The Pyramids are some of the most iconic monuments in the world, and a photography lovers dream. They’re so tall that you can see them from plenty of different vantage points, which gives you lots of scope for angles and compositions.
We spent several days photographing the Pyramids, so in this guide we’ll take you through all the best spots, from the classics you’ll see on every postcard, to those which are more unique.
Here are the very best pyramid views to help you capture those once in a lifetime shots.
The best Pyramids photography spots
1. Nine Pyramids Lounge
The Nine Pyramids Lounge has one of the best views from a cafe in the entire world! The uninterrupted view of all nine pyramids and the rolling desert foreground is a vista I’ll never forget.
The Nine Pyramids Lounge is actually a proper restaurant, but the Bedouin seating area in front of the main restaurant is much more casual. You can simply rock up, buy a coffee or some food and take in those truly memorable views.
There are two rows of the low cushioned seating, so if you want to get shots without people in them, then you need to be on the front row. At time of writing seats can’t be booked, but we didn’t have to wait long to snag one of the coveted spots.
The lounge is located within the Giza Plateau/Pyramids complex, so you’ll need to pay the entry ticket to gain access. Currently the lounge is open from 9am to 4pm, but as things change often in Egypt, do double check that before visiting.
Unfortunately we were stopped on the road into the restaurant and had to pay a little baksheesh to gain access, as the security guard was going to turn us away for no reason whatsoever - just one of the many scams at the Pyramids (however the ‘tip’ required was tiny, so don’t let it put you off).
2. The premier ‘Panorama Point’
Not to be confused with the famous Panorama Point which everyone goes to. This one is located very close by, but we think it offers a superior view. You can see the three main pyramids almost stacked on top of each other, which looks especially dramatic.
To reach this spot you need to park at these coordinates: 29.9678686, 31.1258112 (you can click here to see it on Google Maps) and you’ll see a small but prominent hill ahead of you. It’s about a five minute walk away.
If you want to get some scale then someone can walk down the hill for a couple of minutes and walk along the crest of the next hill with a huge pyramids backdrop.
It’s a great spot and not a camel seller in sight, unlike the official Panorama Point. There are also some quirky sculptures beside the parking area, which can make for some unique compositions.
3. In front of the Sphinx
The sandy area directly in front of the Sphinx offers a fantastic view of the Sphinx backed by the Pyramid of Khafre (the second biggest of the pyramids). It’s a wonderful landscape photography spot, but also a classic Instagram shot, where you can get a person walking towards the Sphinx. The co-ordinates for the exact spot are 29.975314, 31.138818 and you can click here to see it on Google Maps.
The best time to get this shot is first thing - when the Pyramids complex opens - 8am at time of writing. Almost everyone visits the Pyramids first, and the Sphinx was empty for a good 40 minutes both times we looked. Even after that, there were only a few people milling around for quite some time.
The alternative to this is right at the end of the day, but it’s more of a risk. We weren’t told to leave the complex until 4.40pm (40 minutes after closing time) which in winter meant we got to watch the sunset behind the Sphinx. However, it was only right at the very end that the area cleared to take this shot and it was very rushed. The morning is definitely best for a relaxed experience.
If you have a zoom lens (we use a 100-400mm lens) you can get a compressed photo of the Sphinx and Khafres Pyramid from this spot, such as the one below.
4. Guardian Guesthouse
The view from the unassuming Guardian Guesthouse is unbelievable. If you’re lucky enough to be able to book one of the pyramid view rooms, then you are going to be in for a treat. Book early though, because we tried to book for three different dates and only managed to get one night during our visit.
The rooms are simple, but they’re not expensive considering the phenomenal view.
Unlike many other hotels we have tried to capture the view from, both the window and fly screens can be fully opened, so you don’t need to worry about glare or cleanliness.
We shot at both sunrise and sunset and preferred sunset as we got a little bit of glow. The sun rises in the opposite direction to the Pyramids, so the lighting was a little too soft in the morning.
5. Great Pyramid desert view
This spot has no name, but you can find it at these coordinates: 29.977704, 31.131818 (or click here to see where it is on Google Maps).
It’s a good chance to shoot the Great Pyramid with no one else around, as the front of the pyramid tends to be very busy at all times. We liked that the little sand hill in front of the pyramid gave it a desert like feel, despite the fact the Pyramids are right beside Giza city.
It’s easy to walk along the sandy area, so you can add a subject to your photos, and it was an angle we hadn’t seen before.
6. Corner of the Great Pyramid
Whilst you can no longer climb the Pyramids (you can read about the penalties for that here), you can sit on the corner of the Great Pyramid for a fun shot. You will need to pay the security guard a little baksheesh to do this.
It’s just a couple of rocks up, so it’s very easy to find a good spot to sit. The bit we shot at was the far right side of the front of the pyramid.
7. Marriott Mena House Hotel
You don’t need to stay at the Marriott Mena House to take this photo - we wish we’d had the budget for that!
You can simply buy a drink, or some food at the terrace area of their international restaurant - 139 Pavilion - which is just in front of the Moghul Room Indian restaurant.
It’s a five star hotel, so you can expect to pay a little more than you would in a normal restaurant, but given the view we think it’s more than worth it.
