Great Sphinx of Giza, Cairo - Great Sphinx & pyramids of Giza,  Egypt
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Great Sphinx of Giza

4.7
·24k reviews·, Egypt

Gaze upon the enigmatic Great Sphinx of Giza, a colossal ancient monument with a lion's body and human head, steeped in mystery and history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
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Great Sphinx of Giza, Cairo - Great Sphinx & pyramids of Giza,  Egypt

Great Sphinx of Giza

Best Time

Early morning

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Gaze upon the enigmatic Great Sphinx of Giza, a colossal ancient monument with a lion's body and human head, steeped in mystery and history.

4.7
(24k reviews)

"An incredible experience to see such a world heritage monument up close."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Hire a Local Guide

Guides can help deter persistent vendors and offer historical insights. :male_detective:

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Stay hydrated! Water is expensive on-site. :droplet:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Great Sphinx

The Great Sphinx

Giza Plateau

Gaze upon the enigmatic face of this ancient guardian, a colossal limestone statue with a lion's body and human head.

Panoramic Viewpoint

Panoramic Viewpoint

Giza Plateau

Capture iconic photos of the Sphinx and pyramids together from this elevated vantage point.

Dream Stela

Dream Stela

Between the Sphinx's paws

See the ancient stone tablet inscribed with hieroglyphs, detailing a pharaoh's dream.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Giza Plateau

Be prepared for crowds and persistent vendors. Many travelers recommend hiring a local guide to help navigate touts and enhance your understanding of the Great Sphinx of Giza and surrounding pyramids. Consider booking tickets online in advance to save time.

Best Time to Visit for Comfort

The Egyptian sun can be intense, especially during summer. Visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon can help you avoid the peak heat and crowds. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the vast Giza plateau.

Best Times

When
Early morning
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter months
Why
Pleasant temperatures
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

i stayed for a week and everyday was the same 🫠 #egypt #egyptscam #scammers #egypttravels #egypttips #myexperience #traveltip
@gracietravels
255.6K likes • 5.6M views

🎯 Hire a Local Guide

Guides can help deter persistent vendors and offer historical insights. :male_detective: Reddit+1

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Stay hydrated! Water is expensive on-site. :droplet: Reddit

Listen to @zahi_hawass as he reveals some of the hidden secrets of the Great Sphinx of Giza and the breathtaking alignments it forms on specific dates each year.⁣ ⁣ "Passion. This is my message to every student aspiring to be a good Archaeologist. I always say one thing: With passion, you take something small and make it great.”⁣ ⁣ Watch the new episode of SR Beyond – Zahi Hawass at the link in bi...
stefanoricciofficial
12.7K likes • 45.8K views
reddit.com

Giza One Day Itinerary

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe: Reddit

🚫 Say 'La Shukran'

Learn this Arabic phrase for 'no thank you' to politely decline offers. :noentrysign: Reddit

reddit.com

Have you visited the Giza Pyramids since the new entrance was built? Can you leave your impressions?

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Hire a Local Guide

Guides can help deter persistent vendors and offer historical insights. :male_detective: Reddit+1

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Stay hydrated! Water is expensive on-site. :droplet: Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe: Reddit

🚫 Say 'La Shukran'

Learn this Arabic phrase for 'no thank you' to politely decline offers. :noentrysign: Reddit

📸 Avoid Photo Scams

Be wary of unsolicited photo offers; they often come with a price. :camerawithflash: TikTok

💳 Book Tickets Online

Consider purchasing your admission tickets in advance to skip queues. :ticket: Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(24k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are consistently amazed by the sheer grandeur and historical significance of the Great Sphinx of Giza, calling it an incredible, extraordinary, and unforgettable experience. The monument's ancient aura and impressive scale leave a profound impression. However, some find the experience slightly diminished by overwhelming crowds and persistent vendors, and a few note that its proximity to urban development can be surprising.

"It’s amazing to see after years of only photos. The history is interesting. I was thankful to have a guide who was well informed. It is warm during the summer and this was towards 10 am. Dress accordingly. The marble and limestone are works of art."

