12 Least Safe European Cities for US Travelers
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Although consistently ranked as the safest continent for tourists, Europe still experiences criminal activities, many of which are targeted against tourists. From petty crimes and scams to violent attacks, it is always safe to be extremely alert when traveling to these European cities.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is a loved destination for tourists from around the world. Unfortunately, being a tourist hotspot has also made it a hub for petty crimes. The city is known for pickpocketing and scams in tourist areas such as Las Ramblas and public transport.
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Tourists must be vigilant lest they lose items like cards, phones, and other valuables. Also, you want to be on the watch out for the violent anti-tourism protests that occasionally happen in Barcelona.
Read also: Tourist Traps to Avoid
Rome, Italy
Rome is a bustling city, which makes it a center for petty crimes. Tourists should be wary of pickpockets, scammers, and unlicensed street vendors, especially around major attractions like the Colosseum, Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain.
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Item and bag snatching is also common in Rome, so be sure to have a more secure grip when holding your valuables. Also, keep an eye on your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night or taking unlicensed taxi services, as your holiday could quickly become a nightmare.
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Paris, France
Paris is not entirely about love and light; the city is also a hotbed of pickpocketing, especially around tourist hotspots such as the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and the Champs Elysees. Be wary of skilled scammers, too. The scams often start innocently as people asking you for directions or asking you to sign petitions, and yes, small children are actively involved in it.
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To be safe, avoid talking to strangers. You may want to interact with locals, but what will likely happen is you will get distracted as an accomplice helps themselves to your valuables. Finally, be wary of popular Parisian demonstrations and sometimes violent protests.
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Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Like in other big cities in Western Europe, pickpocketing is common in Amsterdam, especially in busy areas such as the Dam Square and the Red Light District. Tourists are typically the target of such petty crimes; be on the watch. Also, if you are exploring by bicycle, you need to be a little more keen on securing it, as bike theft is also common.
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Naples, Italy
Naples is a hub for organized crime. The city is home to the Mafia group Camorra, which is known to set up organized criminal activities. Many smaller gangs under the Camorra umbrella occasionally break into the city. Such attacks always result in the loss of lives and property.
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Besides, Naples’s unemployment rate is pretty high, making it easier for youngsters to be recruited into gangs or engage in petty crimes. You should also avoid leaving valuables in your car because they will likely get stolen. Lastly, avoid walking alone at night at all costs; you may get mugged or assaulted.
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London, UK
London has been ranked Europe’s second most vulnerable city for credit card fraud. 1 in 6 business travelers fall victim to credit card fraud; have your guard up when making any transactions in London.
Besides, there has been an increase in knife-related violence in London. Avoid being in shady neighborhoods, especially at night. One such neighborhood is East End, which is known for gang activities and drug dealing. For your safety, stay away from such areas.
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Drink-spiking was recently reported to be at an “epidemic level” in the UK. While it is important never to leave your drinks unattended no matter your destination, your guards should be high up in London’s nightclubs.
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Dublin, Ireland
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As difficult as this may sound, a recent study found Ireland to be Europe’s credit card fraud capital. The study found that 88 out of 1000 residents have been victims of credit card fraud and have actively sought ways to resolve it. When visiting, you want to steer clear of neighborhoods that experience higher crime rates, such as North Inner City, Sheriff Street, and certain parts of Ballymun and Finglas.
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Athens, Greece
Always be on the lookout as you soak in the history and charm of the Greek capital. Pickpocketing and theft, especially in crowded tourist areas like the Acropolis and Monastiraki, are unfortunate realities you must be cautious about. You also want to avoid contact with strangers, such as those offering to help carry your luggage or offering you friendship bracelets.
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Although uncommon, some tourists have been pickpocketed also in sketchy neighborhoods such as Omonia and Victoria Square. Taxi scams are also common in Athens. Make sure that you ride with reputable companies to enhance your safety.
Read also: Hidden Gems in Southern Europe
Istanbul, Turkey
Mugging and theft risks are high in Istanbul. Many tourists have lost their passports in public or by leaving them in their hotel rooms. While it is a genuinely charming city to visit and experience, ensure your valuables are safely secured or by your side.
For a long time, Turkey has had political conflicts with the ethnic Kurds, which has fueled a lot of unrest and threats of attacks in the city. Besides, civil wars in neighboring Syria have been attributed to the rise of radical extremist groups in the city.
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While there are many other safety concerns, it is essential to know that Istanbul is not the best for solo female travelers. There have been many cases of sexual assault, especially at night.
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Shkodër, Albania
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Shkoder is a top tourist destination for its timeless beauty and for being the gateway to the charming Albania countryside. Unfortunately, the crime rates in the city are pretty bad. It has been listed as one of the most dangerous cities to live in and travel to. The city is known for human trafficking, drug smuggling, loan sharks, and extortion. Keep a keener eye on your drinks when out, as spiking is quite common in Shkoder.
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Marseille, France
Marseille, the second-largest city in France and one of the must-visits in Southern France is known for increased violent gang crime and especially gun violence. Violence has been on the rise since the 1990s, and authorities have been attributing it to the sharp increase in the immigrant population and drug gangs in the city. The crime rates in Marseille have been rated to be five times higher than the national average.
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Two drug gangs, “Yoda” and “DZ Mafia,” have been competing to get control of the drug market; with this, there have been cases of “killing to scare.” While Marseille has so much to offer tourists, avoiding the Northern districts, including the 16th, 5th, 14th, and 3rd arrondissements, is recommended. Law enforcement has been having trouble getting a writ in these parts of the city, which has increased homicide and gang violence.
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Sofia, Bulgaria
Tourism in Bulgaria has been on the rise, especially for budget travelers looking to enjoy pristine beaches and stunning landscapes. Despite having much to offer, criminal activities are rampant, with most happening in Sofia, the capital city.
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The most common crimes to watch out for include ATM skimming, mugging and car theft. When visiting, steer clear or be extra vigilant in Maria Louiza Boulevard, Vitosha Boulevard, Pirotska, and the areas around Halite; these have been known to be hotspots for petty crimes such as pickpocketing.
Read also: Gorgeous Small Towns in Europe
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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.
