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Discover Giza

With its hazy desert skyline dominated by the majestic Great Pyramids, Giza offers visitors the opportunity to take in the last of the seven wonders of the world. Ancient though its roots are, the city is a buzzing and dynamic cosmopolitan hub, boasting a thriving economy driven not only by tourism but by the production of chemicals, machinery and cotton. Lively though the city may feel, you'll find tranquil spots in Giza's ornate, fragrant parks and public gardens.

Sitting alongside the west bank of the mighty Nile River, this site has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The pyramids that you can see from Giza today were built over 4500 years ago, during the 4th Dynasty of Egypt's Old Kingdom, with the first (the Great Pyramid) overseen by King Khufu. Constructed on the flat Giza Plateau to support the weight, this UNESCO World Heritage Site also boasts two further iconic pyramids (built by the King's predecessors) and the awe-inspiring Sphinx. Today, these ancient monuments can be visited to provide a profound human experience, connecting you to an extraordinarily advanced but ancient civilisation.

Though Giza is synonymous with the ancient Egyptian structures surrounding it, the city also has much to offer visitors. World-class museums will enhance your historical understanding of the famous monuments you visit, while fans of architecture are well catered for with Giza's splendid mosques and towering contemporary buildings. This University town boasts superb entertainment and leisure facilities alongside a diverse and creative dining scene. Fly to Egypt with Jazeera Airways and savour the mystical and cultural charm of the desert city of Giza.

The Pyramids

No visit to Giza would be complete without taking in the pyramids. To enhance your trip to these geometric masterpieces, book a tour, and while you'll learn all about the history and logistics of their creation, you'll still be left with the thought-provoking question of "Why were they built?" You'll find plenty of reputable tours running from Giza, and for your comfort, avoid bookings around midday as this exposed desert location offers little shade. You won't be short of souvenir opportunities at the three pyramids, with many stalls and vendors on site (and be prepared for the hard sell!)

The Sphinx

It wasn't until the early 20th century, when banks of sand were cleared away, that this incredible statue's true magnitude was revealed. Atop a lion's body, the human head of the Sphinx peaks at a towering 20-metres, meaning you won't be disappointed by the awesome scale of the creature when you come to view this ancient wonder. Steeped in mystery, historians still don't know who built this fantastical sculpture. It's easy to combine a trip to the Great Pyramids when viewing the Sphinx with fun camel tours offering an unforgettable way to explore the Giza Plateau.

The Egyptian Museum

Less than a 20-minute car drive away from Giza is The Egyptian Museum in neighbouring Cairo. A true treasure trove of ancient Egyptian relics, you’ll happily spend hours browsing the collections and learning more about the region’s infamous history. This large Egyptology museum is brimming with some of the world’s most important antiquities, including the burials of Yuya and Thuya and ancient examples of papyri, jewellery and sarcophagi.

The Pharaonic Village

Bringing the past to life, you can immerse yourself in ancient Egyptian life, wandering around a replica village and even the mysterious tomb of Tutankhamun. A wonderful attraction for families visiting Giza, you can have fun at the Tut Land Theme Park, don traditional garments, take photographs in the Cleopatra studio, and embark on the Nefertari yacht cruise down a gentle stretch of the Nile.

Shopping

Giza boasts two particularly stylish shopping malls for a delightfully cool, air-conditioned retail experience. The Dandy Mega Mall offers hundreds of retail outlets alongside restaurants, an eight-screen cinema and a kids' play area, while the First Mall is the city's luxury shopping destination with high-end brands and boutiques. For a bustling trip full of life, noise, colour and energy, visit one of Giza's bazaars, such as Khan el-Khalili, where you can buy jewellery, crafts, spices and traditional souvenirs.

Food And Drink

Egyptian cuisine is a tempting marriage of African and Middle Eastern flavours, offering a truly unique dining experience. Feast on mezze, sampling delicious tasters of classic dishes such as duqqa, hummus and baba ghanoush, all served with warm flatbreads. Aromatic stews made with legumes, vegetables and meat are a common main meal in Giza, as are juicy koftas of lamb and pigeon. Seafood is also popular, thanks to Mediterranean influences that crossed the ocean, and gourmands must try fesikh, made with fermented fish. Desserts are prized in Egypt, with unctuous offerings such as mahalabia (an almond and pine nut studded custard) and the comforting ruz bil laban, a sweet rice pudding. Expect to be offered both hot and chilled cups of tea, including karkade, a ruby drink brewed with hibiscus flowers.