*The UNESCO World Heritage Site of El Moez Street and the Khan El Khalilii Souq are just one of the wonders you can experience in Cairo.*

This guest post by Her Asian Adventures shares why Cairo is worth visiting for solo female travelers, plus tips to stay safe and enjoy the city.

I won’t lie—before my first trip to Cairo, I was low-key terrified. I’d read all the horror stories: scams, catcalling, pushy vendors. As a solo female traveler, I seriously considered skipping the city altogether.

But I’m so glad I didn’t.

Sure, there were some tricky moments—but overall? Totally worth it. The pyramids blew my mind, the food was incredible, and I picked up a ton of helpful tips for getting around Cairo solo.

So if you’re wondering, is Cairo worth visiting?—especially on your own—I’ve got you. I’ll walk you through the top reasons to visit, what felt safe (and what didn’t), and how to make your trip smoother, more fun, and way less stressful.

7 Reasons Why Cairo Is Worth Visiting

Still not sure if Cairo deserves a spot on your Egypt itinerary—especially if you’re traveling alone? I get it. Cairo can be overwhelming at first, but it’s also one of the most exciting, affordable, and eye-opening cities I’ve ever visited.

Here are all the top reasons why Cairo is worth visiting—and why I’d absolutely go back.

1. The Pyramids Are Beyond Impressive

*The Giza Pyramids are a* ***must*** *if you are visiting Cairo.*

Yes, they’re touristy. Yes, you’ve seen them in photos your whole life. But nothing compares to seeing the Great Pyramid up close. It’s massive, ancient, and easily one of the top reasons to visit Cairo.

As a solo female traveler, I was nervous about visiting the Pyramids alone—so I booked a private guide. They picked me up, handled the tickets, drove me between sites (the area is huge), and helped keep the pushy vendors at bay.

My tip? Go early in the morning. It’s cooler, less crowded, and gives you a quiet moment before the chaos begins.

2. The Grand Egyptian Museum Is a Game-Changer

*Cairo’s newest museum, the GEM, will fully open on July 6!*

This museum alone is one of the top reasons why Cairo is worth visiting. It’s brand new, absolutely massive, and packed with some of ancient Egypt’s most iconic treasures. From colossal statues to golden jewelry and the full Tutankhamun collection—it’s next level.

The museum is expected to fully open on July 6th, 2025, and yes, the famous golden mask should finally be on display.

I booked my ticket online, skipped the lines, and had no issues navigating solo. The space is spotless, well-labeled in English, and the security is great. If you love history or archaeology, this place will blow you away.

3. It’s Extremely Budget-Friendly

One of the best things about solo travel in Cairo? It won’t drain your bank account. Cairo is one of the most budget-friendly cities I’ve visited.

Clean, comfortable, and budget-friendly Cairo hotels start around $30–$50 a night. Local meals cost $1–$5. Uber and Careem rides are cheap, fast, and safe. Even major attractions like the Pyramids and museums have low entry fees.

Plus, your money supports local businesses. Every ride, meal, and souvenir helps real people—which makes spending money in Egypt feel even better.

4. Coptic Cairo and Islamic Cairo Show a Different Side of the City

There’s way more to Cairo than just pyramids and traffic. Two places that really stood out to me were Coptic Cairo and Islamic Cairo—totally different vibes, and both so worth visiting.

*The Cavern Church in Coptic Cairo has a crypt where the Holy Family stayed over 2,000 years ago.*

Coptic Cairo is peaceful, walkable, and packed with history. It’s home to some of Egypt’s oldest churches, like the Hanging Church and St. Sergius. It’s even believed the Holy Family stayed here!

Islamic Cairo is the total opposite—lively, loud, and full of character. Think stunning mosques, winding alleys, and the famous Khan el-Khalili bazaar—my favorite place for shopping in Cairo.

*Cairo has stunning Islamic architecture and history!*

5. The Food Is Cheap and Delicious

It might not be as famous as Thai or Italian food, but Cairo is so worth visiting just for the food alone. I’m still thinking about the crispy taameya (Egyptian falafel), warm baladi bread, and giant bowls of koshari topped with fried onions.

Eating solo in Cairo is easy. Most spots are casual, fast-paced, and no one bats an eye if you’re dining alone.

