Pyramid of Djoser (Step Pyramid)
The world's first colossal stone building, the Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara is a revolutionary architectural marvel.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Avoid heat and crowds
Pyramid of Djoser (Step Pyramid)
Best Time
Avoid heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The world's first colossal stone building, the Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara is a revolutionary architectural marvel.
"The oldest stone pyramid in Egypt, it’s a true masterpiece of ancient engineering and a glimpse into the dawn of pyramid-building."
🎯 Get an Inclusive Ticket
Access to surrounding tombs makes the visit truly special and feel like an explorer!
🚶 Hire a Reputable Guide
Enhances understanding & helps navigate; ask your hotel for recommendations.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Step Pyramid Itself
Saqqara Necropolis
The world's first colossal stone building, a six-tiered marvel that revolutionized architecture.
The Serdab
North side of the Step Pyramid
A unique chamber housing the ka statue of King Djoser, allowing his soul to observe rituals.
Underground Chambers
Beneath the Step Pyramid
Descend into ancient passageways and explore the tomb complex, feeling the weight of history.
Saqqara Necropolis
Surrounding the Step Pyramid
Explore temples with hieroglyphics and other tombs, feeling like an explorer in this vast ancient burial ground.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Guide or Go Solo?
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Get an Inclusive Ticket
Access to surrounding tombs makes the visit truly special and feel like an explorer!
🚶 Hire a Reputable Guide
Enhances understanding & helps navigate; ask your hotel for recommendations.
💧 Stay Hydrated
The desert sun is intense; carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across uneven terrain and exploring underground.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Get an Inclusive Ticket
Access to surrounding tombs makes the visit truly special and feel like an explorer!
🚶 Hire a Reputable Guide
Enhances understanding & helps navigate; ask your hotel for recommendations.
💧 Stay Hydrated
The desert sun is intense; carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across uneven terrain and exploring underground.
💰 Tip the Guards
Customary to tip guards for access to tombs (50-100 EGP suggested).
📸 Capture the Details
Focus on intricate carvings and the unique architecture of this ancient wonder.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Step Pyramid of Djoser as a breathtaking and historically significant site, often described as the 'dawn of pyramid-building.' Its status as the world's oldest colossal stone structure and the less crowded atmosphere compared to Giza are major draws. The opportunity to explore underground chambers and the surrounding necropolis adds to the immersive experience, making it a highly recommended visit for history enthusiasts.
"The Stepped Pyramid was one of the first pyramids to ever be constructed in 2600BC and it was a great experience to visit.
The site is located about 40 minutes to the south of Cairo. As it is a little further bit out of the city the pyramids here are situated in a much more natural setting as the area has many palm plantations to the east. I also found the area to have significantly better air quality than the main Pyramids of Giza.
When visiting the area there is a wide variety of things to see including temples with well preserved hieroglyphics, remains of a hypostyle hall and of course the pyramids themselves. It is possible to see the Bent Pyramid in the distance to the south as well."
Rohan Hearn
"Djoser’s pyramid is absolutely astonishing architecture masterpiece! It was constructed in 2600s BC and nowadays is the oldest building that is preserved till today. It definately worths visiting!"
Artem Y. Mozhaev
"Well worth the visit! Such an incredible site with so much to see. I highly recommend the inclusive ticket as the surrounding tombs are what made the day so special. You really feel like an explorer rather than just a tourist. There are far fewer visitors compared to the Pyramids at Giza and this certainly adds to the experience.
Taking up one of the offers from the local guides is optional as they can be expensive but they can also add to the experience. It is customary to tip the guards to each tomb (50-100 EGP)."
Shahab Saremi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Pyramid of Djoser is located in Saqqara, about 40 minutes south of Cairo. You can hire a taxi or arrange a private car service. Many tours also include transportation from Cairo.
Public transport options to Saqqara can be limited and time-consuming. Hiring a taxi or joining a guided tour is generally more convenient for reaching the Step Pyramid.
For a hassle-free experience, consider booking a guided tour that includes transportation. Otherwise, a pre-arranged taxi or ride-sharing service is recommended.
The Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara is approximately 30-40 kilometers (18-25 miles) south of the Giza Plateau. Travel time can vary depending on traffic.
Yes, there are parking areas available at the Saqqara archaeological site for visitors arriving by private car or tour bus.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary. It's recommended to purchase an 'inclusive ticket' which often covers the Step Pyramid and surrounding tombs, offering a more comprehensive experience.
Yes, exploring the interior of the Pyramid of Djoser requires a special permit, which is usually included in an 'inclusive ticket' or can be purchased separately.
