Cairo - Post Report Question and Answers
Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
Yes and no. Streets are uneven, street lighting is patchy, stray cats and dogs are everywhere, and sidewalks and crosswalks are non-existent. However, it is safe. I walk in Maadi daily and I’ve never had an issue. Many people bike for short errands. You can run/mountain in Waadi Degla. CAC (the school) is open almost all hours (I forget exactly, but approximately 5 am – 10 pm), so if you have kids, you can go there for exercise/play (big fields, track, swimming pool, weight room, etc.) - May 2025
Walking was safe crime-wise in my neighborhood and the many places I visited like Heliopolis, Maadi, Downtown, and Garden City, I did go to neighborhoods that I would not feel safe walking alone at night in but I had Egyptian friends there to guide me. Crossing major Boulevards was one of the most difficult things that I barely adjusted to, normally I would just wait for an egyptian to want to cross and walk with them, although that barely makes it feel safer. No one bikes in Cairo except for bread-delivery boys...do not bike here. Exercise normally happens in private sporting clubs which you pay admission to, I never joined one but there is many across the city. Outdoor space is at a premium as you are in a megacity, but many rooftop restaurants and bars are lovely places to socialize. - Apr 2025
