Giza, one of Egypt's most iconic destinations, offers travelers a unique blend of ancient history and modern charm. Known worldwide for its breathtaking Pyramids and the Sphinx, this city holds a significant place in human history. But Giza is more than just its ancient monuments—it’s a gateway to exploring the rich culture, traditions, and everyday life of Egypt. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply looking for an adventure, Giza has something for every traveler.
Population: Approximately 9.2 million in 2021.
Economy: Giza’s economy is driven by tourism, with significant contributions from the hospitality and service sectors. Agriculture and small-scale industries also play a role, supporting the city’s diverse economic base.
Landmarks: Famous for the Great Pyramid of Khufu, The Great Sphinx, and the Grand Egyptian Museum.
Egypt
When you think of Giza, the first images that come to mind are probably the towering Pyramids of Giza and the mysterious Great Sphinx. These ancient marvels symbolize Egypt's powerful cultural influence, dating back over 4,500 years. As the heart of ancient Egypt, Giza also served as a royal burial ground for pharaohs and a center of religious and cultural activity. The Pyramids of Giza, including the Great Pyramid of Khufu, are the last surviving wonders of the ancient world. These structures tell the story of Egypt’s mastery of engineering and art, reflecting its civilization’s power and spiritual depth.
Giza's population is a mix of diverse communities, with a strong presence of Egyptian locals deeply rooted in the city’s ancient heritage. Giza’s citizens are known for their hospitality, blending traditional Egyptian customs with a modern lifestyle. Many work in tourism, trade, and agriculture, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of this historic destination. While Arabic is the primary language, English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, making communication easier for visitors.
Giza city, Egypt - © Faris El-Gwely
Giza is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world, and no visit would be complete without exploring these awe-inspiring attractions. Each site offers a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Egypt and its cultural heritage.
The Great Pyramid of Khufu, also known as the Pyramid of Cheops, is the largest of the three pyramids on the Giza Plateau and the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World. Built as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu, this colossal structure stands over 140 meters tall and is a marvel of engineering. Exploring its corridors and chambers allows visitors to step back in time and marvel at the craftsmanship of ancient Egypt.
The Great Sphinx, situated near the pyramids, is one of the most famous symbols of Egypt. With its lion's body and human head, the Sphinx is thought to represent Pharaoh Khafre. It stands as a silent guardian of the Giza Plateau, facing the rising sun, adding to its mystical aura. Don’t forget to take a closer look at its detailed carvings and iconic presence.
Next to the Great Pyramid, you’ll find the Solar Boat Museum, which houses a full-size ancient boat believed to have been used by Pharaoh Khufu. This remarkably well-preserved vessel is thought to have been buried with the pharaoh to transport him to the afterlife. The museum provides fascinating insight into ancient Egyptian burial customs and shipbuilding techniques.
Just outside of Giza, the Grand Egyptian Museum is set to be the largest archaeological museum in the world. Scheduled to house over 100,000 artifacts, including treasures from King Tutankhamun’s tomb, this museum will offer a comprehensive journey through Egypt’s history. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to explore Egypt beyond the pyramids and delve deeper into its archaeological wonders.
The Pyramids of Giza - © Abdelrhman Allam
Giza’s culinary tradition is a rich tapestry of flavors, reflecting Egypt’s diverse culinary heritage. From hearty street foods to savory main courses and delightful desserts, these local dishes are a must-try for any traveler exploring the city.
Om Ali - © JOEL MIELLE (RECIPE30)
Giza is rich in cultural festivals and religious celebrations that give visitors a deeper insight into the local traditions. These events are marked by lively gatherings, music, dancing, and a strong sense of community.
One of Egypt’s oldest festivals, Sham El-Nessim, is celebrated every year during spring. It’s a national holiday where families gather for picnics and enjoy traditional foods like Feseekh (salted fish). In Giza, locals flock to the parks and the banks of the Nile to celebrate the arrival of spring with outdoor activities and communal meals.
During the holy month of Ramadan, Giza, like the rest of Egypt, undergoes a transformation. As Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, the city comes alive after dusk. Streets are adorned with colorful lanterns, and special Ramadan dishes are served in homes and restaurants. Eid Al-Fitr commemorates the conclusion of Ramadan with feasts, family reunions, and philanthropic activities.
Eid Al-Adha, commonly known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," is another major Islamic festival in Giza. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. Families gather to pray, share meals, and distribute food to those in need. The celebration is characterized with cattle sacrifices, and families and communities eat traditional meals.
For those interested in Egypt’s ancient culture, the Pharaonic Festival is a vibrant celebration held in various parts of Giza. This event revives the traditions of ancient Egypt with reenactments, traditional music, and dance performances that celebrate the legacy of the Pharaohs.
Camel Rides by the Pyramids - © 2H Media
Exploring the Pyramids of Giza - © Michael Starkie
In Giza, accessing your finances is straightforward with numerous ATM and banking services available. ATMs are widely distributed across the city, especially near major tourist spots, shopping areas, and hotels, allowing for easy cash withdrawals using international credit and debit cards. It’s advisable to inform your bank of your travel plans to prevent any issues with transactions. For additional banking needs, several local banks offer services such as currency exchange and financial management.