Brit. L.

"Exciting adventure , amazing experience
Great entrance for tickets
Excellent free bus shuttle inside the Pyramids.
Great facilities.
No remittance after existing
Can go without a guide"

Creena Jones

"An incredible experience to see such a world heritage monument up close.
We didn’t go into the museum because the line was too long, so we settled for taking plenty of photos from the outside."

Konstantinos Gkezepis

What People Like

Monumental scale and history
Enigmatic aura
Iconic world heritage site

What People Dislike

Crowds and vendors
Urban proximity

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can take an Uber or a taxi to the Giza Plateau. Many visitors report a smooth experience using ride-sharing apps. If you're staying nearby, walking might be an option, but be mindful of the heat and traffic. Reddit

While public buses do run in the general area, they can be crowded and less direct. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are generally recommended for convenience and ease of access to the Giza Pyramid and Sphinx complex. Reddit

Once inside the complex, there are electric bus shuttles that can take you to different points of interest, including the Sphinx and various pyramid viewpoints. Reddit

Access for private vehicles has changed with the new visitor center. While you can't drive directly to all points as before, the new system aims to manage visitor flow. Reddit

Yes, taking a taxi or Uber is generally safe. However, it's always wise to agree on a fare beforehand or ensure the meter is used. Be prepared for potential traffic congestion. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission prices can vary, but there's often a combined ticket for the Giza Plateau, which includes access to the Sphinx area. Some specific areas, like going inside a pyramid or seeing the Dream Stela up close, might require an additional fee, often around $10-$30 USD. Reddit

You can purchase tickets at the Visitors' Centre upon arrival. Booking tickets online in advance is also an option and can help you avoid queues at the ticket office. Reddit

The Giza Plateau typically opens early in the morning, around 7 or 8 AM, and closes in the late afternoon or early evening, usually around 5 PM. It's best to check the official timings closer to your visit. TikTok

A guide is not strictly required for entry, but many visitors find it highly beneficial for navigating the site and understanding the history, as well as for deterring touts. Reddit+1

Yes, you can get quite close to the Sphinx. There's a viewing area where you can see the Dream Stela between its paws. Some specialized tours might offer even closer access. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The main attraction is the Sphinx itself, a monumental statue with a lion's body and human head. You can also see the Dream Stela between its paws and enjoy panoramic views of the pyramids. Reddit

The Sphinx area can get very crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons and times. Visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon can help mitigate the crowds. Reddit

Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended, especially during warmer months. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Consider a hat and sunglasses for sun protection. Reddit

Yes, you will encounter many vendors and touts. Learning to politely say 'La Shukran' (no thank you) and not making prolonged eye contact can help. Hiring a guide can also reduce these interactions. TikTokReddit

Absolutely! Taking photos is a highlight for most visitors. Be aware of people offering to take your picture for a fee, and be cautious of potential scams. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The classic shot is from the front, capturing the Sphinx with the pyramids in the background. The panoramic viewpoint offers a great perspective for this. You can also get closer shots from the designated viewing areas. Instagram

Try to capture the Sphinx with the rising or setting sun for dramatic lighting. Some visitors enjoy creative shots that play with perspective, making the Sphinx appear larger or smaller relative to the pyramids. Reddit

Drone usage is generally restricted in sensitive historical and archaeological sites like the Giza Plateau. It's best to check current regulations before attempting to fly a drone. TikTok

Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a warmer glow. The 'golden hour' can create stunning images. Instagram

General photography is usually allowed. However, tripods might require special permission, and flash photography may be prohibited in certain areas or at specific times. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Visiting the Great Sphinx of Giza with children can be an exciting educational adventure. The sheer scale of the Sphinx and the pyramids is awe-inspiring for all ages. Consider hiring a guide who can make history engaging for younger minds, perhaps focusing on the animalistic aspects of the Sphinx or the stories of pharaohs. Reddit Ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes and brings plenty of water and sun protection, as the site is expansive and can get very hot. Reddit The electric bus shuttle can be a fun way for kids to get around the plateau, reducing fatigue. Reddit

Be prepared for crowds and vendors, and teach children polite ways to decline offers. Focusing on the visual spectacle and the 'wow' factor of these ancient wonders can make the experience memorable. While the Sphinx itself is the main draw, the surrounding pyramids offer ample space for exploration and imagination. Remember to pack snacks and keep the visit duration manageable to avoid overtiring younger children.

