Cairo and All of Egypt is a Safe Place to Visit!

Since their January 2011 Revolution, the western press has published and republished images and stories about the demonstrations in Tahrir Square that have created the image that Egypt is a dangerous place and one to be avoided.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

We want to tell people that downtown Cairo is safe. Yes, it is bustling, noisy, full of traffic and pedestrians trying to get where they want to go - a typical megacity. But we found it to be quite safe.

We walked widely in the streets of the downtown, including around Tahrir Square, and never felt in danger. The sidewalks were busy, but we never felt threatened by the people or the merchants in the shops we passed. Many people said "Welcome to Cairo!" as we walked by. A few people offered us assistance and sometimes tours but in most cases, a simple "No, Thank you!" to a more insistant person was more than adequate.

We were welcomed in many local restaurants and enjoyed good food and gracious hospitality.

One proviso: Cairo is very much a male oriented society, so western women walking alone may experience greater hassling than we, a couple, did. Wearing a scarf probably helps. Most everywhere, we saw headscarf clad Egyptian women walking alone or in pairs, or sitting in cafes.

If you are considering an Egyptian Holiday, this is an ideal time to come! You will be welcomed.