Cairo, Egypt
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.
Maadi is a green suburb where wealthy Egyptian families and long-term expats live, creating a residential atmosphere that's nothing like chaotic downtown Cairo. Tree-lined streets, villa gardens, and lots of independent cafes make it feel more like a small European town. Road 9 and Street 213 have most of the restaurants, cafes, and courtyards where people actually sit outside. The residential setup means less aggressive harassment, though it still exists. English is common because of the expat population. The problem is distance - you're 30-45 minutes by Uber from the Pyramids or Egyptian Museum. Maadi makes sense for longer stays when you want a calm base and don't mind commuting to see things. The Metro connects downtown but gets packed during rush hours, even in the women-only cars.
Daytime Safety
ExcellentNight Walking Safety
GoodHarassment Risk
ModeratePublic Transport Safety
GoodPickpocketing Risk
LowScam Risk
LowPolice Visibility
GoodEmergency Services
GoodEvening Venues
GoodSolo Dining
ExcellentDrug Activity
LowHomelessness Visibility
LowGetting By in English
Good"Safest I felt anywhere in Cairo, very residential"
"Far from tourist sites but worth it for the peace"
"Lots of women dining alone, felt totally normal"
"Expensive for Cairo but quality of life is much better"
"Perfect base for longer stays when you need normalcy"
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.
Most secure area in Cairo because of embassies and diplomatic presence. Quiet with limited dining but maximum safety at premium hotel prices.
Belle époque architecture, decent restaurants, and less harassment than downtown. More Egyptian than Zamalek, close to the airport, but far from tourist sites.
Help other women stay safe in Maadi
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.