When it comes to planning your trip to Egypt and visiting the pyramids, there are some things you need to know.

Below are our top 8 tips any traveller should read before visiting this famous landmark!

Top 8 tips for visiting the Pyramids

#1 Take a private day tour

Not only for peace of mind and safety but for being able to personalise your tour and see not only the touristy parts but the pyramids where you will be the only people there!

#2 Dress appropriately

It is important to be respectful of other cultures. For women, click here for a checklist and ultimate guide to what to wear. This does include men as well, no singlets or short shorts!

You also need to remember to wear appropriate shoes! You’ll be doing a lot of walking or climbing on pyramids so comfortable shoes are the way to go. Also, you will want to be wearing closed in shoes if you decide on a camel ride at the pyramids.

#3 Visit on a Friday if you can

If you have a choice with your tour day, select a Friday. Because it is their weekly day of rest the grounds are a little quieter and the streets a bit emptier.

#4 Don’t accept a ‘free’ guide or photo opportunity

They aren’t free. Hawkers hang around and hope tourists use them for taking photographs or offering to show them around. Be insistent and just say No Thanks and keep walking.

#5 Take a camel ride

A very touristy thing to do, but absolutely worth it! Let your private guide negotiate how much you need to pay. Be careful the camel guides (in our case, kids!) don’t insist on you paying them again at the end.

#6 Look out for scammers (do not make eye contact!)

They are everywhere! Our tour guide warned us in advance and told us to keep our head down, do not make eye contact and definitely do not smile at them. They are only after your money and have no interest in showing or helping you around.

I made the mistake of smiling and then we had to both pay for a donkey ride. Our guide just said ‘I told you so’.

#7 Take plenty of bottled water

It is hot, hot hot. You will no doubt get dehydrated and feel very dry. Take a small backpack with water so you don’t get too thirsty.

#8 It is a tipping culture

Tipping is expected in Egypt. It is just something to be mindful of if you aren’t planning on tipping, don’t let someone do too much for you!

Do you have any other tips we should add to the list? Comment below!

Do you have travel insurance?

Before travelling, make sure you get a travel insurance policy – you never know when you might need it! Click here for information on travel insurance, what company we recommend and a link to get an instant quote.

What to see in Cairo

If you’re looking for things to see in Cairo, click here for our suggestions.

Where to stay in Cairo

We recommend the Marriott. Click here to read our full review and for more photos.

“When overseas you learn more about your own country, than you do the place you’re visiting.” – Clint Borgen