12 Safest Cities in Europe Where You Can Walk Without Fear at Night
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Europe is a fascinating continent with historic cities, impressive architecture, pristine beaches, and some of the world’s most famous attractions. It’s also generally a very safe place to travel, with most European cities being among the safest cities in the world.
Travelers usually don’t have to worry about falling victim to crime and can confidently explore their destination, even at night. If you’re planning a trip to Europe, it’s good to know which cities are the safest so you can enjoy a carefree vacation.
With that in mind, here are 12 of the safest cities in Europe. We’ve selected these cities based on crime rates, safety, and peacefulness.
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Amsterdam, Netherlands
According to World Population Review, Amsterdam, the Netherlands capital, was the fourth safest country in the world in 2023, making it the safest city in Europe. With a score of 88.0 out of 100, the Dutch city beat all other European cities in terms of digital and health security, personal safety, and infrastructure.
Amsterdam has dangerous areas like most places, but the city is incredibly safe overall. Besides, the city’s more dangerous areas are away from the main tourist areas. Two locations to avoid, especially at night, include Nieuwendammerham and Bijlmermeer. Other than these areas, you can explore Amsterdam stress-free. Notable attractions you should visit during your trip to Amsterdam include the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, and the Van Gogh Museum.
Read more: Medieval Cities and Towns in Italy
Copenhagen, Denmark
The next European city on World Population Review’s list of the safest cities in the world was Copenhagen, Denmark. Another capital city, Copenhagen, ranked eighth in the world for safety regarding personal safety, infrastructure, and digital and health security, with a score of 87.4 out of 100. The city also ranks well for crime rates, with Numbeo reporting a crime index of 25.61, which is more than half of London’s overall crime index.
This is excellent news because Copenhagen is a beautiful city to visit. Famous for its historic architecture, rich culture, and delicious cuisine, the city is jam-packed with things to see and do. The city’s main attraction is Indre By, the city’s historic center, where architecture dates back to the 18th century.
Read also: Charming Small Towns in Europe
San Sebastian, Spain
With a crime index score of just 16.9 and an overall safety index of 83.1 out of 100, Numbeo reports that San Sebastian is the safest city in Europe. This is excellent news if you love summer vacations by the sea. In San Sebastian, theft, corruption, home invasions, and violent crimes are all uncommon.
Therefore, travelers can safely explore the city during the day and at night. Regarding things to do in San Sebastian, this resort town in the Bay of Biscay is most famous for its beaches. When you’re not sunbathing on Playa de la Concha or Playa de Ondarreta, you’ll likely find yourself surfing, swimming, or walking along the bayfront promenade.
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Bern, Switzerland
Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is a fascinating city on the Aare River in the western part of the country. This vibrant city is best known for its 12th-century medieval architecture, scenic surroundings, and bear pit. Its well-preserved Old Town (Altstadt) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Bear Park is home to several beautiful brown bears.
Other points of interest in the city include the Cathedral of Bern, the Bernisches Historisches Museum, and Zytglogge. As far as safety is concerned, Bern is one of the safest cities in Europe. It has a crime index of 21.34 out of 100 and a safety index of 78.66. The level of crime in Bern is also very low, with Numbeo reporting a very low score of 14.93 out of 100.
Read also: Unique Places for Your European Bucket List
Reykjavik, Iceland
According to the Global Peace Index, Iceland was the most peaceful country in the world in 2023. The island nation between the Greenland Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean scored 1.124 out of 5. As a result, the island’s capital, Reykjavik, is one of the safest cities in Europe.
Reykjavik’s level of crime sits at just 17.88 out of 100, meaning violent crime, theft, home invasion, and drug-related crime rates are all very low. The gateway to Iceland’s vast landscape, Reykjavik is loved for its vibrant art scene, natural beauty, historic landmarks, and the Northern Lights. In the city, don’t miss Hallgrimskirkja church, the Sun Voyager sculpture, and The Settlement Exhibition.
Read more: Affordable European Cities
Madrid, Spain
Madrid is extremely safe compared to other major European cities, such as London and Paris. On the crime and safety index, Madrid scores 26.46 and 73.54. Meanwhile, London scores 54.57 and 45.43, and Paris scores 57.66 and 42.34. Petty crimes occur in Madrid, but tourists generally feel very safe, even at night.
