Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Europe
Europe may be known for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant cultures, but like anywhere else, it has its share of cities where crime rates are a bit higher. When we talk about the most dangerous cities in Europe, it's important to note that this doesn't necessarily mean these places are off-limits or completely unsafe. Many people visit these cities and have amazing experiences, but higher crime statistics do give some areas a reputation for being less secure than others.
In Russia, it is advisable for anyone within a city with a population over 100,000 to be indoors by 7 PM. Drinking in public is permitted, and to a Russian enduring a nine-month winter, beer is as commonplace as Kool-Aid is to someone from the USA.
Each March, Russian girls looking for extra vacation money for the summer often send love letters to romantics and spouse hunters on the internet. Scammers are not sentimental. It is purely about the money.
As for food, do not expect fine dining unless you are Andrew Zimmern. If you do not speak Russian, you may be refused service. However, international fast-food chains like McDonald's, KFC, and Pizza Hut will generally serve you well all over Russia.
It is best to purchase all your alcoholic beverages in a market, never from a street kiosk. Furthermore, avoid drinking in a bar, even if it is run by Hindus, as they may quickly separate you from your cash.
A coastal city in southern Italy, Naples is the capital of the Campania region. Renowned for its rich history and cultural landmarks, the city is the birthplace of the Neapolitan pizza. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it serves as a gateway to the Amalfi Coast and the island... read more I lived in Naples for several years. Although it's dirty and deteriorating, the city itself is very beautiful, and some places are truly special.
By the way, I must admit that many people are arrogant. They claim to be friendly and warm, but I encountered a lot of rude and impolite individuals who were often extremely intrusive.
The level of ignorance here is rare in other European cities. It's very difficult to find people who can speak English, even at a basic level. Italian itself can be a problem for some, especially in certain neighborhoods.
Episodes of racism and xenophobia, sometimes even leading to violence, are quite common. These are based on personal and friends' experiences. I have seen people insulted or even attacked for having disabilities or physical challenges.
I have personally never had problems with robbery, but I am aware of many who have. It's not unusual to see tourists robbed or victims of bag-snatching.
In my view, Naples is probably one of the most challenging cities to live in Europe due to poverty, unemployment, a lack of opportunities and services, and high levels of crime and pervasive violence. Despite all this, I still think the city is worth visiting. I don't believe you would encounter major problems going there as tourists. Just avoid carrying too much money or expensive devices with you and stay alert.
Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, lies at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. The city has a rich history reflected in its architecture, including the Belgrade Fortress and St. Sava Temple. Belgrade's bustling nightlife and vibrant music scene contribute to its dynamic atmosphere. Kalemegdan... read more People will tell you it's safe, but it's really not that safe. People are frequently beaten by the police and authorities. Homosexuals openly showing affection may face severe repercussions, including potentially lethal attacks. While murder is not as common as in other post-communist countries, it does occur. Robbery is more frequent, but the most troubling issue is larceny, from which Belgrade suffers significantly.
Organized crime haven. Very dangerous.
Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, is renowned for its industrial heritage and vibrant cultural scene. The city is home to impressive Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture, as well as modern landmarks like the Riverside Museum. Glasgow's music and arts scene thrives in venues like the Glasgow Royal... read more Some comments here are totally nonsensical. Glasgow's dangerous reputation comes from historical gang crime between youths that live on housing estates in the city's suburbs. Those who complain about growing up around crime are likely to live in areas like this, particularly in the east of the city. They are notorious to locals. The city itself continues to offer high levels of quality of life, particularly in the west of the city, which has some of the most affluent areas in Scotland. Glasgow is rich in culture and beauty and was visited by over 3.2 million tourists in 2018. Do not believe everything you see in the media.
I've been to Malmö several times, and the bad reputation is exaggerated. There are parts of the city where you wouldn't want to go at night, but that's true for many cities, even smaller ones. Malmö may not be beautiful, but it is cozy. The city boasts many creative designers, musicians, great shopping, and excellent food from around the world. In the central parts, there is a "bohemian" neighborhood that is multicultural, young, and cool, and I would say it's rather safe even at night.
There are many immigrants, often referred to as "youth," in this city in Skåne. It's a real shame. Malmö used to be a great city, but ever since the Social Democrats and Moderates decided to enrich it, it has deteriorated. Here in Sweden, Malmö is frequently mentioned when discussing crime, immigration, and violence. I recommend everyone avoid this city.
