Explore the Safest Cities in Europe in 2024

When planning a trip or considering a move, safety is often a top priority. Europe, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and diverse cultures, is home to many cities renowned not only for their charm but also for their safety. In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey through some of the safest cities in Europe, where you can explore with confidence and peace of mind.

From the scenic canals of Amsterdam to the vibrant streets of Zurich, Europe boasts a range of cities that consistently rank high in safety. These cities offer not just beautiful sights and rich cultural experiences but also a reassuring sense of security for residents and visitors alike. 

Whether planning a leisurely vacation, a business trip, or a long-term stay, knowing you’re in a safe environment can make all the difference.

List of the Safest Cities in Europe

The following is the list of the Safest Cities in Europe.

• The Hague (Den Haag), Netherlands
• Munich, Germany
• Ljubljana, Slovenia
• Zagreb, Croatia
• Eindhoven, Netherlands
• Zurich, Switzerland
• Cluj-Napoca, Romania
• Tallinn, Estonia
• Reykjavik, Iceland
• Prague, Czech Republic

1. The Hague (Den Haag), Netherlands

The Hague, or Den Haag in Dutch, is known for its significant role as the political heart of the Netherlands, housing the Dutch government, the Supreme Court, and the International Court of Justice. This city, with its rich history and modern attractions, offers a relatively safe and secure environment for both residents and travelers.

With a safety index of 79.7, The Hague is generally considered a safe place to live. The city’s crime rates are relatively low, particularly in comparison to other major cities around the world. Neighborhoods like Statenkwartier, Archipelbuurt, and Belgisch Park are known for their peaceful environments and are popular among expatriates. 

The Netherlands as a whole has an amazing 25% crime-solving rate. The Hague’s percentage is higher than normal, which gives people a greater sense of security. 

For travelers, The Hague offers a welcoming and secure experience. The city is well-patrolled by police, and there are plenty of tourist information centers to assist visitors. Public transportation, including trams and buses, is reliable and safe, making it easy for tourists to navigate the city. The main train stations, Den Haag Centraal and Den Haag Hollands Spoor are busy hubs where travelers should stay alert for pickpockets.

Also see: Most Safest Cities in Japan

2. Munich, Germany

Munich, Germany’s third-largest city, is renowned for its vibrant culture, historical landmarks, and annual Oktoberfest celebration. Known for its high quality of life, Munich also stands out as one of the safest cities in Europe, making it an attractive destination for both residents and travelers. It has a safety index score of 79.0.

Munich is considered one of the safest cities in Germany. The crime rate is relatively low, particularly for violent crimes. Neighborhoods such as Schwabing, Bogenhausen, and Nymphenburg are popular residential areas known for their safety and pleasant living conditions. Residents typically enjoy a peaceful environment, with well-maintained public spaces and efficient public services. 

Travelers to Munich can expect a safe and welcoming experience. The city is well-patrolled by police, and public transportation is both reliable and secure. The U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (suburban trains), trams, and buses are all well-maintained and regularly monitored. 

Major tourist attractions, including Marienplatz, the English Garden, and the Nymphenburg Palace, are generally safe to visit, though travelers should stay vigilant against pickpockets, especially in crowded areas and during large events.

3. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana, the charming capital of Slovenia, is known for its picturesque architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and welcoming atmosphere. It’s also recognized as one of the safest cities in Europe, making it an attractive destination for residents and travelers alike. The city has a safety index score of 78.6.

Ljubljana is considered very safe for living, with low crime rates and a strong sense of community. Neighborhoods like Trnovo, Bežigrad, and Šiška are popular among locals and expatriates for their safety and quality of life. The city’s well-maintained public spaces, efficient public services, and clean environment contribute to a high standard of living.

Travelers to Ljubljana will find it a safe and welcoming city. The city center, with its pedestrian-friendly streets, is well-patrolled by police, enhancing the feeling of security. Public transportation, including buses and bike-sharing systems, is reliable and safe, making it easy for visitors to navigate the city. Major tourist attractions such as Ljubljana Castle, Tivoli Park, and the Dragon Bridge are generally safe to visit at all times of the day.

