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.

Downtown has art deco and belle époque architecture from the early 1900s, now weathered and chaotic but still interesting. Tahrir Square is the hub with the Egyptian Museum and historic cafes like Café Riche nearby. During the day it's packed with street vendors, office workers, and tourists trying to navigate sidewalks crammed with people and random markets. Expect constant attention - catcalls, staring, men trying to talk to you. Historic cafes and bookstores like Diwan are fine during daylight, and staff at established restaurants like Kazaz are professional. But timing matters. After sunset downtown changes - businesses close, crowds disappear, streets get darker and less safe. Police hang around Tahrir Square but side streets get sketchy. Come here during the day for the architecture and cheap food, then leave before evening. Budget places here are close to attractions but the nighttime safety issue is real.