know what to expect before you arrive.

Arrival at the Pyramids Main Entrance

To reach the Pyramids Main Entrance Visitor Centre, you can take an Uber or InDrive. InDrive is more commonly used locally, and we found it generally more affordable than Uber. However, one thing to note is that, in our experience, InDrive rides can only be paid for in cash, so make sure you have enough Egyptian pounds on hand (the drivers will usually ‘not have enough change’).

Your driver will likely drop you off before the security gate since there is often a long queue of vehicles there waiting to enter. From there, you can simply get out and walk through the gate to the Visitor Centre, which takes around five minutes.

Purchasing your ticket

Once you enter the visitor’s center, head to the left where you’ll find the ticket counters. You can purchase your Pyramids ticket there and payment is accepted by credit card.

Shuttle system

This new shuttle system was reorganized in 2025 and makes visiting the Pyramids so much easier! Before, there was no centralized transport system and instead, you could enter with your own vehicle, tour bus, walk, or go by camel/horse ride, but this was changed in order to reduce pollution and traffic congestion in the area.

The new electric shuttle buses now connect the Visitor Centre with the main pyramids, Panorama Point, and the Sphinx, with several stops along the route. Each stop has a visitor area where you can take a break, with seating, cafés, and a few shops. We would recommend getting off at each stop to explore.

The final stop is at the Sphinx. From there, you can then exit from the Pyramids complex from the Giza gate, or you can take the shuttle back to the main visitor’s centre.

Classic Route Vs. Off the Path Route

There are two main ways to explore the Pyramids complex: The Classic Route which goes along the previously mentioned shuttle bus system and paved roads, or the Off the path route which brings you to the Panoramic viewpoint and through the back sandy trail to the pyramids.

The Classic route is what most tours will go through. You’ll take the shuttle bus and get off at all the designated stops so you can see different viewpoints and visit the Pyramids and Sphinx. This route is recommended for those on a tour, and those with any mobility limitations since the route is paved and very accessible.

Alternatively, you can take the Off the Path route where you’ll only be taking the shuttle one stop and walk through the rest of the Pyramids complex on sandy trails, but you’ll get to see the epic Panoramic Viewpoint where all 9 pyramids line up. We’ll share in the next section exactly how to do this route.

Visiting the Pyramids

There are three main pyramids on the Giza Plateau: the Pyramid of Khufu (the largest), the Pyramid of Khafre (the second-largest), and the Pyramid of Menkaure (the smallest).

You can freely explore the area around the pyramids on foot, or, if you prefer, you also have the option of going inside one of them. However, this requires an additional ticket and can be quite expensive. For example, entry to the Pyramid of Khufu costs around 1,500 EGP on top of the regular admission ticket.

Visiting the Sphinx

From the Pyramid of Khufu, you can take the shuttle bus one final stop to reach the bottom where you’ll find the Sphinx. After you get off the stop which is at the parking lot, walk through the line of shops (be ready to say ‘la, shukran a lot!’) to reach the entrance of the Sphinx complex.

Before heading inside, we highly recommend walking to your right, away from the entrance and the Sphinx, to find one of the best viewpoints where the Sphinx’s head lines up perfectly with the Pyramids in the background. You’ll need to stand a fair distance away to get the right perspective, but the view is amazing! You’ll likely spot a group of people standing on a patch of open sand, so keep an eye out for them as you’ll know you’re in the right place.

After soaking in the grandeur of the site, you can then head in through the entrance of the Sphinx complex to see the Sphinx.

Getting out of the Pyramids Complex

Once you’re finished visiting the Pyramids and Sphinx complex, you can then choose to exit from either the Giza entrance, or take the shuttle all the way back to the main visitor’s centre.

Panoramic viewpoint of all 9 pyramids (Off the Path Route)

On our first visit to the Pyramids, we were on a guided tour and unfortunately missed the Panoramic viewpoint. We only discovered it later when we came across photos taken from there and wondered how we could have missed it! So, when we returned to Egypt for a second time, we made sure to revisit the Pyramids just to see this viewpoint.

Turns out, the viewpoint is not only epic, but it leads you through an off the path route that allows you experience the area in a much more raw and uncrowded way.

How to get to the Panoramic Viewpoint of the Pyramids

After entering through the official Visitor Center entrance, take the free shuttle and get off at the first stop. Walk east, towards the end of the viewing platform, past the coffee shops and souvenir stores until you reach the sand.

You’ll know you’re heading in the right direction when you see the camels and horse carriages.