Hide away in the gentle hills of Tochigi Prefecture, Mashiko is more than a stop on a map, it’s a living gallery of clay, craft, and community. Known worldwide for its Mashiko-yaki pottery, this charming rural town draws travelers seeking hands-on creativity and a slower pace of life. Here, kiln smoke curls into blue skies, and artisan shops spill treasures onto narrow streets. Only a few hours from Tokyo, Mashiko offers the perfect escape for lovers of traditional Japanese culture, authentic local food, and countryside landscapes.
Population: Approximately 22,000 in 2020.
Economy: Mashiko’s economy thrives on its renowned pottery industry, attracting both domestic and international buyers. Tourism plays a vital role, fueled by pottery fairs, local crafts, and cultural events.
Landmarks: Famous for the Mashiko Pottery Museum, Pottery Street, and the Saimyoji Temple.
Tucked away in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawa-go feels like a scene from an old Japanese folktale. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses, wooden homes with steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy winter snow. Here, each season paints the village in new colors: spring blossoms, green summer paddies, golden autumn leaves, and glistening winter snow.
Population: Approximately 60,000 in 2020.
Economy: Shirakawa-go’s economy blends heritage preservation with sustainable tourism. While agriculture, especially rice farming, remains part of local life, tourism is now the main economic driver.
Landmarks: Famous for Ogimachi Village, Wada House, and Shiroyama Viewpoint.
Fuji-shi, or Fuji City, is a vibrant gateway to Japan’s most iconic peak, Mount Fuji. Located in Shizuoka Prefecture, this coastal city blends scenic beauty with rich traditions. From its bustling streets to the peaceful banks of the Fuji River, every corner offers a postcard-worthy view of the mountain. Just an hour from Tokyo by train, Fuji-shi is ideal for travelers seeking authentic Japanese city life with nature close at hand.
Population: Approximately 245,000 in 2019.
Economy: Fuji-shi is a major hub in Shizuoka Prefecture’s manufacturing sector, known for its paper and pulp production. The city also benefits from the logistics and transport industries due to its location along the Tōkaidō corridor.. Fishing at Tagonoura Port, tea production in nearby plantations, and tourism linked to Mount Fuji further diversify the local economy.
Landmarks: Famous for Mount Fuji viewing points, Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, and Tanuki Lake.
Nestled in the far west of An Giang Province, Châu Đốc is where the Hậu River bends toward the Cambodian border. This riverside city is a blend of cultures, faiths, and flavors. Here, Vietnamese, Khmer, Cham, and Chinese communities live side by side, shaping a rich tapestry of daily life. For travelers, Châu Đốc offers more than stunning river views. It’s a city of floating markets, sacred temples, and bustling border trade.
Population: Approximately 100,000 in 2019.
Economy: Chau Doc’s economy thrives on cross-border trade, aquaculture, and agriculture, especially rice and fish farming. Tourism also plays a key role, fueled by its cultural diversity and proximity to Cambodia.
Landmarks: Famous for the Sam Mountain, Ba Chua Xu Temple, and the Chau Doc Floating Market.
Tucked away on the southeastern edge of Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay is a dazzling mosaic of emerald waters, hidden beaches, and towering limestone karsts. Often called the “quiet sister” of Halong Bay, it offers the same breathtaking scenery without the tourist crowds. Here, over 300 islets and unspoiled coves create a paradise for kayakers, nature lovers, and those seeking authentic cultural encounters. This is where the rhythm of the sea shapes daily life, and where travelers can slow down to embrace Vietnam’s coastal charm.
Population: As a part of Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay is home to a small population, primarily concentrated in Viet Hai village, which has a population of around 300 people.
Economy: Lan Ha Bay’s economy is closely tied to tourism, fishing, and aquaculture. The bay attracts visitors with its scenic beauty, supporting hotels, boat tours, and local services. Fishing and seafood farming, especially oysters and squid, provide income for coastal communities. Eco-tourism and sustainable aquaculture are increasingly promoted to balance economic growth with environmental protection.
Landmarks: Famous for the Monkey Island, Dark & Bright Cave, and the Nam Cat Island.
Hai Phong, known as the City of Red Flamboyant, blends coastal beauty, historical depth, and vibrant urban life. Sitting on Vietnam’s northeast coast, this dynamic port city opens the door to famous attractions like Cat Ba Island and Ha Long Bay. Stroll along tree-lined boulevards, admire French colonial architecture, or wander through bustling markets alive with local flavors.
Population: Approximately 2 million in 2022.
Economy: Hai Phong is one of Vietnam’s key economic hubs, driven by its strategic position as a major seaport in the north. The city’s economy thrives on shipping, logistics, shipbuilding, manufacturing, and fisheries. Tourism and hospitality also play a growing role, supported by Hải Phòng’s coastal attractions and cultural heritage.
Landmarks: Famous for the Ky Co Beach, Do Son Beach, and the Tam Bac Lake & Flower Street.