Perhaps you’ve seen the constant news headlines about violent crime and are starting to worry about your upcoming travel plans. Despite the worrying headlines, there are plenty of places around the world to visit where you don’t have to fear violent attacks. But we’ve got your back if you’re still feeling a bit jittery.
Take a closer look at these cities around the world that are considered the world’s safest destinations. While no place is always 100% perfectly safe, you’re likely to have a safe and fulfilling trip at any of the places below.
Methodology
In January, Berkshire Hathaway released their 2024 State of Travel Insurance Safest Destinations report. They analyzed multiple data sources, including first-hand reports from travelers who visited the destinations they reported on and data from the U.S. State Department, The Economist, and other trustworthy sources.
In addition to factoring in general concerns about safety and crime, Berkshire Hathaway also developed their report with the unique concerns of women, LGBTQ+ travelers, and travelers of color who seek more inclusive destinations without fear of wrongful discrimination.
1. Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
As one of America’s most beloved tropical destinations, Honolulu has plenty of experience in keeping everyone safe. Though Hawaii is infamously prone to natural disasters like earthquakes and wildfires, violent crime is low.
While Honolulu itself struggles with the same issues of affordable housing and homelessness that major mainland U.S. cities are grappling with, you likely won’t encounter much trouble in popular tourist-friendly areas like Waikiki and Chinatown.
2. Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Canada’s second-largest city and largest francophone hub gets high marks for public safety, including on its public transportation system. One potential trouble involves natural disasters, as Montreal is downwind from the increasingly fire-prone forests of northern Quebec. That said, Montreal is still one of Canada’s safest major cities, and you’ll likely have a comfortable stay.
3. Reykjavik, Iceland
For 11 consecutive years, the Global Peace Index has ranked Iceland as the world’s safest country. This nationwide security blanket covers Reykjavik, as Berkshire Hathaway’s report notes the city’s generally strong sense of safety. Even better, the Berkshire Hathaway report highlights Reykgavik’s strong track record of protecting and respecting women, communities of color, and LGBTQ+ populations.
4. Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Despite recent tragic events, overall crime remains incredibly low in Sydney, and Australia is one of the select few countries to score a Level One advisory from the U.S. State Department. (Level One is the State Department’s highest and safest ranking.) When the State Department considers wildlife one of the biggest threats, you can rest assured that you’ll likely stay safe in Sydney.
5. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Despite ongoing worries about overtourism and the city’s overall public image, Amsterdam remains one of the world’s safest cities. Considering its strong reputation as a stalwart haven for civil rights and free expression, it shouldn’t be surprising that Amsterdam scores particularly high in protecting women, LGBTQ+ travelers, and travelers of color.
6. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
On one hand, Dubai consistently ranks as one of the world’s safest cities thanks to its near 0% crime rate. On the other hand, critics charge that the UAE’s strict social conduct laws, widespread surveillance, and lack of critical protection for women, LGBTQ+ people, and racial and religious minorities make Dubai far less safe than the official near 0% crime rate suggests.
Our snap judgment: You likely don’t have to worry about violent crime in Dubai, but be wary that it is not as welcoming as other cities on this list.
7. Copenhagen, Denmark
As one of the world’s most prosperous nations with a robust social safety net and exceptionally high social trust, we’re anything but surprised that Denmark’s capital city consistently ranks as one of the world’s safest. In Copenhagen, the most dangerous things you can probably do are show up late for an event (Danes really value punctuality!) or eat pizza without a fork and knife.
8. London, U.K.
As in the U.S., there’s a huge disparity between British politicians’ campaign rhetoric and the reality of Britain’s largest city. Despite what you’ve heard elsewhere, London tends to be a very safe city. It scores especially high on safety for travelers of color, women, and LGBTQ+ people. And though London’s streets may not always be perfectly pristine, its overall violent crime rate is far below that of most U.S. cities.
9. Seoul, South Korea
South Korea is another country to earn the U.S. State Department’s safest Level One advisory. Its largest city, Seoul, is a very safe major global city, even as it now attracts over 15 million visitors per year. Though you always have to watch out for pickpockets and scammers, violent crime is rare. Even solo travelers have reported feeling very safe in Seoul.
10. Venice, Italy
Despite the growing local angst over Venice’s grueling overtourism problem, this famed canal city remains very safe for the lucky travelers who can make it in. Overall crime remains low, and violent crime here is very low. Venice’s biggest threats are likely the overburdening of public infrastructure and rising sea levels due to climate change.
11. Tokyo, Japan
Even though Tokyo anchors the world’s largest metro region, Japan’s capital city is still very safe for travelers. Not only is Japan one of the few countries to score a Level One advisory from the State Department, but Tokyo has earned praise for robust public safety, even from solo travelers.
12. Berlin, Germany
Germany’s capital may be perpetually busy—only getting busier during the peak summer season—and the public infrastructure may not look its best in certain neighborhoods, but Berlin is a very safe city. Like other major European cities, you do have to watch out for pickpockets and scammers. Nonetheless, crime rates are quite low, and travelers often report feeling safe here.
13. Paris, France
Much has been said about pickpockets, petty thieves, and scammers lurking in the dark corners of this famed “City of Light.” We don’t want to minimize the threat of such property crimes, but it is important to look at the bigger picture and see that Paris has low crime rates and plenty of experience keeping travelers safe.
If you’re one of the lucky few to score tickets to the Summer Olympics, you’ll likely notice the extra heightened security apparatus all across the city.
14. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona may be another European city that often struggles to keep up with the maddening crowds of tourists who pour in every summer. Despite huge tourist crowds, Barcelona is still an incredibly safe city.
While crime does happen, the overall crime rates are low, and crimes against travelers are quite rare. Even better, Spain has made major strides in recent years in advancing civil rights, and Barcelona is one of Europe’s safest cities for LGBTQ+ visitors and locals.
15. Orlando, Florida, USA
Orlando is the other city in the U.S. to cut, thanks to its high scores in transportation safety and terrorism prevention. Considering Orlando is a major theme park destination, they have ample experience keeping guests safe, even when such guests are crowding into roller coasters while trying to finish their last bites of fully loaded Neapolitan-style churros.