Someone will likely tell you that you’re not allowed to walk there and that you must take a camel instead. Ignore them and continue walking east.

After about 10-15 minutes, you’ll see a higher hill with more camels. That’s the panoramic viewpoint!

What to do at the Panoramic Viewpoint

From here, you can see all nine pyramids lined up beautifully, without the distracting views of the paved road or the city of Giza. We easily spent 20-30 minutes here, simply admiring the view and soaking it all in.

You’ll also find camels in the area that you can pose with for photos. However, be careful and make sure to agree on a price before taking any photos or interacting with the camel handlers. We saw another couple happily posing for multiple photos with a camel, only to see them arguing with the handler afterwards. We suspect they were being charged an exorbitant amount, so make sure you agree on the price beforehand to avoid a similar situation.

Continuing the Off-the-Path Route

Instead of returning back to the bus shuttle stop, we recommend walking directly downhill on the sandy path towards the Pyramids. This lets you enjoy a side of the pyramid that many others miss. When we visited, we were the only ones on this path, which made the experience feel even more special and gave us a unique connection to the site.

Once you reach the Pyramid of Menkaure, head to the right and continue through the complex towards the Pyramids of Khufu and Khafre. From here, you’ll rejoin the main visitor route. After exploring the two larger pyramids, you can take the shuttle bus to the final stop at the Sphinx.

Other Ways to Experience the Pyramids

Beyond the classic visit, there are several other ways to experience the Pyramids. Some are worth the money, others we would skip, and a couple are completely free. Here’s our honest take on each.

Camel rides at the Pyramids

Riding a camel in front of the Pyramids is one of the most iconic ways to experience the site, but it comes with some caveats. Camel rides here are notorious for scams, and we’ve heard numerous stories from other travellers about being quoted one price, only to be charged a much higher amount once the ride is over and they want to get off the camel.

During our last visit, we also overheard another traveller complaining near the panoramic viewpoint. Apparently, their guide had promised they could get off the camel to take photos, but once they arrived, the handler refused, claiming it was too difficult to dismount at that spot. Yet we had seen several other groups getting off their camels to take photos nearby.

As of 2026 when we went, the official government-regulated price at the Pyramids to ride a camel is 1,000 EGP for 1 hour. However, true to Egypt, that rule is also rarely followed.

Riding a camel in front of the Pyramids is definitely an amazing experience, but you need to be prepared. If you decide to ride the camels, make sure to agree on a firm total price, confirm the currency it is in, and clarify what is included (ensuring the price covers dismounting and photos).

Seeing the Pyramids from Above on a Microflight

If you’re looking for a completely different perspective of the Pyramids, you can also take a microflight flight over the Giza Plateau. Flying up to 500 feet with an experienced pilot, you’ll get incredible aerial views of the Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum. There’s also an extended route that takes you over the Nile, giving you an even broader view of Cairo from above.

We didn’t get the chance to try this ourselves, but it’s definitely something we’d love to do if we return to the Pyramids. Seeing these ancient wonders from the air would be an incredible experience, especially for photography lovers!

9 Pyramids Lounge

If you want to enjoy one of the best views of the Pyramids while having a meal, head to 9 Pyramids Lounge. Located inside the Giza Pyramids complex, the restaurant has some of the most incredible views of the surrounding pyramids. Food prices are fairly high, but I guess you’re largely paying for the view and the overall experience.

Going inside the Pyramids

You can go inside all three main pyramids at Giza, although availability can vary and they charge an additional ticket price. The most famous is the Pyramid of Khufu, where you’ll find the impressive Grand Gallery and the King’s Chamber, which contains an empty stone sarcophagus. Entrance fee here is 1,500 EGP for foreigner adults.

However, don’t expect beautiful painted scenes and hieroglyphics like the Valley of the Kings in Luxor. Here, the inner chamber of the Pyramids is largely bare. A visit typically takes around 20-30 minutes, but be prepared for a physically demanding climb through steep, narrow passages with low ceilings and limited airflow.

Sound and light show

The Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids is often recommended as a must-do experience in Giza, but in our opinion, it isn’t really worth it.

The show lasts around an hour, and tickets cost about $20, but the production feels quite outdated. We expected clear storytelling and animated projections, but instead, it was mostly the Pyramids being lit up in different colours while a narration told the story.

At least we got to experience it for free directly from the rooftop of our hotel, La Pacha Boutique Hotel!

Horseback riding outside the Pyramids

One of the more unique ways to experience the Pyramids is on horseback. Similar to the popular ATV tours, getting to horseback ride around the Pyramids really makes you feel like an explorer, bringing a completely different perspective of the area.

