It can be a bit of a shock to visit the Giza Plateau and realise that the sandy mound that’s home to the Pyramids is actually plonked in the middle of the congested city suburb of Giza. There are two entrances: one via a continuation of Pyramids Rd (Sharia al-Haram) at the foot of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, and another below the Sphinx, in the village of Nazlet as-Samaan. Most indepen­dent visitors enter from Pyramids Rd, as this is where the bus and minibus from Downtown stop. Follow the road up from the round­about towards the Pyramids and firmly ignore anyone who tries to distract you. Continue along the tarmacked road, up to the temporary ticket office (an unofficial-looking hut) to your right.