Exercise Increased Caution
“Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Exercise increased caution in the United Kingdom due to terrorism.”
Updated Thu, 08 May 2025
Full advisory →Is Philadelphia safe? 🇺🇸
United States · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Philadelphia scores 72/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes — Philadelphia is generally safe for visitors who stay in well‑patrolled neighborhoods and follow basic precautions. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and robbery (moderate risk). The U.S. State Department rates it Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Philadelphia 🇺🇸
United States · Assessed 28 July 2026
72
/ 100
Yes — generally safe
Safer than ~75% of countries
What drives this score
Crime62/100FairCrime index 65.4 / 100 · city-level
Sentiment67/100FairMostly positive
Advisories63Fair
Stability75Good
Health75Good
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Fair
No advisory against travel
“This travel advice also covers American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and United States Virgin Islands. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe.”
Updated 2026-07-23T16:13:06Z
Full advisory →Exercise normal security precautions
“Canada's official risk level for United States: exercise normal security precautions.”
Updated 2026-07-27T09:23:27.0923131-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Fair
Homicide rate
5.8 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
62
Robbery / mugging
ModerateMugging and armed robbery are uncommon in tourist zones but can occur in North and Southwest Philadelphia, especially at night
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing is most frequent around Independence Hall, Market‑Frankford Line stations, and large public events
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Good
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Moderate
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
67/100
Reported feel68Mostly positive
Robbery risk62Moderate risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
Recent traveler posts on forums and review sites describe feeling safe in Center City and Old City during daylight, but note heightened vigilance after dark and in less‑touristed districts.
Yes — Philadelphia is generally safe for visitors who stay in well‑patrolled neighborhoods and follow basic precautions.
The city’s composite safety index of 73/100 and a 60% feel‑safe rating after dark show moderate overall safety, but crime scores remain elevated compared with many global peers. Visitors should stay alert to pickpocketing and occasional violent incidents in specific districts.
Recent developments
- Jun 2026Police increased patrols and issued safety reminders for the 4th of July celebrations after a spike in crowd‑related incidents— 6abc Philadelphia
- Jun 2026Six suspects arrested for a robbery linked to a transnational criminal group near the Reading Terminal Market— ABC News
- Jun 2026A contractor working on a city project was killed in a shooting tied to a transnational criminal organization, prompting a DHS warning— NBC10 Philadelphia
- Jun 2026Reading and Philadelphia men charged with robbery and firearms offenses after a series of armed incidents in the West Philadelphia area— Berks Weekly
Common scams
- Tourist “photography” scams where strangers ask to pose for pictures and then demand payment
- Overpriced “guided” tours sold by unofficial street vendors
Full briefing
Safety Briefing
Philadelphia’s composite safety index of 73 / 100 places it above the global average, yet its crime‑related score of 62 / 100 signals that visitors should remain vigilant. The city’s “feel safe walking alone after dark” rating of 60 % reflects mixed perceptions: most travelers feel comfortable in Center City, Old City, and the Art Museum area during daylight, but a sizable minority report unease after sunset, especially near the periphery of the city.
Recent news from July 2026 shows a tangible uptick in public‑safety activity. Police announced heightened patrols for the July 4th celebrations after a series of crowd‑related disturbances, and multiple arrests were made in connection with robberies involving transnational criminal groups near popular market areas. A fatal shooting tied to an organized crime ring was also reported in June 2026, underscoring that violent incidents, while concentrated in specific neighborhoods, can spill into tourist‑heavy zones during large events.
The most common risks for travelers are pickpocketing and opportunistic scams. Pickpocketing clusters around Independence Hall, the Market‑Frankford Line stations, and during major festivals, where crowds provide cover. Scammers have been known to pose as photographers or unofficial guides, asking for payment after a “photo session.” These schemes are not pervasive but can be irritating and should be met with a firm refusal and a quick exit.
To stay safe, keep valuables in front pockets or secure, zippered bags, and avoid displaying expensive electronics. Stick to well‑lit, busy streets in Center City, Old City, Society Hill, and the Art Museum district, especially after dark. Use reputable rideshare services or licensed taxis rather than accepting rides from strangers. If you venture into North or Southwest Philadelphia, do so only during daylight and with a clear purpose, and consider traveling with a companion. Finally, stay informed about event‑specific security alerts—city officials regularly update guidance during major holidays and festivals. By following these practical steps, visitors can enjoy Philadelphia’s historic sites and vibrant neighborhoods while minimizing safety concerns.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 8 Philadelphia districts for visitors: 4 safer, 3 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the Philadelphia safety map.
North PhiladelphiaavoidElevated violent crime rates; avoid non‑tourist zones especially at night
University CitycautionHigher foot traffic from students; petty thefts reported, especially after dark
South PhiladelphiacautionGenerally safe but some pockets avoid after dark; occasional break‑ins
West PhiladelphiacautionMixed safety; some neighborhoods safe during day, heightened vigilance after dark
Center CitysaferLow crime rates, heavy police presence, well-lit streets
Old CitysaferTourist hub with frequent patrols and visible security
Rittenhouse SquaresaferAffluent area, strong foot traffic, minimal reported incidents
Bella VistasaferResidential area with low crime, well‑maintained streets
07 · After Dark
Is Philadelphia safe at night?
60% of people in United States say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2023).
Mugging and armed robbery are uncommon in tourist zones but can occur in North and Southwest Philadelphia, especially at night
After dark, be most careful around North Philadelphia, University City, South Philadelphia, West Philadelphia. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Score by traveller type
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Philadelphia's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
Solo female travellerCrime +35% weight69
Solo travellerCrime +23% weight70
Family with kidsCrime +19% weight · Health & Air +12% weight70
Nightlife-focused tripCrime +28% weight69
Travellers 65+Crime +13% weight · Health & Air +16% weight · Stability +4% weight71
Business tripCrime +14% weight · Stability +6% weight71
09 · Questions
Philadelphia safety FAQ
Is Philadelphia safe for tourists right now?
Yes — Philadelphia is generally safe for visitors who stay in well‑patrolled neighborhoods and follow basic precautions. The city’s composite safety index of 73/100 and a 60% feel‑safe rating after dark show moderate overall safety, but crime scores remain elevated compared with many global peers. Visitors should stay alert to pickpocketing and occasional violent incidents in specific districts. (Assessed 28 July 2026.)
Which areas of Philadelphia should tourists avoid?
Field research flags North Philadelphia as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Philadelphia?
- Tourist “photography” scams where strangers ask to pose for pictures and then demand payment
- Overpriced “guided” tours sold by unofficial street vendors
How does Philadelphia compare with other places in United States?
Philadelphia ranks #9 of 9 United States destinations we've assessed, scoring 72/100. See the United States safety overview for the full list.
How is this Philadelphia safety score calculated?
The score blends 12+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
More United States reports
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4 reportsBrowse the United States safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: philadelphia.json (CC BY 4.0).