13 Most Dangerous Cities in Europe

Europe is a continent with historic landmarks, vibrant cultures, and mouthwatering foods. Many people see it as a lifetime opportunity when traveling across Europe. Not everything’s as rosy as it seems, though, neither is it close to a picture postcard. Some of the stunning facades and busy streets hide dark secrets travelers should know.

Most of Europe is relatively safe to explore, but there are certain cities that have gained a reputation for their high crime rates or safety concerns. Using this list, we hope to bring to light some cities that you might want to keep an eye out for, but still experience their charm.

Naples

Naples in Italy is famous for its pizza, its street life, and historical sites. Pickpocketing and petty theft are also widely known throughout the city, especially around the historic center and train stations, but it’s still a great city to visit. Even with their problems the city’s energy and beauty continue to draw millions every year. Remember to keep your things close to you and not venture down to secluded streets at night.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a magnet for tourists because of its sandy beaches and its Gaudí architecture. However, it is the home for pickpockets due to its La Rambla street bustle and crowded markets. Thefts in the city are frequently carried out by groups who team together to divert and mug innocent tourists. It is recommended that you stay safe by carrying money belts and keeping your pricey jewelries invisible from sight.

Athens

Athens is neither free of ancient history nor of street crime. The Acropolis, Syntagma Square, and the busy metro lines are often centers of pickpockets. Data from Greece’s public safety agency show that petty theft, especially in tourist-heavy areas, has increased slightly in recent years according to Dragonfly Intelligence. To minimize risks, avoid keeping valuables in back pockets, and beware of strangers bearing gifts.

Marseille

Marseille is the second largest city in France, and it’s a mix of coastal beauty and gritty urban charm. However, it also has a higher crime rate than most of other French cities. Scams, pickpocketing, and car break-ins are more common, but violent crime is rare for tourists.

Prague

Behind the historic, tourist photograph streets of Prague, lurks a ridiculous amount of tourist-targeted crime. Violent crime is rare, but petty theft is not. Pickpockets are notorious on Charles Bridge and the Old Town Square. Be cautious because scammers even dress like helpful guides or officials to deceive the tourists. The key, as always, is keeping your things safe.

Rome

Just as Rome wasn’t built in a day, its reputation for pickpocketing wasn’t also built in a day. Theft occurs in the Colosseum, Vatican City, and on crowded buses. Rome sees thousands of incidents annually, especially in high tourist seasons, according to Rome and Vatican Pass. A really funny thing is some locals joke saying: If someone hugs you on a bus, that’s not love, that’s your wallet they are after.

London

London is one of the world’s most visited cities, but it isn’t without problems. Police around Oxford Street and Camden Market have also reported a rise in street crime — thefts in particular — as they try to combat the blight of drug dealing in London’s tourist populated areas. With CCTV cameras everywhere, you would think that thieves couldn’t possibly find a way to target distracted travelers, but they still do. Watch out for the gap – and your bags – on the Tube.

Berlin

Berlin has a long history and a thriving arts scene, but it’s also a place of bicycle thefts and pickpocketing. Crime rates in some districts such as Kreuzberg and Alexanderplatz are also higher, according to Original Berlin Tours. Renting a bike? Always park in well-lit areas and make sure your lock is solid. Less flash is less risk for personal belongings.

Riga

With its affordable prices, and the beautiful Architecture of Art Nouveau, Riga, the jewel of Latvia attracts a lot of visitors. Petty crime is also a problem here. There have been more thefts in Old Town and Central Market, but the city’s charm isn’t a reason to leave your valuables out — it could save you from a vacation headache.

Belgrade

Belgrade, Serbia’s capital, is currently a hot destination for its nightlife. Local law enforcement notes that scams targeted at foreigners have increased, especially in the nightlife areas. The most reported issues are Taxi scams and credit card fraud. When it comes to traveling, only use licensed cabs, if possible, and if you are using a card, be cautious of your card during transactions.

Paris

Paris is the city of love and the city of light. While it all sounds rather romantic, it’s also one of the hottest pickpocket spots in the world (at least near tourist attractions such as the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre). The Paris metro is a frequent ground for thefts. The police reports indicate that cases of stealing cameras and wallets from tourists happen often. A little vigilance goes a long way, to keep your dreamy Parisian trip trouble- free.

St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is known for its opulent palaces and its canals, and is Russia’s cultural center. It’s also notorious for pickpocketing which is common in Nevsky Prospekt and major tourist sites. Russian safety agencies have recently reported an increase in scams to target foreign visitors. Stay away from unregistered guides who give you deals that are simply too good to be true.

Stockholm

Clean streets and modern charm make Stockholm, perhaps, an unthreatening destination. Pickpocketing incidents have increased recently, especially in and around public transport hubs. Tourists are advised to remain alert and not to leave bags or phones unattended, locals advise.

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