Europe holds a lot of mystery and intrigue with countless large cities beckoning you.
Whether you decide to travel to Germany, Italy, France, Belgium, or anywhere else, you want to choose cities that are safe from crime as well as natural disasters.
Obviously, some of the more populated cities will hold more dangers than smaller, remote towns.
The top 10 safest cities in Europe can provide you with guidance so you can travel alone, with a family, or in a large group safely with no harm coming to you.
10 Safest Cities in Europe
Countless cities are considered safe in Europe, though the 10 safest are those where travelers love to go and there are low crime rates throughout the year.
Lahti Region, Finland
Finland as a whole is one of the safer countries in Europe – so safe that the country does not even feel the need to join NATO.
The Lahti Region is approximately an hour to the north of Helsinki.
You’ll find greenery everywhere you look – forests, parks, and reserves are bountiful and ideal for exploring on a warm spring day.
While there are some areas with drug dealing and usage, they can be easily avoided by asking the hotel concierge where not to go, especially after dark.
Leuven, Belgium
In the heart of Belgium, you’ll find Leuven.
It is home to science, art, as well as beer.
The history of breweries dates back to the 1300s, and it is also the birthplace of Stella Artois.
The most crimes you have to worry about are vandalism and theft – and even those crimes do not happen very often.
Overall, the crime index for the city is at 34.
You’ll find that there is a lot of social diversity throughout the city.
It is extremely accessible, and you can walk or bike almost anywhere you want to go.
Marbella, Spain
Marbella has earned the nickname of “capital of sun” because it is home to so many outdoor sports, golf courses, and more.
You can relax here while also taking advantage of gourmet restaurants, refined hotels, and more.
Marbella is not one of the most populated cities in Spain, so you can enjoy the fact that it is not so overwhelmingly touristy.
You can browse without a lot of fear of pickpocketing.
Plus, violent crimes are virtually nonexistent in this sunny city.
Bavaria, Germany
Bavaria is actually the most tourist-focused part of Germany, and that is because it is home to Munich as well as the stunning Neuschwanstein Castle.
There are a lot of events throughout the region, including the world-famous Oktoberfest.
It is a safe area with a lot of old, hidden towns that you can visit.
The only time you really have to worry about a crime is if you travel into some of the seedier areas of Munich or if you visit during Oktoberfest when there are suddenly millions more in town than normal.
London, UK
London is one of the most populated cities that are on the list at 8.9 million.
Although you would expect a popular city like London to be home to many crimes, there is also a strong police presence.
The best way to stay safe when exploring London is to know what neighborhoods to visit – and which ones to stay away from, especially at night.
Sights like Big Ben, London Eye, and others may also be home to a few more scammers than other cities.
The spring and summer months are when it is less crowded, allowing you to take full advantage of the flea markets, the independent shopping districts, and more.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
Amalfi Coast is a popular Italian destination with the rich and the famous – and if it is safe enough for them, it is safe enough for you.
While there are the occasional pickpockets, you can do a lot to keep yourself safe against such crimes.
The Amalfi Coast is constantly rated one of the best destinations – and it is popular for those who are getting married or honeymooning.
With the traditional fishing villages, the stunning cliffs, and more, it is easy to see why so many people travel to this part of Italy.
Oradea, Romania
If you want to head toward Eastern Europe, Oradea, Romania is one of the safest places that you can go.
There are stunning exhibits of art and architecture, and cultural events take place all year long.
Various tours will take you to other parts of Romania, such as Bram’s Castle.
It makes it easy for you to relax and take in the sights without fear of crimes being committed against you.
Lucerne, Switzerland
Lucerne looks as though you stepped inside of a postcard, complete with the vibrant Chapel Bridge that is found in the city center.
Many people say that the city is a pocket-sized version of Switzerland – and with good reason – it is the birthplace of Switzerland.
You will have a magical time whether you visit during the summer or the winter months.
Switzerland, as a whole, has a very low crime rate.
You can travel comfortably anywhere – and the hotel concierge staff will guide you to anywhere you want to go to avoid unsavory areas.
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is the perfect combination of the East and West of Europe.
You will find everything from mosques to churches – and you will find history from three empires: Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman.
It is important to understand where you will visit in Turkey – Istanbul is perfectly safe, but areas that border Syria are not.
Tours can be some of the best ways to explore Istanbul so that you have someone who will guide you and speak the language.
Always use caution when you’re in tourist hotspots.
Athens, Greece
The population in Athens is around 3 million – with even more as people flock to the city to soak up all of the Greek histories.
In the old part of town, you can view countless sculptures and see such things as the Parthenon and the Temple of Poseidon.
Many landmarks still stand in prestige condition.
The indoor and outdoor food markets can be a lot of fun where you can soak up the culture.
These markets are also where you need to exercise the most caution.
You can safely walk around most areas, though Vathi and Kolokotroni Squares should be avoided at night.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Europe
You can always work to be a little safer during your travels to Europe.
Following a few safety tips can help you to relax and enjoy yourself.
As you work to know your surroundings, you’ll come across as confident instead of looking like an unsuspecting tourist.
1. Use Reputable Taxi Services
There are various “drivers” that will provide airport transfers – but many of these individuals are con artists.
Instead, use a reputable service to provide you with transfers and transportation around a particular city.
This way, you can be sure that they are registered and properly licensed.
2. Buy Travel Insurance
While it is always a good idea to have travel insurance, it is particularly important in Europe.
You are likely going to travel to more than one country.
And when you travel more, you are more prone to lose luggage, experience thefts, and more.
The insurance policy will provide you with peace of mind.
3. Do Not Walk with Your Luggage
Just as pickpockets can grab a purse, they can do the same with your luggage.
Store your luggage at your hotel or with a storage facility.
This way, you do not tempt fate that your luggage will be stolen right out of your hands.
4. Avoid Pulling Out Maps
Do not pull out a map, guidebook, or anything else in a crowded square or train station.
First, it marks you as a clueless tourist, which can lead more con artists to head your way.
Second, your attention will be on that instead of those around you, making you a larger target for pickpocketing and petty theft.
5. Speak the Language
There are many people who will take advantage of travelers when given the opportunity.
Do your best to speak the native language of the country that you are visiting.
Even a phrasebook can be helpful.
By knowing what people are saying around you, you are less likely to be taken advantage of, even if it just means paying more than a local would.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a city dangerous?
Cities are typically rated using a crime index of 0 to 100.
The lower the number, the safer you are because there are not as many crimes committed.
Especially if you get to cities where the crime index is 80 or higher, you need to use the highest level of caution.
What cities are the most dangerous in Europe?
Bradford, a city in northern England, has twice the amount of crime as the rest of the country – with rapes and sexual assaults being relatively common.
Other cities you may want to avoid (or be extremely cautious with) include Coventry and Birmingham (in England) and Marseille and Nantes (in France).
What are some of the most common crimes committed against tourists?
In most areas of Europe, you typically have to be concerned with pickpocketing and petty crimes.
You may experience more violent crimes if you wander off the beaten path.
stuttgart is very safe, just stay away from the area were the turks invaded!!!
Poland has virtually Zero immigration! Not one Polish City is on this list! Krakow is safer than any of the Cities listed.