When you think of ancient Egypt, what comes to mind? The pyramids? Cleopatra’s palace? The Great Sphinx? If you’re like most people, then you probably don’t think of Giza—the site of some of the most incredible ancient architecture on Earth. But Giza is more than just a place to visit for tourists. In fact, it’s home to some of the best places to explore in all of Egypt. Here are ten places to explore beyond the pyramids:
Visit the Giza Necropolis
The Giza Necropolis is a vast archaeological area located on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt. The necropolis is home to the famous pyramids of Giza, among other ancient sites. If you're looking for something more than just pyramids, be sure to check out the necropolis! Here you can explore tombs of pharaohs and their consorts, as well as temples and other ancient structures. Some of the most impressive sights in the necropolis are the Great Sphinx which dates back over 4,500 years. Whether you're a history buff or just want to see some beautiful architecture, the Giza Necropolis is a great place to visit!
Places to stay nearby:
1. Cairo's famous Carlton Hotel, located just outside the Giza Necropolis gates.
2. The Hilton Garden Inn, located in a quiet village about 5 minutes' drive from the Giza Necropolis.
3. The Nile View Hotel, located in an upscale suburb of Cairo close to various shopping malls and restaurants.
4. The Park Hyatt Regency, located in Zamalek, one of Cairo's most affluent neighbourhoods and home to many high-end shops and restaurants.
5. The Dahshur Hotel, situated in a quiet neighbourhood a short walk from the entrance of the Dahshur necropolis.
Drive to the Great Sphinx
If you're looking to explore more of Giza outside of the iconic pyramids, there are a number of other places you can visit. Start by driving to the Great Sphinx, one of the most iconic and popular tourist attractions in Egypt. This colossal statue is carved from sandstone and estimated to have been built during the reign of Pharaoh Khafre around 2500 BC. Beyond the Great Sphinx lies the Valley of the Kings, where dozens of pharaohs are buried in tombs that date back to before the beginning of Dynasty 0. The Valley also contains numerous smaller temples and tombs, making it a fascinating destination for anyone interested in Egyptian history.
Places to stay nearby:
1. The Marriott Giza pyramids hotel is located about 10 minutes from the Sphinx and offers comfortable rooms with a variety of amenities.
2. The Ritz Carlton Giza is also located close to the Sphinx and has luxurious rooms and an excellent restaurant.
3. The Kempinski Nile Resort & Spa is another top-rated option for those looking for a luxurious stay near the Great Sphinx. It features spacious rooms, a beachfront pool, and several restaurants and bars on site.
4. If budget is a concern, consider staying at one of the many cheap hotels near the Great Sphinx or exploring some of the quieter areas nearby instead.
Explore the Abu Simbel Temple
If you're in the area and have some time to kill, Abu Simbel is definitely worth a visit. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive ancient temples complex ever built. The temple was originally constructed as a memorial to Ramesses II, the pharaoh who ruled in the early 19th century BC. Today, it's still an impressive site despite being partly destroyed by earthquakes over the years. The entrance fee is steep (US$25), but well worth it for the views alone. If you're feeling really adventurous, consider hiking up to the top of the plateau where Abu Simbel sits.
Places to stay nearby:
There are a few different places to stay near Abu Simbel, but our favorite is probably the Giza Inn. This Bedouin-run guesthouse is set in an idyllic oasis and has breathtaking views of both the temple and the pyramids. You can also try staying at one of the many hotels in town or camping out on one of the many desert safari camps nearby.
Visit the Valley of the Kings
If you're interested in ancient Egyptian history and culture, but don't have time to visit the famous Giza pyramids, another great destination for tourists is the Valley of the Kings. Located some 20 km south of Cairo, this valley was once home to over 100 tombs of pharaohs and their consorts. The tombs are spread out over a wide area and can easily be visited on a day trip from Cairo.
Visitors are allowed to enter any tomb that isn't closed for renovation or conservation work, but it's important to note that not all tombs are equally accessible. Those on higher ground may be easier to get to than those near the Nile River or in more remote areas. It's also worth noting that some tombs may be closed during particular periods (for example, during Ramadan), so it's always advisable to check with local tour operators before making your travel plans
Places to stay nearby:
If you are looking for somewhere to stay close to the Valley of the Kings, there are a few options. The most obvious option is the Giza Inn, which is located just outside of the main entrance to the valley. Another option is the Palace Garden Hotel, which is located in Giza just north of the Valley of the Kings. Finally, if you want to stay closer to Memphis, there are a few hotels near the airport that offer good value for your money.
Take a tour to the Giza plateau
If you're looking for someplace to explore outside of the Giza pyramids, there are a few interesting places to check out. The most famous of these is the Giza plateau, which offers an almost completely unspoiled view of ancient Memphis and its famed pyramid sites.
To get to the plateau, take bus 405 from downtown Cairo or ask your hotel to arrange a transfer for you. The journey takes about two hours and costs around EGP10. Once you reach the plateau, it's well worth spending a day exploring the surrounding area.
Some highlights include the remarkable tomb of King Djoser (the first pharaoh), which is carved out of a sheer cliff face; Saqqara, home to some of Egypt's most impressive ancient tombs; and Abu Simbel, famous for its colossal statues of Ramses II and his wife Nefertari.
Places to stay nearby:
The area around the plateau is home to a variety of budget hotels and guesthouses, which can be found clustered around Ramose Street and Saqqara Road. Midrange options include chain hotels like Marriott and Sheraton, as well as more unique properties like the Cairo Marriott Resort & Spa. For those seeking something a little more exclusive, there are also boutique hotels such as the Fountain View Hotel and Boutique Garden by Radisson Blu.
