6 Of The Most Memorable Ways To Experience The Pyramids Of Giza In Egypt

Visiting a new continent is a thrilling experience, especially when you can learn about its history, culture, and ancient civilizations. When traveling to Egypt, one of the most common things to do is see one of the Old Seven Wonders of the World, the Pyramids of Giza. Unfortunately, to many it can be quite disappointing as the area is not well maintained and far from able to handle millions of travelers that visit every year. 

So, instead of opting for the traditional and somewhat disappointing experience, there are several unique and truly memorable ways to experience the ancient wonder. Outdoor enthusiasts will rejoice at the chance to run a marathon at the Pyramids, skydive and get a bird's eye view of the area, or even experience an art exhibition amongst the only standing wonder of the ancient world. Read on to see how you can make a somewhat common experience truly one of a kind.

If you thought visiting an ancient wonder was jaw-dropping, then attending a concert at the pyramids is on a whole other level. Getting to see the pyramids light up and sing along to your favorite musicians is an experience that will be difficult to top. Late at night, the pyramids are a wonderful sight with the epic sound systems and fascinating light beams playing a huge role, the experience is unparalleled and definitely one that should be on your bucket list. That's if you're lucky enough to be visiting Egypt when a concert is happening. Just be prepared for the ultimate crowds as — just like you — many people will be excited for this unique experience, with thousands of Egyptians and visitors waiting in line to see the pyramids at night and dance away to a spectacular view. 

Make sure to take lots of photos as this is a day you'll want to document forever. To stay updated on events happening at the pyramids, you can check the Instagram account: SceneNoise or Cairospots. Concerts have included Sting, Maroon 5, Red Hot Chili Peppers and many more whereas the 2025 line up has already included Francis Mercier in February, Adriatique presents X in April, and even one of the most anticipated international events brings Zamna Festival to the Pyramids in April.

Whether you're the athletic type or not, this is another experience you cannot miss. Every year, Trifactory organizes a half marathon at the pyramids where thousands of people run with an ancient backdrop combining life and death, modernity, and ancient civilizations. Think of the photos, the experience, and the energetic vibes as you trail the path where pharaohs once roamed and you'll want to get up at sunrise with the other participants who run or walk along the desert path. Be sure to have a light jacket on you as it can be quite chilly at 6 a.m. in the morning, even in the Sahara Desert.

You can check for upcoming races on this website. The race is a thrilling adventure that combines around 4,000 athletes from around 80 different nationalities. There is a 5k, 10k, or 21k half marathon to choose from with registration prices ranging from $20 to $30. Who can participate? There are age requirements for the 5k race where runners should be at least 12 years old, while runners must be at least 16 years old to participate in the half marathon. You can decide to walk, jog, or run — all you need to do is get to the finish line and admire your surroundings.

Egyptian breakfasts are something else as locals value food and see it as more of a social gathering rather than just a meal. That's why restaurants focus on offering a variety of food options and creating an exceptional atmosphere. If you're looking to try Egyptian staples with a unique vantage point, there are several options to have an authentic breakfast, coffee, or dessert all with the grand view of the Pyramids of Giza. 

Options include Khufu's Restaurant, 9 Pyramids Lounge, Rooftop 7000, or Ladurée. Be prepared for an extravagant dining experience as you take in the ancient stones in front of you that form one of the Ancient Wonders of the World and a pillar of Ancient Egyptian civilization. Don't forget to try Egyptian specialities such as falafel, fool (fava beans), and feteer (flaky pastry) with honey and tahini. Of course, an Egyptian breakfast isn't complete without a cup of tea with mint. 

Many tourists choose to visit this bucket list-worthy site the traditional way, but why visit by day when you can hear the entire story of the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx narrated through a magnificent sound and light show at night? The show entails each pyramid lighting up to recount its part of the story and the lights alternate from one pyramid to another. 

It's an exciting way to view the pyramids, be teleported back in time, and experience the history of how these miraculous pyramids were built narrated by the protector of the pyramids: The Sphinx. It is definitely more fun to get the story behind the ancient monuments this way rather than listening to a tour guide by day. The show is available in several languages including Arabic, English, and French, while other languages can be requested. The tickets can be booked online and cost $20 per person for adults with discounted rates for children.

Every year a fascinating art exhibition is held at the pyramids of Giza thanks to the miraculous work of Art d'Egypte. This foundation was created by curator Nadine Abdel Ghaffar in 2017 with the goal of featuring local art. Since then, multidisciplinary Egyptian artists have come together to create an interactive display of installations, art works, and incredible designs around the pyramids. 

This great initiative has given so much exposure to contemporary Egyptian artists who have been recognized globally as a result. As you stroll through the open air exhibition, the contrast between contemporary art and ancient civilization creates a breathtaking vibe that gives the artwork even more power. Every year it is held with a different theme that is not to be missed. If you're visiting Cairo during that time (usually around October or November), be sure not to miss out on this incredible experience. More info can be found on Art d'Egypte's website.

For those looking for an adrenaline rush and are not afraid of heights, this one of a kind experience should definitely be on every traveler's bucket list. Imagine jumping off a plane only to get a bird's eye view of the entire area of the pyramids of Giza as you slowly hit the ground. Skydiving is bucket list-worthy on its own, but skydiving above an ancient wonder is something else entirely. If skydiving sounds too scary, there are parachuting or paragliding options depending on your cup of tea. Just be prepared to pay for the experience as it could cost you an arm and a leg. It will cost around $440 to skydive above the pyramids, or you can paraglide for about $170. These experiences will definitely be the highlight of your trip and a whole lot more memorable than just visiting the pyramids like other tourists. Enjoy your trip the right way!