4. Zagreb, Croatia

Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, is a vibrant city known for its historic architecture, lively cultural scene, and welcoming atmosphere. It is one of Europe’s most secure safety indices, at 78.3. This approximately 684,000-person city provides a safe environment for both residents and visitors by combining modern security with historical charm.

Zagreb is generally considered safe to live in. Neighborhoods such as Donji Grad, Gornji Grad, and Maksimir are popular for their safety and quality of life. The city has a relatively low crime rate, particularly for violent crimes. Residents enjoy well-maintained public spaces and efficient public services.

For travelers, Zagreb offers a secure and welcoming environment. The city center is well-patrolled by police, and public transportation, including trams and buses, is reliable and safe. Major tourist attractions like Ban Jelačić Square, St. Mark’s Church, and the Museum of Broken Relationships are generally safe to visit.

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5. Eindhoven, Netherlands

Eindhoven, located in the southern part of the Netherlands, is known for its vibrant tech scene, innovative design, and rich cultural heritage. As a growing city, it offers a dynamic living environment and a safe destination for travelers with a safety index score of 77.8.

Eindhoven is considered a safe city to live in, with a low crime rate, especially in comparison to larger cities. Neighborhoods such as Strijp, Tongelre, and Woensel are popular for their safety and quality of life. The city is well-organized with excellent public services and infrastructure. Residents typically enjoy a high standard of living with access to green spaces, modern amenities, and a strong sense of community.

Travelers will find Eindhoven a safe and welcoming city. The city center, with its bustling markets, modern shopping areas, and cultural attractions, is well-patrolled by police, enhancing the sense of security. Public transportation, including buses and trains, is efficient and safe, making it easy for visitors to explore the city. Major tourist spots like the Van Abbemuseum, Philips Museum, and the Strijp-S district are generally safe to visit.

6. Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland, is known for its stunning scenery, financial prowess, and high quality of life. It also stands out as one of the safest cities in the world with a safety index score of 77.8, making it an appealing destination for both residents and travelers.

Zurich is renowned for its low crime rate and exceptional living conditions. Neighborhoods like Seefeld, Enge, and Zurichberg are highly sought after for their safety and upscale living standards. The city boasts efficient public services, excellent healthcare, and well-maintained public spaces. Residents enjoy a peaceful environment with little concern for violent crime.

For travelers, Zurich is a very safe city. The city center, with its picturesque old town, luxury shopping streets, and beautiful lakeside promenades, is well-patrolled by police, ensuring a secure environment. Public transportation, including trams, buses, and trains, is reliable, clean, and safe, making it easy for tourists to navigate the city. Major tourist attractions such as Bahnhofstrasse, the Swiss National Museum, and Lake Zurich are generally safe to visit at any time of day.

7. Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Cluj-Napoca, often referred to simply as Cluj, is a vibrant city in Romania known for its dynamic cultural scene, historic architecture, and thriving student population. It is the unofficial capital of the Transylvania region and offers a relatively safe and welcoming environment for both residents and travelers.

Cluj-Napoca is considered one of the safer cities in Romania with a safety index score of 77.4. Neighborhoods such as Andrei Mureșanu, Zorilor, and Grigorescu are popular among locals and expatriates for their safety and quality of life. The city enjoys a low crime rate, particularly for violent crimes. Residents benefit from well-maintained public spaces, efficient public services, and a strong sense of community.

Travelers to Cluj-Napoca will find the city to be a safe and welcoming destination. The city center, with its historic landmarks, bustling markets, and vibrant nightlife, is well-patrolled by police, enhancing the feeling of security. Public transportation, including buses and trams, is reliable and safe, making it easy for visitors to explore the city. Major tourist attractions like St. Michael’s Church, the Botanical Garden, and the Central Park are generally safe to visit. 

8. Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is a picturesque city known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and advanced digital infrastructure. It is also regarded as a safe city, making it an attractive destination for both residents and travelers.

