12 Cities in Europe Where You Might Get Pickpocketed
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You must have heard about the numerous pickpocketing incidents in major European cities. Many tourists take this lightly and end up spending their vacations canceling credit cards, finding alternative means to access money, replacing their passports, and trying to get a new phone.
Pickpocketing is a rampant issue in these major European cities. While these cities are full of history, scenery, and culture to experience, you have to be extra vigilant while visiting them.
And no, the person who will pickpocket you will most likely not look sketchy. In fact, they are likely to be very sharply dressed or be in the 10-16 age bracket. This means that when you are being vigilant, it should be around everyone, and not just anyone who looks suspicious.
That said, while you have to be keen while traveling wherever, put your guard higher up when visiting these European cities.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is one of the most touristy places in the world. As you would expect with such a destination, a pickpocketing network has sprung up, mainly targeting tourists. Some of the pickpocketing hotspots in the city include La Rambla, the Gothic Quarter, and the metros.
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Avoid keeping your valuables in the back pocket or carrying your backpack on your back when visiting. Be wary of people who “accidentally” bump into you, as they will likely grab something from you while at it. You also want to avoid conversations with strangers, especially in groups; one will distract you as others steal from you.
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Rome, Italy
It is not all history and culture in Rome; it is one of the cities severely affected by pickpockets. Pickpockets target tourists focusing on capturing photos and enjoying the scenery at the Colosseum, Vatican City, and the Trevi Fountain.
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As you take photos in Rome’s tourist hotspots, do not leave your bags and items unattended. Avoid opening your bags or checking your phone in crowded areas. You also want to be inconspicuous and dress less flamboyantly when in Rome. The more you stand out as a tourist, the higher your chances of being targeted by tourists.
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Paris, France
Beyond the glitz and glamor of Paris is a notorious pickpocketing problem that leaves many tourists stranded. The pickpockets here are very subtle and skilled; you will not notice it until after it happens. Like all major cities, pickpocketing typically happens around landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe.
Be keen on the Paris metros but even keener in bigger metro stations, especially where several lines converge, like in Chatelet or Barbes Rochechouart. With such busy stations, you can expect crowds and many exit points for pickpockets.
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Keep safe; avoid offering help when strangers ask for it; do not sign petitions; be watchful when somebody ramps into or rubs against you; and ensure all your valuables are always well-secured.
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Prague, Czech Republic
While the pickpocketing problem in Prague is not as big as in Rome or Paris, it is still there, and tourists get robbed now and then.
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Pickpocketing hotspots include the typically crowded Old Town Square and Charles Bridge. Touching the St John of Mepomuk statue on the Charles Bridge is a common ritual for tourists in Prague. And just like at the Trevi Fountain in Rome, there will be many tourists at the statue trying to get the luck of the ritual, which makes a perfect chance for pickpockets. While at it, don’t get distracted, as your pockets will be emptied.
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Madrid, Spain
Madrid is another destination with a pickpocketing problem that can ruin your hard-earned vacation. Some spots where you will likely encounter the sly pickpockets include public transportation (of course), Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, Jardines de Sabatini, and the intersections at Plaza España. Be cautious while touring these must-sees in Madrid.
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Also, don’t have your phone and valuables on the table while eating on the terraces. Pickpockets are known to show up with a tourist map, use it to cover your belongings, and then pretend to ask for directions as they discreetly pick up the covered items.
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Athens, Greece
While Athens is generally a safe destination, there are still instances of pickpocketing, which unsuspecting tourists fall into. While you can be pickpocketed anywhere in the city, chances of it happening are higher in the metro and most sought-after tourist sights, such as Omonoia Square, Monastiraki, and the Acropolis.
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Remember, pickpockets typically watch you for a long time before striking. When they approach you, they likely know exactly where your valuables are. One way to avoid being targeted is by buying tickets to the Acropolis and other sites well in advance. Avoid the crowded queues; they offer perfect stealing opportunities for pickpockets.
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Lisbon, Portugal
The pickpocketing problem in Lisbon has been on the rise, especially because pickpockets are arrested and shortly released, and their crime is typically considered very petty. Yes, it is highly encouraged to report instances of pickpocketing, but it is much better to be safer and cautious not to fall victim in the first place.
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Lisbon is known for its steep and narrow streets, which sometimes experience tourist crowds. Don’t let these features divert your attention; you would have given pickpockets a great chance. As always, be keener on public transportation and crowded tourist spots.
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Naples, Italy
The screens in public transportation stations in Naples always warn people against pickpockets, which you should not take lightly. Naples is known for petty and sometimes not-so-petty crimes. When visiting, be on the lookout for your safety and the safety of your belongings.
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Keep your antennas high on the Circumvesuviana train to and from Pompeii and Sorrento, Piazza Garibaldi, and Stazione Napoli Centrale. Also, there is a reputation for people getting pickpocketed shortly after buying train tickets. When buying tickets, be cautious because there is likely a sneaky pickpocket watching where you return your wallet.
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Amsterdam, Netherlands
Pickpockets in Amsterdam mainly target unsuspecting tourists using crowded buses, trams, and ferries. Crowded touristy places like Dam Square and the Red Light District are also hotspots for pickpockets. More pickpocketing cases are reported during the city’s festivals, like King’s Day and Amsterdam Pride, when the streets, bars, cafes, and pubs are more crowded.
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Always touch your valuables when in crowded areas. Do not just throw your phone in your jacket’s pocket; hold the phone inside the pocket.
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Florence, Italy
Italy has long been ranked as the country with the most pickpocketing incidents. However, the cases aren’t just in Rome; they are equally popular in other major Italian cities like Florence. Be careful when exploring popular tourist spots such as Piazza del Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Gallerie Degli Uffizi in Florence.
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Remember, pickpockets almost always work in groups. If you notice a sudden commotion, accident, or a fight close to you, start by securing your belongings first. It may be a scheme to distract you from your bag or pockets. This is one popular way tourists get stolen from at the cathedral square.
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Dublin, Ireland
Just because Dublin locals are known to be friendly does not mean you should let your guard down when visiting. The city experiences cases of pickpocketing that could turn your dream vacation into a nightmare.
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Some of the pickpocketing hotspots include Grafton Street, Heuston Station, Connolly Railway Station, and the crowded pubs of Temple Bar. Dublin is known for its vibrant and bustling pubs that attract locals and tourists. You, however, have to be keen when in the pubs and when leaving. If you leave later at night, taking a cab to your accommodation is safer than walking.
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Budapest, Hungary
Most pickpocketing cases in Budapest happen on public transport, especially on the metro escalators. Tourist areas like Váci Street and Buda Castle are typically targeted.
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Always leave your jewelry, passport, cash, and other valuables in your accommodation. While exploring, just bring what you need, and ensure they are well dispersed in your pockets and bag. Do not have all your money and cards in one bag.
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Rachel is a content writer interested in creating engaging narratives on travel, home management, personal finance, and parenting. When free, you can catch her writing for her personal blog, flawlesshorizon.com, watching TikToks, or exploring hidden gems in her city.