The prettiest time to shoot is sunset, but the views of the two pyramids look great at any time of day. One thing to note if you do want this shot is that the hotel often has events that are hosted in the garden area, so go as early into your stay as possible so you’re not disappointed.
The first time we visited there were lots of seats and very bright lights set up, which wouldn’t have been great for photos, but luckily we had several more days in the area to try again.
8. Pizza Hut’s rooftop
Yep that’s right, the rooftop of Pizza Hut has one of the best views in Giza. It’s directly opposite the Sphinx entrance to the Pyramids complex and you can see the three main pyramids and the Sphinx. You will have to buy pizza though, as you can’t sit up there with drinks alone.
We had already eaten, so didn’t want to do that, which is why we chose to shoot from the hotel next door as we figured it would be almost the same view. However, do not do this!
The hotel (Cleopatra View) runs a scam where they’ll hugely overcharge for whatever you order and get very aggressive about it when you argue. We would have spent less money buying a pizza at Pizza Hut than we did on two teas at the hotel - avoid at all costs.
9. The rice paddy viewpoint
This one is only for very keen photographer’s looking for something a little different as it’s in the middle of nowhere (although very cheap to reach by Uber).
You need to drive to these coordinates: 29.954303, 31.150572 (click here to find it on Google Maps) and then you’ll see the rice paddy with the Great Pyramid in the distance. You’ll need a zoom lens to do some compression to make the pyramid really pop.
We did notice there is quite a lot of building work going on around the pyramid from this vantage point, so it may become more obstructed in future.
10. The Sphinx side view
If you want to take a side on view of the Sphinx then come early. Don’t come in the afternoon unless you want to be part of a huge mass of people kissing the Sphinx, making the Sphinx smoke a cigarette, punching the Sphinx, or making the Sphinx kiss their bum… you get the picture!
If you come in the morning it will be very quiet. Take the shot in front of the Sphinx first and then walk through the Sphinx Temple to reach the side view.
11. Panorama Point
This is the most famous view of the Pyramids, and you’ll find it has a heaving mass of people throughout much of the day. It is a good view and you should stop here, but we don’t rate it as highly as many others on this list. You’ll be trying to enjoy the view and constantly asked to buy scarves, camel rides etc etc.
You can drive right up to the viewpoint though, so it’s worth a quick stop to take in the three main pyramids.
Tips for photographing the Pyramids
Giza is very polluted so the Pyramids can disappear behind a haze of smog
This tends to be more common in the early mornings in winter. We never saw a time it didn’t burn off, but be prepared that you might need to switch your photography plans around if you wake to a white out. This only happened to us once and it did burn off later in the day.
The polluted sky can be hard to work with and can make even clear skies look dull. You photos will probably need touching up more than most.
Pick the spot you are most keen to photograph first thing, when the crowds are fewer
Planning your day will help a lot when visiting the pyramids, but even more so if you’re looking to get a specific shot. This is especially important for photographing the front on view of the Sphinx.
When it comes to the Pyramids, usually walking around the base, away from the main entrance, will get you clear shots at almost any time of day. In contrast, the area in front of the Sphinx gets very busy, and you can’t really avoid people in your shots unless you visit first thing.
Don’t fall for the camera lens scam
You may be told by the security staff at the scanners as you enter the complex that zoom lens are not allowed at the Pyramids (yes, even the security staff will scam you). A little baksheesh and a friendly smile should fix this, and we got our zoom lens in every time.
During our visit there were no restrictions on photography, and all cameras were allowed in for free. We only paid a very small amount of baksheesh (much less than we pay when someone gives us an extra service) - just 5 EGP (USD $0.20) and this got our lens in. Make sure you bring small change.
Photography rules in Egypt change frequently
During our visit photography with any camera was allowed in all parts of the complex, including inside the Great Pyramid. We’d read only cellphone photography was allowed inside the Pyramids so didn’t bring our proper camera. Don’t make our mistake. If the rules change again you’ll be told to put your camera away, but it’s worth having it with you at all times so you don’t miss out.
The opening times make soft light photography difficult
Sunrise and sunset photography inside the complex is tricky due to the opening times, which don’t allow you inside at these times at any time of year. You can read more about how we got around this at sunset (during winter opening times, October - March) in this guide.
Where to stay in Giza
Guardian Guesthouse
Few hotels in the world have a view that can rival Guardian Guesthouse. Situated just metres from the entrance to the pyramid complex, the best rooms here have head on Sphinx views, with the pyramids behind it. Sunset from the room is simply magical and you can even get a free glimpse of the sound and light show in the evening from the hotel rooftop.
It’s also one of the few places in Giza that is almost entirely away from the car horns and engine noise of Giza, as it’s tucked away beside the Sphinx, which is completely dead when it’s closed. The rooms are dated, but clean and comfy enough.
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Marriott Mena House
The Marriott Mena is what pyramid dreams are made of. This historic hotel is situated within walking distance of the entrance to the Pyramids and has hosted some of the most famous people in the world, including US Presidents, movie stars, writers and musicians.
The view from the grounds are spectacular, with Khufu’s and Khafre’s pyramids overlooking the green oasis of Mena House.
If you’ve got the budget, this is the place to stay in Giza.
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