Giza
Travel Guide Africa Egypt Giza
Introduction
Giza is the home of the Great Pyramid and the Great Sphinx, two of Egypt's most famous attractions. Situated on the Giza Plateau, the last-remaining of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World were built to overlook the ancient city of Memphis. Today, Giza is located just 20 kilometres from central Cairo, on the banks of the Nile River.
Sights and Activities
Giza Pyramids
Giza's three pyramids, known collectively as the Giza Necropolis, are found about 8 kilometres outside of Giza. The Necropolis consists of the Pyramid of Khufu (Great Pyramid), the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure. For more information read the article: Pyramids of Giza.
The Great Sphinx
The Great Sphinx is at the eastern end of the Giza Necropolis, near the pyramids. It was probably built in the 3rd millennium BC, although who built it is a matter of dispute among scholars.
Events and Festivals
Getting There
By Taxi
From Cairo, you can take the train to Giza Station and then catch a taxi to the Giza Necropolis. If you are catching one of the black and white taxis, make sure that you negotiate the price before you get in the cab. It should usually cost between 15-20 Egyptian pounds. Also be sure to insist that you only want to go to the Necropolis, as some taxi drivers will try to take you to local shops as well.
Alternatively, you can catch the yellow taxis, which are generally more reliable, and are metered.
By Bus
It is also possible to take an air-conditioned bus from Cairo, using the 355 and 357 routes. Catch it from Abdel Menem Riyad Station in Midan Tahrir, which is located next to the Egyptian Museum.
Eat
There are quite a few western fast food restaurants in Giza, but if you feel like a slightly more authentic experience, there are also local food sellers.
Drink
Tap water is drinkable but heavily chlorinated. You can purchase bottled water from small shops.
Sleep
| Property | Address | Type | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pyramids Inn Motel | Mansoria Road Pyramids St. | apartment | 100 |
Due to the area's great popularity amongst tourists, there are many upscale resorts in Giza. For more information, also check the long list of accommodation options in nearby Cairo.
Budget
Mid-Range
Upscale
Keep Connected
Internet
Phone
See also: International Telephone Calls
Post
Egypt Post is the national postal service in Egypt. Services are generally reliable, affordable though pretty slow, even if you send post domestically. International letters and postcards take days, if not weeks if send to the US or Australia. They do have express mail services though, but these are relatively expensive. Opening hours of post officies are mostly from 8:30am to 2:00pm or 3:00pm daily except Friday, when all of them are closed. The central ones might keep longer hours, generally until 8:00pm. You can buy stamps here, or at certain newspaper kiosks. In touristic areas, these are available at many shops as well. For parcels, it's much better to use international courier services such as DHL, TNT or UPS.
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