Cairo, Egypt
Cairo Governorate
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- Cairo has 20+ million people crammed into a sprawling metropolis where 4,500-year-old pyramids sit visible from downtown streets. The call to prayer echoes between crumbling art deco buildings while traffic barely moves.
- Street harassment is pervasive - the 2013 UN report finding 99% of Egyptian women experienced harassment still holds up. Conservative dress helps but doesn't eliminate the problem. You'll need to learn 'la' (no) and get comfortable ignoring catcalls completely.
- Egypt runs heavy security at tourist sites with armed guards everywhere, and Tourist Police (126) speak English and generally try to help. Neighborhoods like Zamalek and Maadi have enough expats that solo dining feels normal. Downtown and Islamic Cairo have interesting architecture and culture but get unsafe after dark.
- Uber costs $1-5 for most rides and is essential - don't get in unmarked taxis. The Metro has women-only cars marked with pink signs on platforms. Cairo takes patience, but you get 5,000 years of history, good museums, and cheap food if you can handle the intensity.
Daytime Safety
GoodNight Walking Safety
PoorHarassment Risk
Very HighTransportation
ModeratePickpocketing Safety
ModerateScam Safety
ModeratePolice Visibility
GoodEmergency Services
GoodEvening Venues
ModerateSolo Dining
GoodDrug Activity
ModerateHomelessness Visibility
ModerateYour Free Personal Cairo Safety Guide
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- Zamalek
- Maadi
- Garden City
- Heliopolis (Korba area)
- New Cairo
- 6th of October City
- Downtown Cairo (at night)
- Islamic Cairo (at night)
- Giza near the Pyramids (aggressive touts)
- Imbaba
- Bulaq
- City of the Dead
- Shubra (at night)
Arabic is the main language. English is spoken in tourist areas, upscale neighborhoods like Zamalek and Maadi, and by Tourist Police (126). Uber drivers usually speak limited English. Emergency services (123) have some English-speaking operators. Basic Arabic phrases help in non-touristy areas.
- Cover shoulders, knees, and chest. Loose long pants, maxi skirts, and tops with sleeves help in the heat and reduce some attention. Bring a light scarf for mosques.
- Street harassment happens constantly - staring, comments, catcalling, regardless of what you wear. Learn 'la' (no) and 'imshi' (go away). Don't engage - just keep walking.
- Little English outside tourist areas and expat neighborhoods. Download Google Translate and learn basic Arabic greetings. People appreciate attempts to speak Arabic even if you massacre the pronunciation.
- Ramadan changes everything - restaurants close during the day, people get cranky from fasting, traffic is a nightmare before iftar (sunset meal). The evening celebrations and food are good if you can deal with the backwards schedule.
- Uber and Careem work well and cost $1-5 for most rides. Use these instead of street taxis, especially at night. Sit in the back seat and share your ride details with someone using the app's safety features.
- The Metro is cheap ($0.15 per ride) but gets packed during rush hours. Use the women-only cars marked with pink signs on the platform - first two carriages of each train. This cuts down on harassment significantly.
- Don't get into unmarked taxis or cars that aren't your confirmed Uber/Careem. At the airport, pre-book a transfer or use the official ride-hailing area. Regular taxi drivers often take longer routes around tourist sites.
- If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.
- For peace of mind on arrival, book your airport pickup in advance.
Explore Cairo with local guides and curated experiences.
- Protect yourself against unexpected medical emergencies and trip disruptions in Cairo.
- For shorter trips, VisitorsCoverage is a good option.
- For long-term travel or remote work, we recommend Ekta.
- March to May has decent weather (77-90°F / 25-32°C) with fewer crowds than winter.
- October-November is cooler with better temperatures for walking around all day.
- December-February is peak season - pleasant temperatures (50-66°F / 9-18°C) but more expensive and crowded at major sites.
- May through September gets brutally hot (104-122°F / 40-50°C) though accommodation is cheaper. Early March sometimes brings sandstorms from the southern desert.
Help other women explore Cairo safely
Safe Accommodations in Cairo
Carefully vetted accommodations trusted by solo female travelers, with female-friendly features and safety amenities.
Safety Features
- Female-only dormitory options
- 24-hour reception
- CCTV security
- Secure building access
Walking Distance
Highlights
- In safer part of Downtown Cairo
- Walking distance to Egyptian Museum
- Good reviews from solo travelers
- Modern facilities, social atmosphere
Social Atmosphere
Medium - balanced between social and relaxed
Safety Features
- Female-only dormitory options
- Secure lockers
- 24-hour security
- Key-card access
Walking Distance
Highlights
- Female-only dorms and other room options
- Popular with backpackers
- Central for sightseeing
- Budget prices
Social Atmosphere
High - very social and backpacker-focused
Safety Features
- Female-only dormitory options
- Secure building
- 24-hour reception
- CCTV coverage
Walking Distance
Highlights
- Female-only dorms and private rooms
- Good reviews from solo travelers
- Decent value
- Staff know the area
Social Atmosphere
Medium - relaxed and friendly
Great for meeting other travelers.
Filter by female-only dorms and safety ratings.
Private rooms with more amenities.
Sort by guest reviews and location.
Neighborhoods in Cairo
Explore the different areas of Cairo and find the perfect neighborhood for your stay.
Zamalek
Cairo's safest area with tree-lined streets, international restaurants, and less harassment than elsewhere. Expensive and feels like a bubble, but gives you a break from the city's intensity.
Maadi
Green residential suburb with lower harassment, good cafes, and a calm atmosphere. Far from major sites but works as a comfortable base if you don't mind the commute.
Downtown Cairo
Has interesting history, architecture, and cheap food but harassment is constant and it's unsafe at night. Daytime only, then get out before evening.
Islamic Cairo
Medieval architecture and bazaar with decent daytime safety but lots of vendor pressure and harassment. Daytime visits only, dress conservatively.
Heliopolis
Belle époque architecture, decent restaurants, and less harassment than downtown. More Egyptian than Zamalek, close to the airport, but far from tourist sites.
Garden City
Most secure area in Cairo because of embassies and diplomatic presence. Quiet with limited dining but maximum safety at premium hotel prices.
Giza (Pyramids Area)
Pyramids themselves are secure but surrounded by aggressive touts and scams. Hire a guide, visit early, agree prices upfront, don't stay in this area.