Cairo

Egypt's bustling capital Cairo is probably on most people's "bucket list" simply to see the Pyramids of Giza. And whilst the pyramids are incredible and well worth a visit, there isn't too much more to do and see in Cairo.

Cairo city is an interesting place to visit, but not worth spending much time on. My advice to anyone visiting Cairo would be to go there long enough to see the pyramids and then The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, use the city as a base for a day excursion to Saqqara, and that's it.

Giza

One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Pyramid at Giza is a must for any traveller. The Great Pyramid is the largest of the 3 major pyramids at Giza, and form an impressive spectacle that will give you goose bumps the first time you see them. 

One very important word of warning though. As you approach the entrance lots of people will offer you tickets and say "tickets this way". IGNORE THEM. I cannot stress that enough! On my first walk to the entrance I was given advice from a police officer to ignore there people at all costs. Tickets are available at the entrance. 

The first thing you will notice about Giza is that when you look at the pyramids you have nothing but desert in front of you, which is what you would expect. But turn around and you have a panoramic view of Cairo. It's amazing how close to the city the pyramids are, and is probably not what you were expecting. 

Once you are in you are free to walk around the pyramids. You will be offered many camel rides. When I was there I saw more than one accident involving camels, so do be careful! 

But despite the dodgy ticket salesman and dangerous camels, walking around Giza is an experience like no other, with plenty of chances for incredible photos and to learn about the history of the place. 

You can, if you wish, go into the Great Pyramid. Now this is not as glamorous as it sounds. The entrance is very small and cramped, and there isn't a lot inside to see, but I still recommend that you go in - how many people get to say that they have been in a pyramid?! (Well, me for a start!) 

And of course, along with the pyramids at Giza there is also the Sphinx (known as the Great Sphinx of Giza). This is part of the same site, and is equally as impressive and iconic. 

If you look closely at the photo above you will notice that The Great Sphinx of Giza is looking straight at a KFC. This is probably not what the Egyptians had in mind when they built the Sphinx, but is a reminder of how close the site is to the modern world (geographically). 

Overall you will need a couple of hours to visit the site. There are countless tour guides available, which are worth using if you want to learn more about the history of the area and the structures. 

The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities 

You cannot take any cameras into the museum, which will disappoint most travellers I know. There is a kiosk outside the museum where you can pay to keep your camera safe. I used the kiosk and got my camera back so it is safe enough to use. That is why all my pictures on here are of the outside of the museum unfortunately.

Despite having no camera, walking around the museum is definitely worth a visit. As well as the treasures from  Tutenkhamun's tomb, which along are staggering, you will see countless artefacts from Ancient Egypt, and learn a lot about the history of that time.

Anthony Carlile