Cairo, Egypt
What 90% of solo women don't know about staying safe in Cairo.
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.
The Giza Pyramids area is built for tourism, which means aggressive touting and scams are standard. The pyramids themselves have heavy security with armed guards and metal detectors, so the actual site is safe. Everything around it is the problem. Camel and horse touts do bait-and-switch pricing - cheap ride offer then they won't let you down unless you pay several times more. Fake officials say you bought the wrong ticket. Shop owners pressure you constantly. All this plus the usual harassment and inappropriate comments. It's exhausting. The pyramids are worth seeing and it's doable with prep. Book a guide through your hotel ($30-50) to cut out most of the hassle. Agree on all prices upfront or skip camel rides entirely. Go early morning when it's cooler and less crowded. Don't stay in this area - neighborhoods around the pyramids have high harassment. Uber from Zamalek or Maadi, see the site, leave.
Daytime Safety
ModerateNight Walking Safety
PoorHarassment Risk
Very HighPublic Transport Safety
ModeratePickpocketing Risk
HighScam Risk
Very HighPolice Visibility
ExcellentEmergency Services
GoodEvening Venues
PoorSolo Dining
ModerateDrug Activity
ModerateHomelessness Visibility
ModerateGetting By in English
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"Amazing pyramids but most aggressive harassment I experienced"
"Hired a guide which helped immensely with the hassle"
"Don't trust anyone offering help or rides"
"Worth seeing but exhausting as a solo woman"
"Came early morning and left by noon to avoid worst crowds"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
Has interesting history, architecture, and cheap food but harassment is constant and it's unsafe at night. Daytime only, then get out before evening.
Medieval architecture and bazaar with decent daytime safety but lots of vendor pressure and harassment. Daytime visits only, dress conservatively.
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.
Help other women stay safe in Giza (Pyramids Area)
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.