19 Most Dangerous Cities in the World to be a Tourist

When planning international travel, safety is a paramount concern. While many destinations offer enriching experiences, some cities pose higher risks due to elevated crime rates, political instability, or other safety concerns. Here is a list of 20 cities that have been identified as particularly dangerous for tourists, along with the factors contributing to their reputations.

1. Caracas, Venezuela

Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, has experienced a significant decline in its homicide rate over recent years. In 2019, the city reported approximately 76 murders per 100,000 inhabitants. By 2023, this figure had decreased to around 52 murders per 100,000 people, ranking Caracas 19th among the world’s most violent cities.

This reduction aligns with national trends; Venezuela’s overall homicide rate fell from 40.4 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2022 to 26.8 in 2023. Despite these improvements, Caracas continues to face challenges with violent crime, and tourists are advised to exercise caution, particularly in areas known for higher crime rates.

2. Tijuana, Mexico

​Tijuana, a bustling border city in Mexico, has been grappling with significant safety challenges. In 2022, it reported 2,177 homicides, resulting in a homicide rate of 105.12 per 100,000 inhabitants, ranking it fifth globally for cities not in active war zones. By 2023, the situation remained dire, with nearly five times as many murders as New York City.

3. Acapulco, Mexico

​Acapulco, once a premier tourist destination on Mexico’s Pacific coast, has faced significant safety challenges in recent years. In 2023, the city reported 543 homicides, ranking it fifth among Mexican municipalities for the highest number of homicides.

As of February 2025, Acapulco’s crime index stands at 79.65, reflecting a high level of overall crime. Violent crimes, including assault and armed robbery, are prevalent, with a perception index of 76.70. Particularly concerning areas include Colonia Jardín and Renacimiento, known for gang-related violence and higher crime rates.

4. Cape Town, South Africa

​Cape Town, South Africa’s legislative capital, faces significant safety challenges impacting both residents and visitors. In the 2022/23 period, the city recorded 3,212 murders, a 1.5% increase from the previous year, accounting for 78.1% of all murders in the Western Cape. The Nyanga township, in particular, has been labeled the “murder capital” of South Africa, with 289 homicides reported in 2018/19.

Additionally, Cape Town’s crime index stands at 84.38, indicating a very high crime level, with specific concerns about violent crimes such as assault and armed robbery.

5. Durán, Ecuador

Durán, Ecuador, has experienced a dramatic surge in violence, significantly affecting both residents and visitors. In 2023, the city recorded a staggering homicide rate of 147 per 100,000 inhabitants, marking it as one of the most violent cities globally. This escalation is largely attributed to fierce territorial disputes between rival gangs, notably the Chone Killers and the Latin Kings, vying for control over drug trafficking routes.

The violence predominantly occurs in public spaces, with 88% of homicides in 2023 taking place in such areas, often involving firearms.

6. Margarita Island, Venezuela

​Margarita Island, once celebrated as Venezuela’s “Pearl of the Caribbean,” has experienced a significant decline in safety and tourism due to escalating crime rates and economic instability. The island has become a focal point for organized crime and is recognized as an international hub for illegal drug trade. Tourists have been victims of violent crimes, including armed robberies and homicides.

Notable incidents include the 2010 murder of Italian tourist Emiliano Astore and the 2011 killing of British visitor Tom Ossel during a hotel robbery. Additionally, the island has seen a rise in child sex tourism, with reports indicating increasing exploitation in resort areas.

7. Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City, the bustling capital of Mexico, has experienced fluctuating crime rates in recent years. In 2023, the city reported approximately 52,723 crimes per 100,000 inhabitants, reflecting an increase after two years of lower figures. Notably, the homicide rate has shown a downward trend, decreasing from 11.7 per 100,000 residents in 2022 to 12.7 in 2023.

Despite these improvements, concerns persist regarding underreporting and the rising number of disappearances, which may affect the accuracy of official crime data.

8. Quito, Ecuador

​Quito, the capital of Ecuador, has experienced a significant increase in crime rates in recent years. In 2023, the country’s homicide rate surged to approximately 45 per 100,000 people, placing Ecuador among the top three most violent Latin American countries.

In Quito, organized crime has taken root, leading to a 30% increase in violent crimes, with 24 incidents recorded in a single month. Since March 2023, organized crime gangs have caused small explosions and made false bomb threats in Quito and Guayaquil.

9. Marseille, France

​Marseille, France’s second-largest city, has faced significant crime challenges in recent years, particularly related to drug trafficking. In 2023, the city recorded at least 48 drug-related homicides, an increase from 31 in 2022. This surge in violence is attributed to escalating turf wars among rival drug gangs, with over 300 drug-related killings reported in the past decade and a 50% increase between 2022 and 2023 alone. In addition to violent crimes, property crimes such as burglaries are prevalent.

