You want to visit the capital of Egypt and you are wondering if there are dangerous neighborhoods or areas to avoid in Cairo. Indeed, nowadays many tourists seek to stay in the best areas to feel peaceful and not have any problems.

The study below answers questions about the safety of Cairo's neighborhoods. It will help you identify areas to avoid and the best areas to stay.

Cairo dangerous city?

To say if the city of Cairo in Egypt is a dangerous city, we must first compare its level of crime with that of other major cities in the world.

However, when we study the latest Numbeo world ranking, Cairo is the 137th most criminal city out of the 334 cities classified. It has a crime index of only 49.93 which is a low average compared to other capitals ofEurope, from South America, North and even Asia.

Indeed, when we compare crime indices, Cairo is classified less dangerous than Rome, Paris, Washington, Buenos Aires ou Kuala Lumpur.

The level of insecurity relating to crime is therefore in the low average when compared to the global level. This is also confirmed by the ranking of worldpopulationreview where Cairo is in 55th position of the safest cities in the world.

Is Cairo safe for tourists?

While Cairo is not considered one of the most dangerous cities in the world, can it be considered safe for tourists?

To tell this, it is important to look at crime statistics, government recommendations and the experiences of residents and tourists.

On the site France Diplomacy, the country is placed on heightened vigilance. The French government's recommendations regarding Cairo are as follows:

“In large cities, particularly Cairo and Alexandria, vigilance should be exercised at busy sites and possible gatherings and demonstrations should be avoided. »

Indeed, in recent years, Cairo has experienced attacks, security problems due to political instability and social unrest. However, the Egyptian government has worked to improve security measures and reduce crime rates in the city.

Increased police presence, surveillance systems and stricter law enforcement have been implemented to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.

However, it is important to note that Cairo is a large city with a population of over 20 million. Like any other large city, some areas may have higher crime rates than others. These are the neighborhoods and areas to avoid in Cairo that you will discover below.

Dangerous neighborhoods in Cairo

The city of Cairo is divided into several sometimes unofficial districts and neighborhoods, each with its own vibes, characteristics and attractions.

To more easily identify the areas to avoid and the best ones to stay in: Map of Cairo neighborhoods

By summarizing the information published on forums, newspaper articles and various press releases, here are the dangerous neighborhoods of Cairo:

• Le neighborhood ofImbaba (Embabeh) is known for its poverty and high crime rate. Imbaba is notorious for its drug trafficking and gang activity, making it one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Cairo. The streets are lined with dilapidated buildings and graffiti-covered walls, giving it a gritty and dangerous vibe.
• Another neighborhood with a bad reputation: Manshiyat Naser. This densely populated area is the scene of street brawls and clashes between rival gangs. The inhabitants have learned to adapt and survive in this hostile environment, creating a sense of resilience that is both admirable and intimidating. But for tourists, it is an area to avoid which can be dangerous.
• The district ofAin Shams which is also a neighborhood with high levels of poverty and unemployment is one of Cairo's deemed dangerous neighborhoods.
• El Talbia southwest of Cairo and Embabeh To the north of the city are two large areas which also have a reputation for being dangerous.

Another area to avoid in Cairo at night

Al-Darb Al-Ahmar is a historic neighborhood that is an oasis of peace during the day. However, as night falls, Al-Darb Al-Ahmar transforms into a maze of dark alleys and hidden corners that can be very intimidating to outsiders. See location of this neighborhood

Additionally, the neighborhood has a reputation for being dangerous due to drug activity and occasional clashes between rival gangs. Despite these risks, the daring can console themselves by saying that Al-Darb Al-Ahmar is home to the Sultan Hassan Mosque and the Al-Rifa'i Mosque. If you go there at night, it is recommended to exercise caution.

Best area to stay in Cairo

With iconic sites such as the Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx and the Egyptian Museum, it's no wonder that Cairo is a popular destination for sightseeing. When it comes to choosing the best place to stay in Cairo for sightseeing, you should know that there are not only areas to avoid in Cairo! Indeed, many neighborhoods are safe, welcoming and interesting for a tourist stay.

I am not going to list them all but simply give you the 2 favorite neighborhoods of tourists who visit Cairo:

• Le downtown where the famous Tahrir Square is located, is the best area to visit Cairo. In fact, this district of Downtown Cairo is central providing easy access to most of Cairo's main attractions, including the Egyptian Museum, Opera House and the Nile. The city center is also known for its vibrant street life, with its markets and cafes. By staying in this neighborhood, visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Cairo while being close to many important sites. In addition, many hotels in this area offer breathtaking views of the Nile, which adds extra charm to the stay!
• One of the best options for cheap accommodation in Cairo is the Giza district. This neighborhood is home to the famous Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx, which are must-see attractions for any traveler to Cairo. Additionally, Giza offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets with hotels offering stunning views of the pyramids to more affordable hostels.

Which hotel to choose in Cairo?

If you are looking for a very nice hotel with an ideal location for a tourist stay outside the areas to avoid in Cairo, then this is it. Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo.

In fact, this magnificent hotel is located in El Tahrir Square, a 3-minute walk from the Egyptian Museum, a few minutes from Khan El Khalili Bazaar and close to the city's main tourist attractions.

Cheap hotel with a view of the pyramids

And if you are looking for a cheap accommodation option in Cairo, there is the New Days pyramids view in the Giza district.

Located in an area perhaps a little less safe than the city center, this hotel is not a luxury establishment but it has excellent value for money and an incredible view of the pyramids of Giza.