Is Luxor Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Luxor can be a generally safe place for solo female travelers, especially in areas with a high tourist presence. The locals are typically welcoming and the authorities have increased security measures in recent times to ensure tourist safety. It's important to dress modestly and respect the cultural norms, an aspect that considerably contributes to how you're treated. Some issues you might encounter include occasional verbal harassment, but incidences of serious crime are relatively rare. Like anywhere else, it's crucial to stay vigilant, especially during evenings and in less crowded areas.

Safety rating

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

Luxor is currently ranked #25 safest place in Egypt for solo female travellers, with an overall safety rating of 2.8 out of 5. . Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Luxor?

Safety at night:Moderate

Luxor is generally considered safe for solo female travelers. However, walking alone at night may not be advisable for women due to cultural concerns and occasional overzealous attention from men. As you travel, confidence and awareness are keys to staying safe. Stick to well-lit, populated areas, avoid alleys, and remember to be respectful of local customs and dress codes.

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in Luxor is relatively safe. Ferries, taxis and horse-drawn carriages are widely used by locals and tourists alike. It is important to negotiate prices before starting journeys to avoid overcharging, especially with taxis and carriages. The train station provides a connection to other major Egyptian cities. Public buses and micro-buses are also available and are inexpensive, but can sometimes be overcrowded which can be uncomfortable. As always, staying vigilant and adhering to personal safety practices is strongly advised.

Street harassment:High

In Luxor, street harassment can be quite prevalent. Women travelers have reported occurrences of lewd comments, persistent offers and commonly unsolicited attention. Since it is a tourist-heavy city, locals seem to be very accustomed to visitors, however, the cultural norms around interactions with women are different and it might not be pleasant sometimes. Remember, dressing modestly, avoiding eye contact with touts and not walking alone late at night can help. But please don’t let this discourage you, the sights in Luxor are truly worth visiting.

Petty crimes:Low

Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse snatching are still a concern but relatively rare in Luxor. However, it's always important to guard your belongings like in any other tourist destinations. Preventative measures like not flaunting expensive belongings and keeping a close eye on your items drastically reduce your vulnerability to these crimes. Remember, the best defense against petty theft is preparation and awareness.

Is Luxor worth visiting?

Hantig

Romania

Solo travel

For this experience, I chose a cruise that included accommodation and three meals a day — it was much more convenient and affordable. The cruise lasted five days, starting in Luxor and ending in Aswan. At the time, I was working as an English teacher in Alexandria, so I traveled for 12 hours by bus from Alexandria to Luxor because it was cheaper than flying. Of course, you can take a plane, but it’s much more expensive. I recommend booking through a travel agency because they usually offer the best prices, or going in a group, as group rates are lower and it’s more convenient. During the trip, I went on a marathon of temple visits — I explored all the temples in every city we stopped in. They are absolutely amazing, and definitely worth seeing! I also suggest visiting the traditional villages — it’s a unique and relaxing experience, where you can truly see local life. In terms of safety, you do need to be careful. It’s not the safest place, especially for solo female travelers. On the bus, there were many strange men staring or trying to flirt, which was very annoying — and I experienced the same on the cruise. It’s best not to interact with them, as they can be quite persistent and it becomes difficult to get rid of them. Also, pay close attention to prices. If something seems too expensive, don’t be shy — negotiate! Bargaining is part of the culture, and they actually enjoy making deals. It’s also very helpful to learn a few words in Arabic — it makes a good impression and can make your experience smoother.

Posted: April 17, 2025Experienced: October, 2024