Europe is an incredibly diverse continent and has many beautiful cities. Many of those cities are perfectly set up for tourists, but some are considered more dangerous than others.

What makes a city dangerous? Is it the number of criminal reports? Natural disasters? Scams? Terrorist attacks? Generally, it’s a combination of all of those. Europe is quite lucky to be a continent full of safe and bucket list-worthy destinations. But there will always be some level of risk wherever you go.

There aren’t many places in the world that are completely crime-free, sadly. But the cities below have seen higher rates of crime than others — sometimes, these are petty crimes like pickpocketing, and others are as serious as homicide.

Note: These cities are ranked according to their crime index but are not listed in any specific order.

1. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Crime index: 33.68

Crime in Amsterdam is largely concentrated in the nightlife districts and mainly involves pickpocketing at train stations and on public transport. Often, the victims find themselves inebriated or alone and unsure of where they are. Staying in a group and keeping yourself safe while out enjoying the night is important here.

2. London, UK

Crime index: 52.81

The UK’s capital is an incredible city but has its fair share of crime and it is one of the most dangerous cities in Europe. Most of the city is safe, with 24-hour public transport and well-lit areas around bars and restaurants. As someone who lives in London, I generally feel safe, but I know where to go and not go.

The most dangerous areas are around the East End, where there is often gang violence and drug dealing. Here, you’ll want to stick to the main roads and avoid unlit areas. In the city center and tourist districts, it’s mostly safe during daytime hours. But at night, pickpocketing and muggings can become more common in London.

3. Paris, France

Crime index: 53.19

How dangerous could the city of love really be? Well, a trip to Paris is generally very safe for tourists. But there have been reports of pickpocketing and bag snatching in the city’s main tourist spots like Montmartre and the Louvre.

In addition, subway stations are known to be dangerous at night. The areas around Les Halles, Châtelet-Les-Halles, and Gare du Nord can be particularly dangerous after dark. Be sure to take extra precautions when traveling around these areas.

4. Madrid, Spain

Crime index: 29.42

While Madrid Spain is another city known to be generally safe for tourists, there have been reports of pickpocketing and muggings. These incidents tend to happen in areas with large crowds, like on public transport and at tourist attractions.

In addition, the La Latina district has seen a rise in crime over the past few years. This area is home to some of the city’s most popular bars and restaurants, so be sure to take extra precautions when traveling in this area.

5. Brussels, Belgium

Crime index: 50.80

If you’ve ever been to Belgium, you’ll know it’s a country full of friendly faces and bustling cities. Brussels is no exception, but there have been reports of pickpocketing and muggings in the city center. These are mostly confined to the main tourist spots and public transport hubs.

Be vigilant when walking around the city center, especially at night. Belgium doesn’t have the highest crime rate in Europe but do avoid traveling alone late at night in deserted areas, and always take licensed taxis from reputable companies that you have pre-booked.

6. Porto, Portugal

Crime index: 36.42

Portugal’s second-largest city is a beautiful place to visit. But it also has its fair share of crime. Pickpocketing, burglaries, and muggings occur in the downtown area and on public transport.

Parts of the city, such as the Rua Vila Nova de Foz Côa and Rua Peso da Régua, have drug problems. Be particularly careful when traveling in these areas and avoid dark streets.

7. Bucharest, Romania

Crime index: 27.98

Bucharest is a city full of culture and history, but it also has its share of crime. Pickpocketing and mugging are common in crowded areas such as public transport stations, parks, tourist attractions, and markets. In addition, there have been reports of theft from parked cars.

Scammers are also known to operate in the city, especially targeting tourists as they board trains and buses. But it is good to note that crime in Bucharest has been steadily declining, and it’s a brilliant city to visit.

8. Stockholm, Sweden

Crime index: 45.10

At first glance, Stockholm seems like a peaceful, calm place with very low crime rates. But like all cities, it still has its dangers. Pickpocketing is the most common crime in the city, and public transport stations and tourist attractions are particularly prone to this type of theft.

9. Riga, Latvia

Crime index: 37.93

Riga is known as a beautiful, peaceful city and I really like it. But it still has its dark corners, with pickpocketing and muggings being the most common crimes in the city. These tend to occur around popular tourist spots, such as Old Town and Freedom Monument.

Bag snatching is most common in crowded streets, so it’s best to keep your bags close and always be aware of your surroundings. The risk of terrorism is also present in Riga, so be sure to check the latest travel warnings and always look for suspicious activity.

10. Sofia, Bulgaria

Crime index: 41.76

Sofia is an up-and-coming destination for tourists, but some dangerous neighborhoods remain. The areas with high tourist traffic also have the highest risk of petty crimes. Pickpocketing is common in tourist-heavy areas, and muggings have been reported in the city.

Scams are also prevalent in Sofia, so be sure to know who you’re dealing with before handing over any money or information. The city has an unusual number of stray dogs running around, which can be dangerous if they attack. If you do come across a stray dog, keep your distance.

11. Belgrade, Serbia

Crime index: 38.54

The biggest threats in Belgrade are pickpockets and muggings, but otherwise, it’s relatively safe. Tourists are frequent targets for theft, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings at all times and keep a close eye on your belongings.

Another safety concern is the floating nightclubs run by the Balkan mafia. These clubs can be quite dangerous if and when fights break out, as they often get violent. But most of the time, these clubs are just a place for people to enjoy themselves.

Safety tip: Another potentially dangerous space for tourists in Belgrade is sports games, where there have been reports of violence. It’s best to avoid these events if possible, or at least stay away from the rowdiest fans.

