Visiting Egypt’s most famous ancient attraction could be a huge disappointment, and here is why.
When we think of world wonders, we often think of landmarks like the Colosseum in Rome, the Great Wall of China, or the Pyramids of Giza.
Tourists worldwide flock to these iconic places, drawn by their historical significance and eager to see them firsthand. However, what happens when you make the long journey only to be utterly disappointed?
Do places like the Pyramids of Giza live up to their reputation, or are they merely monumental letdowns? This article will focus on one of Egypt’s most famous sights, the Pyramids of Giza, and whether visiting this world wonder is worthwhile.
World wonder at first sight – visiting the Pyramids of Giza
Egypt is a paradise for culture and history enthusiasts, attracting millions of tourists each year who are eager to visit sights like the tomb of Tutankhamun, the Karnak Temple in Luxor, and the famed Pyramids of Giza.
As we all know, Ancient Egypt has a fascinating story to tell, so who wouldn’t want to see these historically steeped sights up close and personally?
The Pyramids are found just near Cairo, one of the must-see African cities. They date back to around 2,600 BC and are the most visited landmark in Egypt, attracting over 14 million visitors annually. Hence, it’s rare to witness history without crowds – it seldom happens.
While the Pyramids of Giza evoke a sense of fascination and wonder among tourists, it takes time to see past the over-touristic theme park it has become.
Many dream of seeing this famous sight, only to be let down by the reality of overcrowding and being bombarded by hustlers eager to sell overpriced, tacky souvenirs or take unsuspecting tourists on expensive donkey and horse rides – in the blistering heat.
Yes, the Pyramids, without all the surrounding chaos, are NOT a monumental letdown, but as soon as you enter this amusement park, it gets very disappointing.
Visiting the Pyramids of Giza is an incredible yet frustrating experience, yet it still attracts significant numbers of tourists worldwide.
A tick off the bucket list – is it worth it or not?
If you are wondering whether going to Egypt to see the Pyramids of Giza is worth it, it depends on your expectations. If you expect to enjoy a historically significant monument that oozes charisma, you might be better off using Google Earth.
However, suppose you do not mind a few thousand people eager to have the same experience at the same time while being hassled by hustlers and surrounded by countless examples of animal exploitation. In that case, this might not bother you, but let’s face it – it is hard to see past this.
Sadly, like many overcrowded and overdeveloped attractions, the Pyramids of Giza have succumbed to a transition from a historic world wonder to an Egyptian amusement park, which has taken away the true essence of the monuments.
Many who visit the Pyramids of Giza are eager to tick this world wonder off their bucket list, but many claim that it was not what they expected, having wanted to visit for years.
Instead of walking in the footsteps of the Ancient Egyptians, you find yourself walking through cramped, narrow passageways full of photo-obsessed crowds.
If you want an authentic experience, the best thing to do is witness the Pyramids of Giza from afar, even from above, where scammers and the masses don’t detract from the atmosphere of an awe-inspiring structure.
Final thoughts – a monumental letdown?
We can all agree that the Pyramids of Giza are a feat of incredible ancient engineering, which still baffles researchers and historians today.
For this reason, the pyramids have been a must-see, bucket list landmark for many, yet the atmosphere has let down this once awe-inspiring location.
While many authentic, less crowded, and just as impressive ancient ruins exist worldwide, such as the Palenque and Monte Alban in Mexico or the Moray Ruins in Peru, it is hard to see if the Pyramids of Giza will ever retain this charm they once had before the crowds took over.
The Pyramids of Giza is a place that may end up being better in your imagination than in real life, and if you don’t want to risk this, then do not visit.
However, despite the chaos that surrounds it, if you can block out the hustle and bustle, viewing the Pyramids may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Perhaps the Pyramids of Giza are a monumental letdown thanks to the theme park they have become, but we cannot deny that these ancient structures are architectural marvels.
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