On our second visit, we enjoyed a two-hour sunset ride through the vast desert behind the Pyramids, outside the main tourist area of the Giza Plateau. This also meant we didn’t need to pay for an additional entrance ticket.

Horseback riding can be expensive, but we found Giza Stables by Viger, which offered us a two-hour ride for just 600 EGP per person. The owner, Eslam, was really friendly, and arranging everything through WhatsApp was easy.

View of the Pyramids from the rooftop of your hotel

There is something undeniably magical about being able to see the Pyramids both day and night, right from the comfort of your hotel room or rooftop terrace.

On our first trip to Cairo, we would spend hours at sunset admiring the pyramids right from our hotel rooftop while enjoying some local egyptian food.

After researching countless hotels in Giza with rooftop views of the Pyramids, we chose La Pacha Boutique Hotel and couldn’t have been happier with our choice. It was affordable, had beautifully decorated rooms, and, best of all, offered a fantastic view of the Pyramids and Sphinx right from the rooftop restaurant.

Where is the exit to the Pyramids Complex

There are two exits to the Pyramids: back at the Main visitor’s center where you entered, or you can go out from the gate here nearby the Sphinx which connects directly into Giza.

Tips for visiting the Pyramids

• Be careful with the camel rides at the Pyramids. Agree on a final total price, including getting on and off the camel, photos, and viewpoints, before you get on.
  
• Scams, vendors, and fake guards are very common. Someone official-looking may approach you and tell you that an area is closed and that he’ll guide you to the right section. Then he’ll charge you money. Just make sure to be firm and tell them ‘La, Shukran’ (No thank you).
  
• You can freely walk even off path. We walked to the Panoramic viewpoint and then across the sand to the back side of the Pyramid of Menkaure. All this is allowed.
  
• Time needed at the Pyramids: We recommend spending about 3-4 hours exploring the Pyramids. A quick visit can be done in 2 hours.
  
• Best time to visit the Pyramids: Most tours arrive early in the morning, but we actually preferred visiting in the afternoon. During our visit and time in Cairo, we found that the morning sky was often hazy, making it harder to get clear views of the Pyramids. By the afternoon, the sky was usually clearer, giving us much better views.
  
• Are there bathrooms in the Pyramids complex: Yes, right at the main visitor’s center. There are bathrooms also at some of the stops but from what we saw, they seem to charge money for use.

Best Photography spots at the Pyramids

Having now visited the Pyramids twice and explored it extensively, here are some of our favourite photography spots:

• Panoramic Viewpoint
• Close up to the pyramids
• Pyramids with a camel
• Sphinx and Pyramids lined up
• Close up with the Sphinx
• From your hotel rooftop terrace: we took ours during our stay at La Pacha Boutique Hotel

Using WISE Card in Egypt

When taking cash out of an ATM while abroad, you will most likely be charged both a foreign exchange fee and a foreign transaction fee by that country’s ATM. With my Canadian card, this can easily be 3-4$ + 2.75% + a markup on the exchange rate charged by my bank, and then another 3-5$ charged by the foreign ATM.

This can be really costly. For this reason, we recommend using WISE card which has only minimal fees and just about no foreign currency exchange markup. This helps me save at least 5-7$ every time I take out money from an ATM. If you want to see our full review of the card showing exactly how WISE can help you save, check out our WISE Travel card Review post.

Summary: How to Visit the Pyramids

Visiting the Pyramids of Giza is an unforgettable experience, but it’s only the beginning of what Egypt has to offer. Beyond the Pyramids, there’s so much more to discover in Cairo itself, from its fascinating mosques to cultural markets.

We also did a multi-day trip to Siwa Oasis, then continued south to Luxor, where we explored some of the most incredible ancient temples we’ve ever seen, before sailing along the Nile on a traditional dahabiya, which remains one of our favourite experiences in all of Egypt. And then our final stop was to see the colossal statues of Ramses II at Abu Simbel. If you have the time, we highly recommend looking beyond the Pyramids and giving yourself the chance to discover more of this remarkable country.

Looking for more travel inspiration?

Everything you need to plan the rest of your time in the city: our Best Things to Do in Cairo guide.

Ancient temples and royal tombs: our guide to the best things to do in Luxor.

Sailing the Nile the traditional way: our Dahabiya Nile Cruise experience.

A remote desert oasis with salt lakes and ancient oracle history: Siwa Oasis.

Colossal statues of Ramses II: how to visit Abu Simbel.