The Saqqara archaeological site, including the Step Pyramid complex, typically opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon. It's best to check the most current hours before your visit.
While online booking options might be available through tour operators, tickets are generally purchased on-site at the Saqqara archaeological site.
The Step Pyramid complex is generally open year-round, though hours may be adjusted for public holidays or special events.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you can explore narrow passageways, intricate carvings, and the underground chambers, including the area believed to be the burial sarcophagus.
Yes, the Serdab, a chamber containing the ka statue of King Djoser, is a key part of the Step Pyramid complex and can be viewed. 
Yes, visitors often report significantly fewer crowds at the Step Pyramid of Djoser than at the Pyramids of Giza, making for a more relaxed experience.
The Saqqara necropolis is vast and includes other tombs with well-preserved hieroglyphics, temples, and the remains of a hypostyle hall. You can also see the Bent Pyramid in the distance.
The underground chambers are generally safe to explore with proper lighting and guidance. Be mindful of low ceilings and uneven surfaces.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules can vary. Generally, photos are allowed in most areas, but check for specific restrictions inside the pyramid's chambers.
The exterior of the six-tiered pyramid against the sky is iconic. Also, capture the details of the surrounding temples and the unique Serdab chamber.
Drone usage is typically restricted at archaeological sites in Egypt. It's best to assume it's not permitted to avoid issues.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the pyramid and complex. A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial for underground exploration.
Professional photography or filming may require special permits. For personal use, standard camera restrictions usually apply.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider an inclusive ticket that grants access to surrounding tombs, which can feel like a treasure hunt for curious children. The hieroglyphics and ancient stories can spark imagination. While the underground passages might be a bit claustrophobic for very young children, the overall experience is generally manageable and educational.
🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
+1 Delve into the genius of Imhotep, the architect behind this revolutionary design, and understand its significance as the precursor to the Giza pyramids. Beyond the pyramid itself, the extensive Saqqara necropolis offers a wealth of archaeological discoveries, including temples with well-preserved hieroglyphics and other tombs. Exploring the underground chambers provides a direct connection to the funerary practices and beliefs of the Old Kingdom. This site offers a deeper, more nuanced understanding of ancient Egyptian civilization than the more tourist-centric Giza plateau.
🚶 Solo Travelers
Be aware that solo travelers, especially those appearing foreign, can be targets for scams or persistent vendors. Staying vigilant and firm is key. The site offers a great opportunity to immerse yourself in history without the intense hustle of more popular attractions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Revolution: Imhotep's Masterpiece
+1This revolutionary design was part of a vast mortuary complex intended to serve Pharaoh Djoser in the afterlife. The complex includes temples, courtyards, and chapels, all meticulously planned to facilitate the pharaoh's eternal journey. The use of stone on such a grand scale was unprecedented, showcasing a significant leap in engineering and organizational capabilities for the Third Dynasty. The sheer ingenuity required to quarry, transport, and precisely place these massive blocks laid the groundwork for the even more ambitious pyramids of Giza.
Visitors today can still marvel at the scale and ambition of Imhotep's creation. Exploring the surrounding complex and the underground chambers offers a tangible connection to this groundbreaking period in ancient Egyptian history. It’s a testament to human innovation and a crucial step in the evolution of one of the world's most enduring architectural legacies.
Exploring the Underground Labyrinth
The underground complex features a central burial chamber, believed to contain a massive granite sarcophagus, though it was found empty. The tunnels extend for kilometers, connecting various chambers, some of which were decorated with intricate carvings and reliefs. These spaces were intended to house the pharaoh's possessions and facilitate his transition into the afterlife. The sheer scale and complexity of this subterranean labyrinth highlight the advanced planning and engineering skills of the ancient Egyptians.
Access to these underground areas often requires a special permit, making the experience feel even more exclusive and adventurous. Visitors are advised to be cautious of low ceilings and uneven surfaces. The atmosphere within these ancient passages is palpable, offering a profound sense of connection to the past and the rituals surrounding death and rebirth in ancient Egypt.
The Serdab: A Gaze into Eternity
+1The Serdab features small, eye-shaped openings or slits, allowing the statue's gaze to look out into the world and observe the rituals performed in its honor. This unique architectural element served a vital spiritual purpose, connecting the deceased pharaoh with the living and the divine. It's a powerful reminder of the ancient Egyptians' profound beliefs about the afterlife and the importance of preserving the pharaoh's essence.
+1Seeing the Serdab and its statue offers a rare glimpse into the spiritual practices and artistic achievements of the Old Kingdom. It's a poignant reminder that these monumental structures were not just tombs, but complex religious and ceremonial centers designed to ensure immortality.
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