Visiting the Pyramids of Giza is undoubtedly on many if not most people's bucket list. The better question is, is it worth it?
Of course, the pyramids bring up a plethora of questions of its origins. Who build them, why are they empty, etc... We may never really know the answers to these questions but what we do know, is they are one of the world's most iconic structures that have stood the test of time. They are protected and worshiped by all who visit.
Breaking Expectations
If you can remember the first time you learned about the pyramids then you may recall being taught they were build by workers of the Pharaoh. Thousands of workers laboring to place each stone atop another. Each stone sculpted meticulously into shape to fit just right and laid into place until the very tipping point.
The thing is, these stones are absolutely massive! When you step atop one of these stones, you will then realize this was no easy feat. To get this stone here, in the desert far from a quarry is unrealistic but the moment you see these magnanimous structures you will not be thinking much about this. In fact, you will be thinking about how many people there are around you. There are hundreds of people viewing these pyramids at the same time and bus loads of them. You will be swarmed by Egyptian merchants selling small goods and requesting to take your photo.
You'll be asked to step here, move there. Position your hand is such a way that feels wildly unnatural. You may be even asked to hold onto the leash of a camel, have a scarf wrapped around your head and possibly even to pucker your lips and stretch your head out as if you were practicing your very first kiss.
If you feel exhausted by reading this, then expect the same feeling upon arrival to the Great Pyramids. They are absolutely stunning, really. The sheer size of them alone is enough to make your head spin. To put into perspective visiting the pyramids is a singular word: Overwhelming.
Wait to Visit
Don't feel pressured to visit them right away and here's why; the pyramids have remained a hot tourist attraction for centuries, they aren't going anywhere. Getting to them is uncomplicated and quite easy. There's also nothing inside of them, you can only go into a small handful of them (fee to enter) and there's no air-conditioning inside. Climbing to the top of them is nearly impossible and if you did, you may be convicted of a felony and remain in Egyptian prison for a while.
On a personal level, my dream of visiting the Pyramids was very high along with my expectations. No amount of Youtube videos or Rick Steve's books can prepare you for the unbelievably overwhelming day you will have while you are there. It's also not a very peaceful place and there are so many locals trying to make a couple dollars off you when all you want to do is take in this moment to yourself. I found myself days later finally letting it set in that I had actually visited the one "coveted places" I dreamed of all to be underwhelmed and overwhelmed by the experience simultaneously.
Should you go? Of course!
However, set your expectations and prepare yourself to absorb and observe.