The Great Pyramids of Downtown Cairo

The World’s First Tourist Destination

The Great Pyramids of Giza are not only the last remaining wonder of the ancient world, but it is also the oldest tourist destination on the planet. For centuries the wonders of Egypt have captivated the imaginations of people from throughout the world. From Roman Legions to Napoleon’s armies, many of histories greatest characters have all made the pilgrimage to Giza. To bask in the wonders of one of the oldest continuous civilizations.

Egypt is no stranger to tourism. It would be no surprise that as soon as the camera was invented, you had cheeky tourists posing in front of the sphinx and pyramids. For hundreds of years, tourists have come over by the boatloads to see firsthand the mysteries hidden within Egypt. From a young age, children throughout the world have been told stories of the ruins of Egypt as a bedtime story. It is no wonder that when they grow into adults, the Pyramids of Giza tops the list of places to visit before you die.

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The Trek To The Pyramids

While on the plane to Cairo you may begin to conjure up romanticized scenes of joining a caravan of camels out to the deep recess of the Sahara Desert. As your camel mounts the last dune you will catch sight of the massive pyramid emerging from the shifting sands. As amazing as a journey like this would be, the reality is that you will be riding in a subway rather than on the back on a majestic camel to the Great Pyramids of Giza.

If you are looking to travel on a shoestring, the best way to get to the Pyramids from downtown Cairo is by the metro. The fare is only 1 LE (0.06 USD). After taking the train to El-Giza (not Giza Suburbs) you will have to have a bus to go the 10km left to get within walking distance of the Pyramids. You can either take a mini-van or head down to Al-Haram Road and take buses 900 or 997 to the Pyramids. The cost of the bus should only be 2 LE (0.12 USD).

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At The Edge Of Cairo

Not only are the pyramids not found amongst the massive dune sea in the Sahara, but these wonders of the ancient world are practically surrounded by the city of Cairo. On the verge of being swallowed whole by the urban sprawl, the myth of venturing out into the unknown and hopes of playing Indiana Jones is smashed the second you see the towering tombs peak out from between grey apartment complexes.

In all the brochures you flipped through and those pictures you saw in your history textbooks growing up, you never saw the resting place of the pharaohs a mere part of the Cairo skyline. The angles taken by photographers have lied to the world for generations. Making it seem as if, to this day, the pyramids remain an adventure hidden in the vast unforgiving deserts of Egypt.

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Touts and Scammers

No matter what iconic bucket list item you try to check off your list. The world’s most famous landmarks attract people looking to milk a few extra bucks off of unsuspecting tourists. Since the Pyramids of Giza are arguably the most renowned attraction on the entire planet you should expect to be harassed by local touts to no end.

Before you even reach the gates you will be pestered by hawkers looking to reel you to their caliches (a horse-drawn carriage). If you are looking to not thoroughly explore the pyramids, this option is fine. But many find that the divers of these carriages are quick to get you in and out of the pyramids as fast as they can.

Even while wandering around the base of the ruins on your own you will have locals following you offering to take a picture for you. This is one of the many tricks that the scammers use to try and squeeze some extra pounds out of you. It is unfortunate that you have to keep your guard up while trying to relax and bask in the ancient beauty of the pyramids. But this is just one of the realities that come along with being the most famous landmark on the planet.

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A Pile of Rocks

Although they may seem mesmerizing from a distance, as you begin to approach the base of the pyramids you may start to realize that these tombs are truly nothing more than a colossal pile of rocks. Of course, these elaborate structures are breathtaking due to their size and age. Also, each and every stone is cemented together by the blood of countless slaves. There are awe-inspiring, yes, but you also may not be able to help to feel a bit let-down after kicking a few of the stones which chipped off of the great pyramids.

For better or worse, tourists are given free rein of the entire complex. You can often find people perching themselves on top of one of the lower levels of the tombs to just kick back and soak in the atmosphere of the ruins. There are hardly any security guards or police around to remind travelers to mind one of the world’s most sacred heritage sites.

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Living Up To The Hype

It is impossible for the Great Pyramids of Giza to live up to the legendary stories which have been told for as old as time itself. Through the generations, myths and tall tales have passed down, shrouding the pyramids in a cloud of fantasy and wonder. Of course, the actual ruins come nowhere close to what the hundreds of stories portray as being the pinnacle of human will. All of your expectations will be let down as you ignore the onslaught of hawkers towards a triangular pile of rocks.

After your initial disappointment sets in, you can begin the healing process. These tombs were built in 2560 BC, of course, they would have not aged well. For centuries, the pyramids had the record for being the largest man-made structure on the planet. It is vital to find a rock in a small secluded stretch of desert to sit on and just take in the scenery. Away from the crowds, you can truly appreciate the scale and wonder of the pyramids. And from the right angle, you may be able to imagine you are lost in the golden Sahara.