Giza holidays

How to reach Giza

• Flight time: Direct flights to Giza from London arrive at Sphinx International Airport and take around 5 hours. Flights from other major UK airports, such as Manchester and Birmingham, fly with a stopover to Cairo International Airport or Sphinx International Airport and take around 9 hours.

• Transfer time: The transfer time from Sphinx International Airport to Giza is 45 minutes to 1 hour by taxi or private transfer. From Cairo International Airport, it takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.

• Price: A taxi ride from the airport to Giza will cost around £10–£15. Private transfers, which can be pre-booked, range from £15–£20. Additionally, some hotels offer shuttle services for their guests.

Best time to visit Giza

While Egypt’s weather is dry year-round with plenty of sunshine, the most popular times for holidays to Giza are the milder months from autumn to spring. Here’s a guide on what to expect during the different seasons:

• October to April is the ideal time to visit Giza, with milder weather that is comfortable for sightseeing. However, the number of tourists is highest at this time. Temperatures range from 10 to 25°C, and the coolest months are between December and February, a popular time for those escaping the cold UK winters.

• May to September can get very hot, especially during July and August when temperatures soar to above 40°C. Even for extreme sun worshippers, at any point during summer, it is best to plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon and hide from the intense heat in the middle of the day.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels and restaurants. Learning a few basic Arabic phrases can be helpful and is appreciated by locals.

• Local habits and customs: Egyptian culture is conservative, so dress modestly when away from tourist resorts – especially when visiting a mosque – and public displays of affection are frowned upon. Haggling is common in markets and shops.

• Health and safety: Giza is generally safe for tourists, but it's wise to take standard precautions such as not flaunting valuables and being cautious at night. Tap water isn’t safe to drink, so stick to bottled water.

• Currency: The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the local currency, divided into 100 piastres (pt). ATMs are plentiful in tourist areas, and credit cards are widely accepted. It's useful to carry some cash for smaller purchases and tips.

• Getting around: Taxis are the best mode of transport, with a typical journey costing just a few pounds. Agree on a fare before your journey or insist on the meter being used. Public minibuses are cheaper but can be crowded and confusing for newcomers.

• Electricity and plug types: Egypt’s supply is 220V, with either the two-pin plug type C or F. UK travellers will need an adaptor for their devices.

• Time zone: Giza operates on Eastern European Time (EET), 2 hours ahead of GMT, and observes Daylight Saving Time.

• Required travel documentation: UK travellers need a visa to enter Egypt. You can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport for around £25 or apply for an e-visa in advance.

Best things to do in Giza

With Cairo so crowded and polluted, it is a joy to explore the stretches of verdant countryside and open desert south and west of the city in Giza, with a treasure trove of ancient wonders and historic scenery. Here’s the best of what Giza holidays have to offer:

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Pyramids of Giza: Giza’s three famous pyramids and the Sphinx are the most iconic sights. The panorama of these ancient structures against the desert backdrop is awe-inspiring. Every evening, a sound and light show provides spectacular, illuminated views of the pyramids and their history.

• Cairo Tower: Located on Gezira Island in the middle of the Nile, this 187m tower provides remarkable 360-degree views of Cairo, the river and the distant pyramids – when the pollution isn’t present!

The best districts

• Giza Plateau: Home to the Great Pyramid – the only surviving structure of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – plus other pyramids, the Sphinx and several smaller tombs and temples, this area is a must-visit for its incredible relics of Egyptian history.

• Central Giza: This bustling area has shops, restaurants and local markets. It’s a great place to experience the local culture and try traditional Egyptian food.

Parks and gardens

• Al-Azhar Park: While technically in Cairo, this park is close enough to Giza to be worth the trip. It offers beautiful gardens, peaceful paths, plenty of options for eating out and stunning views of the Cairo skyline and historic mosques.

• Orman Garden: Located in Giza, this botanical garden features a variety of plant species, making it a peaceful retreat from the bustling city streets.

Historical monuments

• Great Sphinx of Giza: With the body of a lion and the face of the pharaoh Khafre, this iconic limestone figure was carved out of a natural outcrop of rock when the causeway to his pyramid was being built. One of the oldest and largest statues in the world, it’s a must-see.

• Solar Boat Museum: This museum houses the reconstructed Khufu ship, an ancient Egyptian vessel discovered near the Great Pyramid. After the Grand Egyptian Museum opens, the boat may be moved to a new home there.

