There's nothing better to do in Cairo than visit the pyramids. I could do it daily. It's not just for the amazing photo opps, or the history and wonder the place evokes, or for the chance to hang with camels (!). It's one of those places where depending on your intention you can get so much spiritually and emotionally from a visit. Or just have goofy tourist fun (like the "pretending to touch the tip of the pyramid" pose). I've been many times and can never get enough. Here's why:
1) The camels. The pyramids are one of the only places in Cairo where you can interact with camels up close and personal. But I want to offer a cautionary tale in case you are an animal lover like myself. When I first visited the pyramids in 2011 I rode a camel, like most tourists do, and posed for photos. During the photo the camel threw up green sludge and simultaneously pooped all while trying to sit, as our guide forced it to stand. It was the first and last time I ever rode an animal. I understand camels have been ridden for thousands of years but I also know the tourism industry can encourage the mistreatment of animals for profit.
These days we take pictures near camels while telling their owners we don't want to ride them and we hope the camel is treated well. It may not be much but I do feel that at least expressing such sentiments might make an impact. However riding camels is definitely something most people do when visiting the pyramids as it is low cost and fun. But I think my photos show that your vacation photos can be just as epic if you're standing next to them!
2. Awe-inspiring history. Just look at the proportion of the pyramids! They're 455 feet tall even after erosion, with each stone weighing up to 2.5 tons. Seeing how tiny I am by comparison, in person and in photos, reminds me what a speck of a speck of a speck I am in the grand scheme of things. It was once thought that slaves built the pyramids, but that’s been debunked in recent years as tombs of pyramid makers have been discovered, along with things like evidence of a massive catering operation. I wonder if the creators of the pyramids ever dreamed we’d be returning to them daily, 4,000 years later, to marvel at their creation.
A pro-tip on getting this shot above is that you don't have to park your car at the entrance, you can actually keep driving along the roads leading up and around the pyramids to see all three.
3. The Great Sphinx. Another pro-tip is that there's a restaurant near the entrance to the Great Sphinx (back down before the pyramids) where you can eat while marveling at its beauty. It's where they also hold light shows in the evening, which are projected onto the pyramids.
The Great Sphinx is a sight to behold, even from afar.