Is Cebu City Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Cebu City provides a relatively secure environment for solo female travelers. Like any other place, some precautions are necessary like staying away from isolated areas late at night, staying alert, and ensuring your belongings are secure. Locals are known to be friendly and helpful. There are many safe transportation options and many public places are well-lit and constantly busy. The common tourist spots are also well-guarded. However, occasional reports of pickpocketing and scams exist, so it's important to maintain vigilance.

Safety rating

3.7 /5

Based on 3 experiences from female travelers

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.2 /5

Based on 8 experiences from local women

Cebu City is currently ranked #11 safest place in Philippines for solo female travellers, with an overall safety rating of 3.7 out of 5. . Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Cebu City?

Safety at night:Moderate

Cebu City has a vibrant nightlife with various venues to explore, such as restaurants, bars and night markets. However, like any other city, take standard safety precautions when walking alone at night. It's advised to stick to well-lit, populated areas or travel by cab. Avoid lonely and poorly lit streets for your safety. Do not display valuables openly. While most locals are friendly and helpful, it's always note-worthy to remain alert and vigilant. Remember, safety can also vary depending on specific areas within the city.

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Cebu City, specifically the jeepneys and taxis, is generally safe. Jeepneys are the primary mode of transportation and they follow specific routes. Taxis are regulated, and drivers are often polite and helpful. Limitations in public transport safety may lie in late-night travels, where there are fewer commuters and traffic is scarce. In these situations, booking a ride through an app like Grab is recommended because the drivers are more accountable. It's also important to be aware of personal belongings at all times, as pickpocketing can occur.

Street harassment:Low

Cebu City, like any other urban area, has some instances of street harassment but overall, it is generally considered safe, especially in highly public and well-lit areas. Being mindful and respectful of local customs can also help reduce any potential harassment. Always be aware of your surroundings and stay in populated areas when possible.

Petty crimes:Moderate

Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching do occur in Cebu City, especially in crowded places like local markets and bus stations. Nightlife areas also denote a boosting zone for these types of crimes. But being always alert and taking precautions can significant guard you against being a target. It's not rampant, but it's enough to advise on awareness and smart precautions. Remember, blending in and not looking like an easy target can highly reduce this risk.

Is Cebu City worth visiting?

Overall rating

3.7 /5

based on 3 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.2/5

Safety

3.7/5

Food

4.2/5

Budget-friendly

3.7/5

Nicole

Philippines

Solo travel

Fairly safe because I went to an urban area. Fewer people and less traffic when you go in the middle of the day between 10 am to 2 pm. I stayed at an air bnb in Lapulapu area and it was 1,500 per night. It has a pool area and for the transportation, you can get by with grab taxi, a jeepney or when you're feeling brave like me, I use Mototaxi (motorcycle 🏍️) to get by places. So much faster and affordable. But you can rent a car too if you know how to drive which unfortunately am not. So far, lots of good restaurants everywhere and good food to eat in places like SM and Ayala.

Posted: July 29, 2025Experienced: June, 2025

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Solo travel

Its a really beautiful city. The food is delicious and the weather is nice. Havibg a good time go sightseeing and drinking mango shake. The most unforgettable experience is i had a chance to touch the whalshark.

Posted: December 4, 2023Experienced: February, 2023

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Sharmaine

Philippines

Solo travel

C in Cebu stands for canyoneering! For 2-3 hrs, you must have this adventure of unlimited jumping, trekking, going with the current, seeing waterfalls. Definitely, best decision to come to Algeria in South Cebu.

Posted: June 26, 2023Experienced: May, 2023

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Is Cebu City safe for women?

Safety index

3.2 /5

Based on 8 local experiences

Crime index

2.7 /5

Based on 8 local experiences

If you want to stay in Cebu City, I highly recommend staying in IT Park, it's generally well lit and since a lot of people work there, it's safer than other parts of the city especially if you want to go out at night. I don't recommend going out late (10pm onwards).

Posted: August 18, 2025

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