Where would a solo female traveller be safest, out of these places...?

[Forgottenmyphone]

India - specifically Delhi and Jaipur
Marrakesh
Istanbul
Egypt - Cairo, Luxor and Aswan

Please help settle an argument! On the one hand, the female in question is a savvy, experienced traveller who won't be out drinking or clubbing, on the other hand she doesn't use Uber (prefers public transport or walking) and likes exploring!

Thanks

And also experience the least harassment?

Personally I wouldn't go to any of those.

I found Istanbul miserable due to the level of harassment but I haven't been to the other places to compare.

Does your argument take into account risk of terrorism or only female-specific dangers?

None of them are great for solo female travellers but India the best of the lot.

I'm following out of interest.
I've only visited India (not alone) and certainly felt that I was being stared at a LOT but didn't feel unsafe.
I'm not sure I'd be brave enough to go to those places in Egypt or to Marrakesh alone.

If I had to pick one I would go with Istanbul, but I really wouldn't go to any of these as a solo traveller.

Istanbul, definitely - spent a lot of time there as a lone female and never had any trouble.
Marrakech I never felt unsafe but did get hassled a lot. Mind you the last time I was there was years ago so it might well have changed for the worse since.
As a solo female traveller I wouldn't be wandering around Cairo or Delhi on my own, no chance.

I should add, I think I would go to India alone but only because I've been before so I know what to expect.

None, sorry!

Solo traveller as part of a guided tour?

I've been to Marrakech and Egypt. Unfortunately both times I encountered unwanted interest whenever I stepped out without my husband (even sometimes with in Marrakech!) I enjoyed both countries but wouldn't feel particularly safe as a lone female.

Well, I'd choose Istanbul if someone had a gun to my head but otherwise none of them.

What is making her limit herself to places where she'll be in more danger than she needs to be?

She would not be travelling as part of a tour, and yes argument only considers female specific dangers. Hadn't really considered terrorism.

I travelled solo to Egypt this year. Walked, local bus. Independent hotel. Stayed in Hurghada then Luxor. Sound a bit like your friend. So no evening clubbing but meals out and back at reasonable hour. There was some hassle especially in Luxor but a firm la shukran with hand gestures to stay away if pestered. Exhausted but honestly I’d do it again. Amazing trip snorkelling and cycling round valley of kings. Always had a good hotel as a base. Always aware of my surroundings. I’ve been to Marrakech but not solo and not sure I would because of its geography of tiny alleys.

Well, Istanbul but none are ideal

It depends on her age.
I'm in my early 60's and have been to India and Egypt as a solo visitor. Travelled all over, had the most fabulous time and nothing but help, respect and patience from the locals - including the men.
I can imagine it being very different for younger women!

I've been to Egypt and Marrakech, Egypt was awful, if you were in a crowd men would just grab at you. Marrakech was fine, I felt perfectly safe there.

Thanks for the replies. She's mid 30s.

it is hard to answer as there are other things ot consider, eg where is Egypt? Tourist resorts, luxor and pyramids or off the beaten track?

Also, how old is the woman?
And what are they wearing? Wearing a headscarf and long sleeves/skirt can go a long way to alieviate hassle, westeners underestimate the importance of headscarves in muslim contexts

I have been to Egypt and Marrakech - was definitely hassled in Marrakesh but didn't stop me doing anything. Was less of an issue in Egypt but was not travelling alone there.

I’ve been to Istanbul once and India several times on my own. I found both fine, the only real hassle was from people trying to sell you things.

I have spent a lot of time in India, including some travel on my own. Much as I love the country, honestly, I would not be comfortable with my daughter travelling there on her own.

I've seen a lot of negative comments about Egypt but didn't personally find it too bad. We went as a family but DH didn't like the heat so young adult dd and I went out a fair bit on our own. As a pp said, a firm "la shukran" and a hand gesture to indicate that any advances were unwelcome seemed to be enough to ward off any attention and neither of us ever felt threatened in any way.

Haven't ever done Istanbul or Marrakech, but dd travelled alone to Turkey to visit a friend and didn't have any issues.

Yes, exactly this. I got good at making it clear that I definitely wouldn’t be buying anything in anyone’s uncle’s shop. Had wonderful in both places — in my 30s at the time.

It's a cliche, but it can sometimes depend on how the woman looks. I travelled to Tunisia in my 20s with my dh. I had long blonde hair, dressed modestly but felt very unsafe. Women, much more attractive than me but with dark hair we left alone.

I've done Delhi, Marrakech and Istanbul alone, with no problems.

And a woman in her mid 30s is perfectly capable of making her own decisions.