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, visiting the Great Sphinx of Giza requires smart planning. While hiring a guide can be beneficial, it adds to the cost. If you're comfortable navigating on your own, focus on politely declining offers from vendors using 'La Shukran' and avoid engaging in prolonged conversations. Reddit Taking an Uber or taxi to and from the site is generally more affordable than organized tours. Reddit Bring your own water and snacks as prices on-site are inflated. Reddit Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons or early/late in the day to potentially find slightly lower prices for services and avoid peak crowds. TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Great Sphinx of Giza offers incredible photographic opportunities. The classic shot from the panoramic viewpoint, capturing the Sphinx with the pyramids in the background, is a must. Instagram For more intimate shots, head to the viewing areas closer to the Sphinx to capture details like the Dream Stela. Reddit The golden hour – shortly after sunrise or before sunset – provides the most dramatic and flattering light, casting long shadows and bathing the monument in a warm glow. Instagram Be mindful of the crowds and potential vendor interference when composing your shots. While general photography is permitted, check for any restrictions on tripods or professional equipment. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Enduring Mystery of the Sphinx

The Great Sphinx of Giza is one of the world's most iconic and enigmatic monuments. Carved from a single piece of limestone, its exact age and purpose remain subjects of debate among archaeologists and historians. While commonly attributed to Pharaoh Khafre, some theories suggest it could be even older, predating the pyramids themselves. The human face, believed by many to represent Khafre, gazes eastward, a direction often associated with the rising sun and rebirth in ancient Egyptian beliefs. Instagram

Its colossal size – measuring approximately 240 feet long and 66 feet high – is a testament to the engineering prowess of the ancient Egyptians. Over millennia, the Sphinx has been buried by sand multiple times, only to be excavated and revealed again. This cycle of burial and rediscovery has contributed to its mystique and the ongoing fascination with its secrets. The sphinx mystery continues to captivate visitors and scholars alike. Reddit

Recent studies and ongoing research continue to shed light on its construction and potential hidden chambers. While direct access to areas like the inside of the Great Sphinx is not permitted for the general public, the Dream Stela located between its paws offers a glimpse into the ancient reverence and legends surrounding this magnificent structure. Reddit

Navigating the Giza Plateau: Tips from Travelers

Visiting the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx can be an overwhelming experience, especially for first-time visitors. Many travelers on Reddit emphasize the importance of being prepared for persistent vendors and touts. A common piece of advice is to learn the Arabic phrase 'La Shukran' (no thank you) and to avoid prolonged eye contact, as this can encourage persistent sales pitches. Reddit Hiring a local guide is frequently recommended as a way to manage these interactions and gain a deeper understanding of the historical significance of the site. Reddit+1

Comfort is key when exploring the vast Giza plateau. The terrain can be uneven, and the sun can be intense, even outside of summer. Therefore, wearing comfortable walking shoes and bringing plenty of water are essential tips. Reddit+1 Many visitors also suggest purchasing tickets online in advance to avoid long queues at the ticket office. The introduction of an electric bus shuttle system within the complex has improved navigation between the different points of interest, making it easier to cover the expansive area. Reddit

While the Great Sphinx of Giza is a must-see, some travelers note that it can appear smaller or less isolated than often depicted in photos. The proximity to urban areas, including a Pizza Hut visible from certain vantage points, can be jarring for some. Reddit However, the sheer scale and historical weight of the monument, combined with the surrounding pyramids, still make it an unforgettable experience for most. Reddit

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