Horse & cart
with a side of Mummies

Where ancient history and modern chaos collide—in the best (and sometimes loudest) way possible. It’s not your average family getaway, but with a bit of planning (and snacks), Egypt is an unforgettable adventure the kids will be talking about long after the sand is out of their shoes.

There’s nothing quite like waking up in a new country, especially when the view from your hotel room includes the ancient Pyramids of Giza. Our family’s journey through Egypt began with a warm sunrise and an even warmer welcome at our hotel, where a delicious breakfast set the tone for the day. Fresh falafel, warm flatbread, and the creamiest hummus we’ve ever tasted gave us the fuel we needed for one of the most unforgettable experiences of our trip: a tour of the Pyramids of Giza.

From camel rides to ancient tombs, our day was packed with history, adventure, and plenty of wide-eyed wonder.

Waking Up in Giza: A Family Adventure Begins

2-3 days break

We recommend this destination as a 2-3 day (max) getaway.
Base yourself in Giza and you can see all you need in this time.

  • Our Egyptian adventure began at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, where we boarded a direct Etihad Airways flight to Cairo International Airport. Traveling with kids can sometimes be a challenge, but this 3-hour-and-50-minute flight was smooth and easy. Let’s be honest, being from Australia any flight under 4 hours is a breeze. Etihad made the journey comfortable with friendly service, kid-friendly meals, and in-flight entertainment that kept everyone happy and occupied. Before we knew it, we were descending over the vast desert landscape, spotting the Nile River as we prepared to land in Cairo—ready to begin our family’s Egyptian journey.

    Once we landed in Cairo, the energy of the city greeted us right away—

    Bustling streets, the call to prayer echoing in the background instantly reminded us we were far from home. After collecting our bags and clearing immigration with ease (get your at the airport when upon arrival- it is easier than finding online), we headed straight to Giza. The drive took just under an hour, giving us our first glimpses of local life, the chaos that is Cairo, and—yes—a few surprise pyramid sightings in the distance that left the kids in awe.

    The temperature in Cairo this time of year was comfortably warm, although the locals wore puffer jackets throughout the day we settled for a light jacket during the day ourselves. With the cooler evenings it was perfect for sightseeing without feeling overheated. We were grateful for the dry climate, which made walking around outdoors much easier with little ones in tow. By the time we reached our hotel in Giza, we were excited, a little jet-lagged, and more than ready to dive into ancient wonders.

  • Giza is the best option for families. You can escape the hustle and bustle of Cairo (although still busy enough) and still see all you need.

    -

    We stayed at the Elite Pyramids hotel

  • The Pyramids.
    Eat delicious local food.
    The museums are a must.

Home Base with a Pyramid View

For our Egyptian adventure, we set up camp in Giza—just a camel’s trot away from the legendary pyramids. We spent four nights at the Elite Pyramids Boutique Hotel, a cozy and budget-friendly spot that came with a serious breakfast spread (always a major win when you’re traveling with perpetually hungry little explorers). The staff were absolute stars—surprising the kids with sweet treats, sorting out our pyramid tour like pros, and even arranging a bottle of wine for the grown-ups. Cheers to that!

But the real hidden treasure? The rooftop restaurant. With jaw-dropping views of the pyramids and a peaceful vibe high above the street-level chaos, it quickly became our favorite hangout. Yes, the surrounding streets had a bit of character—read: honking horns, lively crowds, and the occasional rogue trash pile—but inside the hotel felt like a little oasis.

We ended our trip with a smooth flight out of Giza Airport in the north, which was so quiet and relaxed it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. The kids thought it was our own private airport—definitely one of the more unexpectedly fun moments of the trip!

Pyramids, Camels, and Wide-Eyed Wonder

No trip to Egypt is complete without standing in the shadow of the Great Pyramids—and let us tell you, they’re even more jaw-dropping in real life than in the history books. Our hotel arranged a fantastic half-day tour that started bright and early to beat the crowds. We were picked up from the front of our hotel by a horse and cart which we all squeezed onto and went via the back streets of Giza, which was an experience in itself. Once in the pyramids we kicked things off with a classic camel ride—something between hilarious and mildly terrifying—but the kids absolutely loved it. Our guide was full of fascinating stories, fun facts.

We explored the Great Pyramid of Khufu, snapped about a thousand photos, and even went inside one of the smaller pyramids—an adventure that involved crouching, climbing, and a bit of dramatic “Indiana Jones” flair from the kids. From there, we made our way to the Sphinx, who was just as mysterious (and photogenic) as we imagined.

The sense of wonder on our kids’ faces made every dusty step completely worth it. It’s not every day you get to walk through one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World as a family!

From Ancient Paper to Evening Sips

After exploring the pyramids, we made a quick but memorable stop at a local papyrus shop where we got a hands-on demo of how the ancient Egyptians made paper.

Later that evening, with the sun casting a golden glow over Giza, we strolled from our hotel to the nearby Marriott Mena House for a well-earned family wind-down. The walk itself was an adventure—dodging potholes, giggling at street cats, and catching glimpses of the pyramids as they lit up for the night. The Marriott’s lush gardens and stunning terrace made it feel like we’d wandered into another world. While the kids sipped fresh juice and made friends with a curious cat under the table, we enjoyed a proper cocktail with one of the best views on the planet. It was the perfect mix of ancient magic and modern comfort—an evening we won’t forget anytime soon.

Hidden Wonders: Coptic Cairo and a Date with the Mummies

While the pyramids might steal the spotlight, Egypt has plenty of hidden gems—and Coptic Cairo is one of them. Tucked away from the tourist crowds, this quiet corner of the city gave us a glimpse into Egypt’s Christian heritage. We wandered through narrow alleyways lined with ancient churches, including the beautiful Hanging Church, where history and serenity hang in the air (pun fully intended). The kids were amazed to learn that parts of this area date back nearly 2,000 years—it felt like stepping into a living museum.

Speaking of museums, no trip to Cairo is complete without saying hello to some real-life mummies. We visited the Egyptian Museum, where the kids were fascinated (and a little grossed out) by the preserved pharaohs in the Royal Mummy Room. Seeing their ancient faces up close sparked a whole new level of curiosity. The museum is packed with treasures—sarcophagi, statues, and glittering relics from Tutankhamun’s tomb—and gave us a deeper appreciation for everything we’d seen at Giza.

Both experiences offered a quieter, more thoughtful side of Egypt—a chance to explore not just the monuments, but the layers of culture, faith, and history that make this country unforgettable.

A Note for Fellow Family Travellers: Why Giza is the Way to Go

One important tip we’d share with anyone planning a family trip to Egypt: skip staying in Cairo itself and base yourselves in Giza instead. While Cairo has its charms, the constant traffic, noise, and general hustle can be overwhelming—especially with kids in tow. Giza offers a more relaxed pace, incredible views, and you're right next to the main attraction: the pyramids!

And here’s the exciting part—Egypt is getting ready to open the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, just a short drive from where we stayed. Once it's open, it’ll house many of the treasures currently in Cairo’s museums, making Giza the perfect all-in-one base for both ancient wonders and modern comforts. With less chaos and more convenience, Giza makes exploring Egypt as a family much more enjoyable—and a whole lot easier on everyone’s nerves.