Read Next: Safest Cities in Europe

12. Warsaw, Poland

warsaw most dangerous cities in europe — Image by Kamil Gliwiński on Unsplash

Crime index: 26.44

Warsaw is generally a safe city, but its high levels of poverty have led to an increase in petty crime. Pickpocketing and phone snatching are the most common crimes reported by tourists, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Scammers are also prevalent and target tourists where they can. But Poland’s government is working hard to combat the crime in Warsaw, and you’ll likely see heavy police presence in the city.

Safety tip: The Praga district is one of the more dangerous spots in Warsaw, so avoid this area if you’re alone.

13. Thessaloniki, Greece

Thessaloniki Panagea Chalkein — ©TheBoutiqueAdventurer

Crime index: 47.58

An interesting fact about Greece is that Thessaloniki is the ideal Greek beach vacation destination. The city is gorgeous and well-located for day trips to nearby Halkidiki, but it’s also crowded and busy. This creates the perfect breeding ground for petty crime.

As a tourist, it’s not advised that you wander alone around Lahanokipoi, Egnatia Street, and suburbs like Dendropotamos. But if you keep your valuables close and your wits about you, there is a medium to low risk of bag snatching and other theft. I felt very safe when I visited Thessaloniki.

Safety tip: This is one of the most walkable cities in Greece. So to enjoy this but avoid being a victim of crime, plan your routes before you leave your accommodation.

14. Hamburg, Germany

germany_hamburg_view-from-st-michaels — ©TheBoutiqueAdventurer

Crime index: 43.26

Hamburg is an artistic city, but like Amsterdam, it has its own Red Light District. This can cause crime to increase at night. There isn’t much violent crime that occurs in the city, but petty theft and vandalism can be high at times.

The more dangerous areas like Reeperbahn are often patrolled by police, though. So if you stay in well-lit areas at night and stay vigilant, you’re unlikely to attract any criminal attention while spending time in Hamburg.

Safety tip: Prostitution and drugs cause many of the city’s issues, and if you’re out at night, you may come across very persistent sex workers. It’s best to avoid them and not make any contact.

15. Nantes, France

Crime index: 55.90

One of the most beautiful cities in France, Nantes, is relatively safe. Pickpocketing and car theft are both issues, and there has been a sharp increase in criminal activity over the past few years due to drug dealing.

Nantes also has some dangerous neighborhoods that you should avoid. These include the Dervallières and Bottière areas. At times there are also demonstrations that can turn violent; staying away from these is advised.

Safety tip: For a safe and pleasant time in Nantes, stick to areas in the North of Nantes as the crime is lower in this region.

16. Dnipro, Ukraine

Crime index: 53.37

Located in Eastern Europe, Dnipro is a popular tourist destination for backpackers and adventurers. But like most cities in Ukraine, it’s not without its risks. There have been reports of pickpocketing, scams, and even violent crime.

It’s best to stay away from secluded locations at night. There is also a lot of organized crime and corruption in the city.

Safety tip: As a tourist, it’s important to stay away from any kind of political demonstrations that could lead to violence or arrests.

Note: With the Russian invasion ongoing in Ukraine, it is not advised to travel to the country until things are stable again.

17. Malmo, Sweden

Crime index: 53.56

Of all the Swedish cities, Malmo is the worst affected by crime. There are gang shootings, bombings, and other violent acts that occur throughout the city. While tourists are unlikely to be victims of crime, it’s important to stay aware and not wander around alone at night.

Malmo also has a large population of gypsies; while they may try and scam you out of money or goods, they are generally harmless. The biggest risk is petty theft and pickpocketing, which have been known to occur in crowded areas.

Safety tip: Keep yourself out of trouble by avoiding the surrounding suburbs at night, and stay away from potential bar brawls. But if you do have any problems, know that the police are fast to act and will help.

You might enjoy my articles on Europe’s most visited cities and Europe’s most polluted cities.

18. Kristiansand, Norway

Crime index: 43.45

Norway is known to be a safe country, and Kristiansand is not as dangerous as it might sound. There are drug issues and petty theft, but violent crime is rare. However, it’s still important to be aware of your surroundings at all times and keep valuables close.

The city’s main pain points are drunks and beggars loitering in the streets and looking for targets. It’s best to avoid areas that are known for drug dealing and loitering. Try and stay in well-lit areas at night if possible.

Safety tip: If you see a suspicious person, it’s best to walk away and find alternative routes back. Always trust your gut feeling and be aware of your surroundings. If something doesn’t feel right, take an alternate route or go somewhere public where there are lots of people.

19. Minsk, Belarus

Crime index: 61.75

Even though Minsk has a high crime index, the Belarus government has a zero-tolerance policy for all crime. This has made it one of the safest cities in Europe. Tourists should still be aware of their surroundings, however, as there have been reports of pickpocketing and mugging.

One major danger in the city, though, is the reckless driving of the local drivers. They often speed and ignore traffic laws, so it’s important to be cautious when crossing the streets.

Safety tip: It’s against the law to photograph state buildings in Minsk, so while staying safe, avoid getting into trouble with police as well.

20. Bradford, United Kingdom

Crime index: 64.33

Bradford has the highest crime index of all European cities. The crime here is mainly centered around violent outbursts, but there is also a lot of harassment and theft that goes on.

It’s important to note that the Bradford police don’t agree with the city’s reputation for being the most dangerous city in Europe. Regardless, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and not leave any valuables visible in cars or other public places.

Safety tip: It’s best to avoid the seedy areas around the city at night as this is when the majority of crime takes place.

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Amanda OBrien

Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.

Travel with Caution: The 20 Most Dangerous Cities in Europe