Travelling safely in Europe: our safety tips to brave the most dangerous cities

Publication date: 15/12/2024
Updated on: 05/08/2026

Are you planning a discovery getaway to European cities? Whether it be a city break in Barcelona, a “Made in London” shopping spree, a season of love in Paris, a romantic weekend in Venice, a pub hopping tour in Dublin, a museum marathon in Madrid, a business meeting in Vilnius or a university course in Hamburg...Europe awaits! Before you leave make sure you are a cautious and informed traveller by examining the risks entailed in a trip on the so-called Old Continent. Before you leave, make sure you are a cautious and informed traveller - this guide covers the most dangerous cities in Europe across crime, health, natural disasters and road safety.

Contents

• The 10 most dangerous European cities
• The European cities with the highest risk of pickpocketing.
• Terrorist attacks: European cities under threat
• Natural disasters: the most vulnerable European cities
• Health: Be careful in these European cities
• Road accidents: which European roads are the most dangerous?
• Our recommendations to travel safely in European cities
• To Learn More About the Most Dangerous Cities in Europe

The 10 most dangerous European cities

The most dangerous cities in Europe are identified twice a year through Numbeo's criminality index, which ranks cities based on residents' perceptions of crime, insecurity and personal safety.

This index measures how residents perceive safety in their city, not official crime statistics. It is not the result of analysis or cross-referencing of official figures. It is established according to the answers given by web users on these different themes: feeling of insecurity, fear of walking alone at night, of being robbed, mugged, attacked, harassed, etc.

The latest edition of this ranking of the most dangerous cities in Europe plants several red flags on the European map.

Based on the general feeling of their inhabitants, higher caution is recommended in these 10 European cities:

1. Catania (Italy)
2. Marseille (France)
3. Birmingham (UK)
4. Coventry (UK)
5. Charleroi (Belgium)
6. Naples (Italy)
7. Montpellier (France)
8. Liège (Belgium)
9. Grenoble (France)
10. Nantes (France)

*Numbeo is an updated data and information base on world living conditions. The input is provided by web users worldwide.

The European cities with the highest risk of pickpocketing.

Among the most dangerous cities in Europe for pickpocketing, Rome ranks first, ahead of Paris, Milan and Florence, according to a study by British insurance comparator Quotezone.

"Attenzione, borseggiatrici! Attenzione, pickpocket!”… From TikTok to Facebook, as well as articles featured in the media, including the New York Times, videos of a Venetian woman loudly warning tourists of the presence of thieves on the streets of La Serenissima have gone viral. So is Venice the place where you are the most likely to have your wallet or mobile phone mysteriously disappear? If the risk is high, the Queen of the Adriatic is not the favourite spot of organised gangs. According to Quotezone, Rome tops the list, with theft concentrated around the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. According to this study, other Italian cities are also plagued by this scourge including Milan and Florence.

Paris also features on this list, particularly around the Eiffel Tower where thieves easily blend in the crowd, better distracting their targets. On the Parisian subway, it is not unusual to hear the train operator warn travellers of the immediate presence of pickpockets on board.

Terrorist attacks: European cities under threat

Among the most dangerous cities in Europe, those facing terrorist threat require constant vigilance: the level of threat is high, as demonstrated by attacks in Arras and Brussels in October 2023.

Recent attacks were carried out in Arras, France, and Brussels, Belgium, in October 2023. In the current geopolitical context, further terror acts remain likely.

As these types of attacks are impossible to foresee, it is absolutely necessary to remain extremely vigilant and follow the safety measures decided by local authorities.

To find out more about the actions of the European Union against terrorism, you can visit the European Council’s website.

Natural disasters: the most vulnerable European cities

Several cities in Europe are particularly exposed to natural disasters, including heatwaves, floods, storms and earthquakes, with risks that vary significantly depending on the region and the season.

Extreme temperatures: the least prepared capital cities

When assessing the most dangerous cities in Europe for extreme temperatures, Paris stands out as the deadliest during heatwaves, while London records the most cold-related deaths in winter, according to a 2023 WMO and Copernicus report.

Contrary to expectations, the city where populations are most at risk of dying from heat is neither Syracuse nor Valencia, but Paris. No, it is Paris. According to the Lancet Planetary Health, in case of a heat wave, it is the deadliest city in Europe. So if you are considering a trip to the City of Lights during the summer, consult the recommendations and measures implemented by Paris City Hall (in French).

On the opposite side of the thermometer and still according to the same study, it is in London that the biting cold makes the most victims in Europe every year. Before crossing the Channel or the Atlantic to have a cup of tea at Buckingham Palace, remember to read the official recommendations on the London City Hall website.

Natural disasters in Europe: where is it the most dangerous?

The most dangerous cities in Europe for natural disasters face threats including flooding, storms, earthquakes and forest fires, all intensified by climate change - with coastal and Mediterranean cities among the most exposed.

According to Statista, over 1,500 meteorological events were recorded in Europe between 1923 and June 2023, with two thirds of them having taken place since the turn of the century.

Floods and storms account for the biggest share of natural disasters recorded in the last few years and represent the most important threat in the future.

Rural and coastal areas are not the only ones affected. In November 2023, Storm Ciaran caused huge material damage and killed about twenty people in big European cities such as Le Havre (France), Gand (Belgium) and Madrid (Spain).

Seismic threat must also be taken seriously, particularly in the densely populated Mediterranean cities where the consequences could be the most catastrophic. Seismic risk is significant in Italy, the Balkans, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey, while Scandinavian countries and the Paris Basin are largely spared.

To find out more and to be kept updated on natural risks in Europe and in the world, you can visit the website of the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System.

Health: Be careful in these European cities

Health risks in European cities range from food poisoning - most prevalent in Benidorm and London - to air pollution, with Athens identified as the most polluted European capital for particle concentration in 2022.

Food poisoning: in which European city are you more at risk?

Among the most dangerous cities in Europe for digestive health, Benidorm tops the list, with London also featuring prominently as a destination where visitors frequently reported food-related illness.

According to Forbes’s Holiday Sickness Index 2023, the least stomach-friendly destination in Europe is Benidorm in Spain. This ranking analyses travel forum posts, where Benidorm consistently tops complaints about digestive infections among tourists.

Further north, London is the destination where visitors fell ill the most often during their stay.

To avoid spending your holiday glued to your toilet, take the necessary precautions to stay clear of germs as much as possible.

What is the most polluted European capital?

Among the most dangerous cities in Europe for air quality, Athens ranked as the most polluted European capital in 2022, with particle pollution linked to heart problems, strokes, lung diseases and respiratory infections.

It can lead to or worsen many pathologies: heart problems, strokes, lung diseases, asthma, respiratory infections…

According to a report published in March 2023 by the European Environment Agency, particle pollution killed at least 238, 000 people in the EU in 2020. In 2022, Athens was the European capital with the highest concentration of airborne particles, according to IQAir. It nonetheless remains far behind the most polluted cities in Asia and the Middle East in the global ranking.

For live info on air quality in the city you are staying, visit the website of IQAir.

Established by IQAir, a Swiss company specialised in the surveillance of air quality

Road accidents: which European roads are the most dangerous?

Road danger is a real concern across the most dangerous cities in Europe: over 20,640 people died on EU roads in 2022, according to the EU report published on 19 October 2023.

This figure, though slightly lower than pre-Covid levels, remains unacceptably high.

Based on the number of deaths per million inhabitants, Romania and Bulgaria take the lead of the sad ranking of the most murderous roads in Europe. Be particularly careful if you are driving in these countries.

If most accidents occur in rural areas, cities are also risky places. Pedestrians, cyclists, moped riders and e-scooter users are the most exposed to road dangers in urban areas.

In Paris, the latest official figures confirm the danger for urban road users. In 2022, 12,597 accidents were reported in the French capital and its surroundings, killing 100 people, including 43 pedestrians. 1,611 cyclists were also injured. Be very careful!

*source: Paris Police Prefecture

Our recommendations to travel safely in European cities

To travel safely through the most dangerous cities in Europe, ten essential recommendations cover health preparation, anti-theft vigilance, document management and emergency readiness.

1. Before you leave, make sure you have received the vaccination shots demanded or recommended by the country you are visiting.
2. Don’t forget your European Health Insurance Card which can cover possible medical expenses during your trip.
   Nonetheless, bear in mind EHIC coverage is limited and does not replace proper travel insurance which includes sanitary repatriation and covers many other unexpected hassles you can come across during your stay abroad.
3. Write down the contact details of your embassy or consulate in the European cities you are going to visit. In case of emergency you can contact their assistance service.
   Good to know: It is recommended to register your presence at your embassy or consulate in the country you are visiting. In case of natural disasters, local crisis or emergency situations in that country, your embassy will know to contact you. For example, if you are an American citizen you can enrol you trip using the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
4. Remember the single European emergency phone number: 112
5. Keep your relatives informed on a regular basis of your different itineraries, accommodation addresses etc.
6. Keep a copy of your id documents with you at all times (leave the originals in the hotel safe if you can) and email a copy to yourself. This precaution will greatly facilitate administrative processes in case of loss or theft.
7. Follow the local news (media, social networks) of the cities you are visiting in order not to be caught off guard in case of strikes, demonstrations, weather warnings, etc.
8. Better be safe than sorry, better be a little paranoid than robbed! Always stay vigilant:
   • Withdraw money during the day and at the ATMs located inside the banks.
   • Stay on the look-out in touristic and crowded places (airports, train and bus stations, markets…)
   • Don’t use your mobile on the street or in public transportation
   • Use a shoulder bag if you can and carry it building-side not towards the road where it could be more easily snatched.
   • Don’t put your phone or wallet on the table in restaurants or cafés. A moment of inattention and it’s bye bye!
9. Trust your instinct and rely on your good wit, especially if you are travelling alone:
   • Stranger Danger isn’t just for kids! However lovely Prince(ss) Charming seems, always stay cautious. Meet in public places and inform your relatives of your plans.
   • Avoid dark and lonely streets. It seems obvious but always needs to be repeated!
   • Never leave your drink unattended and remember to use a drink spiking prevention cover on your glass.
   • For women (but not just) travelling alone: don’t forget to download safety apps on your phone: The Sorority, SafeNow, TripWhistle Global SOS

10. Don’t leave without us! For your peace of mind and to enjoy the most comprehensive protection, choose our Europe travel insurance!

    Do you need a visa to come to Europe? AXA Schengen travel insurance meets all the requirements demanded by European authorities and guarantees comprehensive coverage.

To Learn More About the Most Dangerous Cities in Europe

Want to know more? Check out these related articles on the topic:

• Planning a trip to France? Follow our travel and safety tips
• Going to Italy for a little getaway? Our travel and safety advice will help you avoid unnecessary troubles
• For more information on how to stay safe in Europe

These frequently asked questions about the most dangerous cities in Europe may also help:

What are the safest European cities when travelling alone?

Feeling safe is subjective and varies by individual experience. Based on several studies and surveys, Zurich (Switzerland), Lisbon (Portugal), and Madrid (Spain) consistently rank among the safest European cities for solo travellers.

Is it dangerous to travel to Eastern Europe?

Since the war in Ukraine began in February 2022, caution is advised in Eastern Europe. It is currently recommended to avoid areas bordering the conflict zone, such as Moldova, Poland, and Slovakia, or to exercise extreme caution if visiting. Always check your country's updated safety recommendations before travelling.

Does travelling to Europe's most dangerous cities require travel insurance?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended when visiting any European destination, including cities with higher crime rates, as it covers emergency medical expenses and repatriation. For Schengen Area travel, a minimum coverage of €30,000 is legally required.