Wondering where in Europe you can feel completely at ease while exploring? Whether you’re planning a solo trip, travelling with kids, or even considering a move abroad, safety is likely at the top of your list—and for good reason.
To help you find the perfect destination, we’ve rounded up the 15 safest cities in Europe. These rankings are based on updated 2026 stats around crime, healthcare, infrastructure, and overall quality of life. So, if you’re after culture, charm, and calm streets, this list is a great place to start.
Top 15 Safest Cities in Europe (2026 Rankings)
If you want to travel with complete peace of mind, you need data you can trust. Numbeo—the world’s largest crowd-sourced database for cost of living and quality-of-life stats—asks hundreds of thousands of locals and travellers each year how safe they feel in their own neighbourhoods. They then blend those answers with official figures to create its annual Safety Index.
Below, we’ve used Numbeo’s freshly published snapshot to highlight the places in Europe where you can explore after dark without a second thought. These destinations consistently stand out among the safest European cities for both travel and day-to-day living.
|
Rank |
City |
Country |
Safety Index |
Key Highlights |
|
1 |
The Hague |
Netherlands |
80.1 |
Calm political district, safe cycling and trams, everyday ease for expats. |
|
2 |
Tampere |
Finland |
79.6 |
Open lakes, relaxed streets, particularly safe for solo travellers and women. |
|
3 |
Eindhoven |
Netherlands |
79.1 |
Clear layout, wide pavements, excellent street lighting. |
|
4 |
Utrecht |
Netherlands |
79.0 |
Calm canals, safe cycling, gentle city pace. |
|
5 |
Trondheim |
Norway |
79.0 |
Well-lit paths, relaxed residential areas, supportive community. |
|
6 |
Munich |
Germany |
78.9 |
Spotless public areas, predictable systems, safe for expats. |
|
7 |
Zagreb |
Croatia |
78.6 |
Active city centre without chaos, low violent crime, family-friendly. |
|
8 |
Lugano |
Switzerland |
78.5 |
Consistently maintained streets, safe public spaces, reliable infrastructure. |
|
9 |
Tallinn |
Estonia |
78.4 |
Medieval old town with modern public systems, calm streets at night. |
|
10 |
Groningen |
Netherlands |
78.4 |
Compact city centre, calm cycling rhythm, safe for students and families. |
|
11 |
Ljubljana |
Slovenia |
78.2 |
Car-free centre, intuitive layout, low violent incidents. |
|
12 |
Tartu |
Estonia |
77.8 |
University town with predictable routines, very walkable. |
|
13 |
Cluj-Napoca |
Romania |
77.5 |
Vibrant yet manageable centre, low serious crime, easy navigation. |
|
14 |
Rijeka |
Croatia |
76.5 |
Relaxed port city, safe nightlife, low violent incidents. |
|
15 |
Zurich |
Switzerland |
76.3 |
Reliable transport, clean streets, safe lakefront and public areas. |
Overall, these top 15 cities demonstrate that safety in Europe is closely linked to well-maintained infrastructure, predictable public spaces, and strong community norms. Whether you are traveling, relocating, or planning an extended stay, choosing any of these destinations can offer peace of mind and a secure environment for everyday life.
Many travellers also compare this list with discussions about the most dangerous cities in Europe to better understand how much local systems and public order can shape the travel experience.
Tips for Enhancing Personal Safety
Even in Europe’s safest cities, staying alert and prepared is always a smart move. Here are some practical safety tips to help you feel more confident while travelling—whether you’re navigating busy streets, using public transport, or exploring after dark.
Stay aware of your surroundings
Avoid distractions like texting while walking, especially in unfamiliar areas or on public transport. Pay attention to people around you, street signs, and your route. This not only helps you stay safe but also helps you stay oriented.
Keep valuables secure
Use a crossbody bag that zips shut or a money belt under your clothing. Avoid keeping phones, wallets, or passports in back pockets or loose bags. If your accommodation has a safe, store extra cash and important documents there instead of carrying them all day.
Use trusted transport options
Stick to licensed taxis, official rideshare apps, or well-known public transport networks. In most European cities, public transit is safe and efficient—but it’s best to avoid empty train carriages late at night when possible.
Be cautious with ATMs
Use ATMs located inside banks or busy public places rather than isolated machines. Shield your PIN when entering it and check for anything unusual on the card reader before use.
Keep emergency contacts handy
Save local emergency numbers and your embassy or consulate details in your phone. Consider carrying a printed copy in your bag in case your phone is lost or runs out of battery.
Know the local laws and customs
Familiarise yourself with local laws, especially those related to alcohol, drugs, photography, and identification. Some places require visitors to carry ID at all times, and certain behaviours—harmless at home—may be frowned upon or illegal elsewhere.
