Germany : Safety by City
- Berlin
- Bremen
- Cologne
- Dortmund
- Dresden
- Dusseldorf
- Essen
- Frankfurt
- Hamburg
- Leipzig
- Munich
- Nuremberg
- Stuttgart
- Wiesbaden
Berlin is the capital, the largest and the most populous city in Germany, with more than 4 million citizens.
Due to its history and culture, it is a center of marvelous architecture, interesting museums, and galleries, gorgeous palaces, as well as a vibrant nightlife with numerous cafés, clubs, bars.
If you are interested in history and education, the best part of the city is Mitte, which is full of must-see landmarks such as the Brandenburg Tor, the MuseumInsel, Alexanderplatz, and the TV tower.
On the other hand, for those who search for some shopping, the neighborhoods of Charlottenburg, Schoneberg, Wilmersdorf, Tiergarten and Moabit are the best solution.
Warnings & Dangers in Berlin
OVERALL RISK: LOW
Considering its location score of 78, Berlin can be seen as a very safe city, both at night and in the daytime. As in any other major city, there are some areas where you can encounter criminal activity. As long as you are cautioned, you can feel safe while in Berlin.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
When public transport and taxis are in question, Berlin can be considered generally safe. However, there is always a possibility of becoming easy prey if you are not attentive, so you should remain vigilant. Taxi scams do not exist in Berlin.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
Pickpockets are the main problem not only in the public transportation and tourist areas but also in clubs or pubs, just as in any other capital. Their techniques and strategies are so sophisticated and not only tourists are the target, but the Berliners as well. You should keep an eye on your possessions.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
There is no threat of a serious natural disaster in Berlin. The only possible disaster is flooding which can happen in the spring due to the snow melting or heavy rain.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
Mugging and kidnapping are rare in Berlin, and there are very few reports on tourists being assaulted. In case it happens, it is usually against locals. Dangerous zones should be avoided.
TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
Due to the recent history, which reports terrorist attacks in Berlin on Christmas Market, there is a possibility of further terrorist attacks. The main targets can be events with a lot of people or crowded streets. Even though tourists are not the direct target, in case of the attack, they can become victims.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
Scammers exist, and tourists are their main target. They will try to distract your attention and take your valuables. The best advice is not to accept the offer to help with your luggage.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Berlin is one of the most accessible destinations for solo travelers and women do not need to worry while in Berlin. Any possible problems against females can happen in those areas of the city that tourists never go to.
So... How Safe Is Berlin Really?
Berlin is a city that is extremely attractive to tourists, and that is why the authorities are doing their best to make it a perfect tourist destination where safety would not be questionable.
Berlin police are not corrupted and it is investigating crimes, even in plain clothes, to prevent and stop it.
Berlin is generally not dangerous in terms of serious criminal acts, but some bordering neighborhoods have increased the risk of violence and robberies and should be avoided by tourists, especially at night.
Petty crimes, like pickpocketing and purse snatching, are common in the Kurfürstendamm area and the KaDeWE department store, so tourists should remain attentive while visiting these areas.
Even though there are crooks who take advantage of the crowds on the city’s streets and thieves that may try to rob you, traveling gives you the freedom to discover the city you want to explore and you should put Berlin on your agenda.
How Does Berlin Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Berlin | 78 |
| Frankfurt | 74 |
| Munich | 85 |
| Dresden | 75 |
| Dusseldorf | 75 |
| Cologne | 83 |
| Nuremberg | 87 |
| Sofia (Bulgaria) | 73 |
| Siem Reap (Cambodia) | 63 |
| Phnom Penh (Cambodia) | 61 |
| Niagara Falls (Canada) | 87 |
| Calgary (Canada) | 82 |
| Buenos Aires (Argentina) | 60 |
Useful Information
Visas
Visas are not obligatory for 90 days to stay, while for those who have Schengen, staying is not limited. A valid passport is necessary. There are useful websites that offer information on whether you need a visa or not.
Currency
Even though the official currency in Germany is the Euro, there are some large department stores that may take foreign currencies. Germany is considered as a cheap country, but the prices are higher in Berlin then in the rest of the country. Cash machines are widespread, while credit cards are rarely accepted, so you should have cash on you.
Weather
Berlin has a temperate continental climate, characterized by warm summers and cloudy winters. The weather during winter can be very cold, especially around Berlin. The best time to visit is from June to September.