To my fellow Swedes, I recommend voting for a party that cares about Swedes and not just about the "New Swedes" in the next election, or you will have yourself to blame when it spreads to your town.
Sofia is the capital and largest city of Bulgaria, located in the western part of the country. Founded thousands of years ago, it is one of the oldest cities in Europe with a rich history reflected in its diverse architecture, including Roman, Ottoman, and Soviet influences. The city is known for its... read more As a 16-year-old Sofian, I can tell you that I loathe this city with all my heart. You can get robbed at every corner. You can step over fresh dog excrement on every street, even in the city center. Everywhere there are these unbeatably ugly Stalinist high-rise apartment blocks from the communist era that look as if they were part of a horror film set.
The sidewalks are the worst in the entire universe, the air is the dirtiest in Europe, and the mayor is the dumbest ever. Of course, as everybody here has said, there are the Roma, locally known as Tsigani. These people live on the edge of the acceptable, frenetically building illegal houses around Sofia's outskirts. The corrupted pseudo-police never do anything against them. That's why they terrorize the people, steal, and also ride for free in the messy public transport. All of these unfixable issues contribute to the ridiculously harsh, prison-like atmosphere for those like me who just wait for the day when we'll get out of this hell on Earth.
It concerns me to hear that my grandmother's hometown is so dangerous. She says the crime rate is terrible there. Additionally, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine does not help the situation.
Donetsk is not particularly dangerous. It is just an average industrial city in Eastern Ukraine. There is not much to see here, and it is generally safe unless you venture into the suburbs at night and make it obvious you are a tourist.
Do you know what is happening in East Ukraine? With the war going on, Donetsk is certainly one of the most dangerous cities in Europe.
Sarajevo is the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, situated along the Miljacka River. The city is famous for its cultural diversity, often referred to as the "Jerusalem of Europe" due to its mix of Islamic, Orthodox, Catholic, and Jewish influences. It was the host city for the 1984 Winter Olympics... read more Sarajevo is a nice city, however, it is true that you can get robbed easily. Whoever does visit the city should keep themselves in the downtown area and should not walk around the suburbs. The city is full of historical buildings, and I would call it the European Jerusalem. There is a diversity of different religions in one place, a city with good people ready to help at any given time.
Like any other big city, yes, there are gangs, however, it is safe if you keep yourself in the old town. It is a beautiful city with a nice nightlife, nice restaurants, and nice food. You just need to get in contact with someone local and then you will discover the beauties of the city itself and the people that live there.
True, it was much nicer before, but the war has done its damage. Many local people are not really from Sarajevo. A huge population migration happened during and after the war. In my opinion, it is a must-see city.
Tirana is the capital and largest city of Albania, located in the central part of the country. Known for its colorful Ottoman-, Fascist-, and Soviet-era architecture, the city is a blend of different cultural influences. Tirana serves as the economic, political, and cultural heart of Albania, housing... read more Honestly, Tirana is not even that bad. Most of the people saying bad things usually are just people that don't like Albania. But obviously, there is the very strong Albanian Mafia. They are very similar to the early Sicilian mafia, very violent, hypersensitive, and hate traitors. I go to Albania every year and have never encountered the Albanian Mafia because I have no business with them. This is the same for anyone who goes there. You are not in danger unless you have business or bad history with the Mafia.
Since Albania's new prime minister has come into place, things have improved significantly. Crime rates have decreased, the city looks better, and you can feel safe walking at night. The nightlife in Tirana is very nice.
The Newcomers
Berlin is the capital and largest city of Germany by both area and population. Its 3.8 million inhabitants make it the European Union's most populous city, according to population within city limits One of Germany's sixteen constituent states, Berlin is surrounded by the State of Brandenburg and contiguous... read more Quite safe if you avoid Wedding at night, parts of Kreuzberg 36, and parts of Neukölln. Follow general street-savviness rules and you'll be fine.
No looking straight into people's eyes, no loud screaming, and do not start fights in these areas. Although guns are rare in Germany, most teenage gang kids do carry knives. You do get gangs of all ethnic backgrounds - white, black, and Turkish/Arab - a few Vietnamese as well.
Rather nice city. Maybe not the best place to bring the family for vacation, or travel as a single woman (unless a seasoned traveller). Beautiful in the spring. Fairly friendly. Of course, tourists are targets for scammers.
