Is Philadelphia Safe for Travel in 2024?

Philadelphia, United States
Safety Score
65

Philadelphia is a city in the state of Pennsylvania in the United States. It is the sixth-most populous city in the United States and the most populous city in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia is one of the oldest municipalities in the United States.

Warnings & Dangers in Philadelphia

Overall Risk

OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM

In general, if you follow the rules of safety and precautions, Philadelphia can remain a reasonably safe place to travel. It is important to monitor your belongings and your surroundings constantly.

Transport & Taxis Risk

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM

Public transport in Philadelphia is well developed and runs on hours. Avoid bus travel in the late evening and rush hour. Use only licensed taxi services; it is better to call them from the application on your smartphone.

Pickpockets Risk

PICKPOCKETS RISK : HIGH

Pickpocketing happens quite often, so it is important to carry things in an anti-theft backpack and always keep an eye on your surroundings. Don't carry a lot of cash or expensive items with you.

Natural Disasters Risk

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM

Philadelphia is at risk of floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes. To avoid this risk, you should study the weather conditions before traveling here.

Mugging Risk

MUGGING RISK : MEDIUM

Attacks and kidnappings can take place in districts of the city center. Avoid places like this. Travel in a group at night, don't be alone. Use a taxi to return to your hotel.

Terrorism Risk

TERRORISM RISK : LOW

The risk of terrorism is low in Philadelphia. Of course, the risk of attacks still exists due to the international position of the city. The global risk of terrorist attacks in public areas exists worldwide, so tourists should be vigilant.

Scams Risk

SCAMS RISK : HIGH

Fraud is commonly associated with street vendors offering counterfeit goods to tourists. Don't buy them even if the price is very attractive. Also, only withdraw money from ATM at banks with cameras to avoid skimming your card.

Women Travelers Risk

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : HIGH

Women traveling alone in Philadelphia should avoid late-night walks and be very discreet on the city streets. Heightened precautions won't hurt.

How Safe Is Philadelphia for Tourists?

Philadelphia is not the safest place to travel.

The crime index here ranges from medium to low.

The main problems are related to drug trafficking, assault, robbery, and vandalism.

Tourist locations are generally safe.

Avoid public transport at night and in the early morning.

Take a taxi, Lyft, or Uber instead, especially if you’re walking home from the bar late at night.

Robberies often happen anywhere in the city.

Center City and its immediate vicinity have a low crime rate.

Richer neighborhoods such as Rittenhouse Square, Old Town, and Community Hill are safe, most of the downtown areas.

At night, parts of the Central City become deserted, especially to the east of the City Hall.

The area is home to many homeless people who can harass pedestrians from time to time.

It is enough to ignore them.

Violent crime problems still exist in other parts of the city.

Violence is usually concentrated in the north-central, western, and south-western parts of the city, including the areas surrounding Drexel and Temple Universities.

It is believed that Philadelphia sports fans are quite dangerous during matches.

Be especially vigilant when attending the game at the sports complex and do not use the colors of the visiting team, especially during the game “Eagles.”

 

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Philadelphia?

The United States visa policy consists of foreign nationals’ requirements to travel to, enter, and remain in the United States. Visitors to the United States must obtain a visa from one of the U.S. diplomatic missions unless they come from visa-exempt or Visa Waiver Program countries. A valid passport is a must.

Which Currency Is Used in Philadelphia?

The United States dollar is the US currency, one of the main reserve currencies in the world. One dollar is divided into 100 cents.

How's the Weather like in Philadelphia?

In Philadelphia, the summers are warm and humid; the winters are frigid, wet, and partly cloudy year-round. The best time to visit Philadelphia is from March to May.

What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia International Airport is the primary airport serving Philadelphia. The airport serves 31.7 million passengers annually, making it the 20th busiest airport in the United States.

Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?

A travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country or city. Make sure you got it before starting your journey; the customs officer may ask for it.

What Are Some Things to Do in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s largest city, is notable for its rich history, on display at the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed), and other American Revolutionary sites. Also iconic are the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps, immortalized by Sylvester Stallone’s triumphant run in the film “Rocky.” 

Is the Water in Philadelphia Safe to Drink?

The tap water is of good quality, but it is best to use bottled water for drinking.

Is Uber Safe in Philadelphia?

There is an Uber taxi in the city; you can call a taxi from your smartphone application. The fare will depend on the time of day and the distance traveled.

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3 Comments
  1. Avatar for Baxter Baxter

    Stay far away from this sanctuary city. Very violent place

  2. Avatar for Tee Tee

    Used to be safe before Biden and all the defund the Police crap. I used to travel there weekly. Now the inmates run the prison. Id avoid it at all costs.

  3. Avatar for Milton Street Milton Street

    Stink hole run by lawbreaking Democrats

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