Despite being one of the safest and most beautiful continents for tourists, Europe is not entirely safe. Various European cities have high crime rates and should be avoided if you plan a trip there.
We have researched various online forums and data sets to create a list of 15 European cities that pose a danger to tourists. It would help if you took extra precautions while traveling to these cities.
Glasgow, Scotland
Despite a fine mix of old-school charm and modern vibes, Glasgow is infamous for crime. The largest city in Scotland has always had gangs operating in it.
In 2024, Churchill Support Services—a security services company—named Glasgow the most dangerous Scottish city in terms of crime rates. According to the report, Glasgow’s crime rate was 1,251 per 10,000 people.
Here are some relevant stats
Level of Crime: 51.64
5-year Crime Increase: 47.95
Safety Walking Alone at Night: 41.97
Istanbul, Turkey
The Turkish capital is a favorite tourist spot due to its rich history and culture. Once the capital of the Byzantine Empire, Istanbul is home to Hagia Sophia, a 6th-century religious heritage site that translates to ‘holy wisdom’.
While many residents and tourists do not face issues, the city presents crime risks. Here are some relevant stats
Level of Crime: 51.94
5-year Crime Increase: 70.23
Safety Walking Alone At Night: 40.01
Odessa, Ukraine
Odessa’s harbor is Ukraine’s primary trading and fishing port, and is kept open all year round. It is home to various museums and theaters and is a bustling cultural center. Yet, crime plays a big part in the city’s essence. There are multiple challenges to safety, and pickpocketing and scams are two of the most common crimes in Odessa.
Here are some relevant stats
Level of Crime: 57.72
5-year Crime Increase: 70.34
Safety Walking Alone at Night: 41.30
Athens, Greece
With a history of over 3000 years, Athens is famously considered as the birthplace of democracy. Named after Goddess Athena, the Greek capital is known for sightseeing. However, the city is notorious for pickpocketing. When you tour the historical sites, you need to remain extra cautious to fend off any possible crime that may take place.
Here are some relevant stats
Level of Crime: 58.16
5-year Crime Increase: 77.03
Safety Walking Alone At Night: 38.31
Brussels, Belgium
Famous for its waffles and beer, Brussels is considered the capital of chocolate. However, it is not the safest city to travel to, let alone live in. Brussels has a high crime rate, and you should remain cautious in public and tourist places. At night, too, the city becomes a spot for crime scenes.
Here are some relevant stats
Level of Crime: 61.33
5-year Crime Increase: 70.15
Safety Walking Alone At Night: 33.81
Paris, France
A renowned tourist destination and home to the Eiffel Tower, Paris is often praised for its romantic setting. However, places like the Louvre museum and the overall bustling atmosphere make it a difficult city to be safe in. The French capital is ideal for criminal activities. Even though authorities have made progress in surveillance, the city remains unsafe.
Here are some relevant stats
Level of Crime: 61.73
5-year Crime Increase: 72.91
Safety Walking Alone at Night: 36.13
Malmo, Sweden
Despite a generally peaceful look, Marseille is filled with criminals. Home to twisting skyscrapers, the city also is a hotbed for gang wars. Tourists in Malmo are always asked to avoid secluded places in the city, especially at night.
Here are some relevant stats
Level of Crime: 63.25
5-year Crime Increase: 71.31
Safety Walking Alone at Night: 36.42
London, England
The English capital of London may seem like a pretty place to Americans. In reality, it is a crime hub. According to the Greater London Crime Statistics, in 2023, the crime rate in London was 105 crimes per 1,000, a staggering 32% worse than the UK average. While the traffic situation in London mostly makes the news, its crime scene keeps people alert.
Here are some relevant stats
Level of Crime: 63.99
5-year Crime Increase: 70.23
Safety Walking Alone at Night: 38.17
Manchester, England
Manchester has always found a special place in English culture. Earlier, it earned fame due to being at the epicenter of the industrial revolution. In more recent times, it is famous for being home to some of the biggest football clubs in the world. Unfortunately, Manchester is also an epicenter for notorious criminal activities.
Here are some relevant stats
Level of Crime: 64.13
5-year Crime Increase: 70.42
Safety Walking Alone at Night: 33.45
Catania, Italy
Located on the island of Sicily in Italy, Catania has a rich history that exudes its own charm. It is home to Mount Etna, Europe’s largest volcano, and the World Heritage Site of Piazza del Duomo. Over the years, the city has also garnered an ill repute for the heavy crime situation in the city.
Level of Crime: 64.35
5-year Crime Increase: 64.14
Safety Walking Alone at Night: 35.50
Naples, Italy
Blessed with many historical museums and monuments, Naples is a hub for the history buffs. It is also famous as the place where pizza originated from. Yet, the city faces significant safety concerns. In the crowded areas, tourists must be aware of pickpockets, who are rampant in those places. In Naples, cars are stolen abundantly as well.
Here are some relevant stats
Level of Crime: 69.47
5-year Crime Increase: 58.87
Safety Walking Alone at Night: 26.52
Marseille, France
Founded in 600 BC, Marseille is the oldest city in France. Ever since then, the city has gone through a commercial boom, which helped it become the hub for soap production. Currently, it is a major port for freight and cruise ships. Yet, certain neighborhoods have plagued the city with a very high rate of crime.
Here are some relevant stats
Level of Crime: 71.58
5-year Crime Increase: 69.60
Safety Walking Alone at Night: 26.88