10. Naples, Italy

Naples, Italy, presents a complex crime landscape. While it holds a crime index of 62.6, indicating a high crime level, it’s essential to delve into specific statistics for a comprehensive understanding. In 2023, Naples ranked 10th among Italian provinces for overall crime rates, with approximately 135,980 reported incidents.

The city leads in smuggling and mafia-type associations, and ranks second in car and motorcycle thefts. However, violent crimes such as homicides remain relatively low, with a rate of around 0.7 per 100,000 inhabitants, significantly lower than many major U.S. cities.

11. Birmingham, United Kingdom

Birmingham, as the largest city in the West Midlands, has a crime rate of 121.44 per 1,000 residents, higher than the regional average of 110.07. Violent crimes are particularly prevalent, with 132,288 incidents reported in 2023/24. Vehicle theft is also a concern, with rates significantly exceeding the national average, though there has been a 12.9% decrease since 2022/23.

12. Brussels, Belgium

​Brussels, the capital of Belgium, has experienced notable shifts in its crime landscape, impacting both residents and visitors. In 2024, the city recorded 89 shooting incidents, a 43.5% increase from 62 in 2023 and a 59% rise from 56 in 2022. These shootings resulted in 48 injuries and nine fatalities in 2024, up from 28 injuries and four deaths in 2023. Many of these incidents are linked to drug-related violence.

Public perception reflects these trends, with a crime index of 54.42 and 60.2% of residents considering the crime level high. Additionally, 69.18% believe crime has increased over the past five years. Specific concerns include worries about being mugged or robbed (56.15%) and issues related to drug use and dealing (61.64%). ​ Tourists should exercise caution, particularly in areas like Brussels-Midi train station, identified as a hotspot for offenses, averaging around 3,500 incidents annually.

13. Paris, France

Paris, the capital of France, presents a complex safety landscape for visitors. In 2023, the city recorded a crime index of 56.9, positioning it 13th among European cities. Residents have expressed significant concern about crime, with 62.26% perceiving it as high and 73.22% believing it has increased over the past five years.

Specific worries include being mugged or robbed (60.87%) and theft from vehicles (57.15%). Notably, pickpocketing is prevalent, especially in tourist hotspots and on public transportation.

14. Athens, Greece

​Athens, Greece’s historic capital, presents a nuanced safety landscape for visitors. As of March 2025, the city holds a crime index of 55.33, suggesting a moderate crime level. Residents have expressed concerns, with 57.89% perceiving crime as moderate and 76.41% noting an increase over the past five years.

Specific worries include being mugged or robbed (53.35%) and property crimes like vandalism and theft (63.74%). Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching are prevalent, particularly in tourist areas and on public transportation.

15. Baltimore, Maryland, USA

​Baltimore, Maryland, has experienced significant fluctuations in crime rates over recent years. In 2024, the city recorded 201 homicides, marking a 23% decrease from the previous year’s 261 and representing the lowest count since 2011. Non-fatal shootings also declined by 34% during this period.​

Despite these improvements, certain neighborhoods have seen increases in specific crimes. For instance, the Penn North area experienced a 125% rise in robberies from 2022 to 2023, and Hampden reported a 182% surge in auto thefts during the same timeframe.

16. Detroit, Michigan, USA

​Detroit, Michigan, has experienced a notable decline in crime rates in recent years, marking significant progress in public safety. In 2023, the city recorded 252 homicides, an 18% decrease from 2022, resulting in the lowest number since 1966. Non-fatal shootings also declined by 16% during this period. By 2024, homicides further decreased to 203, a 19% reduction from the previous year, reaching the lowest count since 1965.

17. New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

​New Orleans has historically faced high homicide rates, with a peak of 424 murders in 1994. In 2022, the city recorded 280 homicides, earning it the title of “Murder Capital of America.” However, 2023 saw a decline to 193 homicides, the first time in four years the count fell below 200. This downward trend continued into early 2024, with violent crime decreasing by 34% compared to the same period in 2023.

18. St. Louis, Missouri, USA

​St. Louis, Missouri, has experienced a notable decline in crime rates in recent years. In 2024, the city recorded 150 homicides, the lowest number in 11 years, reflecting a 25% decrease from 200 homicides in 2022. This downward trend continued into 2025, with 106 homicides reported through August 31, compared to 109 during the same period in 2024 and 136 in 2022.

Overall crime also declined, with a 15% year-over-year reduction in 2024 and a 31% decrease compared to 2022. Specific improvements included a 21% reduction in murders, a 24% decrease in shooting incidents, and a 23% decline in shooting victims from 2022 to 2023.

19. Johannesburg, South Africa

​Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city, faces significant safety challenges impacting both residents and visitors. In 2024, the city recorded a crime index of 80.8, indicating a very high crime level. The Gauteng province, which includes Johannesburg, reported nearly 1,800 murders in the fourth quarter of 2023 alone, marking a 3% increase compared to the previous year.

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