Let me be honest about what we thought before we went to Manila. We kept reading that it was one of the most dangerous cities in Asia. And look, we’ve been to a lot of Asian cities that carry that same reputation — Phnom Penh, Jakarta — and the reality is almost always very different to what you read online.
Manila is no different.
What the actual crime data says about Manila
Here’s something that might surprise you. Metro Manila crime dropped by over 26 percent in the first four months of 2025 according to the National Capital Region Police Office. Across the whole of the Philippines, crime fell by 12.4 percent over 2025. That is not a city with a crime problem spiralling out of control. That’s a city that is genuinely getting safer.
Does that mean Manila is without risk? No. But no major city is. The biggest risks in Manila are what you’d find in any big city in the world — pickpocketing, petty scams and opportunistic crime at night. Not violent crime targeted at tourists.
Where to stay and where to be careful in Manila
When Bec and i visited Manila we stayed to the areas that tourists visit — Makati, BGC and Intramuros. These are well known, well travelled areas and we felt comfortable in all of them.
Intramuros does come up regularly as a place where scams and pickpockets operate because of the high concentration of tourists. Just be aware of your surroundings there. The areas you really want to avoid are Tondo, parts of Caloocan and Navotas and some of the outer districts — but honestly if you’re visiting Manila as a tourist you have no reason to go to any of those areas anyway.
Is Makati safe for tourists?
Bec and i walked around most nights in Makati along the streets off P Burgos — which, let’s be honest, is essentially a red light area. We ate there, we drank there, we people-watched there, and we never once felt unsafe. Makati is without question the best area to base yourself in Manila as a tourist.
Practical safety tips for visiting Manila
After over 26 years of travelling as a midlife couple we’ve picked up a few habits that just become second nature. Here’s what we do.
We never have our bags hanging off us facing the road. That just makes it easy for people on motorbikes and scooters to snatch. Don’t have a big bulky wallet hanging out of your pocket. Don’t walk along staring at your phone. If someone approaches you selling something, just politely decline and keep moving.
Use Grab — not random taxis. Don’t walk late at night outside the main tourist areas. That’s really all there is to it.
So is Manila safe for tourists?
Yes — with the same common sense you’d apply in any major city. Manila has a low risk of serious violent crime and a higher risk of the petty stuff — pickpocketing, scams, being overcharged. The biggest risk honestly isn’t getting attacked. It’s getting your phone nicked or paying too much for a ride.
Manila’s reputation is worse than its reality. If you go with realistic expectations and stay in the main tourist areas, you will be fine. We were.
We’ve been giving straight-up travel advice for midlife couples for over 26 years. Take a look at the story behind Street Eats & Window Seats. And for everything else about visiting Manila, check out our 5 Days in Manila itinerary.
Is Manila safe for tourists?
Yes — Manila is generally safe for tourists who stick to the main tourist areas like Makati, BGC and Intramuros. The city has a low risk of serious violent crime. The bigger risks are pickpocketing, petty scams and being overcharged for transport. Common sense and basic precautions go a long way.
Is Makati safe for tourists?
Makati is one of the safest and most tourist-friendly areas in Manila. It’s well-developed, well-lit and has plenty of restaurants, bars and things to do. We walked around Makati most nights including along P Burgos Street and never felt unsafe at any point.
What areas of Manila should tourists avoid?
Tourists should avoid Tondo, parts of Caloocan, Navotas and some of the outer districts. However these areas are well off the tourist trail and you have no reason to visit them on a typical trip to Manila. Stick to Makati, BGC and Intramuros and you will be fine.
Is Manila safe at night?
In the main tourist areas like Makati, yes. We walked around at night regularly without any issues. The usual precautions apply — don’t walk alone in unfamiliar areas late at night, use Grab rather than random taxis, and keep your phone out of sight when you’re not using it.
Should I use Grab in Manila?
Yes — always use Grab instead of flagging down a random taxi. Grab gives you a fixed price upfront, tracks your journey and is far less likely to result in being overcharged. It works well across Manila and is the safest and most reliable way to get around the city.
Is Manila more dangerous than other Asian cities?
No — Manila’s reputation is worse than its reality. Metro Manila recorded a 26 percent drop in crime in the first four months of 2025 according to the National Capital Region Police Office. Compared to many cities in Latin America and parts of the US, Manila is considerably safer. Most Asian cities that carry a dangerous reputation are more chaotic than genuinely dangerous.
