Is Cairo Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Cairo is relatively safe for solo female travelers but certain precautions should be adhered to. It is common to experience street harassment in the form of staring and comments, and women may feel uncomfortable in crowded places. However, violent crime is relatively rare. Avoid travelling alone at night and dress conservatively to respect local customs. Also, it is recommended to be vigilant in tourist areas due to the risk of pickpocketing.

Safety rating

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How safe is Cairo?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Unsafe

While Cairo is generally safe for tourists, solo female travelers should be cautious, especially at night. It's always best to avoid walking alone after dark. Stick to populated, well-lit areas, avoid commuting alone and limit night time excursions whenever possible. Cultural norms as well as safety considerations make it less advisable to wander in late hours. It's recommended to use a reliable taxi service when traveling at night.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in Cairo, including buses, metro, and taxis, is largely accessible, but may be a bit challenging for solo female travelers. While reports of untoward incidents aren't unheard of, many women use them daily without issues. However, cultural misunderstandings and occasional language barriers could prove uncomfortable. The city's bustling atmosphere, particularly during rush hours, could be overwhelming. It is advisable to stay vigilant, avoid crowded rides, and travel during off-peak times where possible. Some metro trains have women-only cars, which adds a level of comfort and security. As for taxis, always insist on using the meter to avoid being overcharged.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:High

Navigating the streets of Cairo as a solo female traveler can be quite challenging. It's common to experience unwanted attention, including catcalling or overtly persistent vendors. While rare, there have been instances of more unsolicited physical contact. Dressing conservatively and observing local customs can help to mitigate these experiences, but it's prudent to be prepared for this reality. However, be assured that most Egyptians are kind-hearted and helpful, willing to step in if situations escalate.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Moderate

Cairo is generally safe for travel and the locals are often curious and welcoming towards foreigners. However, as a solo female traveler, you may encounter minor issues such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, or scams, especially in crowded and touristic areas. Always keep your belongings close to you and stay alert.

Is Cairo worth visiting?

Overall rating

3.6 /5

based on 15 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.4/5

Safety

3.4/5

Food

3.8/5

Budget-friendly

3.8/5
Elif

Elif

France

Couple travel

I spent four months in Cairo as an exchange student, and I absolutely loved the city! Egypt, often called the cradle of civilization, is filled with incredible history, culture, and breathtaking sights. If you’re passionate about history and culture, Cairo will feel like heaven! I spent almost every weekend traveling around, yet I still couldn’t see everything—it’s a place that keeps surprising you. And if you’re going to Egypt, you should definitely visit Alexandria, Siwa, and Luxor as well. My favorite restaurant in Cairo is definitely Tasha Restaurant in Mounira. You can eat handmade Egyptian food from mr dear friend Amr. I was always eating there, the prices are so cheap and the quality is really good, the most importantly you can have the chance to meet Amr, one of the great people of Cairo. Regarding safety, I’d say the city is generally safe, but for women, I highly recommend going with friends rather than alone. As an alone foreigner lady, you might attract attention, and unfortunately, street harassment can happen. However, with some precautions and a bit of street awareness, you can still have an amazing experience exploring this fascinating city! If anyone has questions about traveling to Egypt, feel free to ask!

Posted: January 30, 2025
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Solo travel

My trip to Egypt was amazing! I explored the Pyramids of Giza, sailed on the Nile, and enjoyed the beautiful Red Sea beaches. The rich history, delicious food, and warm hospitality made it unforgettable.

Posted: January 2, 2025Experienced: December, 2024
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Solo travel

Cairo is a must to get to Giza. The old museum is still worth a visit, and people can be helpful and lovely. Uber was rather safe and effective form of travel. However finding a decent place to stay in the city is a challenge. Overall, try to stay closer to Memphis or Giza and really just try to get to Luxor. Best. Place. Ever. If you want a cheap and amazing company, Aladdin family tours has hotels and guides for stupidly cheap. All the Instagram worthy photos you could want from their restaurant overlooking the Nile and they always book an Egyptologist to show you round. They are so sweet and won’t scam you in Luxor or Cairo.

Posted: June 12, 2024
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Family travel

Traveling to Egypt was a great experience! Cairo city is super cheap and you can use taxi app al the time without worry for the price. The food is amazing, especially if your hosts or hotel are Egyptian, they will prepare absolutely delicious food for you. Males are a bit intrusive some times, just be cautious. A lot of people spoke Spanish to my surprise, so do not say anything bad about your host because they might understand you lol. Overall have cash ready because there is not many card payment options.

