The Pyramids of Giza are three royal tombs and the Great Sphinx on a desert plateau at the western edge of Cairo, and you can see them in a single day, even if you start in Eilat. Plan on about three to four hours on the plateau with a licensed guide. Arrive early to beat the heat and the crowds, and add the Grand Egyptian Museum nearby if you have more time.
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We have been taking travelers from Israel to Giza since 2008. This guide covers what we tell our own guests before they cross the border: what to see, how tickets work, whether to go inside, and which trip fits your time and budget.
Pyramids of Giza at a glance
| Key fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Giza Plateau, on the western edge of greater Cairo, Egypt |
| How long to spend | 3 to 4 hours for the pyramids, Sphinx and panorama point. A full day if you add the Grand Egyptian Museum. |
| Best time | October to April for cooler weather. Early morning on any day. |
| How to get there | Taxi, ride app or private driver from Cairo. From Israel, a guided tour via the Taba border. |
| What it costs | Entry tickets change, so check the official site. See tour prices below for our guided trips. |
| Booking tip | Pre-pay your Taba visa and border fees on our booking form so you do not need cash at the border. |
What you will see at the Pyramids of Giza
The plateau is bigger than most people expect. You will move between several stops, usually by vehicle, and each one gives you a different view. Here is what you will see, in the order most guided visits follow.
The Great Pyramid of Giza (Khufu)
The Great Pyramid of Giza was built for the pharaoh Khufu about 4,500 years ago. It is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the only one still standing. Up close, you can see the size of the limestone blocks, and you realize each one had to be cut, moved and placed by hand.
Khufu's ancient cedar boat, which was once shown in a small museum beside the Great Pyramid, has been moved to the Grand Egyptian Museum. If you want to see it, plan that museum visit too.
The Pyramid of Khafre
Khafre was Khufu's son. His pyramid often looks taller in photos because it sits on higher ground. Look at the very top, and you will see some of the original smooth casing stones still in place. This gives you an idea of how all the pyramids once looked: bright, smooth and shining in the sun.
The Pyramid of Menkaure and the queens' pyramids
Menkaure's pyramid is the smallest of the three main pyramids. Next to it, and next to the Great Pyramid, you will see smaller pyramids built for royal women. Many visitors skip these, but they help you see the plateau as a full royal cemetery, not just three big monuments.
The Great Sphinx and the Valley Temple
The Sphinx is carved from the bedrock of the plateau, with a lion's body and a human head. Most scholars link it to Khafre. You reach the viewing area by walking through Khafre's Valley Temple, a building of huge granite blocks where the king's funeral rites are thought to have taken place. This is the spot for the classic photo of the Sphinx with a pyramid behind it.
The panorama point
The panorama point is a raised area in the desert behind the pyramids. From here you can line up all the main pyramids in one frame. It is the best photo stop on the plateau, and it is where you will find camel and horse rides. We always schedule it, because it is the view people remember most.
Tickets and going inside the pyramids
Your general entry ticket covers the plateau, the outside of the pyramids and the Sphinx area. Going inside a pyramid needs an extra ticket. The Great Pyramid has its own interior ticket. The interiors of the other pyramids open on a schedule that can change, so not all of them are open at the same time.
Ticket prices, opening hours and which interiors are open all change from time to time. Check the official Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities site before you go. On our Egypt tours, check your tour page to see exactly which entry fees are included.
Should you go inside the Great Pyramid?
Inside, you climb a narrow, steep passage and then the tall Grand Gallery to reach the King's Chamber, which holds an empty granite sarcophagus. There are no paintings or carvings. It is hot, humid and tight, and you will bend low in places.
Go inside if you want to say you stood in the heart of the last ancient wonder. Skip it if you have knee or back trouble, or if you do not like small spaces. Many of our guests choose the outside views and the Sphinx, then spend the saved time at the museum.
Best time to visit the Giza pyramids
Best time of day
Go as early as you can. In the first hours after opening the air is cooler, the light is soft, and the tour buses have not all arrived yet. Our overnight trips from Eilat are timed so you reach Cairo in the morning for exactly this reason.
