Great Sphinx of Giza
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
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Great Sphinx of Giza
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
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.
"An incredible experience to see such a world heritage monument up close."
🎯 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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
Giza Plateau
Capture iconic photos of the Sphinx and pyramids together from this elevated vantage point.

Dream Stela
Between the Sphinx's paws
See the ancient stone tablet inscribed with hieroglyphs, detailing a pharaoh's dream.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Giza Plateau
Best Time to Visit for Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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:
Giza One Day Itinerary
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe:
🚫 Say 'La Shukran'
Learn this Arabic phrase for 'no thank you' to politely decline offers. :noentrysign:
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:
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated! Water is expensive on-site. :droplet:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe:
🚫 Say 'La Shukran'
Learn this Arabic phrase for 'no thank you' to politely decline offers. :noentrysign:
📸 Avoid Photo Scams
Be wary of unsolicited photo offers; they often come with a price. :camerawithflash:
💳 Book Tickets Online
Consider purchasing your admission tickets in advance to skip queues. :ticket:
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended, especially during warmer months. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Consider a hat and sunglasses for sun protection.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
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.
General photography is usually allowed. However, tripods might require special permission, and flash photography may be prohibited in certain areas or at specific times.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enduring Mystery of the Sphinx
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.
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.
Navigating the Giza Plateau: Tips from Travelers
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. 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.
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. However, the sheer scale and historical weight of the monument, combined with the surrounding pyramids, still make it an unforgettable experience for most.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit