Is Alexandria, Egypt Safe in 2026? Crime, Scams & Travel Tips

What the score means — 72/100

• Personal safety (59) — moderate. Petty crime (pickpocketing in crowds, opportunistic bag-snatching) and low-level scams and overcharging are the everyday realities; violent crime against tourists is uncommon, but hassle and touting keep this mid-range.
• Transport (58) — moderate. Uber and Careem work well and remove most fare-haggling; away from them it's chaotic traffic, aging trams, crowded microbuses and metered-in-theory taxis. Road-accident risk is the main day-to-day hazard.
• Healthcare (60) — reasonable in the private sector. Private hospitals and clinics offer decent care; public facilities are stretched. Carry insurance and expect to pay upfront privately.
• Night safety (53) — the weak spot. Streets get quieter and darker away from the Corniche and main squares, transport thins out, and situational awareness matters more after dark. Prefer pre-booked rides and stick to busy, well-lit areas.

Safer areas and where to base yourself

Comfortable bases for visitors: the Corniche waterfront is the spine of the city and a pleasant, busy place to stay and stroll. Stanley — a popular seafront district with its landmark bridge and beach — and neighbouring Roushdy and San Stefano (home to the San Stefano Grand Plaza mall and hotels) are among the more upmarket, orderly and comfortable areas, well-served by taxis and ride-hailing.

Must-see but stay switched-on: Downtown and the Raml Station (Mahatet El Raml) area around Saad Zaghloul Square are the historic, bustling heart — trams, cafes, shops and the old-city atmosphere — rewarding by day but crowded, so watch valuables and be more cautious after dark. The Qaitbay Citadel, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and the Kom El Shoqafa catacombs and Pompey's Pillar sites are the main draws.

There is no single "no-go" tourist district in central Alexandria for daytime visiting, but crowds, traffic and dense market streets concentrate petty-crime and hassle opportunities — keep phones and wallets secured and avoid flashing valuables.

Scams, hassle and baksheesh

• Overcharging and "tourist price" — the default for taxis, souvenirs, some cafes and horse-carriage rides. Agree fares and prices before you commit, or use ride-hailing apps for transparent pricing.
• Baksheesh (tipping) culture — small tips are expected for many small services (help, directions, attendants), and some people will offer unsolicited "help" then expect payment. Carry small notes, and it's fine to decline politely and firmly.
• Unofficial "guides" and touts — near major sights, people may attach themselves to you offering tours, shortcuts, or steering you to commission shops and papyrus/perfume stores. A polite but firm "no thank you" works.
• The "closed / special" gambit — a stranger may claim a site is closed, or offer a "special" deal or shop, to redirect you. Verify at the official entrance yourself.
• Pickpocketing and bag-snatching — opportunistic in crowds, markets, on busy trams and around transport hubs. Carry only what you need; use a front pocket or a zipped inner pocket and keep bags on the far side from traffic.
• ATM and card care — use ATMs inside banks or malls in daylight, shield your PIN, and keep some cash, as many small vendors are cash-only.
• Keep documents safe — carry a copy of your passport and visa; leave the originals in the hotel safe where possible.

Getting around — Uber, trams, microbuses and traffic

• Ride-hailing is your friend — Uber and Careem both operate in Alexandria and give fixed, visible pricing that removes most fare-haggling and overcharging. This is the easiest, most transparent way to move around, especially at night.
• Taxis — yellow-and-black taxis are everywhere; meters are often "broken," so agree the fare before setting off or simply use an app instead.
• Trams — Alexandria's historic tram network is cheap, atmospheric and useful for short hops along the centre, but it is slow, crowded, and a spot to watch for pickpockets. Some cars are women-only.
• Microbuses and minibuses — very cheap and used by locals, but crowded, route-knowledge-dependent and not the easiest option for first-time visitors.
• Traffic is chaotic — lane discipline is loose, crossing roads takes nerve, and road accidents are the single biggest day-to-day physical risk. Wear seatbelts where fitted and take extra care as a pedestrian.
• Don't self-drive — for most visitors, ride-hailing or hiring a car with a local driver is far less stressful and safer than driving yourself.
• Intercity — Alexandria connects to Cairo by train and bus; use the main stations (Misr / Sidi Gaber) and pre-book where possible.

