Saqqara, Memphis and Dahshur: Beyond the Giza Pyramids

Most travelers see Giza and think they have seen the pyramids. But south of Cairo lie older, quieter, and in some ways more fascinating pyramid fields: Saqqara, where the age of pyramids began; Dahshur, where the Egyptians learned to build them true; and Memphis, the ancient capital that ruled them all.

A day combining the three sites pairs perfectly with, or as an alternative to, Giza. Here is what awaits.

Saqqara: the Step Pyramid

Saqqara was the necropolis of Memphis for more than 3,000 years. Its centerpiece is the Step Pyramid of Djoser, built around 2650 BC by the architect Imhotep, the first large stone building in history. Around it sprawls a vast site of tombs, including the beautifully painted Mastaba of Ti and the Serapeum, underground galleries that once held the mummies of the sacred Apis bulls.

Memphis: the Ancient Capital

Memphis was Egypt's capital for most of the Old Kingdom, and though the city is gone, an open-air museum holds its treasures, above all the colossal limestone statue of Ramses II, the alabaster sphinx and the triumphal slab of Amenhotep II.

Dahshur: the Bent and Red Pyramids

Dahshur is where pyramid-building was perfected. The Bent Pyramid of Sneferu changes angle mid-build, an engineering lesson frozen in stone, while his Red Pyramid, the first true smooth-sided pyramid, can be entered via a passage into its ancient chambers, usually with no queue at all.

• The Step Pyramid complex of Djoser at Saqqara
• The painted tombs of the Saqqara nobles
• The colossus of Ramses II at Memphis
• The Bent and Red Pyramids at Dahshur

Planning Your Visit

The three sites lie within a short drive of each other, about an hour from Cairo. A combined tour comfortably covers Saqqara, Memphis and Dahshur in a day, or you can pair Giza in the morning with Saqqara and Dahshur in the afternoon for a full pyramid-pilgrimage.

Recommended Tours

Explore these Egypt Rest Tours experiences related to this guide:

• Saqqara, Memphis and Dahshur Tour — all three ancient sites in one day from Cairo
• Giza and Saqqara Tour — Giza's Great Pyramids plus the Step Pyramid in one day
• Giza & Grand Egyptian Museum Private Tour — pair the plateau with Egypt's great new museum

Related Reading

• Giza Pyramids Guide: Tickets, Timing and Tips
• Cairo Travel Guide: Top Things to See and Do
• Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) Visitor Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you enter the Red Pyramid?

Yes. The Red Pyramid at Dahshur is usually open to visitors, and you can climb down into its chambers, typically without the crowds of Giza.

Which is older, Giza or Saqqara?

Saqqara. The Step Pyramid of Djoser predates the Great Pyramid of Cheops by roughly 80 years and was the first monumental stone building on Earth.

How long does a Saqqara-Memphis-Dahshur day take?

A full day, roughly 8 hours including transfers from Cairo. It pairs well with a Giza morning for a two-day pyramid experience.