Spend a day at the Monastery of Saint Catherine on Mount Sinai
The Monastery of Saint Catherine on Mount Sinai is a place of spiritual refuge and tranquility. The monastery is located on the eastern side of Mount Sinai, and it is possible to visit the monastery by climbing to its summit. The monastery features an impressive collection of Byzantine art, including icons, frescoes, and a copy of the Magna Carta. The monastery also has a library with rare manuscripts. The monks offer guided tours of the monastery and its artworks, as well as religious classes for tourists.
Places to stay nearby:
1. The Monastery of Saint Catherine on Mount Sinai is open to visitors year-round and offers rooms and dormitories for guests. You can also stay in one of their cottages or tents.
2. The Monastery of Saint Catherine on Mount Sinai has a small guesthouse that can accommodate up to 10 people. They also have four rooms with private baths that can be rented out seasonally.
3. If you're looking for more space, the Monastery of Saint Catherine on Mount Sinai rents out apartments that can accommodate up to 12 people. Each apartment has its own bathroom and kitchenette, as well as access to a shared courtyard and garden.
Spend a day at Abydos
Head to Abydos for some of the best views of the Giza Necropolis. The ancient city is located on a hill overlooking the complex and offers stunning panoramic views of all the pyramids and tombs. Wander through its narrow streets and alleys, admiring its abandoned temples and houses that have been left to decay. If you're feeling energetic, take a stroll along the banks of the Nile River or head out for a bike ride down one of Cairo's many scenic canals.
Places to stay nearby:
There are a number of places to stay in and around Giza that provide visitors with an interesting glimpse into the area’s history and culture. The following are five options:
1. Abydos Lodge: This lodge is situated in the heart of Giza and provides guests with an excellent view of both the pyramids and the Sphinx. It also offers a variety of tours, including a trip to the Valley of the Kings.
2. Pyramids Hotel: This hotel is located just outside of Giza, close to many tourist attractions. It has comfortable rooms and a pool.
3. The Park & Suites Giza: This hotel is within walking distance of many tourist sites, including the Pyramids of Giza, but it also features relaxing gardens and a fitness center.
4. Garden City Hotel: This hotel is situated in an upscale residential district near downtown Cairo, making it easy for guests to explore both Cairo and Giza. Rooms come with all necessary amenities, as well as free Wi-Fi access and parking facilities nearby.
5. Holiday Inn Cairo Citadel: This hotel is centrally located in downtown Cairo and provides guests with conveniences such as free Wi-Fi access, 24-hour security service, banquet facilities, a business center, meeting rooms, and car rental services.
Attend a show at the Gadwan Theater
If you're looking to explore beyond the iconic pyramids of Giza, there are a number of interesting places to visit in the vicinity. Perhaps one of the most popular is the Gadwan Theater, which was built in 1933 and has been used for both cultural and theatrical events ever since. The theater is located just outside of Giza, and can be easily reached by car or bus. If you're looking for something a little more unique, consider visiting the ancient city of Memphis, which was once one of Egypt's most important centers of trade and culture.
Places to stay nearby:
Gadwan Theater is about a 10-15 minute walk from the Giza Pyramids and can be easily reached on foot. There are a few hotels in the immediate vicinity, as well as some cheap hostels. For something more luxurious, The Pyramids Kempinski Hotel has a great spa and several excellent restaurants within walking distance of Gadwan Theater.
If you're looking for a bit more adventure, consider staying at one of the bed and breakfasts in Giza or out in the surrounding countryside. There are also plenty of camping options nearby if you're looking to rough it a little bit.
Take a boat ride down the Nile
If you're looking for a more relaxed way to see the iconic pyramids of Giza, consider taking a boat ride down the Nile. This scenic journey allows you to admire the ancient structures from a different perspective – and there are plenty of other things to do in Giza beyond just watching the pyramids!
One popular stop along the river is the Temple of Horus at Edfu, which dates back to around 1000 BC. You can also take a trip upriver to Luxor, where you can explore ancient tombs and temples like The Ramesseum. And don't forget about Cairo – this bustling city is full of historical sites and modern attractions that won't be found anywhere else in Egypt.
Places to stay nearby:
There are a number of places to stay near the Nile river in Giza that offer unique experiences not available anywhere else in the city. Some of these include the B&B hostel “Toureya”, which overlooks the river and offers delicious Egyptian breakfast, and the Hotel Heliopolis, which has a stunning view of the pyramids from its rooftop terrace. If you're looking for a more traditional hotel experience, consider staying at either the Novotel Giza or the Pharaoh's Inn.
Visit Aswan Cataract
If you're looking for a day trip from Cairo, consider visiting the Aswan Cataract. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to one of the world's most spectacular waterfalls, as well as some of ancient Egypt's most stunning temples and tombs. The journey to the cataract takes about two hours in a shared van, and tickets cost around EGP30 per person. Alternatively, you could take the longer route and explore ancient Thebes on your way there.
Places to stay nearby:
There are many places to stay near the Aswan Cataract that offer excellent views of the great pyramids. Some options include:
1. The four-star Kempinski Hotel lies just a few minutes' walk from the cataract. It has 230 rooms and boasts stunning views of the river and the pyramids.
2. Another popular option is The Garden Resort, which offers its guests a wide range of facilities, including an outdoor pool and spa. It's located just 2 km from the cataract and has 111 rooms.
3. For a more affordable option, try one of the many family-owned hotels in Giza that offer great value for money. These establishments provide comfortable accommodation with friendly staff who are happy to answer any questions you may have about Egyptian history and culture.
Conclusion
Giza is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers an incredible view of the ancient world. Beyond the pyramids, there are other places worth exploring in Giza, such as the Sphinx and the Valley of the Kings. If you're looking for something to do on your trip to Giza, be sure to check out these 10 places!
