Pyramids of Giza

The Giza plateau holds the most famous monuments of ancient Egypt: the Great Pyramid of Khufu, built around 2580 to 2560 BC, the slightly smaller Pyramid of Khafre and the smallest of the three, the Pyramid of Menkaure. The Great Pyramid was the tallest structure built by people for thousands of years, and it is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing. Khafre's pyramid looks taller from many angles because it stands on higher ground and still has some of its original casing near the top.

On the east side of the plateau lies the Great Sphinx, which dates from the reign of Khafre and is generally thought to carry his face. Beside it, the Valley Temple of Khafre is worth a look for its massive granite blocks. Beyond the main monuments are smaller queens' pyramids, mastaba tombs of officials and the remains of the workers' village, which show that the pyramids were built by organised crews rather than slaves. The panorama point to the south-west gives the classic view of all three pyramids in a row.

The site suits all ages, but it is large, sandy and exposed, so it is hard going in the middle of the day. Arrive at opening time, bring water, a hat and sunscreen, and wear sturdy shoes. General admission covers the plateau, while entry inside the Great Pyramid and the other pyramids needs a separate ticket. The passages inside are steep, narrow and hot, so they are not suitable for anyone with claustrophobia or limited mobility. Allow three to four hours for a thorough visit.

Expect persistent offers of camel rides, horse rides and guiding near the entrances. Agree any price clearly before you start, or simply decline politely and keep walking. Many visitors prefer to explore with a licensed guide from a reputable company, which also helps with logistics. There are entrances near the Sphinx and on the Fayoum road side, and a visitor centre handles tickets.

The plateau is on the western edge of Giza, at the end of Pyramids Road, and is reached by taxi, ride-hailing app or tour. The Grand Egyptian Museum is about two kilometres away, so the two make an obvious pairing. For a meal with a view, Khufu's restaurant sits inside the site, and the Marriott Mena House hotel is just outside the gates.