Pick accommodation with real security
Reviews rarely tell you what the street feels like after 10 p.m. Look for good lighting, controlled building access, and staff availability. Many modern rentals use smart systems—Security Cameras, controlled entry, or video doorbells —not to intrude on guests but to keep unauthorised visitors out. For solo or long-stay travellers, that extra layer matters.
Bring a few compact safety tools
Some travellers pack small door stoppers or luggage locks. Others use portable alarm systems when staying in shared or short-term accommodation. They’re simple, lightweight, and offer peace of mind without feeling extreme.
Recommended Security Gear for Safe Travel and Home Protection
For travellers and residents alike, having reliable security equipment such as Outdoor Security Cameras can complement the safety of your environment. Here are some of the top products to enhance your personal and home security:
eufy PTZ‑Bullet PoE Cam S4 Add‑On
The eufy PTZ-Bullet PoE Cam S4 Add-On is a versatile home security camera that combines a 4K wide-angle bullet camera with a 2K Pan-Tilt-Zoom camera, offering comprehensive coverage for any property. Its dual-camera setup ensures both broad surveillance and detailed close-ups when needed.
Type: Outdoor wired PTZ camera
Key Features:
- 360° rotation for wide-area coverage
- PoE (Power over Ethernet) simplifies installation
- Smart tracking and weatherproof design, perfect for outdoor use
Ideal For: Those who want extensive outdoor surveillance at home or while travelling.
eufy NVR Security System E40
The eufy NVR Security System E40 offers reliable home protection with easy setup. Capture every detail with 4K UHD video and a wide 122° field of view. The on-device AI agent detects threats in real time, while the AI Video Finder makes reviewing footage simple. Built weatherproof with two-way talk, it ensures clear communication and continuous monitoring.
Type: Network Video Recorder security system
Key Features:
- Supports multiple cameras for centralized monitoring
- Local storage with encrypted protection
- Integrates seamlessly with other eufy devices
Ideal For: Long-term residents or property owners needing a comprehensive security setup.
SoloCam S340 Wireless Outdoor Security Camera
Keep your home safe with the SoloCam S340 Wireless Outdoor Security Camera, a reliable and easy-to-install outdoor security camera. Designed for everyday homeowners, it combines advanced features with hassle-free operation, making home surveillance simple and effective.
Type: Wireless outdoor smart camera
Key Features:
- 3K Dual-Camera Clarity
- Solar-Powered & Always On
- 360° Coverage
- Local Storage
Ideal For: Short-term stays, temporary residences, or rental properties where quick setup is preferred.
These devices can supplement the safety measures in Europe’s safest cities, giving you extra peace of mind. Whether monitoring your accommodation or keeping an eye on outdoor spaces, these tools ensure your security goes beyond environmental safety indexes, especially when visiting a destination often described as the safest city in Europe.
Conclusion
Europe is filled with incredible cities, each offering its own unique charm. But when safety is a deciding factor, the destinations on this list truly shine. Whether you’re wandering through the canals of The Hague, cycling in Ljubljana, or catching a tram in Zurich, choosing one of the safest cities in Europe gives you the freedom to focus on what matters: enjoying the moment.
And while these cities already offer strong safety foundations, taking a few simple precautions—like staying aware, keeping valuables secure, and travelling on trusted transport can make all the difference.
FAQs
Which city in Europe has the best quality of life?
Zurich and Vienna consistently come out on top for quality of life in Europe, thanks to their reliable public services, strong safety records, efficient transport, and generous green spaces. Copenhagen also ranks highly for sustainability and work-life balance, with Geneva and Stockholm close behind.
Which city has the worst crime rate in Europe?
Based on the latest available data for 2025, Bradford in the UK frequently records the highest overall crime index in Europe, with Coventry, Birmingham and Marseille also ranking near the top. These cities see higher rates of drug-related and economic offences, though the type and visibility of crime vary—Marseille, for instance, is more affected by organised gang activity.
Is Amsterdam one of the safest cities?
Yes, Amsterdam is broadly regarded as a safe city, thanks to low violent-crime levels, reliable public transport and a strong police presence. The main issues travellers encounter tend to be petty theft and bike crime, especially around busy central areas. Stay aware in crowds and you’ll find Amsterdam welcoming, well-run and easy to explore.
What European cities are the safest?
European cities that consistently rank among the safest—based on the latest available safety index data, crime trends, and traveller feedback—include The Hague, Munich, Trondheim, Ljubljana, Bern, and Zurich. These cities combine low violent-crime rates with strong public services, reliable transport, and a general sense of safety both day and night.
Related Blogs
Check out these articles for more information:
