18 Most Dangerous Cities in Europe to be a Tourist

When planning a European getaway, safety is a top priority for many travelers. While Europe is generally safe, certain cities have higher crime rates that warrant extra caution. Understanding these areas can help tourists take appropriate measures to protect themselves and their belongings. Below is an overview of 20 European cities where travelers should remain particularly vigilant.

1. Catania, Italy

Catania, located on Sicily’s eastern coast, is renowned for its rich history and vibrant culture. However, travelers should be mindful of certain safety concerns. According to 2023 data, Catania reported approximately 3,795 crimes per 100,000 inhabitants, aligning with Italy’s provincial average. Notably, there were about 512 car thefts and 110 home burglaries per 100,000 residents. Violent crimes, including homicides and sexual assaults, stood at 10.17 per 100,000.

2. Marseille, France

​Marseille, France’s second-largest city, has been grappling with escalating drug-related violence. In 2023, the city recorded at least 48 homicides linked to drug trafficking, a significant increase from 31 the previous year. This surge is attributed to turf wars between rival gangs, notably the DZ Mafia and the Yoda clan, which have resulted in numerous fatalities and heightened insecurity. Additionally, Marseille’s crime index stands at 64.7, indicating a high level of crime.

3. 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.

4. Coventry, United Kingdom

Coventry, also in the West Midlands, reported an overall crime rate of 126 crimes per 1,000 people in 2023, slightly above the regional average. However, when compared to similar areas, Coventry’s crime rate is lower than average. Despite being ranked as the second most dangerous city in the UK with a crime index of 64.9, the most common issues involve violence and sexual offences.

5. Charleroi, Belgium

​Charleroi, located in Belgium’s Wallonia region, has a crime index of 62.8, indicating a high level of crime. Common concerns include theft, vandalism, and assault. Certain neighborhoods, such as Gilly and Marchienne-au-Pont, are known for higher crime rates

6. 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.

7. Montpellier, France

​Montpellier, a vibrant city in southern France, has been grappling with notable safety concerns. In 2023, it recorded a crime index of 60.5, placing it among the higher-risk cities in Europe. Specific areas such as Mosson, La Paillade, and the vicinity around the train station have been identified as hotspots for criminal activities, including pickpocketing and urban violence.

Residents have expressed significant apprehension regarding property crimes, with a 69.84% concern rate, and violent crimes, with a 59% concern rate.

8. Liège, Belgium

​Liège, Belgium, reports a crime index of 60.4, indicating a moderate to high crime level. Residents express significant concern about crime, with 68.92% perceiving it as high and 77.78% believing it has increased over the past five years.

Specific worries include being mugged or robbed (63.04%), theft from vehicles (66.75%), and drug-related issues (79.17%). Safety perceptions vary, with 61.26% feeling safe walking alone during daylight, but only 26.90% at night.

9. Grenoble, France

​Grenoble, nestled in the French Alps, has experienced a notable rise in crime, impacting both residents and visitors. In 2023, the city reported a crime index of 60.6, indicating a moderate to high crime level.

Notably, there were 19 shootings as rival cartels battled for control of the drug market. Additionally, burglary rates reached 9.27 incidents per 1,000 properties, placing Grenoble among France’s cities most affected by break-ins.

10. Nantes, France

​Nantes, a prominent city in western France, has experienced notable safety concerns in recent years. In 2023, it recorded a crime index of 62.9, placing it among the higher-risk cities in Europe. Residents have expressed significant apprehension regarding crime, with 63.96% perceiving it as high and 77.44% believing it has increased over the past five years.

Specific concerns include worries about being mugged or robbed (61.42%), theft from vehicles (56.00%), and drug-related issues (66.68%).

11. London, United Kingdom

​London, the capital of the United Kingdom, has experienced various crime trends that are pertinent for both residents and visitors. In the 2023/24 reporting year, the city recorded approximately 938,020 crimes, equating to a crime rate of 105.8 offences per 1,000 people, a slight increase from the previous year’s 100.9.

Violence and sexual offences were the most prevalent, accounting for nearly 270,000 incidents annually. ​Knife crime remains a significant concern, with 12,786 offences involving knives or sharp objects reported in 2022/23. Additionally, mobile phone thefts have surged, with one device stolen approximately every 7.5 minutes, totaling 70,137 stolen phones in the past year—a 33% increase from 2023.

12. Barcelona, Spain

​Barcelona, a vibrant hub for tourists, has experienced fluctuating crime trends in recent years. In 2023, the city recorded 180,342 crimes, with thefts comprising nearly half of these incidents. Notably, theft rates stood at 24 cases per 1,000 inhabitants, nearly double Madrid’s rate of 12.8 per 1,000. Pickpocketing accounted for 48.1% of crimes, though this represented a 22% decrease from 2019 figures.

Violent robberies declined by 8.4%, with 1,158 fewer cases than in 2023. However, reports of sexual assaults increased to 1,144 in 2024, up from 1,101 the previous year.

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. Amsterdam, Netherlands

​Amsterdam, renowned for its canals and cultural heritage, maintains a relatively moderate crime environment. In 2024, the city recorded approximately 89.4 crimes per 1,000 residents, consistent with the previous year’s figures. Notably, the number of registered destructions and damages remained stable at around 4,730 incidents. The city’s murder rate decreased to 11 cases in 2023, down from 12 in 2022.

16. Milan, Italy

​Milan, Italy’s bustling fashion and financial hub, consistently reports the highest crime rates among Italian provinces. In 2023, the city recorded approximately 7,115.6 reported crimes per 100,000 inhabitants. Theft remains the predominant issue, with 87,736 cases reported in 2022, highlighting significant concerns for tourists regarding pickpocketing and bag-snatching, especially in crowded areas and public transportation hubs. Additionally, Milan ranks third nationally for sexual violence, with 607 incidents reported in 2024.

17. 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.

18. Florence, Italy

​Florence, renowned for its rich cultural heritage, has experienced notable shifts in crime statistics that are pertinent to tourists. In 2023, the city reported approximately 6,060 crimes per 100,000 inhabitants, positioning it third in Italy for crime rates, following Milan and Rome.

Street robberies surged by 56% compared to 2022, a trend partly attributed to increased drug abuse and the constant influx of tourists. Theft remains prevalent, with 31,353 incidents reported in 2023, including a doubling of pickpocketing cases.

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