25 of Europe’s Safest Destinations

The Swiss capital’s Old Town sits tucked inside a picture-perfect loop of the aquamarine Aare River and the city's pleasantness just flows from there. Visit the Swiss Parliament building to learn more about the nation’s unique system of democracy and admire the Cathedral of Bern before meandering the medieval streets counting how many cute clock towers and pretty fountains you pass along the way. But before you leave Bern, head to the Rose Garden, because nowhere offers a better view of the city’s city’s skyline, which is surely one of the dreamiest in all of Europe.

The biggest city in Romania’s enchanting Transylvania region, Brasov sits nestled at the base of rolling mountains and owns a cityscape famed for its spires, watchtowers and unique “Hollywood-style” sign. Skinny St. Nicholas Cathedral and its spindly spires looks like something straight out of a fairytale and the entire town is sure to keep you full of smiles for days with its safe and welcoming atmosphere. 

The biggest city in Germany’s Bavaria region is renowned for its “laptops & lederhosen” economy, which has kept the city prosperous and very safe indeed. Laze away your days here lifting steins of local suds in a leafy beer garden (or beer hall in the winter) or explore the city’s renowned collection of museums and historical sights. Munich also has multiple outdoor recreational opportunities on its doorstep. 

Another peaceful and safe national capital—and the perfect place for a stopover on the way to mainland Europe—Reykjavik is the perfect city base from which to explore some of Iceland’s most inspiring natural wonders. Don’t leave the city without checking out the striking Hallgrimskirkja, one of Europe’s most impressive churches or having a bite at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur—the city’s famous hot dog stand. 

Portugal’s second biggest city is an extremely safe big city and you’ll have a blast exploring this riverside city that is the home of port wine. Admire the city’s graceful bridges and shop for books at Livraria Lello—one of the most gorgeous book shops on the planet—before enjoying a sunset drink on the river, admiring the traditional Rabelo boats bob in the water. 

Spoiler alert: There’s going to be a few more Swiss cities on this list of safe European destinations and oft-overlooked Basel is more than deserving of a few days of your time. Located on the Rhine River near the spot where Switzerland meets Germany and France, you’ll enjoy a melange of influences in the city. Bern has become renowned for its museums, art festivals (Art Basel takes over the town each June) and international flavor and the fact the city’s residents get to relish all of this with hardly any crime.

Estonia and the rest of Baltics are one of Europe’s true hidden gems and in addition to getting the chance to relish a region with significantly fewer crowds, you’ll also love the fact that hassles and petty misdeeds are in short supply here too. Tallinn is known for its ultra-romantic Old Town, historic Viru Gates—which guarded the city in days of old—and unique Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. It’s not all about historic streets though as the hip district of Kalamaja can compete with any when it comes to cool coffee shops and cafes. 

Too many people make the mistake of skipping Croatia’s capital en route to the coast, but those who stick around Zagreb will be rewarded with a grand city, which is a breeze to get around and also boasts a very low level of crime. Admire the colorful facade of St. Mark’s Church before taking in the quirky-yet-moving Museum of Broken Relationships, which displays items from relationships that ended. 

This gorgeous Greek Island is located in the Ionian Sea and due to its location across the water from Italy spent much time under Venetian control. This unique history has brought Corfu a special atmosphere and folks flock here every summer from all over the world to soak up the sun and swim in the island’s crystal-clear waters. After you’ve worked on your tan, make your way to Pontikonisi Island, home to a beautiful Byzantine chapel tucked away behind the island’s trees.

This city in Spain’s alluring Andalucia region is known to many as a jumping off point for the resort-filled Costa Del Sol region, but those that stay for a few days will enjoy a safe city on the sea filled with fun things to do. Visit the Picasso Museum (Pablo was born in Málaga) before making for the city's urban beaches to soak up some sun and sample the local grilled seafood. 

This regal city on the Danube is a wellspring of cultured pursuits, historical attractions and sensational food & drink. Walk the grand boulevards before taking in an opera or taking a spin on the famous Wiener Riesenrad Ferris wheel or spend your day exploring the local vineyards, many of which are located within the city limits. Regardless, you’ll be surrounded by safer than average streets wherever you go.

