7 best things to do in Giza

Giza might technically be a suburb of Cairo, but it feels like another world entirely – one built on desert sand and ancient ambition. Most people breeze through on a day trip from Cairo, ticking off the pyramids before heading back to the capital's chaos. But hang around just a little longer, and Giza starts to reveal more: quieter corners, better light, fewer crowds, and a sense of timelessness that’s hard to find elsewhere. If you're wondering what to do beyond the obvious, here are the very best things to do in Giza – from world-famous monuments to quirky classics.

1. Stand in awe of the Great Pyramid of Khufu

This isn’t just a pile of old rocks. The Great Pyramid of Khufu (also called Cheops) is the last remaining wonder of the ancient world – and it still feels like a marvel of engineering and ambition. Built over 4,500 years ago with no cranes, no iron tools, and certainly no computer modeling, this 147-meter giant has stood tall through pharaohs, invasions, and tourism booms.

You can go inside the pyramid if you're feeling adventurous. The entrance leads up a tight, steep corridor to the King's Chamber – just a stone room with a big granite sarcophagus, but being inside the pyramid is what makes it special. It’s hot, airless, and not ideal for the claustrophobic, but undeniably cool.

Don't skip walking around the entire base – it's the best way to appreciate the scale. The massive limestone blocks weigh up to 15 tons each. Standing beside them puts modern skyscrapers to shame. Come early or late to avoid the tour-bus rush.

2. Gaze into the eyes of the Great Sphinx

The Sphinx isn’t just a statue – it’s a symbol. Towering over the desert with the body of a lion and a human head (believed to represent Pharaoh Khafre), this iconic guardian of the pyramids has inspired myths for centuries. And yes, it’s probably smaller than you imagined – around 20 meters high – but it still holds serious presence.

Among all the things to do in Giza, locking eyes with the Sphinx is a must. No one’s exactly sure why it was built, what it originally looked like, or even what it was called in ancient times – and that mystery is part of the pull. The missing nose? Not Napoleon’s fault, despite what the rumors say. Most likely vandalized centuries ago.

Arrive early to dodge the crowds and the heat – mid-morning turns the stone into a furnace. Walk around it for different perspectives: from the front, you’ll get the classic view with a pyramid in the background, and from the side, its scale really hits you.

There’s a reason the Sphinx consistently lands on lists of the best places to visit in Egypt. It’s not just ancient – it’s iconic, mysterious, and unforgettable. Even after thousands of years, it still knows how to steal the show.

3. Climb into the lesser-known pyramids

While the Great Pyramid gets most of the spotlight, its neighbors – the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure – are just as worthy of your attention. Khafre’s pyramid looks taller because it sits on slightly higher ground and still has some of its original smooth casing at the top. Menkaure’s is the smallest of the three, but more manageable if you want a quick pyramid fix without the crowds.

Climbing inside either of these (when open – it rotates) is a surreal experience. Like Khufu’s pyramid, there’s not much inside in terms of decoration or artifacts. But the simple act of ducking through ancient passageways, breathing in the still air of history, and standing inside a 4,000-year-old structure? That sticks with you.

Outside, take a moment to explore the satellite pyramids and smaller tombs nearby. Menkaure’s complex, in particular, is often overlooked and usually quiet – a great spot to absorb the atmosphere without the buzz of tourist groups. It’s one of the few moments at Giza where you might actually feel the desert silence.

4. Catch a desert sunset from the panoramic viewpoint

If you want the kind of view that makes you forget what century you’re in, head to the edge of the plateau where the city disappears and the desert takes over. There’s a panoramic viewpoint just behind the pyramids where the golden hour hits differently – the soft light bouncing off limestone, the sky turning tangerine, and the whole complex glowing like it’s still alive with ancient magic.

Getting there is half the fun. You can walk, but the stretch of sand is long and loose. Most visitors hop on a camel, a horse, or rent a rickety 4WD. Pick your vibe – desert explorer or Indiana Jones lite. The further you go from the crowds, the better the view.

This is also the spot for your wide-angle pyramid shot – all three lined up in classic silhouette. Bring a scarf or a hoodie, especially in winter. Once the sun dips, the desert cools fast. Stick around as the last rays fade and Cairo’s distant lights start to twinkle. You’ll leave with sand in your shoes and probably more photos than your phone can handle.

5. Explore the Tombs of the Nobles – Giza’s hidden side

While the pyramids steal the spotlight, some of the most fascinating stories in Giza are found underground – in the Tombs of the Nobles. Tucked behind the pyramids on the edge of the plateau, these tombs belonged to royal officials, architects, priests, and court elites who lived during Egypt’s Old Kingdom. Their final resting places may not be as massive as the pyramids, but they’re packed with color, personality, and detail.

Unlike the pyramids’ stark interiors, many noble tombs are carved with vivid scenes of daily life: farming, fishing, baking bread, playing music. You’ll see the ancient world not through pharaohs and gods, but through families and workers the Tombs of the Nobles a rare and surprisingly intimate glimpse into real Egyptian lives over 4,000 years ago.

Tombs worth checking out include those of Meresankh III and Khufukhaf I, both of which are usually quiet and far less visited than the pyramids. Some have original paint still intact – blues, reds, and yellows that haven’t faded after millennia. And the hieroglyphs? Still razor sharp.

If you're compiling the most rewarding things to do in Giza, don’t skip this. It’s one of the most underrated archaeological experiences on the plateau – and a strong contender for anyone seeking the best things to do in Egypt beyond the obvious headline acts.

6. Watch the Sound and Light Show

It’s theatrical. It’s old-school. It’s a little ridiculous. But the Sound and Light Show at Giza is one of those things that walks the fine line between kitsch and classic – and somehow lands right in the middle. Think projected lasers, dramatic narration, and the Sphinx “speaking” in a deep, godlike voice. If you lean into it, it’s bizarrely charming.

The show runs most nights, with seating set up opposite the Sphinx and the pyramids glowing behind. Each segment dives into the history of ancient Egypt, focusing on the pharaohs and the building of the pyramids, with big lighting effects and a sweeping soundtrack. It's not subtle, but then again, neither is Giza.

Come with low expectations and a sense of humor – and you'll probably have a good time. Pro tip: check what language the show will be in before you go. English is common, but sometimes it's in French, Spanish, or Arabic, depending on the night.

7. (Soon) Explore the Grand Egyptian Museum

This one's been a long time coming – and we mean long. The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), perched just outside the Giza Plateau, has been “almost open” for years. But when the doors finally swing wide, it’ll instantly become one of the best things to do in Giza – no exaggeration.

The museum is designed to showcase over 100,000 ancient artifacts, including the full tomb collection of Tutankhamun. You’ll see colossal statues, royal mummies, golden treasures, and everyday objects from 5,000 years ago – all housed in a modern, sun-drenched complex with pyramid views and state-of-the-art displays. It’s the kind of place you could spend an entire day wandering, especially if you’re even mildly into ancient history.

What sets GEM apart is its proximity – it’s practically in the shadow of the pyramids. That means you can explore the tombs in the morning and see the treasures they held in the afternoon, all without crossing Cairo’s chaotic traffic.

If it’s open when you're in town, don’t skip it. If it's not, check for soft launches, partial access, or special exhibitions. Either way, the buzz is real – and it’s poised to redefine how the world experiences ancient Egypt.