Cairo Things to Do Tips by sue_stone

Great Pyramid of Khufu

Yep, you knew I would write about it - The Pyramids! The oldest tourist attraction in the world!! And there are 3 huge amazing pyramids to visit in Giza.

The first we visited was the Great Pyramid of Khufu. It is the oldest and the largest of the trio, and originally stood at 146m high when it was completed back around 2570 BC. Since then, its height has decreased by a few metres.

It is pretty awe-inspiring to see the great pyramid for the first time - we could see it from the bus as we neared the site. When we arrived we expected to be hassled by salesmen and camel owners, but there wasn't too many around, so we were pleasantly surprised.

We walked around the base of the pyramid, and were able to walk a little way up the face of it, which was pretty amazing....though I was a little uncomfortable about walking on such a precious monument.

Address: Giza, just on the edge of Cairo

Website: http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/greatpyramid1.htm

Pyramid of Menkaure

The third and smallest of the great pyramids is the Pyramid of Menkaure. It is around 62m high, but was originally built to a height of 66.5m.

We visited this pyramid last, and were finally able to go inside - how exciting!

No cameras were allowed inside, so we just took a bottle of water, as we had been advised that it was pretty hot inside.

We had to climb up about 20 stairs to enter the pyramid, and from there it was straight down - a steep descent on a wooden ramp, into the depths of the pyramid. The ceiling was very low making it not the best place to go if you are claustrophobic.

At the bottom of the ramp we were really inside the pyramid. There was several chambers and a further descent down to a cellar like area.

What an amazing experience - to be inside a pyramid!!

Address: Giza, near Cairo

Website: http://touregypt.net/featurestories/menkaurep.htm

The Sphinx The Sphinx Review

The Sphinx is located at the site of the Pyramids in Giza. It has the head of a human and a lion's body, and is the first truly colossal royal sculpture in Egypt.

We were told that it was carved from natural bedrock in a quarry right next to the pyramids. Created during a particular pharaohs reign, it most likely had his facial features, but the body of a lion to show he was a powerful ruler.

As you can imagine, I took loads of photos here - trying to capture the best angle....while at the same time trying to take a photo without loads of other tourist in it!

It really capped the whole experience off nicely - first the Pyramids and then The Sphinx.

A must see!

Address: Giza, near Cairo

Website: http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/sphinx1.htm

Egyptian Museum Egyptian Museum Review

The Egyptian Museum houses the most spectacular collection of ancient artefacts I have ever seen. There is so much to see that you could never take it all in during one visit.

Unfortunately we only had about 90 minutes to spend in the museum, which was barely enough time to scratch the surface.

We headed straight for the Tutankhamun Galleries. The treasures that were extracted from the Tomb of Tutankhamun are amazing - so opulent, and of course the spectacular Death Mask has got to be seen to be believed.

I can't even begin to try and describe how incredible all the treasure were that we saw. If you are lucky enough to make it to Egypt, make sure you make more time than we did to visit the museum.

Please note that no cameras are allowed in the museum.

Address: Midan El Tahrir, Cairo 11557

Directions: Just near the Nile Hilton Hotel

Phone: (202)5782448

Pyramid of Khafre

Next we visited the 2nd largest pyramid, the Pyramid of Khafre. It is about 136m high, but from a distance it appears taller than the Great Pyramid as it is built on higher ground.

On the top of Khafre you can see the remains of the white limestone casing that used to cover all 3 pyramids.

We had a walk around the base of the pyramid and took way too many photos.

It is located very close to the Great Pyramid, and from here you can also visit the Solar Barque Museum. Here you can see the oldest boat in existence - unearthed only in 1954.

Address: Giza, on the edge of Cairo

Website: http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/khafrep.htm