Late afternoon also has nice light, but it is busier and you have less time before closing. There is an evening sound and light show at the Sphinx. Show times and languages change, so check before you plan around it.
Best time of year
October to April is the most comfortable season, with milder days. Winter is also the busiest season. Summer is very hot on the open plateau, with very little shade. If you visit from May to September, start early, carry plenty of water, wear a hat and keep the middle of the day for indoor sights like the museum.
How to get to the Pyramids of Giza
From central Cairo
Giza is part of greater Cairo, but traffic is heavy, so the drive time depends a lot on the hour. Your options are a taxi, a ride app or a private driver with a guide. A guided visit saves you from haggling, finding the right entrance and dealing with touts at the gate.
Access points and transport on the plateau have been changing as part of ongoing upgrades. If you go on your own, check the current entrance before you set out.
From Eilat
Eilat is the closest point in Israel to Cairo by land. On our trips, you are picked up in Eilat in the evening, cross at the Taba border into Egypt, and drive overnight across Sinai. You arrive in Cairo in the morning and start with the pyramids. You can pre-pay the Egypt visa and border fees on our booking form, so you do not need to carry cash for them.
Many guests combine this with a stay on the coast. Our guide to the best things to do in Eilat helps you plan the days before or after your Egypt trip. If you want one more desert adventure, our local guide to climbing Mount Sinai for sunrise covers another trip that crosses at Taba.
From Tel Aviv and Jerusalem
From Tel Aviv, the easiest way to see Giza is a multi-country package that covers Jerusalem, Petra and Cairo in one trip, ending at Cairo airport. That way you do not need to travel back across Israel. If Petra is your other big goal, read our comparison of the best Petra tours from Eilat, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Planning your visit to the Pyramids of Giza in 2027
If you are planning around the pyramids of giza 2027 season, book early for October to April. That is when the best dates for both day trips and multi-day tours fill first. Tour prices in this guide are current at the time of writing and can change.
Entry tickets, opening hours and which interiors are open are also not fixed for 2027. They can change during the year, so always check the official sources linked in this guide before you travel.
Safety and travel advisories
As of November 2026, the main visitor areas of Cairo and Giza receive large numbers of international travelers. Some governments, including the United States, advise against overland travel in parts of the Sinai Peninsula. Israeli citizens should also check the travel warnings issued by Israel's National Security Council.
These advisories can change quickly and can affect your travel insurance. Before you book, read your own government's current advisory and confirm that your insurance covers your route. If you have questions about how our trips run, message us and we will explain the route plainly.
Practical tips for the Pyramids of Giza
- Dress code: There is no strict dress code on the plateau, but light, modest clothes that cover your shoulders and knees are respectful and protect you from the sun. You will need them anyway for mosques in Islamic Cairo.
- Shoes: Wear closed shoes with good grip. The ground is sand, gravel and uneven stone.
- Sun and water: Bring a hat, sunscreen and more water than you think you need. Shade is limited.
- Cash: Carry small Egyptian pound notes for tips, restrooms and small purchases.
- Camels and horses: Agree on the price, the route and the length of the ride before you get on. If you are with us, ask your guide to help.
- Sellers and helpers: People may offer photos, headscarves or directions and then ask for money. A polite, firm no thank you works.
- Drones: Do not bring one. Drone rules in Egypt are strict, and they can be confiscated at the border.
After Giza: the Grand Egyptian Museum, Saqqara and Khan el-Khalili
The Grand Egyptian Museum
The Grand Egyptian Museum sits close to the plateau and is a natural next stop after the pyramids. It holds major collections from ancient Egypt, including Khufu's boat. Check what is open and current ticket rules before you go, since they can change.
Saqqara
Saqqara lies south of Giza and is home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, one of the oldest stone monuments in Egypt. It is usually quieter than Giza, and some tombs have beautifully carved and painted walls. Giza and Saqqara are both part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Memphis and its Necropolis.
Khan el-Khalili
Khan el-Khalili is Cairo's historic market in the Islamic quarter. Come here for spices, lamps, brass and a mint tea in a traditional cafe. Bargaining is normal, so start well below the asking price and keep it friendly.
