Is Baguio safe?
Generally safe. Petty theft and pickpockets in crowded markets, steep roads and landslides after storms are the main concerns.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-05-07.
- Homicide rate in Philippines: 4.3 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Philippines: 12.0 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: All emergencies 911.
Safety in Baguio at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Pickpocketing and bag slashing in crowded markets and Session Road, plus occasional room theft; violent crime is rare. |
| At night | Session Road and Burnham Park are busy until late. The city is steep and dark in side streets; take a taxi rather than walking home after drinking. |
| Solo women | Comfortable for solo women. Usual care in crowded markets and with drinks at bars; fog can make roads hazardous at night. |
| Other risks | Landslides and road closures in typhoon season; Winding fog-covered mountain roads; Air pollution from traffic on steep streets |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Taxi drivers refusing the meter or quoting flat tourist fares
- Pasalubong shops adding mark-ups for strawberry and ube goods
- Fake guides selling expensive Mines View or Mt. Pulag trips
Take care
- Baguio Public Market: dense crowds and pickpockets
- Kennon Road and mountain roads: landslides and fog
- Session Road late at night: drunk crowds and fights
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Smoking and vaping in public places are banned in many cities, with fines
- Drug laws are harsh; even small amounts can mean long detention
How Baguio compares in Philippines
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Boracay | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Palawan | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| El Nido | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Siargao | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Coron | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Bohol | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Panglao | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Makati | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Moalboal | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Baguio | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| La Union | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Davao | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Dumaguete | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Siquijor | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Puerto Galera | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Malapascua | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Port Barton | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Tagaytay | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Sagada | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Banaue | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Vigan | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Iloilo | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| BGC | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Bantayan | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Manila | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Cebu | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Angeles City | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Baguio safe for solo female travelers?
Comfortable for solo women. Usual care in crowded markets and with drinks at bars; fog can make roads hazardous at night.
Is Baguio safe at night?
Session Road and Burnham Park are busy until late. The city is steep and dark in side streets; take a taxi rather than walking home after drinking.
What is the crime rate in Baguio?
Pickpocketing and bag slashing in crowded markets and Session Road, plus occasional room theft; violent crime is rare. Nationally, Philippines records 4.3 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Baguio?
All emergencies 911.
More about Baguio
Going to Baguio solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- City Government of Baguio
- Department of Tourism
- Victory Liner
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.