Giza & Cairo Overview
Standing before the Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the most awe-inspiring experiences available to any traveler on Earth. These colossal monuments — built over 4,500 years ago — are the only surviving wonder of the ancient world, and they are even more staggering in person than any photograph suggests.
Giza sits on the western edge of Cairo, Egypt's vast and chaotic capital of 20+ million people. The two destinations are inseparable — most visitors base themselves in Cairo and make Giza a half-day or full-day trip. Cairo itself rewards exploration, with Islamic architecture, the Egyptian Museum, and the labyrinthine Khan el-Khalili bazaar offering days of discovery.
Egypt is one of the world's great budget travel destinations. The Egyptian pound's exchange rate makes it exceptionally affordable for visitors from North America and Europe, and local food, transport, and accommodation are remarkably cheap. Even a mid-range budget goes a very long way here.
Good to Know
The pyramids are on the western edge of Cairo — you can actually see the pyramid tips from parts of the city. Giza is technically a separate city but seamlessly connected to Cairo. Plan to visit the pyramids in the early morning (gates open at 8 AM) before tour groups arrive and before the midday heat becomes brutal.
Giza & Cairo Cost Breakdown
Budget Travel
$40-$70/day- Accommodation: $12-$25 - Hostels, budget guesthouses in central Cairo
- Food: $8-$15 - Ful, falafel, koshary, street food
- Transport: $5-$10 - Metro, local taxis, Uber
- Activities: $15-$25 - Pyramid entry, Egyptian Museum
Tip: Egypt is one of the world's best-value destinations. A $40/day budget here buys a comfortable, rich experience.
Mid-Range
$80-$150/day- Accommodation: $50-$100 - 3-4 star hotels near the pyramids or Nile
- Food: $20-$40 - Restaurants, hotel breakfast included
- Transport: $15-$25 - Private transfers, Uber
- Activities: $40-$60 - Guided pyramid tour, museum, Sound & Light Show
Tip: Hiring a private Egyptologist guide ($50-$80 for a half day) transforms the pyramid experience — the knowledge they provide is extraordinary.
Luxury
$250+/day- Accommodation: $180+ - 5-star Nile-view hotels, Marriott Mena House (pyramid view)
- Food: $60-$120 - Fine dining, hotel restaurants
- Transport: $50+ - Private car and driver for the day
- Activities: $100+ - Private Egyptologist, VIP sunrise access
Tip: The Marriott Mena House hotel has a direct view of the pyramids from many rooms — waking up to that view is genuinely extraordinary.
Detailed Cost Reference
| Item | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hostel/Hotel (per night) | $12-$25 | $50-$100 | $180-$500+ |
| Street meal (koshary/falafel) | $1-$3 | ||
| Restaurant meal | $5-$12 | $15-$30 | $40-$80 |
| Giza Plateau entry | $15 USD (EGP equivalent) | ||
| Great Pyramid interior | $15 additional | ||
| Egyptian Museum entry | $15 | ||
| Grand Egyptian Museum | $25 | ||
| Uber / Careem (short trip) | $2-$6 | ||
| Cairo Metro | $0.20 per trip | ||
| Camel ride (short) | $10-$20 (negotiate firmly) | ||
Get Your Personalized Egypt Budget
Calculate your total trip cost based on dates, group size, and travel style.
Calculate NowBest Time to Visit Giza
Spring (March-May)
- Weather: 20-32°C (68-90°F), warming fast
- Crowds: Moderate — shoulder season
- Prices: Medium
- Highlights: Comfortable early mornings, manageable afternoons in March-April
March and April are excellent. May starts getting very hot — visit sites early morning only.
Summer (June-September)
- Weather: 35-42°C (95-108°F), extremely hot
- Crowds: Low — few tourists brave the heat
- Prices: Lowest of the year
- Highlights: Cheapest prices, very few other tourists
Extremely challenging. If you visit, go only at sunrise and retreat indoors by 10 AM. The heat at the pyramids is genuinely dangerous for many travelers.
Fall (October-November)
- Weather: 22-30°C (72-86°F), cooling down
- Crowds: Moderate and increasing
- Prices: Medium — good value
- Highlights: Perfect temperatures, beautiful golden light
The sweet spot — comfortable temperatures for outdoor sightseeing, manageable crowds, and excellent photography light. October is arguably the best month.
Winter (December-February)
- Weather: 14-22°C (57-72°F), pleasant and cool
- Crowds: Peak tourist season (Dec-Jan especially)
- Prices: Higher — peak demand
- Highlights: Ideal outdoor temperatures, Christmas/New Year events
The most popular season with ideal temperatures. Book accommodation and tours well in advance for December and January. February is often underrated and slightly cheaper.
