Areas to Avoid in Makati City
Philippines
|⚠️ CautionHonest 2026 safety guide for travellers visiting Makati City. Which areas need extra caution, common scams to watch for, and safe neighbourhoods to stay instead.
Last updated: March 2026
Skip the risky areas. Compare hotels in safe neighbourhoods on Expedia.
Makati City is generally Use Caution
1 area to be aware of · Best areas to stay: Salcedo Village, Bel-Air Village, Ayala Center
Travel Insurance for Makati City
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Quick tip: Most tourist areas in Makati City are safe. This guide covers areas locals recommend avoiding.
Areas That Need Extra Caution
These areas are not necessarily dangerous, but travellers should be more aware
Certain streets in the fringes of commercial districts after dark
While Makati is generally safe, some less-trafficked side streets can attract petty crime, especially late at night. Stick to well-lit and populated areas.
🛡️ Stay here instead: Salcedo Village
A professional hub with a relaxed weekend atmosphere, featuring green spaces and local eateries.
Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Makati City
Now you know which areas to avoid, here are the best guided experiences to explore the city with confidence.
Makati City Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems
Discover Makati City on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.
View Tour Details
Makati City Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites
Eat your way through Makati City with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.
View Tour Details
Best of Makati City: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions
Skip the queues and get straight into Makati City's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.
View Tour Details
Day Trip from Makati City: Scenic Excursion
Escape Makati City for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
View Tour Details
Makati City Cultural Experience: History & Traditions
Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Makati City's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.
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Stay Safe, Explore Confidently
Book a hotel in a safe neighbourhood or join a guided tour in Makati City
Stay in a safe neighbourhood
Compare hotels in Makati City on Expedia
Book a guided tour
Explore Makati City safely with a local guide
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Book a Hotel in a Safe Neighbourhood
These areas are recommended by locals and popular with travellers
Salcedo Village
A professional hub with a relaxed weekend atmosphere, featuring green spaces and local eateries.
Generally safe during the day with visible security; standard precautions against petty theft are advised at night.
Bel-Air Village
A more residential and upscale area with quiet streets and exclusive clubs.
Highly secure with private security patrols; generally very safe day and night.
General Safety Tips for Makati City
At Night
Nighttime safety is good in commercial hubs and popular entertainment districts like Poblacion, but caution is advised in quieter residential streets or less-trafficked areas. Stick to well-lit, busy streets.
Solo Female Travel
Makati is generally safe for solo female travelers, especially in well-populated commercial areas and hotels. Exercise standard precautions, be aware of your surroundings, and avoid walking alone in poorly lit or deserted areas at night.
Emergency Number
117
Stay Connected
Save your accommodation address and emergency contacts on your phone. Download offline maps before exploring.
Common Scams to Watch For in Makati City
- 1Overcharging by taxis (insist on the meter or use Grab).
- 2Distraction pickpocketing in crowded areas (malls, public transport).
- 3Fake beggars who may try to distract you for theft.
Travel Insurance for Makati City
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Safe Neighborhoods to Stay Instead
These areas are popular with travellers and rated well for safety
Salcedo Village
A professional hub with a relaxed weekend atmosphere, featuring green spaces and local eateries.
Generally safe during the day with visible security; standard precautions against petty theft are advised at night.
Bel-Air Village
A more residential and upscale area with quiet streets and exclusive clubs.
Highly secure with private security patrols; generally very safe day and night.
Ayala Center
The bustling commercial heart of Makati, dominated by large shopping malls and corporate buildings.
Very safe with high security presence due to heavy foot traffic and commercial establishments.
Safety in Makati City
SafeSolo Female Travel
Makati is generally safe for solo female travelers, especially in well-populated commercial areas and hotels. Exercise standard precautions, be aware of your surroundings, and avoid walking alone in poorly lit or deserted areas at night.
At Night
Nighttime safety is good in commercial hubs and popular entertainment districts like Poblacion, but caution is advised in quieter residential streets or less-trafficked areas. Stick to well-lit, busy streets.
Emergency
117
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Overcharging by taxis (insist on the meter or use Grab).
- 2Distraction pickpocketing in crowded areas (malls, public transport).
- 3Fake beggars who may try to distract you for theft.
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