I didn’t find as much information as I wanted to about specific cities in Egypt.
I decided to report on the 10 safest cities in Egypt that people visit most often.
First, I will mention a report in July 2021 that I found about the entire country.
Egypt Today says Egypt jumped up to 38 places safer since 2019.
As of that year, the country ranked safer than the United States and 65th safest out of 134 countries around the world.
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10 Safest Cities in Egypt
I hadn’t found much specific numerical data except for safety index numbers.
However, I do provide reasons you may want to go to these places, whether it be for business or pleasure.
Either way, heed the precautions given to most travelers.
1. Sharm El Sheikh
Supposedly, Sharm El Sheikh does have a safety index of 73.45, which means that it’s safer than many other places in Egypt.
If you’re wondering what there is to do here, Sharm El Sheikh offers snorkeling and swimming.
You may want to attend a diving school first though.
That way, you can explore underwater with a group instead of by yourself.
I usually travel alone.
If you’re like me and not too familiar with the area, I would recommend a group tour, whether on land or in the water.
2. Aswan
Aswan has a safety index of 69.49, which makes it less dangerous than many other Egyptian locations.
One reason to come here is to enjoy some time on the Nile River bank.
Aswan has a winter resort you might enjoy.
It’s also a commercial trade spot.
You should be fine here for the most part.
However, a place where people come and go frequently does deal with a moderate amount of pickpocketing and theft.
Racial crime here is quite low, and so is car theft.
However, the area does experience a great number of struggles with corruption and bribery.
Its overall level of crime and crime increase remains low though.
3. Hurghada
Hurghada has a low level of crime of about 31.65 out of 100 and a safety index of 68.89.
This makes it less dangerous than at least some other popular locations.
If you need a place to stay while in Egypt, you should not be without one in Hurghada.
It’s known for having at least 100 hotels, many of which sit right on the beach.
You’ll also find this location convenient for taking flights to and from Europe.
The one safety concern you might have here is the heat in the summer.
It also has its strong, dusty, Shamal winds.
Aside from the potential for inclement weather, you always have to use caution when in tourist locations.
Bring as few of your belongings to the street as possible to prevent your valuables from being stolen, for instance.
4. Luxor
With a safety index of 63.46, you might feel comfortable spending some time in Luxor.
It’s one of the oldest Egyptian regions, so it’s worth coming here if you want to explore history.
Luxor also received recognition as the “world’s greatest open-air Museum.”
The east and west banks of the Nile River lie on both sides of the city.
People often cross the waters by boat to make it from one side to the other.
Famous landmarks here include the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens.
For that reason, it does draw countless tourists to it year-round. It’s a spot of ancient Egyptian pilgrimage.
If you do show up in Luxor, you can feel safe.
However, take the usual caution when traveling anywhere as a tourist.
The most important precautions include not visiting isolated places by yourself at night if you don’t have to.
5. Damietta
During medieval times, Damietta became an important commercial district.
It also sits on the Nile Delta not far from the Mediterranean Sea.
With its safety index measuring about 62.50, it’s not a bad option for a place to visit.
Damietta is an important business and historical district, partly because of the guava and palms grown here.
This place also produces several crops, such as rice, cotton, potatoes, and wheat.
It’s hard for people to avoid going to Damietta if they have a business to do.
It’s still safer than Cairo, one of Egypt’s most popular locations.
I’d still go to Damietta as long as I knew what precautions to take beforehand.
The usual protocol is to take only the items you need if walking around or staying with guided tour groups.
Sites to see in this location include the Amr ibn al-Aas Mosque, the historical Roman bathroom in eastern Faraskur (nearby), and Lake Manzala.
Just be careful here, and don’t stare at anyone for too long or draw attention to yourself with wide-brimmed tourist hats.
6. Dahab
You’ll find Dahab on the Sinai Peninsula.
That’s one of the spots the government suggests that you avoid.
If you do business here, you can prevent becoming prey to tourist scams if you’re careful.
Just beware of making financial transactions with someone you don’t know.
It’s not the most dangerous place in Egypt, however.
It at least has a safety index of 60.29.
That’s considered “pretty good.”
There are worse destinations in the country to see than this.
I learned recently that the Blue Hole Dahab and the Islands-7 Pinnacles are sights to see, so the risk might be worth it.
7. Mersa Matruh
Mersa Matruh has an average safety index of about 52.82.
It’s not the most dangerous place to spend time in, at least.
Reasons to come to Mersa Matruh include its white sand beaches and clear waters.
You could perhaps spend time swimming here or maybe some rock climbing.
Attractions include Cleopatra’s Bath natural pool and the Rommel Museum.
It’s a German WWII commander’s headquarters historical site too.