And if you're vegetarian? You’ll do great. So many Egyptian dishes are naturally meat-free, affordable, and packed with flavor.

6. The Locals Surprised Me (In a Good Way!)

Is Cairo worth visiting for solo travelers? A big part of that comes down to the people—and in my case, they were a wonderful surprise.

Sure, touristy areas come with some hassle. People might try to sell you things or ask for tips, and yes, it can wear you out when you’re hot and just trying to enjoy your day.

But I also met kind, curious locals who made me feel safe and welcome. One night, I had dinner with a local family, and they were genuinely lovely. And across hotels, restaurants, and tours? Everyone was helpful, friendly, and spoke great English.

7. The Nile Is Quiet Magic

Cairo can be loud and overwhelming—but the Nile? Total peace. It’s calm, scenic, and honestly one of the best reasons to visit Cairo.

If you’re short on time, a sunset felucca ride is the perfect way to unwind. No need to book in advance—just head to the river and hop on. It’s super affordable and such a relaxing solo activity.

Have more time? I highly recommend taking a Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor. You’ll sail the Nile in style, passing beautiful scenery and stopping at some of the most iconic Egypt temples along the way.

How Many Days Do You Need in Cairo?

Now that you know all the top reasons why Cairo is worth visiting in 2025, you might be wondering: how many days do I actually need here? The truth is, Cairo can be both overwhelming and amazing—so giving yourself enough time to settle into the rhythm of the city makes a huge difference.

Personally, I think 3 to 4 full days is the sweet spot. Here’s how you could break it down:

*Visit the Cairo Citadel, including the breath-taking Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali, on your 2nd day in Egypt’s capital.*

Day 1: Visit the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. If you’re not jetlagged, add the brand-new Grand Egyptian Museum.
Day 2: Explore Islamic Cairo—Al-Azhar Mosque, the Citadel, and Khan el-Khalili Bazaar. Consider a guided tour for this one!
Day 3: Stroll through Coptic Cairo, pop into the Egyptian Museum (if you missed it earlier), and end your day with a felucca ride on the Nile.
Day 4 (optional): Use this extra day for a day trip to Alexandria or head out to Saqqara or Memphis for more ancient ruins.

If you're asking if Cairo is worth visiting, this kind of Cairo itinerary gives you enough time to see the best sights, eat incredible food, and still have space to breathe.

Trying to squeeze it all into one or two days is possible—but you’ll feel rushed. Cairo is chaotic, yes, but it’s also packed with unique things to do you won’t want to rush through. Give it the time it needs to grow on you. I promise—it’s worth it.

Is Cairo Safe for Solo Female Travelers? My Personal Experience

Places like the Giza Pyramids are where you need to be smart about avoiding local vendors and scams, especially for solo travelers - ignoring is always the best strategy! Or, even better, book a local guide for the Giza Plateau, to engage more with the history and to keep the hassle at bay!

If you're asking if Cairo is worth visiting solo, safety is probably one of your biggest concerns. And honestly? Cairo isn’t the easiest destination for solo female travelers—but it’s 100% doable with the right mindset and a few smart Egypt travel tips.

Here are my best tips for staying safe and sane while exploring Egypt’s capital alone:

Dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention: Long pants or maxi skirts, loose tops that cover your chest and shoulders, and comfy shoes work well. You don’t need to wear a hijab, but dressing respectfully really helps you blend in and feel more comfortable.
Use Uber or Careem, not street taxis: It’s the easiest and safest way to get around. No price haggling, and your route is tracked. I used Uber for nearly everything and had zero issues traveling solo.
Be firm, not friendly, with street hassle: You will get approached by vendors, touts, and overly chatty men. Just smile politely, say “la shukran” (no thank you), and keep walking. Setting boundaries is essential here and not considered rude.
Avoid walking alone at night: While parts of Cairo stay busy late, others empty out quickly. I avoided walking solo after 9 PM unless I was somewhere like Zamalek. Grab food earlier or order delivery if you’re unsure.
Book a guide for certain areas: Places like Islamic Cairo or even the Pyramids can be overwhelming alone. A local guide not only makes it easier and safer, but adds so much more insight. Totally worth it.
Trust your instincts and don’t apologize for them: If something feels off, listen to that feeling. Skip the tour, change your route, or walk away from a conversation. You’re not overreacting—you’re being smart. That’s part of solo travel.

