The most dangerous European capitals in 2025: where tourists should be especially careful

European capitals vary significantly in terms of safety. Find out which cities have become the most dangerous in 2025, where gun crime is on the rise, and what tourists should pay attention to when traveling

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Crime is on the rise in major European cities, and increasingly involves the use of weapons and organized gang activity. According to a recent Euronews study, several European capitals have already come under scrutiny due to shootings, explosions, and drug-related violence.

Although this study is not based on official crime statistics, it draws on national reports and media publications and reflects general trends that shape the level of security in cities.

Leaders in the ranking of dangerous cities

Brussels: the capital of the EU and, at the same time, the center of street crime

Brussels, Belgium, known as the diplomatic heart of the European Union, has also become the leader in the anti-ranking of the most dangerous cities. Since the beginning of the year, more than fifty shootings have been recorded here, most of which occurred in the summer. The most dangerous areas are considered to be Anderlecht and Molenbeek, where the influence of gangs involved in drug trafficking is growing.

Local authorities are even considering the possibility of involving military patrols and expanding the video surveillance network. Prosecutor Julien Moinil warns that ordinary residents could also become accidental victims.

Stockholm: from a safe capital to a hotbed of shootings

Sweden, long associated with peace and stability, is currently experiencing a wave of armed violence. In just a few months, more than 50 shootings have been recorded in the capital, nine of which have resulted in death.

The problem is systemic: gangs actively recruit teenagers to commit crimes, using not only weapons but also explosives. This radically changes the perception of Sweden as a safe country for living and tourism.

Marseille: drug mafia and clan wars

Although Marseille is not a capital city, it has been included in the ranking due to the scale of the problem. The city has long been known as a hub for the drug mafia. In previous years, dozens of people have died here in conflicts between clans.

2024 brought a relative decline in fatalities, but experts emphasize that the reason is not the effectiveness of the police, but a temporary lull between rival groups. Already this year, new cases with fatal consequences have been recorded.

Amsterdam: from shootings to explosions

In the Dutch capital, the problem is somewhat different. Although shootings are less frequent, the number of incidents involving explosives has risen sharply. In 2023 alone, the police recorded 197 such incidents — twice as many as the previous year.

Experts point out that this is a new form of conflict between criminal groups, and it poses a significant danger to residents and tourists.

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Cities with moderate risk

Among the capitals where the risk of gun crime is considered moderate are Paris, Copenhagen, Athens, Lisbon, Rome, and Madrid. Shootings and gang conflicts also occur here, but they are less likely to pose a danger to bystanders.

Relatively safe capitals

Bucharest, Ljubljana, Nicosia, Prague, Riga, Sofia, Vienna, and Zagreb have isolated incidents involving weapons. Crime is not widespread in these cities, and the level of danger to tourists is significantly lower.

The safest capitals in Europe

Euronews has ranked Berlin, Dublin, Helsinki, Vilnius, Budapest, Warsaw, Bratislava, Valletta, Tallinn, and Luxembourg as the safest cities. Shootings are extremely rare here and are mostly exceptional.

What tourists need to know

When traveling in Europe in 2025, it is important to consider not only tourist attractions but also safety factors. This is especially true for cities with high crime rates. Experts advise avoiding unsafe areas, traveling at night only when accompanied, and using reliable transportation.

By the way, to ensure a peaceful trip, Ukrainians should take out travel insurance in advance. This can be done online on the Visit Ukraine portal: the policy will cover medical expenses, assistance in case of accidents or force majeure on the road. And thanks to the integrated booking system on our website, you can easily find air, bus, or train tickets, allowing you to plan your trip in one click.

We remind you! Italy has tightened the rules for tourists — fines can reach €7,000, and violations can result in imprisonment. Read about the restrictions in force in different regions of the country in 2025 and how to avoid problems during your vacation.

Photo: Freepik

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