Cairo, Egypt
Belle époque architecture, decent restaurants, and less harassment than downtown. More Egyptian than Zamalek, close to the airport, but far from tourist sites.
Built as a garden city in the early 1900s, Heliopolis has wide boulevards and belle époque buildings that look more European than Egyptian. Korba is the main area with restaurants, cafes, and actual sidewalk culture. Middle and upper-middle class Egyptian families live here, making it more cosmopolitan than most of Cairo. Harassment happens but less than downtown. Streets around Korba stay active into evening and feel reasonably safe even late. Being 15-20 minutes from the airport helps for arrivals and departures. English is more common than working-class areas but less than Zamalek. Thursday night market at the Hilton draws locals for street food and shopping. The catch is distance from sites - 45 minutes to the Pyramids, 30 to the Egyptian Museum. Works for business trips or if you want something between expat bubble and downtown chaos.
Daytime Safety
GoodNight Walking Safety
GoodHarassment Risk
HighPublic Transport Safety
GoodPickpocketing Risk
ModerateScam Risk
ModeratePolice Visibility
GoodEmergency Services
GoodEvening Venues
GoodSolo Dining
GoodDrug Activity
LowHomelessness Visibility
LowGetting By in English
Good"Safe and calm, especially around Korba area"
"Far from tourist sites but good for airport arrivals"
"Less harassment than downtown but still present"
"Walking at night felt surprisingly safe"
"Good middle ground between expat bubble and real Cairo"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
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.
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.
Most secure area in Cairo because of embassies and diplomatic presence. Quiet with limited dining but maximum safety at premium hotel prices.
Help other women stay safe in Heliopolis
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.