8. Alexandria
Alexandria doesn’t have the highest safety index at about 55.55.
I’d suggest not coming here unless you have a good enough reason or the right kind of protection.
On the other hand, it’s rich with history that you may not experience unless you show up here in person.
It used to have a lighthouse that existed during the Hellenistic period.
It received recognition as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
When it comes to safety in locations, such as Alexandria, it isn’t so much that you’ll experience a violent attack.
As long as you don’t provoke the wrong person to anger, you should be fine.
Watch who you hang out with while here and stay on a guided tour or travel with a group when coming here.
9. Cairo
I may sound like a hypocrite telling people not to travel alone because I typically always travel by myself.
It’s also hard for me to tell you not to come to one of Egypt’s most thriving business districts.
Don’t say I didn’t warn you though. Cairo only has a safety index of 49.99 out of 100.
It offers plenty of social opportunities and has quite the nightlife if you prefer that kind of thing.
Just watch yourself and learn about the neighborhoods you visit.
10. Giza
Giza, a portion of Cairo known for its pyramids, has a safety index of 41.13.
If you visit this area, it’s best to stay in groups.
If you must come to Giza by yourself, practice social distancing from people you don’t know – not necessarily to protect yourself from infectious diseases.
Sometimes, you’re safest when you stay out of other people’s way.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Egypt
No matter where you travel to in the world, a little common sense goes a long way.
If someone suspects you’re a tourist, you could end up vulnerable to white-collar crimes or danger.
1. Watch how you dress.
I’m not saying how you dress would make it right for anyone to assault you.
It’s more about customs, particularly in religious settings.
When in doubt, cover it up. Show as little skin as possible without making it obvious that you’re a tourist.
2. Don’t show wads of cash in public.
It may seem obvious, but some people may need reminding.
Don’t wave around large wads of cash in public.
You can open yourself up to muggings.
With mobile payments and other financial transaction options, you shouldn’t need much cash, unless maybe for giving tips or doing your laundry.
3. Watch out for suspicious activity (scams).
Waving your cash around isn’t wise no matter what.
If you don’t get mugged, you might at least become a scam target.
The U.S. Embassy offers some tips to help you avoid other scams too.
One sign of a scam, for instance, is the mentioning of the Embassy about detaining people, which the Embassy does not do.
One of several tips indicates that someone with poor English grammar may not be from the U.S.
I don’t think that poor English grammar automatically means a person is not a native U.S. citizen.
However, some people who can’t speak English well do try to scam travelers in Egypt online.
4. Keep your belongings secure.
Bring only the items you need with you when you leave your hotel or other lodgings.
Secure your belongings in a locked room or safe if you have one.
5. Avoid isolating yourself.
If you don’t have to travel by yourself to Egypt, don’t.
This will prevent the isolation that may result in assaults, such as riding in a taxi alone at night.
Watch out for dark streets too.
It’s best to stay on well-lit paths.
Along with that, don’t go into the back room of any nightclub or anyone’s home alone.
Egypt Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Egypt Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
- SCAMS RISK: HIGH
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know I will be safe in Egypt?
Every city has spots in it that are safer than others.
Pay attention to signs that tell you not to swim in certain bodies of water, for instance.
Listen to what locals tell you about the neighborhoods too, which could prevent mugging or pickpocketing.
Can you drive safely in Egypt?
Beware when visiting Egypt near the Libyan border.
That’s where the UK Government advises you not to drive.
When visiting famous landmarks, it’s also best to follow this advice:
“Visitors using a pre-booked guide, or taking an organized tour to visit the Giza Pyramids are likely to face fewer difficulties.”
What parts of Egypt should you avoid?
You may want to use extreme caution if you have to visit the Sinai Peninsula for any reason.
Beware of danger around land borders too.
Is Egypt safe for tourists?
You might feel safe when you’re around crowds of people.
However, that doesn’t stop attackers from targeting tourist sites.
Beware during public or religious holidays when unrest seems to happen the most in Egypt, especially near spiritual gathering places, such as churches.
My personal opinion is that while Egypt may have a lower safety index compared to other countries, it is still a popular tourist destination with plenty of attractions and activities to offer. However, travelers should always exercise caution and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety while visiting.
Is it safe to live in Suez, Egypt
It’s refreshing to see Aswan recognized for its safety. It’s a gem in Egypt, offering tranquility and security along the Nile. Definitely worth a visit!
I’ve visited Luxor multiple times, and I’ve always felt completely safe wandering around the city. The locals are friendly, and there’s a strong sense of community.
Safety is always a concern when traveling, so it’s reassuring to know there are plenty of secure options in Egypt. Alexandria has such a rich history and feels incredibly safe to explore.