Sphinx (Great Sphinx of Giza)

It wasn’t until 1905, when sand was cleared away from the statue, that the full magnitude of the Sphinx’s body was revealed. Dating back to the reign of Khafre, the Sphinx is now the narrator of the nightly pyramid sound and light show, which recounts the history of Egypt.

Seeing the Sphinx is a must for first-time travelers to Cairo, and there are several ways to make the most of your visit. All-day tours often combine a stop at the Pyramids of Giza with a trip to the Khan el-Khalili bazaar and the Egyptian Museum. Or, opt for a camel ride or a cruise on the Nile River.

• An Egyptologist guide will help you understand the history of the Sphinx, as well as point out elements you might miss on your own.

• Take your own water. Vendors sell beverages on-site, but they can be pricey.

• Dress conservatively as a show of respect for Egyptian culture.

• The sound and light show has an area designated for wheelchairs.

The Sphinx is located to the northeast of the Pyramid of Khafre site, close to the edge of Cairo's suburbs. The best way to visit is by guided tour. Alternatively, take a taxi from the center of Cairo to the Pyramids of Giza complex, then walk or take a camel ride around the site.

Make your way to the Sphinx early in the morning to avoid the crowds and afternoon heat. The site tends to be busier during Egyptian holidays, so plan accordingly.

Guarded by the Sphinx, the Pyramids of Giza—the Pyramid of Khufu, Pyramid of Khafre, and Pyramid of Menkaure—are pretty much Cairo’s top attraction. You may even want to visit them twice, once during the day and once at night. Don’t miss the light show projected onto the pyramids as you hear about the monuments’ history.

Yes, tourists can visit the Sphinx. It’s part of the Giza Pyramids complex outside Cairo: Many experts believe that the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Khafre, who built the second of the three major pyramids, created the Sphinx. Most people walk around the sculpture after seeing the pyramids and take trick photos.

The Great Sphinx, along with the pyramids it guards, is one of the world’s most iconic sights. It likely dates back more than 4,000 years and has inspired poems, dramas, riddles, and songs for centuries. It would be unusual to visit Cairo and not see this ancient, mysterious sculpture.

Yes, the Sphinx is reasonably accessible. There’s a smooth path leading around the base of the sculpture. Most travelers who use wheelchairs hire drivers to transport them between different areas of the Giza Pyramids site, which is large, and make plans to use bathrooms at hotels with wheelchair-friendly facilities.

Yes, there are public restrooms about 800 feet (250 meters) from the Sphinx. However, like the other public bathrooms at the Giza Pyramids site, these are not accessible and can be dirty. Bring your own tissue paper, and don’t forget Egyptian pound coins to tip the attendant.

Like the rest of the Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx is exposed, so sun protection is key. Wear a hat, sunscreen, loose clothes, and comfortable shoes. Female travelers will find the experience much easier if they comply with local dress norms, covering arms, legs, shoulders, cleavage, and belly.

It takes a few minutes to walk around the Sphinx, but most people visit as part of a Giza Pyramids trip and spend one to four hours on site. There is also a panoramic viewpoint where you can take photos kissing the Sphinx or doing yoga Sphinx beside him.