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Madrid is the capital of Spain and is best known for its rich heritage, stunning architecture, lively nightlife, and delicious Spanish cuisine. Popular attractions you don’t want to miss during your visit to the city include the Museo Nacional del Prado, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Royal Palace of Madrid, and Plaza Mayor.
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Read also: Cities in Europe for Solo Traveling
Galway, Ireland
The Global Peace Index ranked Ireland as Europe’s third most peaceful country, with a score of 1.312 out of 5. Ireland is considered one of the most peaceful countries in Europe because it has a strong and stable economy, sparse internal conflicts, peaceful relations with its neighbors, and high political stability.
One of the safest cities in Ireland is Galway, a stunning harbor city found along Ireland’s picturesque west coast. The city’s central hub is an 18th-century square called Eyre Square. A lively meeting spot, this square is home to shops, Irish folk music, art galleries, traditional pubs, and more. The overall crime rate in Galway is 31.21, and its safety ranking is 68.79 out of 100.
Read also: Romantic European Destinations
Vienna, Austria
As the capital of the fifth most peaceful country in the world and the fourth in Europe, travelers can rest assured that Vienna is a very safe place to visit. Vienna’s crime rate currently sits at 30.13, making it much safer than other European capitals. It also has a safety rating of 69.87 out of 100.
Much of Vienna’s safety is due to its security protocols. Vienna has advanced surveillance systems, emergency buttons in metro stations, and more regular police patrols than other cities. As such, violent crimes and antisocial behavior are rare in Vienna. Significant attractions in Vienna include Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and Hofburg.
Read also: Hidden Gems in Europe
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is another capital city belonging to a nation in the top 10 of the Global Peace Index. Portugal is the seventh most peaceful country in the world, with a score of 1.333, and Lisbon is one of the nation’s safest cities. Lisbon has an overall crime rate of 25.30 per 1,000 residents, making it almost three times safer than London.
Minor crimes like pickpocketing in tourist areas do occur, but more serious offenses such as assault, rape, and murder are very rare. Portugal’s stable political climate is believed to be responsible for the city’s overall safety. Regarding exploring the city, this beautiful coastal city is much-loved for its traditional architecture, vibrant pastel-colored houses, historic Old Town, and Portuguese cuisine.
Read more: Best Things To Do in Lisbon
Munich, Germany
Home to Marienplatz, Oktoberfest, and centuries-old buildings, Munich is one of the most exciting cities to explore in Europe. Beer drinkers can drink beer until their heart’s content at Hofbräuhaus beer hall. History buffs can admire historic architecture in the Old Town, and sports lovers can watch Bayern Munich F.C. at the Allianz Arena.
Aside from being one of the most exciting cities in Europe, Munich is also one of the safest. In fact, Housing Anywhere reports that Munich is the safest city in Germany. Munich’s crime level is just 15.42 out of 100, making it one of the safest cities in the world, not to mention Europe. Better still, a Mercer Quality of Life survey found that Munich has the world’s third highest quality of life.
Read also: European Cities With Stunning Architecture
Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki, Finland’s southern capital, is a picturesque city on a peninsula in the Gulf of Finland. The city is best known for its fascinating art, architecture, and unique culture. In Helsinki, you’ll spend most of your time admiring 16th-century architecture, walking through museums, and eating Finnish delicacies. Points of interest include Helsinki Cathedral, Uspenski Cathedral, and Market Square.
Helsinki is very safe compared to other European capitals. The city has a crime level of 20.81 and a safety index of 79.19. As a result, violent crime, theft, and property crime ratings are all very low. Furthermore, Helsinki has highly rated public services that ensure extra safety.
Read also: Weekend Getaways in Europe
Zagreb, Croatia
The final city on our list of the safest cities in Europe is Zagreb, Croatia. Zagreb is a historic city bursting at the seams with cultural heritage, rich history, and ancient architecture that dates back to Roman times. Its incredible 18th and 19th-century Austro-Hungarian architecture can be seen throughout the city, and the Upper Town district is home to the Gothic Zagreb Cathedral and the breathtaking 13th-century St. Mark’s Church.
Regarding safety, Zagreb has a crime level of 14.50 and an overall safety index of 78.63. Theft, violent crime, drug-related crimes, and home invasion are very rare. However, corruption and bribery are on the rise. The lack of gangs, terrorism, organized crime groups, and the peaceful way of life in the city help make Zagreb a safe place to visit.
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