Sadly, issues with prostitution, and sex tourism (which is a problem more caused by idiots from Western Europe and North America looking for sex), and more alarmingly, human trafficking, certainly are issues.
Very dangerous city. Should be in top 5. High organized crime rate. Dangerous for British and Americans from US due to sexual activities all around the city. Take care of small children especially girls. Even a very disciplined and good looking person is dangerous. You can be sold easily in the other Eastern European Countries and could be made a prostitute.
This place should be higher on the list. When I visited two years ago, people randomly asked me on the streets if I was American and if I wanted to be harassed. I felt extremely vulnerable everywhere I went. It may be safe for the locals, but not for tourists. Travel with men and in a large group if you go. (I dressed conservatively, so do not even think I deserved to be harassed by these scary people. Additionally, I am Canadian.)
Considering that members of the Albanian mafia and the former Kosovo Liberation Army continue to engage in organ harvesting, prostitution, and drug trafficking, it is not surprising that this city is on the list.
Modern Kosovo is the most dangerous place in all of Europe.
London is the capital and most populous city of England and the United Kingdom. Standing on the River Thames in the south eastern part of the island of Great Britain, London has been a major settlement for two millennia. London is one of the world's most important global cities. It exerts considerable... read more I have seen several murder scenes on my way to work or while going out over the years. I have witnessed stabbings, football hooligan fights, gang fights, street robberies, crack smoking, and heroin injecting on a monthly basis. If you live in zones 1 and 2 in London, then this is part of city life. I was attacked by six youths after my phone, managed to fend them off but got a black eye, cuts, and bruises. I was also attacked on my way home by two drunken men because they said I was giving them a dirty look. But that's nothing compared to a 17-year-old boy who was shot in the head over a bad drug deal while sitting in his car at the end of my street last year. Just one of many I can think of. Great city, but beware.
Istanbul, formerly known as Byzantium and Constantinople, is the most populous city in Turkey and the country's economic, cultural and historic center. The city straddles the Bosphorus strait, and lies in both Europe and Asia, with a population of over 15 million residents, comprising 19% of the population... read more This is the worst city and the worst people I have ever encountered in my 10 years of traveling around the world. From the moment you leave the airport, you will regret going to that city. Though Istanbul is a very good city to visit as a tourist, the people there are not nice. The taxi drivers will definitely cheat you around tourist areas like Taksim.
I enjoyed the city but had a very negative experience with the people. I have been to a club in Istiklal and, because I am black, one foolish bouncer asked me to stay only by the bar. I nearly punched his face, but he was stronger than me. I wouldn't take the risk. That was the first time I experienced racism in my life.
Odessa is very beautiful but also very dangerous. There are many robbers, drug addicts, and other unfavorable people here. Never walk here at night.
It is one of the most mafia-dominated cities I have ever visited. I had a terrible experience and was robbed by the police mafia.
I never had problems in Odessa. The only issues are with corrupt police officers wanting to take your cash.
Milan, located in northern Italy, is a global fashion and design capital. The city's stunning Gothic cathedral, the Duomo, is a masterpiece of architecture. Milan is also home to world-renowned artworks like Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper." The Teatro alla Scala is one of the most famous opera... read more Gypsies and undocumented immigrants, whom I believe entered the country when their Labour Party was in charge, are involved in selling drugs and pickpocketing. Additionally, the African street vendors are known to harass women, but I heard they are now being sent back to their country.
I have never experienced any problems in Milan. There are pickpockets, so watch out, but it is nothing more than that. The city is busy and a bit overcrowded with traffic, but it is also extremely interesting, inspiring, and elegant.
From my point of view, as a person they call an "Asian bitch," I faced sexual harassment on the bus, a pickpocket, and lost my Blackberry at Duomo. There was also a racist conversation and gesture on the Milan subway green line. The way they celebrate Christmas Eve involves setting off dozens of super-loud firecrackers. Policemen chased teenage gangs all night. It was totally scary. I vote for this city from the deepest of my heart.
No one lives here! Everyone was evacuated due to the Chernobyl disaster, and now it is a dead zone. The only danger here is radiation.
I do not understand why people would visit this place. I know there is a limited amount of time you can spend in Pripyat, but you should not risk it.
It is abandoned and overgrown. Did I mention it is also full of radiation? No, there is nothing good about this city.
I was in Palermo a week ago with my girlfriend. It felt very similar to Mogadishu in almost all the streets, except for a few central commercial ones. It looked as if it had been bombed recently. Nothing wrong happened to us, but we received many strange looks in some streets. We felt like we could be assaulted at any moment. We left in the evening. I wouldn't want to walk there late at night.
