To prepare for your next trip to the Philippines , you want to know if there are any dangerous neighborhoods and areas to avoid in Manila.
Indeed, the capital of the Philippines has a rather bad reputation. As a result, it is more prudent to find out in advance about the areas to avoid in Manila to choose your hotel or accommodation.
In this article, we'll bring you a list of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Manila along with tips on the best areas to stay in to make the most of your time in this fascinating city.
This guide to safety in the capital comes with a map of Manila neighborhoods to better identify areas to avoid and the best neighborhoods to stay.
Sources of web information 2024: Studies, statistics and rankings on crimes and offences, press articles and forums
Is Manila a safe city in 2024?
The crime rate in the Philippines has improved considerably in recent years (see Are the Philippines a dangerous country? ). However, there are still cities and areas to avoid throughout the country. This raises the question for its capital: Is Manila safe?
If we study the figures from the Numbeo ranking , we find that in 2024 Manila has a very high crime index : 64.92
In this ranking, Manila is the second most crime-ridden city in all of Asia. In fact, Manila is considered more dangerous than Siem Reap , Bangkok , Phuket , Pattaya , Denpasar , Jakarta , and even more crime-ridden than Istanbul , Mumbai , or Delhi.
And globally, Manila is among the most crime-ridden cities in the world (39th out of 340). According to this ranking, Manila is more crime-ridden than Marseille , Catania , Naples , Houston , or Santiago, Chile.
To verify for yourself the level of crime in Manila, here are the official statistics from the Government of the Philippines.
Is Manila safe to visit?
The areas of Manila most frequented by tourists are generally quite safe, especially during the day. However, it is important to remain vigilant and discreet. Certain other areas, such as the central business districts, are also safe at night, but extra vigilance is always recommended.
It should also be noted that tourists are much more likely to be victims of scams or minor thefts than of serious violent crimes, which remain extremely rare.
By taking basic precautions, such as avoiding dangerous areas (listed below), staying alert and using common sense, it is entirely possible to enjoy a pleasant stay in Manila.
Map of Manila districts
To help you better locate areas to avoid in Manila, as well as the best places to stay, here is a map with the main districts: Google Map
Most dangerous neighborhoods around Manila
Summarizing the most recent information published on the Internet, here is the list of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Manila:
These dangerous neighborhoods are located in the northern part of Manila , which therefore remains the main area to avoid.
North of downtown Manila, on the island of Luzon, lies Quezon City . It was the former capital of the archipelago and has become the most densely populated and densely populated area in the Philippines. However, Quezon City has also become a neighborhood with a very high crime rate. Therefore, if you must travel there or stay there, it is best to avoid this area and exercise extreme caution, especially at night.
Slums around Manila
In addition to the dangerous neighborhoods listed above, here are other areas to avoid in Manila that are often slums:
- Marikina
- San Juan
- Mandaluyong city
- pasig
- taguig
- Paranaque city
- Pinas
- muntinlupa
Dangerous neighborhoods in Manila
As we have seen, the most dangerous neighborhoods are mainly located on the outskirts. But there are still the districts of Tondo, Navotas and Pasay which are part of Manila and which are considered dangerous.
Tondo – Port area to avoid in Manila
The Tondo district, located near Manila's port, is known as one of the city's most dangerous areas. See Tondo location
This is confirmed by the recommendations of the French Government on France Diplomatie : "In Manila, particularly avoid the port area, especially the Tondo district and the surrounding slums."
Tondo is often associated with poverty and high crime and is known to be home to gangs and drug trafficking areas.
Navotas – Neighborhood to avoid in Manila
North of the port area lies another neighborhood to avoid: Navotas (listed above as one of the most dangerous). See Navotas location
Located along the coast of Manila Bay, Navotas records high rate of thefts and burglaries. This area is home to several informal neighborhoods and slums where criminal activity is most prevalent.
Pasay – Area to avoid in Manila around the airport
The Pasay district, where Ninoy Aquino International Airport is located, is an area to avoid, particularly the Baclaran and Malibay neighborhoods. These areas have reported cases of violent crime, including robberies and assaults. See Pasay location
Pickpocketing and scams are common in this area, especially around the airport. Make sure to keep your luggage safe and do not accept help from unauthorized people to carry your belongings. Use official taxis or reputable ride-hailing services to get around this area.
Neighborhoods to Avoid in Central Manila
The entire center of Manila is not safe. Indeed, there are a few areas and neighborhoods that tourists should avoid:
- Sampaloc et Hermitages are the most crime-prone downtown areas.
- Division is an area known for its bustling markets and bargains. However, it is important to be careful when shopping in this area. Pickpocketing and scams are common, especially when there are usually crowds.
- Quiapo is the old downtown of Manila. It is a very busy district, in particular because of the famous Quiapo church which attracts many faithful and tourists. However, it is important to exercise caution in this area, as it is also known to be the location of many pickpocketing and scams. Be sure to keep your valuables safe, avoid wearing flashy jewelry, and be aware of your surroundings.
- The neighborhoods of Santa Cruz and Malates are areas of Manila where you have to be vigilant. These areas are very busy and attract pickpockets and thieves. Be sure to keep your bags and pockets closed at all times and avoid carrying visible valuables. If possible, avoid walking alone at night in these two areas.
Best place to stay in Manila
To select the best place to stay in Manila, one must take into account the safety of the neighborhood and its tourist attractiveness.
In fact, there are 2 safe neighborhoods where visitors can stay to enjoy a sightseeing trip: Makati and Intramuros.
Makati – Safe neighborhood to stay in Manila
One of the most popular areas for tourists is Makati . Known as Manila's financial district, Makati is home to a wide range of luxury hotels, upscale shopping malls, and vibrant nightlife. See Makati location
While staying in Makati, tourists find themselves close to popular attractions such as the Ayala Museum, Greenbelt Park, and Ayala Triangle Gardens. With its modern infrastructure and international appeal, Makati provides a comfortable and convenient base for tourists exploring the city.
If you're looking for an excellent hotel in this safe area of Manila, here's my recommendation: New World Makati Hotel
Indeed, this hotel is located in the Makati district just opposite the Greenbelt Malls shopping center and a 10-minute walk from the Glorietta shopping complex:
Intramuros – Tourist district of Manila
The historic Intramuros district is another attractive option for tourists looking for accommodation in Manila. See Intramuros location
Located inside the walls of the old Spanish fortress, staying in Intramuros allows you to visit Fort Santiago and enjoy panoramic views of Manila Bay. Intramuros also has several boutique hotels and guesthouses that provide a more authentic experience for tourists looking to immerse themselves in Manila's culture.
Here is a very nice hotel located in the historic walled city of Intramuros, a 5-minute walk from the SM Manila shopping center and only 1,6 km from Fort Santiago: The Bayleaf Intramuros
