Alexandria, the second largest city inEgypt after CairoAlexandria is a tourist destination with a rich history and unique culture. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, this port city was the seat of one of the greatest civilizations of antiquity. Today, Alexandria attracts many visitors from all over the world, eager to discover its architectural wonders as well as its beaches!

But before booking a hotel there, many travelers wonder: Is Alexandria a safe city? Which neighborhoods are best for staying in without stress?

Here is a complete guide to understanding the level of insecurity in Alexandria, avoiding certain neighborhoods, knowing where to stay and organizing your visits in good conditions.

Is Alexandria a safe city?

Alexandria is quite safe for travelers as it is one of the safest cities in Africa. At the start of 2026, here is an overview of the current situation:

• Violent crime: It is extremely rare against tourists. The violent crime rate in Alexandria is lower than that of many Western metropolises.
• Petty crime: Pickpocketing and snatch thefts can occur in busy areas, such as the Corniche (the seaside promenade) or the souks.
• Scams: This is the most common problem. There are many pushy salespeople or people offering "free" help before asking for money. A firm "La, Shukran" (No, thank you) is usually enough.
• Numbeo safety index: Alexandria was recently ranked as one of the safest cities on the African continent, ahead of Cairo and Tunis.
• Police presence: There is a visible presence of tourist police at major sites such as the Citadel of Qaitbay or the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, which reinforces the feeling of security.

Compared to major European cities like Amsterdam, Athens ou Marseille :

• Less violent crime related to drugs, alcohol or weapons.
• On the other hand, there is more street harassment and persistent soliciting, especially for women travelling alone or in small groups.

Neighborhoods to avoid in Alexandria for safety reasons

Although Alexandria is generally quite safe, here are 3 areas that are best avoided during your visit, for safety reasons:

Al-Qaed Ibrahim District

The Al-Qaed Ibrahim neighborhood in the city center is known for its crime and insecurity problems. This working-class area is home to numerous illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, theft, and assaults.

El-Mansheya district

The El-Mansheya district, also in the city center, should be approached with caution. This area, home to numerous markets and shops, is known for its problems with theft and scams targeting tourists. It is recommended to remain vigilant and not linger there, especially if you are alone.

Sidi Gaber district

The Sidi Gaber district, located in the eastern part of the city, houses train stations and public transport hubs. This area is known for its crime problems, particularly pickpocketing and assaults, especially at night.

Neighborhoods less suitable for a tourist stay

While not dangerous areas, here are some other neighborhoods to avoid in Alexandria because they are not well-suited for a tourist stay (too far from the city center, poorly lit, or with risky beaches):

1. Beaches further west: Agami, Abu Talat and surrounding areas

• Or ? Approximately 15–25 km west of the centre (Agami/Al-Ajami, Abu Talat).
• Why?
  • Very sprawling neighborhoods, poorly served by public transport, requiring a long taxi ride to reach the main sites of Alexandria.
  • Beaches with less surveillance, with potentially dangerous sea conditions; several drownings have already been reported there.

2. Port and industrial zones (Dekheila, Amreya, free zone)

• Or ? To the west of the major port, around Dekheila and the Amreya free zone, dominated by container terminals and heavy industries.
• Why?
  • Areas geared towards logistics and industry, with no tourist appeal. Heavy truck traffic, an unpleasant environment for walking.
  • Limited hotel options and not well suited to a leisure stay.

3. Very peripheral working-class neighborhoods

As in any large city, some densely populated and less touristy neighborhoods on the outskirts (far from the seafront and main thoroughfares) can be disorienting for a visitor: less lighting, fewer taxis, less visible police presence. These aren't necessarily "no-go zones," but it's pointless to stay there: you'll spend more time stuck in traffic than enjoying the city.

Best neighborhoods to stay in Alexandria

Here are the best neighborhoods to choose when selecting your hotel. Indeed, these are the most convenient for a tourist stay in Alexandria because they combine atmosphere, safety and access to visits.

1. Raml Station / Downtown (Downtown Alexandria)

• Or ? Around Saad Zaghloul Square, Raml Station tram station and the Central Corniche.
• Why stay there?
  • Excellent accessibility: tram, taxis, ride-hailing services, numerous cafes and restaurants.
  • Reasonable walking distance to the Corniche, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and several historic buildings.
• Security : Crowded, so relatively safe during the day, but watch out for pickpockets and phone thefts along the Corniche.

