Are you looking to move to Germany either for work or studies?
You might be scared of leaving all you know and going to a new country where English is not the primary language.
Germany is located in Central and Western Europe and has 16 states.
Before looking into anything else, you first need to consider where you can live safely and comfortably in Germany.
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10 Safest Cities in Germany
Anyone moving to this beautiful place can live in the safest cities in Germany.
1. Berlin
Berlin is among the safest cities in Germany, and it is children-friendly.
It has plenty of museums, restaurants, and other places you can visit with your family.
And the best part is, most of these places are free to visit, so you don’t incur any costs.
If you want to go for a stroll at night or hail a cab, you do not need to be worried about kidnapping or mugging.
However, avoid dark alleys and streets as you may meet some sketchy people.
Some of the safest places in Berlin include Friedrichshain, which is excellent for creative souls and party goers as it is full of nightlife.
Other areas include Mitte and Charlottenburg.
2. Hamburg
Hamburg is safer to live in or visit than other European metropolitan cities.
You can safely walk at night, and if lost, ask for directions from strangers, and they will not misdirect you.
It is a great place to meet new and friendly people, as the residents of Hamburg are very welcoming.
Hamburg is a charming city with loads of activities to do.
From exploring their historic sites and enjoying their seafood cuisine to attending their festivities, you will have a great time living in this city.
The only downside is that the cost of living in Hamburg is high, which is 9% more than in Berlin.
So you must have deep pockets.
3. Munich
Munich is probably the safest city to live in Germany.
A survey conducted in 2020 found that the crime rate in Munich is pretty low compared to Berlin because out of 100,000, only 6,469 people experienced any criminal activity.
Walking alone at night gives you the creep when you are in a foreign city, but you have no reason to be coupled up in the house as it’s quite safe to walk around at night in Munich.
Munich is a wealthy city, so always take precautions, like avoiding veering off into dark alleys at night.
And the subway train does not operate at night, so if you need to get around, take a cab or hop on the suburban train.
4. Frankfurt
Frankfurt is touted as the safest place to live by ex-pats.
And being based in a central part of Germany and where most financial institutions are located makes it the financial capital of this charming city.
There are many employment opportunities due to its strong economy, so expect the cost of living also to be high.
The safety features make this city a networking hub, as many networking events and conferences are held in Frankfurt.
So, as a foreigner, you won’t have a shortage of people to converse with.
As you stroll around Frankfurt, you will hear people talking in different languages, and it is not a wonder to hear someone talking in your language.
5. Stuttgart
Stuttgart is a reasonably safe city to visit and live in, whether with your family or alone.
It borders Germany and France. Despite being safe, you must be cautious when looking for accommodation and staying in safe neighborhoods.
Traveling within the city is made easy by taxis and the railway systems.
However, the crime rate is moderate, so keep your belongings close to yourself when walking around, as there are pickpockets.
It would be best to leave important documents at home and only carry enough money with you.
You can buy a belt bag for your phone and money and wear it beneath your clothes.
Keep away from the sketchy streets to avoid being a victim of muggers.
6. Nuremberg
Nuremberg is safe for foreigners as the level of crime is low, and the police in this city are committed to their work.
However, like in every other town, crime incidents will occur here and there, so touring while around keeps your belongings safe.
For instance, when parking your car, ensure it’s locked.
When walking in crowded places, such as festivals or markets, keep your bag to the front and act confident as muggers can quickly pinpoint tourists who are their main culprits.
You should also be careful of public transport as small-time thieves operate there.
Wear comfortable shoes when walking around as the city is paved with cobblestone.
7. Dresden
Dresden is a safe city to visit and stay in.
The level of crime in this city is pretty low as the law is strict and highly adhered to by the residents.
You will probably experience pickpocketing before leaving this city if you do not put your belongings safe as you tour the town because pickpocketing is high.
If you have a bicycle, please lock it well; otherwise, you won’t find it when you return.
