Pyramids & Beyond: A 3-Day Giza Itinerary You’ll Love

📅 Itinerary Day 1：Self-Guided Giza Plateau Visit Arrive and check in Early morning: Head to the Giza Plateau — explore the Great Pyramid, Khafre, Menkaure, and Sphinx at your own pace Optional: Enter the Great Pyramid Lunch at 9 Pyramids Lounge — a beautiful open-air restaurant with panoramic views of the pyramids (mid-range to pricey) Afternoon: relax, browse the small local shops, or enjoy rooftop tea at your hotel Evening: Optional Sound & Light Show at the pyramids (classic but atmospheric with kids or for first-time visitors) Dinner: Try Khufu’s Restaurant — a fine-dining experience right on the plateau with stunning views (premium-priced) --- Day 2: Saqqara + Optional Memphis (with driver or tour) Hire a private driver or book a small group tour 📌 Why? Saqqara is remote, Uber rarely reaches the area, and you'll need a guide to help navigate the massive site and tombs Visit Saqqara, including the Step Pyramid, richly decorated tombs, and Imhotep Museum Optional: Stop at Memphis — it’s quite small, and many travelers find it underwhelming, but the statue of Ramses II is worth a quick look Lunch: Stop at Andrea El Mariouteya (mid-range, garden setting with grilled meats) or back near Giza Evening: Free to explore or enjoy dinner with a view --- Day 3: Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) Spend a half or full day at the GEM Highlights: the King Tutankhamun collection, colossal statues, royal mummies, and immersive digital galleries Lunch: GEM café or nearby restaurants Afternoon: browse the GEM gift shop or relax back at your hotel Final dinner at 139 Restaurant (Marriott Mena House) — reserve for sunset, ask for a table outside with pyramid views. --- 🏨 Accommodation: 💎 Luxury: Marriott Mena House – Iconic, with pyramid views, lush grounds, spa, and pool 🌟 Premium: Steigenberger Pyramids Cairo – Modern comfort close to the plateau, reliable and elegant 🌿 Mid-Range: La Boutique Hotel – Chic, cozy, well-located with excellent staff and modern finishes 💸 Budget: New Jazal Hotel – Quiet atmosphere, high guest ratings, clean and budget-friendly There are also plenty of small budget guesthouses near the pyramids with rooftop views and basic comfort 🍴 Food Recommendations: 💎 Luxury: 139 Restaurant (Marriott Mena House) – World-class food with unbeatable pyramid views Khufu’s Restaurant – Elegant and upscale, on the edge of the plateau itself 🌿 Mid-Range: Andrea El Mariouteya – Classic grilled Egyptian dishes in a peaceful garden setting Al Khan Restaurant – Relaxed, family-friendly, and well-priced 💸 Budget: Abu Shakra Giza – Local food with good views, affordable for most travelers Koshary El Tahrir or Abou Tarek (Cairo) – Must-try fast Egyptian dish, filling, and under $2 9 Pyramids Lounge – Mid-to-premium range depending on what you order, but worth it for the experience and view 📌 Tips: ⏰ Visit the Giza Plateau early to beat the heat and crowds 🧭 Go without a guide if you prefer to explore at your own pace and avoid being rushed 🐪 Avoid animal rides unless you're sure the camels/horses are healthy and treated well 💳 Sites like GEM and Giza Plateau are cashless — bring a credit card or use Apple Pay 🚘 For Saqqara and Memphis, a guide or private driver is essential — hard to navigate solo, and Uber may not be available 📷 Pack water, sunscreen, and a camera with wide-angle or panoramic settings 🎟 Sound & Light Show is worth it for the novelty and views, especially on Day 1 when you're winding down.