2. East Corniche (Sidi Gaber, Stanley, Fleming, Roushdy)

• Or ? Along the seafront east of the centre, around the Stanley bridge and the Sidi Gaber stations.
• Strengths:
  • More modern and quieter residential areas.
  • Good balance between sea view, cafes, restaurants and taxi access to the centre.
• For who ? Ideal if you want a neighborhood perceived as a bit more "upscale" and quiet, while still being about 10–15 minutes by taxi from the main attractions.

3. Smouha district and 14th of May Bridge

• Or ? Inland, around the modern district of Smouha.
• Strengths:
  • A well-secured business and residential area, with large hotels, shopping centers, and restaurants.
  • Good road connection to the city centre and the exit of the city (convenient if you arrive by car or bus).
• Disadvantages: No sea view, less authentic atmosphere. Ideal for a business trip
  or a longer stay rather than a purely touristic city break.

4. Montaza / Mamoura (far east)

• Or ? Around the gardens and palace of Montaza, and the beaches of Mamoura.
• Strengths:
  • A more seaside and green atmosphere, large parks, more organized beaches.
  • The area is generally clean and quieter, popular with families.
• Disadvantages: Further from the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the city center (approximately 30 minutes by taxi depending on traffic). Ideal for combining the seaside with some sightseeing.

Safe accommodation options: a summary by traveler profile

• For a first cultural stay (2–4 days)
  → Raml Station / city centre or Corniche Est (Stanley, Sidi Gaber, Roushdy, Fleming).
  Advantages: proximity to sites, typical atmosphere, numerous restaurants.
• For a mostly beach holiday with some sightseeing
  → Montaza / Mamoura: greener, more “resort”, but a little out of the way.
• For a business trip or long stay
  → Smouha / 14th of May Bridge: modern hotels, shopping centers, easy road access.

Hotel suggestion in a safe location

For a compromise between central location, security et charm, I recommend that you stay at Steigenberger Cecil Hotel.

Indeed, it is located on Saad Zaghloul Square, right in the center, on the seafront and a stone's throw from the Corniche and Raml Station. In a lively area, very popular with locals and tourists, you can find taxis and other means of transport.

In addition, this hotel has easy access to the old port, historic cafes and the Qaitbay Citadel (by taxi).

The only downside to this central location is that it can be a bit noisy (traffic and nightlife); it's best to request a room on a higher floor if you're a light sleeper.

Safe tours and excursions

To optimize your time and limit risks, guided tours are an excellent way to discover Alexandria in a structured and reassuring environment.

Here are the main places I recommend visiting:

• Guided tour of Alexandria: Complete discovery of Alexandria in one day (Qaitbay citadel, Kom el-Shoqafa catacombs, Pompey's column, Bibliotheca Alexandrina), with hotel pick-up, transport and guide. Booking : Guided tour
• Excursion to Cairo and the Giza Pyramids from Alexandria For those who want to visit Cairo: early morning departure, guided tour of the Giza pyramids and the Sphinx, Cairo Museum and other monuments, return in the evening to Alexandria. Booking: Excursion to Cairo
• Combined tour Alexandria + Siwa Desert (5 days) : Multi-day tour combining Alexandria, El Alamein, Marsa Matrouh and the Siwa oasis: guided tours, transfer to the desert, discovery of natural springs, dunes, traditional villages, with accommodation and transport included for greatly simplified logistics and safety.
  Booking : Private tour

Safety tips for Alexandria

In the street and on the Corniche

• Keep your phone and wallet in a closed pocket or inside pouch.
• On the Corniche, avoid walking on the side of the road (fast traffic) and use pedestrian crossings when they exist.
• Do not wear flashy jewelry or carry large sums of cash; spread out your means of payment.
• In case of any problem, you can contact the tourist police on number 126.

Taxis and transport

• Opt for ride-hailing apps or taxis spotted outside hotels.
• Always ask to have the meter turned on or agree on the fare before departure.
• Avoid shared minibuses if you do not speak Arabic and if you have luggage.

Dress code and street harassment

• Alexandria is relatively conservative: avoid very short or very low-cut outfits, especially outside of the Corniche and beach hotels.
• If you receive persistent comments or stares, ignore them and move to a busier area (shopping centre, cafe, hotel).