Where to Stay in Cairo & Giza
Zamalek (Nile Island)
An island in the Nile with Cairo's most pleasant atmosphere — tree-lined streets, good restaurants, art galleries, and a calm feel very different from the city's chaotic energy. A favorite of expats and mid-range travelers.
Best for: Mid-range travelers, solo women, those wanting a calm base
Giza (Near the Pyramids)
Staying near the pyramids lets you visit at opening time with almost no other tourists, and some hotels have direct pyramid views. The Marriott Mena House is the iconic choice.
Best for: Pyramid-focused trips, sunrise access, iconic hotel experiences
Downtown Cairo
The traditional backpacker hub with the most hostels and budget hotels. Close to the Egyptian Museum and Cairo's historic architecture. Noisy and busy but authentic.
Best for: Budget travelers, backpackers, those wanting the Cairo experience
Top Attractions in Giza & Cairo
Great Pyramid of Giza (Khufu)
The largest of the three pyramids and the only surviving wonder of the ancient world. Built around 2560 BCE using over 2.3 million stone blocks. The sheer scale defies comprehension until you're standing at its base.
Pro Tip: Arrive at 8 AM when gates open. Entering the interior (narrow, hot, and claustrophobic) is optional but memorable. The exterior at sunrise is equally spectacular.
Great Sphinx of Giza
The iconic limestone statue with a human head and lion body, believed to depict Pharaoh Khafre, is part of the Giza plateau complex. It remains one of the world's most recognizable and enigmatic monuments.
Pro Tip: The best photography angle is from the viewing platform to the Sphinx's east side in the morning. The classic "holding the Sphinx" shot is taken from the road along the plateau.
Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
The world's largest archaeological museum, opened in 2023 near the pyramids, houses over 100,000 artifacts including the complete Tutankhamun collection — his golden mask, throne, and countless treasures.
Pro Tip: The Tutankhamun galleries alone justify the entrance fee. Wear comfortable shoes — the museum is vast. Book online to avoid queues.
Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
Cairo's ancient souq (market) has been trading since the 14th century. Hundreds of stalls sell spices, papyrus, perfume, gold, and crafts amid medieval Islamic architecture. An overwhelming and unmissable experience.
Pro Tip: Bargaining is expected and part of the culture. Start at 40-50% of the first asking price. Stop at El Fishawy cafe — one of the oldest in Cairo — for a tea and people-watching.
Citadel of Saladin & Mohamed Ali Mosque
The medieval citadel overlooks Cairo and contains the stunning alabaster Mohamed Ali Mosque (built 1830-1848), modeled on Istanbul's Blue Mosque, with sweeping views over the city to the pyramids.
Pro Tip: Combine with a visit to the Islamic Cairo neighborhood and Al-Azhar Mosque for a full day of medieval Islamic architecture — all within walking distance.
Food & Dining in Cairo
Must-Try Egyptian Foods
- Koshary - $1-$2
Egypt's national dish — rice, lentils, pasta, and chickpeas topped with spiced tomato sauce and crispy onions. Filling, delicious, and absurdly cheap.
- Ful Medames - $1-$3
Slow-cooked fava beans seasoned with cumin, lemon, and olive oil. The Egyptian breakfast staple — eaten with bread and fresh vegetables.
- Falafel (Ta'ameya) - $1-$2
Egyptian falafel uses fava beans rather than chickpeas, giving it a distinctive green interior. Much lighter than the Lebanese version.
- Hawawshi - $2-$4
Spiced minced meat stuffed inside bread and baked — Egypt's answer to a meat pie. A popular street food especially in Cairo.
- Om Ali - $3-$6
Egypt's beloved dessert — a warm bread pudding made with puff pastry, cream, nuts, and coconut. Found in every restaurant and bakery.
Budget Eating Tips
- Eat local: Cairo's street food is not only cheap but genuinely excellent. A full koshary lunch costs less than $2. Don't default to tourist restaurants.
- Avoid hotel food: Hotel restaurants charge 3-5x what you'd pay at a local restaurant for the same quality.
- Drink hibiscus tea: Karkadeh (hibiscus tea) is refreshing, healthy, and costs pennies at local cafes.
- Bargain for bottled water: Buy large water bottles from supermarkets rather than small ones from tourist vendors. Tap water is not safe to drink.