• Grand Egyptian Museum: With its delayed opening finally happening in 2024, this archeological museum is set to be the largest in the world, with a vast array of more than 100,000 exhibits. The entire Tutankhamun collection has already been moved here from Cairo’s Egyptian Museum, and many more exhibits will follow.

Day trips in the area

• Saqqara: Located just 20km south of Giza, Saqqara was the necropolis (cemetery) for the ancient capital of Memphis. The Step Pyramid of Zoser was the earliest in Egypt and was the first great building in the world to be made of stone.

• Old Cairo: Explore the historic Christian part of Cairo, with its beautiful churches, including St Virgin Mary’s, aka the Hanging Church, and the Coptic Museum – a fascinating way to discover more about Egypt’s Christian heritage.

• Dahshur: Further south of Saqqara, Dahshur is known for the Bent Pyramid, the Red Pyramid and the Black Pyramid and offers a quieter and less crowded alternative to Giza.

Activities for families in Giza

Giza offers a range of activities perfect for families, making it a great destination for an educational and fun-filled holiday.

• Exploring the pyramids: Children will be fascinated by the sheer size and history of the pyramids. Many guided tours provide engaging stories and facts that bring their ancient history to life.

• Camel- and horse-riding: Riding a camel or horse on the Giza Plateau is a memorable experience for kids and adults alike. It’s a fun way to explore the area and take in the views.

• Felucca rides on the Nile: Enjoy a relaxing sail on a traditional Egyptian boat. It’s a peaceful way to see the city from the water and a fun activity for all ages.

Free things to do in Giza

Giza offers plenty of free activities that allow you to explore and enjoy the city without breaking the bank.

• Giza Plateau: While several pyramids can be explored inside, just walking around this site can be the best way to admire the size of these structures and take in the accomplishment of their construction.

• Local markets: Wander through the bustling markets of Cairo, such as the labyrinthine Khan El Khalili bazaar, which offer great places to soak up the atmosphere and people-watch.

• Mosques: Visit the Ibn Tulun and Sultan Hassan mosques in Cairo. These historic religious sites are free to enter and explore, offering insight into the local culture and architecture.

Local dishes in Giza

One of the great delights of holidays to Giza is trying the rich and diverse range of Egyptian cuisine. Here’s a guide to some of the typical dishes and drinks to look out for:

Some typical dishes

• Ful Medames: This popular dish, made from fava beans, garlic and lemon juice, is typically served with bread and commonly found at breakfast.

• Koshari: A hearty mix of rice, macaroni, lentils and chickpeas, topped with a spicy tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. It’s a super cheap meal and true Egyptian comfort food.

• Molokhia: A traditional green soup made from jute leaves, often flavoured with garlic and coriander, and typically served with rice or bread.

• Taameya: Egyptian falafel made from crushed fava beans, herbs and spices, deep-fried to perfection. It is often enjoyed in sandwiches with salad and tahini.

Meat dishes

• Kebabs and kofta: Kebabs are grilled skewers of lamb or chicken marinated in aromatic spices; kofta is minced meat, usually lamb or beef, mixed with herbs and spices before grilling.

• Shawarma: Marinated meat, typically lamb or chicken, slow-cooked on a rotisserie and served in pita bread with tahini, garlic sauce, vegetables and pickles.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Sayadeya: A classic dish in which white fish is cooked with rice, tomatoes, onions and a mix of spices, often served with tahini sauce on the side.

• Gambari: Freshly caught prawns, often grilled or cooked in a spicy tomato sauce.

Sweets and desserts

• Basbousa: A semolina cake soaked in sweet syrup, often flavoured with coconut and topped with almonds.

• Kunafa: Shredded pastry filled with cream or cheese, baked golden brown and soaked in sweet syrup.

• Baklava: Layers of filo pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup.

• Umm Ali: A traditional Egyptian bread pudding made with pastry, cream, nuts and raisins, served warm and richly comforting.

Local drinks

• Karkade: A refreshing tea made from dried hibiscus petals, served hot or cold, with a tart flavour similar to cranberry.

• Fruit juices: Freshly pressed juices are popular in Egypt. Try fresh lemon, lime, guava, pomegranate or sugarcane juice.

• Sahlab: A warm, thick drink made from milk and flavoured with rose water, often topped with nuts and coconut. It’s perfect for cooler evenings.

• Egyptian coffee: Strong and often flavoured with cardamom, Egyptian coffee is a staple, best enjoyed slowly in one of Giza’s many traditional cafés.