It is one of Europe’s most secure capitals with a safety index score of 77.1. With 456,000 citizens, Tallinn is a city that skillfully blends modern safety measures with its historical charm.

Tallinn is considered one of the safest capitals in Europe. Neighborhoods such as Kadriorg, Pirita, and Nõmme are popular among locals and expatriates for their safety and quality of life. The city has a low crime rate, particularly for violent crimes. Residents enjoy a high standard of living with access to clean public spaces, efficient public services, and a strong sense of community.

Travelers to Tallinn will find it a safe and welcoming city. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is well-patrolled by police, enhancing the sense of security. Public transportation, including buses, trams, and trolleybuses, is reliable and safe, making it easy for visitors to explore the city. Major tourist attractions like Toompea Castle, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and Town Hall Square are generally safe to visit.

Also read: Which Are the Safest Countries in the World?

9. Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is a picturesque city known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant cultural scene, and friendly atmosphere. It is also recognized as one of the safest cities in the world, making it an appealing destination for both residents and travelers.

It boasts a safety index score of 75.7. With a population of over 139,849, Reykjavik is the largest city in Iceland, but it has an exceptionally low crime rate.

Reykjavik is considered extremely safe, with very low crime rates. Neighborhoods like Vesturbær, Miðborg, and Laugardalur are popular for their safety and high quality of life. The city has well-maintained public spaces, efficient public services, and a strong sense of community. Residents enjoy a peaceful environment with little concern for violent crime.

Travelers to Reykjavik will find the city to be exceptionally safe and welcoming. The city center, with its colorful buildings, unique shops, and lively cafes, is well-patrolled by police, enhancing the feeling of security. Public transportation, including buses, is reliable and safe, making it easy for visitors to explore the city. Major tourist attractions like Hallgrímskirkja, the Harpa Concert Hall, and the Sun Voyager sculpture are generally safe to visit at any time of day.

10. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is renowned for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. As one of Europe’s most popular travel destinations, it is also known for being relatively safe for both residents and visitors.

Prague, Czech Republic, has one of the best safety index scores in all of Europe (75.5). It is considered a safe city with a relatively low crime rate compared to other major European capitals. Neighborhoods like Vinohrady, Malá Strana, and Žižkov are well-regarded for their safety and quality of life. Residents benefit from well-maintained public spaces, efficient public services, and a strong sense of community.

Travelers to Prague will find it a secure and welcoming city. The city center, with its historic landmarks, charming streets, and lively squares, is well-patrolled by police, contributing to a safe environment. Public transportation, including trams, buses, and the metro, is reliable and secure, making it easy to explore the city. Major attractions such as Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and Old Town Square are generally safe to visit. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, Safest Cities in Europe not only promise beautiful landscapes and rich cultural experiences but also a secure environment where you can explore with peace of mind. So, go ahead and embrace your wanderlust, knowing that these cities provide a welcoming and safe backdrop for your European adventures.

FAQs

Which Is the Safest Place on Earth?

The safest place in the world is Iceland, which ranks number one on the 2022 Global Peace Index.

Is Germany Safer Than the US?

Germany has relatively low crime rates compared to the U.S. Violent crime rates are notably lower, and the country is known for its strong rule of law and effective policing.

What Is The Most Criminal Country In Europe?

These countries tend to report higher crime rates in various categories.

• Russia: Often reports higher rates of violent crime compared to many Western European countries. Issues such as organized crime and corruption also play a significant role.
• Ukraine: Particularly in conflict areas, violent crime can be more prevalent.

What Is the Most Visited City in the World?

In recent years, the most visited city in the world has typically been Bangkok, Thailand. According to the Mastercard Global Destination Cities Index, Bangkok has consistently ranked at the top, attracting millions of international visitors annually.

Is Europe Safer Than the USA?

Among the world’s top 20 safest countries, 14 are located in Europe. In fact, 29 European nations are ranked within the world’s top 50 safest countries. This means that nearly every country in Europe offers a safer environment compared to the United States. Overall, Europe is widely regarded as the safest region in the world.