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Africa Egypt Cairo Do & See Giza Necropolis & The Great Sphinx of Giza

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Giza Necropolis & The Great Sphinx of Giza

The guide was updated: 2025-07-23

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On the edge of Cairo, the Giza Necropolis is home to the last remaining wonder of the ancient world — the Great Pyramid of Khufu. Alongside it stand the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, part of a vast complex that includes tombs, causeways, temples, and smaller pyramids built for queens and nobles. The scale alone is enough to stop you in your tracks. Just below the pyramids sits the Great Sphinx of Giza — carved from a single piece of limestone, with the body of a lion and the face of a pharaoh, likely Khafre. At around 73 metres long and 20 metres high, it’s one of the largest sculptures in the world.

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Address: Al Haram, Giza
Opening hours: Daily 6am–4pm

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Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Giza Necropolis & The Great Sphinx of Giza

Giza Necropolis & The Great Sphinx of Giza

On the edge of Cairo, the Giza Necropolis is home to the last remaining wonder of the ancient world — the Great Pyramid of Khufu. Alongside it stand the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, part of a vast complex that includes tombs, causeways, temples, and smaller pyramids built for queens and nobles. The scale alone is enough to stop you in your tracks. Just below the pyramids sits the Great Sphinx of Giza — carved from a single piece of limestone, with the body of a lion and the face of a pharaoh, likely Khafre. At around 73 metres long and 20 metres high, it’s one of the largest sculptures in the world.

Alexandria Day Trip From Cairo

Alexandria Day Trip From Cairo

If you’ve got a day to spare, spend it exploring Egypt’s second city by the sea. Alexandria feels like a world apart from Cairo — cooler, breezier, and full of Mediterranean character. Wander through Roman ruins, stroll the corniche, check out the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and stop by the Citadel of Qaitbay. It’s an easy change of pace, with plenty of history, sea views, and fresh air.

Saqqara Necropolis

Saqqara Necropolis

Wander through one of Egypt’s oldest and most active archaeological sites, about an hour south of Cairo. Saqqara is best known for the Step Pyramid of Djoser — the earliest pyramid ever built — but there’s a lot more to see. Recent excavations have uncovered dozens of tombs, statues, and mummies, some as recently as a few years ago. Don’t miss the Tomb of Mehu, now open after a long restoration — its colourful wall carvings are surprisingly well preserved.

Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

Set near the Pyramids and overlooking the Giza Plateau, this massive new museum is built to tell the full story of ancient Egypt — all under one roof. It will house the complete Tutankhamun collection, including many pieces never seen by the public before.

Al-Azhar Mosque

Al-Azhar Mosque

Al-Azhar Mosque isn’t just one of Cairo’s oldest mosques — it’s also the centre of Sunni Islamic learning, going back to 970 AD. The building shows layers of history with its mix of styles from centuries of change. When you visit, you’ll spot all kinds of details in the stonework and decorations that tell that story.

Egyptian Museum

Egyptian Museum

Dive into thousands of years of history at this classic museum just off Tahrir Square. It’s packed with statues, mummies, coffins, and everyday objects from across ancient Egypt. Some of the big-ticket items — like Tutankhamun’s famous mask — are being moved to the new Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, but there’s still loads to explore here. The building’s a bit old-school, with dusty cases and handwritten labels, but that’s part of the charm. Bring a guide or download an audio tour to get the full story behind what you’re seeing.

Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan

Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan

Discover one of Cairo’s most dramatic buildings — the Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan. It’s massive, quiet, and built to impress. Inside, the stone walls rise up around a central courtyard, and the whole place feels heavy with history. Built in the 14th century as both a mosque and religious school, it’s still one of the city’s architectural standouts.

The Hanging Church

The Hanging Church

One of Cairo’s oldest churches, the Hanging Church dates back to the third century and sits above a gatehouse of the old Roman fortress—that’s where it gets its 'hanging' name. Inside, you’ll find a wooden roof shaped like Noah’s Ark, ancient icons, and a calm vibe that feels a world away from the city’s chaos.

Saladin Citadel

Saladin Citadel

This fortress complex held Egyptian rulers for over 700 years and includes several palaces and mosques. Wander the grounds to get a feel for Cairo’s history and enjoy wide views of the city from the ramparts.

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization

Explore Egypt’s long story at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, the first museum in the country and the Arab world to showcase the full range of Egyptian civilisation’s richness and diversity. Don’t skip the Royal Mummies Hall, where you’ll find actual mummies of some famous pharaohs. It’s a bit eerie but totally worth a look.

