Alert: The Top 15 Riskiest Cities to Visit in Europe

Cobblestone streets, iconic landmarks, fairy tale charm…Europe is often that. Some cities though, looking just as picturesque as the next town, hide unseen dangers made to keep even the most experienced of us many a mile from falling in love with them. While some only require extra vigilance against petty crimes like pickpocketing or the bigger stuff arising from economic or political disturbance, some destinations are better avoided if you want to sidestep a headache on your trip.

Though most European cities are relatively safe for tourists, the following 15 destinations offer a unique sort of challenge. This list isn’t meant to scare you, but to arm you with information so you know how to explore wisely. If you’re interested in these cities, here’s what to know about their risks — and how to travel them safely.

Athens, Greece

Although known for its ancient ruins and busy culture, Athens has trouble with pickpocketing and theft. Tourists touring well-known hotspots such as the Acropolis or Monastiraki market should be vigilant, and keep their belongings close to them. Violent crime is rare, but the economic struggles of the past decade have caused an increase in petty crime, especially in tourist-heavy areas.

Naples, Italy

Known for its crime rates, this bustling Italian city gives you everything from art to pizza and history. It’s left a mark for organized crime, and pickpocketing is still widespread. After sunset, tourists should avoid walking around the less frequented neighborhoods, and should be cautious in crowded areas.

Paris, France

Bag snatching and scams are not uncommon petty crimes in the City of Light, even around tourist magnets like the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Cœur. Plus, protests and strikes sometimes interrupt the city’s movement, so it’s wise to keep an eye out on local news if you’re getting out to visit.

Barcelona, Spain

While Barcelona is well-known for its art and culture, you can also find pickpockets all over the place, especially along La Rambla. Travelers should keep cash to a minimum, and avoid showing expensive valuables. Even seasoned tourists have reported falling victims to theft in crowded places.

Marseille, France

Marseille’s coastal beauty and cultural diversity make it an attractive draw, but it’s also one of France’s cities with a high crime rate. In some neighborhoods, drug related gang violence has made parts of the city off limits. Visitors are always encouraged to stick to well-frequented tourist areas.

Stockholm, Sweden

You’re likely surprised that Stockholm is on this list, however recent violent incidents, as well as elevated terrorism threats, have gained some attention. Visiting the city is pretty safe overall but you’ve got to be alert, especially in crowded places.

Brussels, Belgium

Brussels is Europe’s political hub and often on high security alert because of its many international institutions. Terror-related incidents have occurred in the past and at times unrest or protests can impact on public safety. Extra caution is advised when visiting crowded areas like Grand Place.

London, United Kingdom

London’s challenges follow its thriving mix of cultures and history. Scams, especially in Westminster and Camden Market, are common as well as pickpocketing. Disruptions can also occur on a large-scale during events or protests.

Rome, Italy

For travellers, Rome is an obvious favorite and so it is for pickpockets and scammers, who line up at places like the Colosseum or Vatican City to steal from unsuspecting tourists. Another issue is taxi scams so always check your fare before getting in.

Prague, Czech Republic

Pickpocketing is a big problem in Prague, but its fairy tale charm hides this darker side. Charles Bridge and Wenceslas Square are hotspots for theft. Nonetheless, Prague is safer than many other cities on this list if you take a few simple precautions.

Tirana, Albania

While it’s an emerging travel destination, Tirana has some problems: it’s still developing its infrastructure, and there have been minor incidents of political unrest in the past. Although violent crime is rare, petty crime will take its toll on tourists who aren’t familiar with the city.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest has some of the most stunning architecture but be wary of the scams that hit the streets—overpriced taxis, and poor exchange rates. Visitors should also be careful near crowded tourist attractions.

Belgrade, Serbia

This is a city of contrasts – a vibrant nightlife, a rich history, but with a fair degree of petty theft and occasionally sporadic unrest. It’s important to be cautious, especially in crowded areas or during political demonstrations.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo

Once a war-scarred city, Sarajevo is now a thriving cultural hub. However, travelers are warned to stick to urban and well-marked zones as there are still a few lingering landmines in rural areas.

Riga, Latvia

Riga, an underrated gem of the Baltics, isn’t without its risks. There is petty crime, particularly pick pocketing in Old Town. The city is safe but caution is required in tourist areas.

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