Poland’s capital lies firmly off the main tourist trail but those who make it here are richly rewarded by a safe big city full of cultural riches and social life delights. Take a walk along the Royal Route (a stroll that shows off some of the city’s best points of interest), learn about the Polish resistance in World War II before whiling away an afternoon at the city’s dreamy Royal Lazienki Park

Located on the shores of Lake Zurich, Switzerland’s biggest city may be a banking & insurance hub, but the winding streets of its Old Town might just have you thinking about fairytales over finance. Head up to the Lindenhof for a great view of the city before taking to the water with one of the cruises that traverse the Limmat River for another perspective. Then, head out to the western section of the town to hang with the hipsters at Viadukt, a group of cool shops & eateries located in railway arches. 

Slovenia’s time in the sunshine as an underrated destination is quickly coming to an end, but rest assured there doesn’t seem to be anything clouding a visit to the lovely capital Ljubljana. No, you’ll be able to visit the hilltop Ljubljana Castle, clink coffee mugs (or wine glasses) at a riverside cafe and enjoy sensational meals all without worrying about dealing with a shady situation. 

The Swedish capital makes the cut as one of the safest cities in all of Europe. Scattered across over a dozen islands, Stockholm is awash with great things to do and you’re almost guaranteed to not get into any trouble here. Visit the Vasa Museum (the home of an intact 17th century ship that sank in nearby waters) and compare the cobbled alleyways of the Old Town to the hip streets of Hornstull before heading for a ferry to explore the city’s idyllic surrounding archipelago full of even more islands. 

The castle-crowned Scottish capital is home to two distinct “towns”, with both the New Town and Old Town being full of handsome architecture and compelling sights. No visit here is complete without a stop at Edinburgh Castle, a stroll down the Royal Mile or a pitstop in a pub for a wee bit of whisky. All the while, you’ll be able to relax knowing that you’re in one of the safer big cities in Europe.   

Croatia’s third biggest city serves as a great springboard to beaches in the region, but it’s well worth staying a couple of nights in the city as Rijeka is a safe big city with beautiful architecture and real buzz about it due to its role as a shipping and ferry hub. Admire the view of the city from hilltop Trsat Castle before exploring the city’s historic Roman Arch and learning about the city’s maritime history. 

Due to its location at the southern end of Scandinavia, the Danish capital is many traveler’s introduction to the Scandi lifestyle, and my oh my what an intro it is. Home to a friendly, easy-going population that fills the city’s very safe streets with bicycles, the city is a dream to visit. No trip here is complete without a stop at Tivoli Gardens, one of the most enchanting amusement parks you’ll ever step foot in or a lunch stop for some smorrebrod, which are tiny, tasty little open-faced sandwiches. 

Portugal’s historic college town (The University of Coimbra dates all the way back to 1290), Coimbra is perched dramatically above the Mondego River and is home to atmospheric winding streets perfect for meandering. The city bubbles over with youthful energy from the students and it has remained a remarkably safe place through the years. 

Located just over the border from France, Geneva has a certain je nais se quois that separates itself from the rest of the country, but like the rest of Switzerland, it’s an incredibly safe place to spend time. Enjoy a lovely walk around the shore of Lake Geneva—admiring the famous Jet d'Eau water fountain—before exploring the winding alleys of the Old Town and the surrounding Alpine resorts. 

The capital of Norway is an extremely safe and ultra peaceful place to spend a few days and besides, in what other European capital city can you take the metro out to the suburbs and do some skiing? Before you do that, hit the Ekeburg Sculpture Park to take in some striking works of art and pay a visit to the Nobel Peace Centre. 

Dubrovnik may nab most of the headlines, but the Dalmatia region of Croatia’s other big city is a fine place to spend a few days by the sea, and you’re all but guaranteed to be safe anywhere you go in town. Explore the ruins of Diocletian's Palace and enjoy a sunset walk on the seaside promenade before catching a ferry out to one of the surrounding islands. 

Simply put, the worst thing that is likely to happen to you in Amsterdam is having a bicycle tire run over your foot. The famous Dutch city of canals may have a reputation for partying (one the city is intent on retiring), but it remains extremely safe and—outside of the main tourist center—extremely serene city. Explore famous collections of art at the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum before taking a free ferry behind Amsterdam Central train station over to the independent-minded Noord district. 

The capital of Portugal is one of the hottest destinations in all of Europe, but the crime rate remains below average. Explore this famously hilly town by tram—sampling plenty of pastel de nata egg tarts along the way—to find the most scenic overlooks and learn all about the trials and tribulations that have given locals their unique outlook on life, a mindset that expresses itself in the local fado music. 

The Finnish capital is as safe as they come and it’s a true pleasure to explore. Admire the unique Helsinki Cathedral before taking in the historic Suomenlinna sea fortress and settling in for a sauna experience, which is arguably the one thing you can’t leave Finland without trying.