Giza Holidays

Why settle for a basic beach break when you can have a scorching desert escape with a pop of world-famous history? It's time to stop dreaming of shine and start living your best life in the shadow of the Great Pyramid.

What is the best time to visit Giza?

Giza is essentially a giant outdoor museum, so timing your jollies is all about how much frying you can handle. Whether you want to turn into a pro-historian in the winter sun or bag a bargain in the sweltering summer heat, there is a perfect time for every kind of beacher.

• Spring - Experience a warm 25-30°C and blooming Nile gardens at their prettiest, though keep an eye out for the occasional Khamaseen wind, no one likes getting dust in their eye.

• Summer - The Scorchio Low-Season - It's 'blummin' roasting with temperatures flirting around 35°C, but this actually makes it the best time for boujee hotel deals as some can't handle the heat.

• Autumn - The Harvest Moon Season - The heat trickles down to a lovely but still fiery 28°C as the date harvest begins, offering some serious Insta-story gold throughout the day along with that toasty end-of-season buzz.

• Winter - The Prime-Time Pharaoh Vibe - Bag a gorgeous 20°C so that you can look your best, unflustered self in your pyramid selfies, just remember that the desert cooling down at night can creep up on you if unprepared.

Things to do on your Giza holidays

If you think holidays to Giza start and end with old stones, you’re in for a treat. This place is a playground for anyone who likes their ancient history plated up with a dash of luxury.

• Quad Biking - Rip through the desert sands on a quad bike for a heart-thumping thrill coupled with the best pyramid views.

• The Grand Egyptian Museum - Explore a collection so humongous it would take you about a week to cross off every shiny gold piece.

• Felucca Sailing - Drift down the Nile on a traditional wooden boat for a vibe that quite frankly breaks the chillaxation scale. Proper fairytale vibes.

• Street Food Tours - Be brave and try some Koshary; it’s a carb-heavy masterpiece that absolutely hits the spot and perks you up after a long walk.

• Horseback Riding - Get in touch with your desert explorer self; embark on a truly a picturesque ride across the plateau as the sun goes down over the dunes.

• The Sphinx - Get a selfie with the world’s most famous feline and try to find what happened to its nose.

From Camels to Careem: Moving Around Giza

Navigating Giza is an adventure in itself, where the Highway Code is more of a 'vibe' than a set of rules. Whether you’re dodging a tour bus or negotiating with a camel that has a clear right-of-way, getting around can be cool.

• Uber is your Bestie - Forget trying to explain directions in broken Arabic; just fire up the app for an easy breezy, air-con ride that costs a fraction of a UK cab.

• The Metro Mission - It's cheap, fast, and beaming with local life, but be prepped for a bit of a squeeze during rush hour—it is definitely not for the faint-hearted.

• White Taxis - These are everywhere, but make sure the meter is on or you’ll be putting your bargaining skills to the test when you arrive at your destination for a price that’s likely a whopper.

• Tuk-Tuks - These cute three-wheeled legends are perfect for zipping through narrow side streets, just hold on tight because the drivers like to recreate Fast & Furious scenes from time to time (minus the flipped vehicles).

• Camel or Horseback - Strictly for the Giza Plateau, this is the most royal way to see the sights, though your glutes might not thank you for it the next morning.

• Walking (The Brave Option) - Giza is a majestic place for a good ole wander, but the traffic is relentless, so wait for a local and shadow them like a duckling when crossing the road.

Giza Like a Pro: The Insider’s Edit

Forget the standard 'beaten track'; if you want to experience Giza like a seasoned local (and avoid looking like a total 'newbie'), you need to know where the real vibes are. There is a side to this city that is oozing with authentic flavour and cheeky charm, here's a few insider tips that you won't find on a bog-standard leaflet:

• Breakfast like a King at Zooba - Skip the hotel buffet and grab a mouth-watering Ful Medames sandwich from this local legend; it's the fuel you need to stay tip-top whilst you're desert trekking.

• Haggle for 'Treasures' at Khan el-Khalili - Head into nearby Cairo and gear up for some bargaining banter as you negotiate the price of a brass lamp you definitely don't have luggage space for.

• The '9 Pyramids Lounge' Flex - This is hands-down the most boujee spot on the plateau for a coffee; it is kept as a bit of a secret from the main crowds and offers a view that honestly can't be justified by a camera.

• Street Side Tea Sessions - Find a trendy local 'ahwa' (coffee house), pull up a plastic chair, and watch the world go by with a glass of mint tea and some Egyptian sweet treats.

• The Sphinx Sound and Light Show - Yes, it is slightly cheesy, but sitting under the stars while a booming voice narrates history is the stuff of dreams and is a rite of passage for every Giza jolly.