I am surprised Palermo and Corleone were not already on the list.
I lived in Prague for two years and was beaten up bi-weekly because of the color of my skin (Indian). I lived in Bratislava for a year, and the people there were just as horrible, slightly better than in Prague. I have since lived in Bucharest for four years, and it is literally my favorite place on earth. The people here are absolutely lovely and not racist. It is a cheap, safe paradise.
I should also mention that I was born and raised in the UK, where the people are not too racist but very violent. I was racially attacked as a child, but since I've grown up, it hasn't been too bad. I have been working as a doctor in the UK for almost a year now, and the level of violent attacks is insane.
The city center of Rotterdam is safe. There's nothing wrong with it. However, as soon as you enter the Southside, it starts to get dangerous. Heroin and crack addicts are everywhere, and I have never felt safe there. The big problem is that there are more drug dealers than drug users, which means more intimidating drug dealers are wandering the streets.
Don't worry about them. They usually don't do anything. This is just like the young people who swear at you and call you names. You won't get murdered in Rotterdam. It is a city known for fights, stabbings, and sometimes shootings. Just make sure not to make contact with the addicts. They are unpredictable.
Riga is the capital and largest city of Latvia, located on the Baltic Sea at the mouth of the Daugava River. The city is renowned for its Art Nouveau architecture, a style that has led to its classification as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Riga serves as a significant cultural, political, and economic... read more If you want to drink in some of the worst bars in Europe, Riga is for you. If you want to get ripped off, Riga is for you. If you want to go and have a fight, Riga is for you. If you want to get mugged, Riga is for you.
If you aren't able to attract a beauty in the U.K. and want to pay to sleep with someone attractive (who has probably been with five other men that night), Riga is for you. If you want to visit a city so corrupted by greed that it is prepared to prostitute itself and its women to the extent that even the staff in a five-star hotel offer to provide you with a companion for the night, Riga is for you.
If you want to visit a city so corrupted by greed that it is prepared to turn a blind eye to the astonishing level of violence aimed towards its visitors, Riga is for you.
Have you ever seen the inner city flats in Dublin? It is estimated that about 40% of the residents are involved in drug dealing. There is also serious poverty in these areas. Children grow up in poverty, wearing old clothes and eating little food. They see all these drug dealers around them becoming rich, so they view that as their only way out.
Recently, there has been a serious feud in Dublin. Not too long ago, two individuals dressed as police officers with AK47s entered a hotel during a boxing weigh-in and opened fire, killing one man and injuring others.
Still on the subject of car parking in Nottingham, I read in the local press (April 2017) that almost 40% of people who challenged car parking fines in the city last year (2,814 out of 7,247 challenges) successfully appealed them. This is quite unacceptable and indicates how traffic wardens are behaving in such an irresponsibly ticket-happy manner. Nottingham City Council needs to give them a refresher training course. If penalty notices continue to be issued in this manner, it will certainly deter people from visiting the city by car.
I am sure that many other people who have obediently paid their fines would have found, if they had taken the time and trouble to challenge the notices issued to them, that their notices were also spurious. It's just that people pay the fines because they do not always have the time or the inclination to challenge them as they should.
Salut from an East European bloke living here. There's not only high crime and zombie-like, unintelligent Arab youths trying to sell drugs, not only loud car music and annoying street noise, but there are also quite pretty small beaches and the Med Sea, nice parks with peacocks, wild parrots, and turtles!
France's elegance is mixed with almost third-world chaos, ghetto-like, yes. But this is a port town, a harbor, multicultural.
Too many migrants, yes, especially the North Africans, and this city is too crowded, but there's a lot of sunshine and nice panoramas from hilltops. For vegetarian people, it is a hard place, with little vegetarian or vegan culture, though.
Liverpool is a city and metropolitan borough in Merseyside, England. As of 2018, the population is approximately 494,814. I already think England is the worst country in Europe, and Liverpool is the worst city in England. The center is being regenerated, but as soon as you leave the center, you're greeted by slums, gloomy council tenements, and people often described as chavs. Everyone in Liverpool seems to have a superiority complex and genuinely believes that being Scouse makes them God's gift to Earth. Arrogance is rampant, and muggings occur daily. And the worst accent in the world on top of it all. I'm from England and will never set foot in Liverpool again!