Traveling solo as a woman in Cairo isn’t always easy—but it’s absolutely worth it. I probably wouldn’t recommend it as your very first solo trip, but if you’ve traveled alone before, you might just fall in love with the city’s chaos, charm, and energy.

Where to Stay in Cairo as a Solo Female Traveler

Choosing the right neighborhood can totally shape your Cairo experience—especially if you're traveling solo. If you’re still asking if Cairo is worth visiting, staying somewhere safe, central, and comfortable will make a huge difference.

Here are my favorite neighborhoods and hotel picks for solo female travelers in Cairo:

Near the Pyramids (Giza) – Perfect for a night or two if you want to wake up to views of the pyramids. Stay at: Marriott Mena House – iconic, historic, and yes—you can see the Great Pyramid from your balcony.
Zamalek – My personal favorite. This leafy Nile island has cute cafes, a laid-back vibe, and lots of expats. Stay at: Cairo Marriott & Omar Khayyam Casino Zamalek – an early 20th-century palace, converted into a luxury hotel, and right in the heart of it all.
Garden City – Quiet, elegant, and just a short walk to the Egyptian Museum and downtown sights. Stay at: Kempinski Nile Hotel – safe, scenic, and perfect if you love a bit of pampering.
Maadi – Further out, but peaceful and full of greenery. Great for longer stays or if you want a slower pace. Stay at: Villa Belle Époque – a charming boutique hotel tucked into one of Cairo’s calmest corners.
Downtown Cairo – Right in the action. It’s busy, loud, and not for the faint of heart—but super convenient. Stay at: Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir – clean, secure, and walkable to most major sights.

FAQs About Why Cairo Is Worth Visiting

Now that we've talked about why Cairo is worth visiting for solo female travelers, let’s quickly answer some of the most common questions travelers have before booking their trip to this incredible Egyptian capital.

1. Is Cairo safe for tourists today?

Yes, Cairo is generally safe for tourists today, especially in well-known areas like Downtown, Zamalek, and near the Pyramids. There’s a strong tourist police presence, and locals are friendly. Like in any major city, just stay aware of your surroundings and avoid political demonstrations.

2. Is it better to stay in Cairo or Giza?

If seeing the Pyramids first thing in the morning is your goal, staying in Giza is perfect. Just know there’s not much else to do there. For museums and local vibes, Central Cairo is better. And for great nightlife, I’d recommend staying in Zamalek or New Cairo.

3. Is Cairo a walkable city?

Cairo isn’t the most walkable city due to its chaotic traffic and lack of sidewalks in some areas. However, neighborhoods like Zamalek and Downtown Cairo are more pedestrian-friendly. I often use taxis or Uber for longer distances—they’re cheap and save you the stress of crossing busy roads!

4. Is Cairo expensive for tourists?

Cairo is surprisingly affordable for tourists. Hotels, meals, and transport are budget-friendly compared to many big cities. You can enjoy a nice meal for under $10 and entry to major attractions is reasonably priced. Of course, luxury options exist too if you're looking to splurge a bit.

5. Is Egypt friendly to tourists?

Absolutely! Egyptians are incredibly warm and welcoming to tourists. People often go out of their way to help, even if there’s a language barrier. Just be ready for a bit of haggling in markets—it's all part of the culture. Overall, I always feel appreciated as a visitor in Egypt.

Final Verdict: Is Cairo Worth Visiting?

If you’ve made it this far, you probably already know my answer—yes, Cairo is 100% worth visiting. From the iconic Pyramids of Giza and the ever-moving Nile River to Cairo’s stunning mosques, this is one of those cities everyone should experience at least once.

It’s intense, it’s chaotic, and it’s definitely not the easiest destination for solo female travelers—but if you’ve got a bit of experience and the right mindset, it’s absolutely worth it.

So tell me—what are your top reasons to visit Cairo? I’d love to hear your thoughts or answer any questions in the comments!

Is Cairo Worth Visiting? An Honest Guide for Solo Female Travelers