- Ramadan timing: If visiting during Ramadan, many restaurants are closed during the day but open for spectacular (and social) iftar dinners at sunset — a memorable cultural experience.
Getting Around Cairo & Giza
Money-Saving Tips for Giza & Cairo
Arrive at the Pyramids at Opening
Gates open at 8 AM. Being there first means no crowds, cooler temperatures, and the best light for photography. By 10 AM, tour groups arrive in force.
Use Uber, Not Street Taxis
Uber and Careem have transparent pricing and eliminate negotiation stress. They're also cheap — a ride across Cairo costs $3-$6.
Eat Koshary Daily
The national dish costs $1-$2 and is genuinely delicious. Koshary el-Tahrir in Downtown Cairo is a beloved institution. Budget travelers can eat very well on $8-$12/day.
Hire a Licensed Egyptologist
A private guide ($50-$80/half day) is the best money you'll spend in Egypt. The stories and knowledge transform a pile of stones into a living civilization.
Ignore Touts Firmly but Politely
The pyramids area has persistent touts. A firm "la shukran" (no thank you) and continuing to walk is the standard approach. Engaging, even to say no, invites more pressure.
Visit the GEM Over the Old Museum
The new Grand Egyptian Museum houses the complete Tutankhamun collection in vastly superior presentation. If you only have time for one museum, make it the GEM.
Add Luxor to Your Trip
Flying to Luxor (from $50) adds the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and Luxor Temple — arguably as impressive as the pyramids. A 2-3 day add-on is highly recommended.
Dress Conservatively
Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country. Covering shoulders and knees (especially women) shows respect, avoids unwanted attention, and is required at mosques — bring a scarf.
Sample Giza & Cairo Itineraries
3-Day Cairo & Giza Itinerary
Estimated Budget: $150-$500 (excluding flights)
- Early morning (8 AM): Giza plateau — Great Pyramid, Sphinx, Pyramid of Khafre
- Midday: Return to hotel to escape heat, lunch
- Afternoon: Grand Egyptian Museum (Tutankhamun collection)
- Evening: Optional Sound & Light Show at the pyramids
- Morning: Citadel of Saladin and Mohamed Ali Mosque
- Lunch: Local restaurant in Islamic Cairo
- Afternoon: Khan el-Khalili bazaar, Al-Azhar Mosque and park
- Evening: Dinner at a Nile-side restaurant, evening Nile cruise
- Morning: Coptic Cairo — Hanging Church, Ben Ezra Synagogue, Coptic Museum
- Lunch: Koshary lunch in Downtown Cairo
- Afternoon: Egyptian Museum (old collection) or shopping in Downtown
- Evening: Farewell dinner on the Nile in Zamalek
5-Day Egypt Itinerary — Cairo + Luxor
Estimated Budget: $400-$1,200 (excluding international flights)
Follow the 3-day Cairo itinerary above.
- Morning: Fly Cairo to Luxor (1 hr, from $50)
- Afternoon: Valley of the Kings (Tutankhamun's original tomb), Hatshepsut Temple
- Evening: Walk the Corniche, dinner in Luxor
- Morning: Karnak Temple complex at sunrise (one of the world's greatest ancient sites)
- Lunch: Local restaurant near the temples
- Afternoon: Luxor Temple (stunning at sunset), evening flight back to Cairo
Frequently Asked Questions
Giza plateau entry costs $15 USD equivalent. Entering the Great Pyramid interior costs an additional $15. Budget about $50-$80 for a full pyramid day including entry, transport, and food.
The main tourist areas of Cairo, Giza, Luxor, and Aswan are generally safe. Be aware of persistent touts and scammers at tourist sites. Use Uber rather than street taxis, book reputable tours, and check your government's current travel advisories.
Most nationalities can obtain an Egypt e-visa online ($25 USD) or on arrival at Cairo airport ($25). The e-visa is recommended for convenience. Check current requirements for your specific passport.
A private licensed Egyptologist guide ($50-$80 for a half day) is absolutely worth it. The context, stories, and knowledge they provide are transformative — the pyramids become far more than impressive stones when you understand their history and construction.
US Dollars or Euros can be exchanged for Egyptian Pounds (EGP) at banks, official exchange offices, or ATMs. ATMs at Cairo airport and major hotels give good rates. Avoid exchanging money with street moneychangers. Most tourist sites now accept cards, but cash is still essential for street food, taxis, and markets.
Ready to Plan Your Egypt Trip?
Get a personalized budget estimate based on your travel dates, group size, and preferred travel style.
Calculate Your Egypt Budget NowFree, instant estimates with no sign-up required