Keep in mind that there are a lot of beggars in Dresden, so when moving around, take care not to get into an altercation with the aggressive type.
No matter how much you want to help, keep away.
That said, be vigilant as Germany has received several threats from terrorists, and you never know when they could attack.
Some of the best places to live in Dresden include WeiBerhirsch.
8. Dusseldorf
Dusseldorf is the education hub of Germany as most of the universities are located in this town.
It is also the center for art and fashion, so the creative visit this city regularly.
The city’s standard of life is ranked 6th in the world.
However, visitors should beware of petty thieves because they are prevalent in the city.
So when you are using public transport or touring around the city, keep your belongings close.
And since it is easy to go around the city on a bicycle, the level of bicycle theft is relatively high, so always lock yours well.
Driving accidents are prevalent as drivers are somehow reckless, so be careful when driving.
The weather can get pretty cold, so carry warm clothes when packing for your trip.
9. Cologne
Cologne is generally safe for travelers.
However, it would be best to keep clear of specific places, such as markets and crowded places, especially at night, as mugging and pickpocketing are high.
Ensure the place where you get accommodation is not near a river at the foot of a mountain as there are river spills, especially after the snow melts, which causes flooding.
Germany is among the top countries facing terrorist threats, so be vigilant and avoid beggars or people who seem over-friendly.
10. Bonn
Travelers love visiting Bonn, Germany, as it has low crime rates, and the probability of having issues while touring the city is pretty low.
However, like every other place, you are advised to practice caution when walking in crowded places as there are muggers and pickpocketers, so keep your bag to the front and hold it close and tight.
Tourists love visiting Bonn because of the cherry blossom-laden streets, which make you feel like you are in Tokyo.
Besides, Bonn is where the Great Beethoven was born.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Germany
Germany is a developed and economically stable country with high-quality education, historic landmarks, delicious cuisines, busy cosmopolitan lives, and unique places to see.
Thus, you see many travelers every year visiting or relocating to Germany.
However, like in every other country, you must be aware of security and safety concerns before setting off on your trip.
- Ensure you are physically healthy before embarking on your trip; if you take any medication, pack it. While on that note, consider purchasing travel health insurance if you plan on staying for a while to cover any medical emergency abroad.
- Make copies of your travel documents and carry photocopies when touring the city. This is to avoid losing your original copies in case of theft.
- You must ensure that your passport is valid for six months. And also, check if you need a visa to enter Germany. If you are a United States citizen, you do not need a visa as long as you don’t extend your stay past 90 days.
- There is mugging and pickpocketing in Germany, so keep your belongings close when in crowded places or when walking around at night.
- Germany is facing threats from terrorists, so be vigilant when walking around and keep off aggressive beggars. And it would be best to memorize the emergency numbers 110 for the police and 112 for the ambulance.
Germany Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Germany Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel to Germany alone?
Yes, you can travel to Germany alone and enjoy your time touring around.
Germany is a developed country with low crime rates and an accessible transport system, allowing easy movement from one city to the next.
Is Germany safe for single female travelers?
Yes, Germany is safe for female travelers, but they should stick to the safe cities, such as Munich and Hamburg, especially if they plan to enjoy the nightlife, as the laws are strict.
There is a lot to see and do in Germany for solo female travelers, so do not let your fear limit your exploration.
Is it a must to speak German to visit Germany?
Although many Germans know how to speak English, it would not hurt to learn some basics, as most are resistant to speaking English.
I’m glad you enjoyed Germany! However parts of this article is a lie as a German. Frankfurt and Berlin definitely do not belong on the list. I think they are great during the day but at night you shouldn’t go out much. Other wise alright article.
Moving to Germany for work or studies can be an intimidating experience, especially if you are not familiar with the language and culture. However, as this article shows, there are many safe and welcoming cities in Germany where you can comfortably live and explore without fear of crime. It is important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings, but overall, Germany is a great place to live and visit.
Berlin is among the safest cities in Germany, with plenty of free attractions and a child-friendly environment.