Airports
There are many international airports in Germany, and some of them are Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Stuttgart and Cologne. When you decide to come to Berlin, you can land at the Tegel International Airport which is the airport for international carriers like British Airways, Air France-KLM, or Schönefeld, the smaller one for most low-cost airlines.
Travel Insurance
Whether you are traveling for work or pleasure, it is impossible to predict an accident or illness that might happen to you while out of your country. In order not to ruin your trip, international travel health insurance is the perfect solution.
Berlin Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 3 | 4 | 8 | 13 | 19 | 22 | 24 | 24 | 19 | 13 | 7 | 4 |
| Low °C | -2 | -2 | 1 | 4 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 10 | 6 | 2 | -1 |
| High °F | 37 | 39 | 46 | 55 | 66 | 72 | 75 | 75 | 66 | 55 | 45 | 39 |
| Low °F | 28 | 28 | 34 | 39 | 48 | 54 | 57 | 57 | 50 | 43 | 36 | 30 |
Germany - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Berlin | 78 |
| Bremen | 65 |
| Cologne | 83 |
| Dortmund | 74 |
| Dresden | 75 |
| Dusseldorf | 75 |
| Essen | 77 |
| Frankfurt | 74 |
| Hamburg | 82 |
| Leipzig | 78 |
| Munich | 85 |
| Nuremberg | 87 |
| Stuttgart | 73 |
| Wiesbaden | 57 |
Berlin danger areas
So what are considered the dangerous high crime areas of Berlin
There’s not really a high crime area per say.
There are no gangs that are organised ripping off tourists (like in Paris, where there’s a lot going down). This isn’t that tourisy of a city actually and the centre city where the main tourist stuff is is hyper policed because it’s also around the seat of government.
There might be some intermittent pick pocketing but it’s not a big deal. I can attest that as a Berlin it’s a super safe city in general. Even what are considered “sketchy” areas (like Neukõlln, a Turkish area, or in Kreuzberg by Görlizerpark, where there’s lots of African guys selling grass) are actually very safe and they get a bad reputation because poor and not white people live there. There’s really no need to be scared in Berlin because street crime is rare.
It’s possible that there is racist or homophobic violence in Berlin. But that is more where locals live, particularly in the East or South, and in the surrounding region of Brandenburg
Berlin is generally incredibly safe
The high terrorism rating is fear mongering and pointless. For one, you can only site one instance of terrorism. You ignore the real dangers, things like getting hit by a car, or getting harassed by a drunk. Anyway racial violence is a big problem in parts of Berlin and Germany in general. But of course this site doesn’t factor racial violence in to the rating because it’s from a white european perspective, and written by the kind of person who thinks one instance of terrorism is “high”
from what ive seen today hatecrime comes more often from tourists t
Was there for 12 days end 2019 before the pandemic. Enjoyed the big city. Covered practically all tourist attractions including nearby Potsdam. Even managed to squeeze in day trips to Prague and Scezin, Poland. Very safe city for women travellers. Culturally diverse city but that can be considered an attraction too. Some young kids pushing for ‘donations’ for their ‘sick relatives’, and these kids spoke excellent english, but that’s about as far as unpleasant experience goes.
I wouldn’t worry
Just like RS mentioned, except for some very insistent people – of all ages – asking for money I wouldn’t venture to say it should be labeled as unsafe. Highly cultural areas or those near police stations are as safe as you would imagine. You won’t be chatted away by effervescent locals, in fact some might even ignore your questions.
Honestly, Berlin is amazing. It’s such a unique place that’s packed with history. As Lulu mentioned, I also think the terrorism ranking is definitely fear mongering to it’s finest degree. It’s a very safe city & I walked around late at night when I was there and never felt my life was in danger. Also some of the best people I’ve met there, some people say the people in Germany are very unfriendly but I, for one, 100% disagree! Can’t wait to go back.
wedding/moabit
overall said yes its save, but crime especially in wedding or moabit is not avoidable.
most parks and streets are ridled with criminals where i have to say its not safe to walk around at all without being robbed or attacked. some streets at night will be full of gangs hanging around.
if you drink or smoke outside as a tourist in these parts is very unhealthy for your safety even at daylight. police doesnt care and while i was outside at night i got pressed with a gun for waiting infront of the wrong house.
so how is there at the end?!
So – is there dangerous or not at the end? 😂
i would say it is due to refugee crisis connected also to terrorism, so blablabla will not change it. sadly!