After dark — the weak spot (night 53)

• Why it scores lowest — away from the Corniche and main squares, streets get quieter and lighting is patchy, transport thins out and becomes less predictable, so the margin for problems is smaller after dark.
• Stick to busy, lit areas — the Corniche waterfront, Stanley, San Stefano and the malls, and the main downtown cafe strips stay lively into the evening and are the safer places to be out.
• Pre-book your ride home — use Uber or Careem rather than flagging a taxi on a quiet street late at night; share your trip status with someone.
• Avoid empty backstreets and unfamiliar areas alone — including quieter downtown side streets once the crowds thin.
• Keep valuables low-profile — snatching risk rises when streets are quiet; don't walk while distracted on your phone.

Women and solo travellers

• Be honest about harassment — Egypt has a well-documented problem with street harassment, and unwanted staring, comments and catcalling can occur, particularly in crowded areas and after dark. Many solo female travellers visit Alexandria without serious incident, but it pays to be prepared.
• Dress modestly — loose clothing that covers shoulders, chest and knees reduces unwanted attention and is culturally respectful; carrying a scarf is useful for mosques and conservative areas. On beaches, local women often swim covered, and Western swimwear can draw attention outside private resort areas.
• Prefer app-based rides — Uber and Careem let you see driver details and share your trip; avoid solo taxi rides late at night, and use the women-only tram cars where available.
• Be firm — it is completely acceptable to ignore harassers, decline unwanted "help" or company, and move toward busy, populated areas or into a shop or hotel if you feel uncomfortable.
• Solo travellers generally — daytime sightseeing in busy areas is straightforward; a reputable hotel or organised local guide can make the sights and downtown far easier and more comfortable to navigate.

Health, medical care and emergencies

• Emergency numbers — 122 for police and 123 for ambulance. There is also a dedicated Tourism Police presence at major sites.
• Hospitals — private hospitals and clinics offer the best standard of care; expect to pay upfront and claim on insurance. Public facilities are functional but stretched.
• Travel insurance — carry comprehensive cover that includes medical evacuation, and check that it remains valid given the government travel advisories for Egypt.
• Food and water — do not drink the tap water; stick to sealed bottled or properly filtered water, and use it for brushing teeth. "Traveller's stomach" is common — choose busy, high-turnover restaurants and stalls, eat freshly-cooked hot food, be cautious with raw salads, unpeeled fruit and ice, and ease in gradually.
• Heat and sun — in summer the sun is strong; use sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water, especially when out along the exposed Corniche and at open-air ruins.
• Vaccinations and medication — consult a travel clinic before you go; bring any prescription medicine in its original packaging with a copy of the prescription. Pharmacies are widely available and well-stocked.

Seasonal risks — heat and winter storms

• Summer heat and crowds (Jun-Aug) — Alexandria is Egypt's main summer beach escape, so the city and Corniche get very busy and hot. Hydrate, avoid the midday sun, and expect packed beaches and traffic.
• Winter storms (Nov-Mar) — unlike inland Egypt, Alexandria has a genuine wet, windy Mediterranean winter. Heavy rain and coastal storms periodically cause street flooding and drainage problems, and the sea can be rough — take care near the Corniche wall and breakwaters in bad weather.
• Khamsin winds (spring) — around March to May, hot, dusty desert winds can occasionally reduce air quality and visibility; those with respiratory issues may want to limit outdoor time on the worst days.
• Best time to visit — roughly April to June and September to October tend to balance pleasant temperatures against the peak-summer crowds and the wetter winter.

Practical tips and staying informed

• Check advisories — read the US State Department and UK FCDO pages before and during your trip; some governments offer traveller registration (e.g. STEP for US citizens). Note that these advisories flag Egypt-wide security concerns.
• Currency and cash — the Egyptian pound (EGP); carry cash for taxis, small vendors, tips and street food, and use ATMs in banks or malls. Cards are accepted at hotels, malls and larger restaurants.
• SIM card — Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat and WE SIMs are cheap; registration requires your passport. A local data SIM makes ride-hailing and maps far easier.
• Dress and customs — Egypt is conservative; dress modestly, be respectful at religious sites (cover up, remove shoes), and be mindful during Ramadan when eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight is discouraged.
• Photography — avoid photographing military, police or sensitive government installations; ask before photographing people, and note some sites charge a camera fee.
• Keep a low profile — avoid political demonstrations and large gatherings, keep copies of your documents, and re-check current advisories for any travel beyond the city.