Posted: June 9, 2024Experienced: March, 2024
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Solo travel

It’s safe to use airbnb there and better to go with it because hotels in Cairo are over priced when we compare the prices.. best way to stay in Cairo is using airbnb. It’s safe in Cairo for a girl solo traveller

Posted: February 11, 2024
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Elodie

Elodie

France

Solo travel

It's a trip of a lifetime. Cairo is definitely a good place to discover the piramids. However the locals are too interested by your wallet. I felt like a walking ATM. You have to learn how to say no and you will definitely have a mariage proposal or two. I enjoyed the monuments and the history of this country however the locals are not very welcoming or at least it didn't feel very genuine. Might try Sharm.

Posted: January 26, 2024Experienced: December, 2021
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Solo travel

Egypt is just the mother of the world 🌍🔐❤️ The safest place ever If u happened to get there u should definitely visit the pyramids Shabrawy restaurant all the way ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥 It depends if u know Egypt very well 1000usd will be enough for a month but if u don’t know the country very well its gonna cost you fortune 😂 InDrive app for transportation

Posted: December 29, 2023Experienced: August, 2023
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Solo travel

I did not like it in Cairo. I did not feel safe there, I was constantly harassed by vulgar men and deceived whenever possible. Cairo is a chaotic and dirty city. It is impossible to cross the street, so crowded and dangerous, as cars and motorcycles squeeze in every direction. I would never return to this place and never recommend it to anyone. It was a total hell, and I got the worst food poisoning in my life.

Posted: September 28, 2023
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Solo travel

I'm a very pale redhead and I was alone in Cairo for a few days. I felt safe and even met a few incredibly nice locals, with whom I spent some time. I dressed modestly and maintained confidence, and everything was fine.

Posted: July 18, 2023
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Solo travel

I fell in love with Cairo. The Zamalek area in Cairo turned out to be stunning and was the place I liked the most. Full of art galleries and gardens full of palm trees. The rest of Cairo was quite intense - but Koshary Abou Tarek was simply incredible. I was grateful that I met a few charming locals who showed me the city - walking down El Moez street and wandering through the back alleys is an experience I will never forget, it was like going back in time. I can't wait to return.

Posted: May 23, 2023
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Is Cairo safe for women?

Safety index

3.5 /5

Based on 33 local experiences

Crime index

1.9 /5

Based on 33 local experiences

Dai

Dai

Like any other 3rd world country. If you’re a frequent traveler, you’ll know that nowhere is really safe, but it’s not like mafia level unsafe! 😂 just be careful where you end up. All under the traveller’s responsibility, I am not responsible for anything that happens under the traveller’s decisions.

Posted: February 4, 2025
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Cairo is very safe with lots of good places to visit. however Cairo is very big and safety levels are very various depending on your location. Some places are very safe some are not but I would say keep with places that are known and tourism friendly

Posted: January 31, 2025
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Meet locals in Cairo

Dai

Dai

About Me

Hello, my name is Dai! My name means light in Arabic! :) I’m a cat-lover and a travel fanatic who is always used to traveling. I live on the more luxurious part of Cairo, Egypt and would be happy to host girlies from all over the world in my cozy, chic 2 bedroom apartment. I’m usually not there so you’ll have the apartment to yourself! 🥰

Speaking

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Aamena

Aamena

About Me

Human. Real. Seeker. Curious (so much). Salaam!🌠 I just love to meet new people and know more about cultures and languages. I usually go out and find new places (hidden ones, especially) with my amazing family and friends, hehe. So, I can be your local guide, I guess 👀. Moreover, I love to learn about various things, such as arts, design, cooking, psychology, history, and culture. So? Let's discover it!🚶‍♀️ Kindly check my couchsurinf account for references: https://www.couchsurfing.com/people/aamena-elshamy

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Cairo

Aamena

Aamena

Cairo

Can host for:

7 days

About me

Human. Real. Seeker. Curious (so much). Salaam!🌠 I just love to meet new people and know more about cultures and languages. I usually go out and find new places (hidden ones, especially) with my amazing family and friends, hehe. So, I can be your local guide, I guess 👀. Moreover, I love to learn about various things, such as arts, design, cooking, psychology, history, and culture. So? Let's discover it!🚶‍♀️ Kindly check my couchsurinf account for references: https://www.couchsurfing.com/people/aamena-elshamy

Speaking

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Dai

Dai

Cairo

Can host for:

7 days

About me

Hello, my name is Dai! My name means light in Arabic! :) I’m a cat-lover and a travel fanatic who is always used to traveling. I live on the more luxurious part of Cairo, Egypt and would be happy to host girlies from all over the world in my cozy, chic 2 bedroom apartment. I’m usually not there so you’ll have the apartment to yourself! 🥰

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Cairo

berfin

berfin

About Me

Hello. My name is Berfin. I’m a 23 years old former Psychology student passionate about music and travelling.

Speaking

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Safety in Egypt