Ibn Tulun Mosque

Ibn Tulun Mosque

Step into this vast 9th-century mosque and you’ll find sunlit courtyards, weathered stucco arches, and a spiral minaret that winds up like a ramp. Climb to the top for a surprisingly quiet view over Cairo’s rooftops. The Ibn Tulun Mosque isn’t flashy, but that’s part of what makes it so striking — the space, the stillness, the sense of time just sitting in the air.

Museum of Islamic Art

Museum of Islamic Art

Step into one of Cairo's most underrated museums, home to over 10,000 pieces from across the Islamic world. You’ll find everything from intricately carved wood and colourful ceramics to centuries-old textiles, metalwork, and glass. Most of the collection is Egyptian, but it also features rare pieces from Persia, Andalusia, and beyond.

Prince Mohamed Ali Palace (Manial Palace)

Prince Mohamed Ali Palace (Manial Palace)

Get a glimpse into royal life in modern Egypt at the Manial Palace, built by Prince Mohamed Ali in the early 1900s. The architecture is a bold mix — Islamic, Ottoman, Persian, even Moroccan and Andalusian — with every room showing off intricate woodwork, tiles, and stained glass. The complex includes a mosque, hunting museum, throne hall, and beautifully kept gardens.

Al-Azhar Park

Al-Azhar Park

Built on what was once a rubble dump, this green space now offers some of the best views of old Cairo. It’s one of the few spots in the city where you can stretch out on the grass, grab a coffee, or just take a break from the noise. There are a couple of restaurants, walking paths, and quiet corners perfect for photos or a picnic.

Coptic Cairo

Coptic Cairo

Coptic Cairo is the heart of Egypt’s Christian community and one of the oldest parts of the city. Here, you’ll find churches, monasteries, and ancient streets that have stayed largely unchanged for centuries.

Coptic Museum

Coptic Museum

Set inside the walls of the old Babylon Fortress, this museum traces the history of Egypt’s Coptic Christian community through art, manuscripts, and everyday objects. It covers a long stretch of time — from the Greco-Roman period through to the early Islamic era. The building itself is worth a look, with carved wooden ceilings, mashrabiya windows, and peaceful gardens spread over 8,000 square metres.

Mosque of Muhammad Ali

Mosque of Muhammad Ali

Sitting high inside the Saladin Citadel, this mosque is one of Cairo’s most recognisable landmarks. Its large domes and Ottoman-style design stand out against the skyline, and the interior — with its high ceilings and hanging lamps — feels just as impressive.

City of the Dead

City of the Dead

Despite its name, this isn’t just a cemetery — it’s a vast neighbourhood where thousands of people live alongside mausoleums and tombs. The 'City of the Dead' refers to the large burial grounds, but it’s very much alive, with families building rooms next to graves that have become permanent homes. Markets, mosques, and everyday streets thread through the area, offering a side of Cairo you won’t find anywhere else.

Birqash Camel Market

Birqash Camel Market

If you’re up for something off the beaten path, the Birqash Camel Market is worth a visit. It’s one of the biggest camel markets near Cairo, where you can see locals trading animals in a way you won’t find in the usual tourist spots. It’s about a 30-minute drive out of the city, so going with a local guide is a good idea — they know the place and can help you navigate the chaos. Just a heads-up: it’s a pretty raw scene with animals being bought and sold, so if you’re sensitive about that, it might not be your cup of tea.

Cairo Opera House

Cairo Opera House

This is the city’s main venue for music, dance, and theatre — home to the Cairo Opera and Ballet Companies. The complex includes two indoor halls and an open-air stage, hosting everything from classical concerts to modern plays. There are also regular art and photography exhibitions in the galleries.

Nilometer

Nilometer

This ancient structure was built to measure the Nile’s water level during flood season and played a key role in predicting the year’s harvest. It’s tucked away on Rawda Island in the Nile, close to central Cairo. In the evenings, large candles are lit nearby, giving the place a calm, almost magical feel.

Alabaster Sphinx

Alabaster Sphinx

Just behind the ruins of Memphis, this 8-metre-long statue was carved from a single block of alabaster. It’s smaller than the Giza Sphinx but still impressive up close. No one’s entirely sure who it represents — maybe Hatshepsut or Amenhotep II — which just adds to the mystery. It’s a quick stop, but worth it if you’re already in the area.

Bayt al-Suhaymi

Bayt al-Suhaymi

Hidden in the winding streets of old Cairo, this 17th-century Ottoman house features detailed woodwork, calm gardens, and rooms arranged around courtyards that show how families lived centuries ago.

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