Which Pyramids of Giza tour should you choose?
Every pyramids of Giza tour below is guided in English and run by our team. Here is how they compare, so you can match the trip to your time.
- Private Cairo day tour from Eilat: Best if you are staying in Eilat and want to see the pyramids and Sphinx without a hotel night. Full day, from $290.
- 2 day Cairo tour from Eilat with hotel night: Suits first-time visitors who want Giza plus the museum, Khan el-Khalili, Saqqara and Coptic Cairo at a calmer pace. 2 days, from $550.
- 4 day Cairo tour from Eilat with Saqqara: Good for travelers who want three full days of sightseeing and two nights in a 4-star Cairo hotel. 4 days, from $780.
- Cairo and Luxor tour from Eilat by sleeper train: For history lovers who want the pyramids and the Valley of the Kings and Karnak in one trip. 4 days, from $749.
- 5 day Israel, Jordan and Egypt tour from Tel Aviv: Ideal if you want Jerusalem, Petra and Cairo in one short trip, with Cairo airport drop-off at the end. 5 days, from $1512.
- 8 day Egypt tour with Nile cruise from Cairo: Best if you are flying into Cairo and want Giza, Luxor and Aswan with four nights on the Nile. 8 days, from $1950.
Day tours can be cancelled for free up to 36 hours before the start time. Tours that include flights or hotels are non-refundable, so choose your dates carefully on the multi-day trips.
Tours that include Pyramids Of Giza
Live prices and dates, hotel pickup on most tours, and a local team in Eilat that answers on WhatsApp.
8 Day Egypt Tour with Nile Cruise from CairoFrom $1,950View tour
Frequently asked questions about the Pyramids of Giza
How long do you need at the Pyramids of Giza?
Most visitors need about three to four hours to see the three pyramids, the Sphinx and the panorama point. Add more time if you go inside the Great Pyramid. With the Grand Egyptian Museum, plan for a full day.
How much does it cost to visit the Giza pyramids?
Entry ticket prices change from time to time, and going inside a pyramid costs extra. Check the official Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities site for current prices. Our guided tours start from $290 for the private day tour from Eilat.
Can you visit the Pyramids of Giza from Eilat in one day?
Yes. Our Cairo day tour leaves Eilat in the evening, drives overnight across Sinai and reaches Cairo in the morning. You spend the day at the pyramids and the Sphinx, then travel back.
Can you visit the pyramids from Tel Aviv?
Yes, as part of a multi-day trip. Our 5 day tour from Tel Aviv covers Jerusalem, Petra and Cairo, including the pyramids and Saqqara. It ends with a drop-off at Cairo airport.
Can you go inside the Great Pyramid of Giza?
Yes, with a separate interior ticket. The passages are narrow, steep and hot, and the chambers are plain with no decoration. It is a great experience if you are fit and comfortable in tight spaces.
What is the best time to visit the pyramids?
Early morning is best on any day, because it is cooler and less crowded. For the year, October to April is the most comfortable season. Summer is very hot on the open plateau.
Is there a dress code at the pyramids?
There is no strict dress code at the site. Light clothes that cover your shoulders and knees are respectful and protect you from the sun. Wear sturdy closed shoes for the sandy, uneven ground.
Are the Pyramids of Giza worth it?
Yes. Standing beside the last surviving wonder of the ancient world is something photos cannot prepare you for. Go early, use a good guide and visit the panorama point, and it will be a highlight of your travels.
Keep planning
More travel guides for this trip
Plan your trip
The Pyramids of Giza are closer than most people think. If you are in Eilat, you can have dinner by the Red Sea tonight and stand in front of the Sphinx tomorrow morning. Our 2 day Cairo tour from Eilat is the trip we recommend most to first-time visitors, because it gives you Giza and the best of Cairo without rushing.
Message us on WhatsApp at 08-6338361 (international +972 8-633-8361) or email [email protected], and a member of our Eilat team will help you pick a date and the right tour. For more ideas, browse our Cairo and Egypt travel guides and tours or the full Booking-Tours travel guide.
Cover photo: Ludovic Delot, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons