Giza

CityAl Qāhirah, Egypt

Giza is a CITY in Al Qāhirah, Egypt.

Giza, a city on the west bank of the Nile River near Cairo, is globally renowned for the iconic Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, which stand as testaments to ancient Egyptian civilization. Beyond these marvels, Giza offers a vibrant mix of history, culture, and modern Egyptian life. Visitors can explore the Solar Boat Museum, ride camels across the desert, or enjoy panoramic views of the pyramids from local cafes. The city's bustling markets, like the Khan el-Khalili bazaar extension, provide authentic souvenirs and spices. Giza's cultural significance is unmatched, blending Pharaonic heritage with contemporary Egyptian traditions.

Best time to visit Giza

October to April offers pleasant weather (15-25°C), ideal for exploring outdoor sites. Avoid summer (June-August) due to extreme heat (up to 40°C). Crowds peak around December and January, so visit early in the day to avoid long queues at the pyramids.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather
Warm 18-30°C

Travel notes

Crowds
Moderate
Prices
High

Ideal weather

Know before you go

Getting there

CAI

Cairo International Airport

International

30 km away

SPX

Sphinx International Airport

Domestic

15 km away

Getting around

"Taxis and ride-hailing apps (Uber, Careem) are convenient. Microbuses (shared minivans) are cheap but crowded. Horse or camel rides are available near the pyramids. The Cairo Metro connects Giza to central Cairo, but stations are limited in Giza."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

25 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in hotels and cafes

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $5

Calling code

20

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Scams are the main risk; violent crime is rare.

Night safety

7/10

Scams are the main risk; violent crime is rare.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Avoid walking alone at night in less crowded areas. Beware of pickpockets in tourist-heavy zones. Always negotiate taxi fares in advance or use ride-hailing apps. Dress modestly to respect local customs and avoid unwanted attention."

Entry and health

Health information

"Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled water. Be cautious with street food to avoid stomach issues. Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended. High temperatures in summer can cause dehydration, so carry water and wear sunscreen."

Culture

Local customs

"Greet locals with 'As-salam alaykum' (Peace be upon you). Dress modestly, especially women. Tipping (baksheesh) is customary for small services. Avoid public displays of affection. Fridays are prayer days, so some shops may close."
ArabicEnglish

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Budget

Meals

$5 | a cheap local meal costs ~$5

Hotels

$40-80 | budget hotels range $40-80/night

Local transport

$1 | local bus ride ~$1

Cost notes

Mid-range hotels $80-150; luxury options $200+.

Timezone

Africa/Cairo +02:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

4.2 million

Area

1,570 km²

Government

Governorate

ISO code

GIZ

Type

City

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: El Giza, الجيزة

HistoricCulturalAdventureFamily-FriendlyDesert