Marisa Bolivar
Have you ever had a vacation with your family in Europe? If you haven’t tried it yet, several European cities are wonderful to visit. The best part is that they are very safe for your entire family.
Many cities and countries are assessed based on several factors that make up the crime index. These include safety concerns and different levels of crimes, such as property crimes and violent crimes. The ones with the lowest scores are considered dangerous, while the ones with the highest scores are relatively safe for residents and tourists.
We’ve selected the top safest cities in Europe by ranking them according to their safety index scores (the opposite of crime index scores). These are the European cities that made the list.
1. The Hague (Den Haag), Netherlands
The Hague in the Netherlands has a safety index rate of 79.8, making it the safest city in Europe. Going to Den Haag for a vacation offers a freeing experience that won’t make you feel like you must always watch your back. It features a low crime rate and reliable, safe public transport that is easy to understand, including buses and trams.
Many residents speak English fluently, so you won’t have a problem asking for directions. Take your family to see the Binnenhof complex’s Gothic-style architecture and Noordeinde Palance’s 16th-century grandeur.
2. Munich, Germany
Germany’s Munich has a safety index score of 79.7, making it the second safest city in the country. Its low crime rate is primarily due to the city’s strict implementation of its laws. While it may be popular with expats and tourists, pay attention to tourist traps and pickpockets.
Munich is known for the Oktoberfest, but it may be inappropriate for a family vacation. Instead, visit historical buildings, including the city’s cathedral, Frauenkirche, and the Old Town Hall, Altes Rathaus. Take your family to Olympiapark and the famous Allianz Arena football stadium.
3. Trondheim, Norway
With a safety index rate of 79.4, Trondheim in Norway has a good reputation for being a safe and secure city. The city has a very low crime rate, and you can comfortably walk late at night.
Check out the city’s top stunning tourist designation, the Nidaros Cathedral, an establishment from the Middle Ages when Trondheim was known as Nidaros and named a Christian pilgrimage site. Walk through the charming cobbled streets of the Bakklandet district and enjoy the view of the Nidelven River with your family.
4. Bern, Switzerland
Bern, Switzerland, got a safety index score of 79.0, which makes the city a safe place to visit. It has low crime rates for both petty and violent crimes. The city also has well-managed public transportation and walking safely through the streets at night.
Bern houses a well-preserved medieval old town that’s also considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Go to the Bern Historical Museum and Einstein Museum for a little educational tour.
5. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Slovenia’s Ljubljana has a safety index rate of 78.9, so you can safely walk around the city at night. Public transportation, such as buses, is safe and available even at night. Street harassment and petty crimes are also rare in this city.
Check out the oldest philharmonic orchestra in the world, the Academia Philharmonicorum. If you and your family love music and orchestra, dive into the history of the first-ever music society.
6. Zagreb, Croatia
The city of Zagreb in Croatia has a safety index score of 78.7. It is considered a safe tourist designation for solo and female travelers. If you’re on a family vacation, you can walk around the streets with your kids, even at night.
Check out the city’s vibrant streets and lively entertainment events. The city’s Historical Upper Town offers a stunning view of the landmarks and other panoramic views of the Croatian city.
7. Groningen, Netherlands
Groningen is a safe city in the Netherlands with a safety index rate of 78.6. The city has a very low crime rate, so your safety won’t be an issue here.
Visit some of the most prestigious learning institutions in the world, including the University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, and the Hanze University of Applied Science. Look around the city by walking or biking.
8. Eindhoven, Netherlands
The Netherlands’ Eindhoven received a safety index score of 78.1. The city has a relatively low crime rate compared to other nearby cities. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing may happen in tourist trap areas.
Get ready to walk or bike around the city to avoid paying for the expensive public transportation in the Netherlands. Visit the Philips Museum to learn how Philips Electronics was first introduced. Make sure to taste some of the city’s scrumptious Stroopwafels and brewed coffees.
9. Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Cluj-Napoca is a city in Romania that’s been named one of the safest in Europe after it received a safety index of 77.8. Walking around with your family, even at night, won’t be an issue. It is also considered safe for both female and solo travelers.
This vibrant city once served as the capital of the Grand Principality of Transylvania. Enjoy its historical buildings, especially the ones in its old town. The Someșul Mic River Valley is also a fascinating place to visit.
10. Zurich, Switzerland
Switzerland’s Zurich, with a safety index of 77.8, is a relatively safe city to visit, with low crime rates in populated and deserted streets. Walking with your family at all hours is possible and won’t cause any problems.
For a stunning aesthetic to get lost in, visit the Old Town and Zurichberg. You can also trek the Karlstrum and go to Grossmünster for a breathtaking view of the entire city. You can also take your family to the country’s largest public park, Irchelpark.
11. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn, Estonia, has a safety index rate of 77.7. The crime rate is low, but of course, you still have to be vigilant about your belongings. Pickpockets exist in crowded areas of the city, so stay away from large groups of people.
Estonia’s Tallinn is an ancient Old Town that allows you to experience the feeling of stepping back in time. Not only does it offer a picturesque view, but it is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site that you can explore.
12. Helsinki, Finland
Finland’s Helsinki got a safety index score of 75.6 and takes pride in its low crime rate. Roaming around this Nordic city is significantly safe for residents and tourists, even women and solo travelers.
The Finnish city has beautiful nature sites, from pristine lakes to amazing forests rich with fauna and wildlife. If you like architecture, you can appreciate Alvar Aalto’s Finlandia Concert Hall and Eliel Saarinen’s Art Nouveau.
13. Reykjavik, Iceland
With a safety index rate of 75.6, Reykjavik in Iceland has been a consistent contender for the spot of the safest city in Europe. Among all the cities in Iceland, this one has consistently been the safest for years.
Located on the coast, the Icelandic city carries the country’s Viking history in its National and Saga museums. Visit some of the popular tourist destinations, including the geothermal Blue Lagoon and the Hallgrimskirkja church. Have a bite of Hákarl (fermented shark) and Rúgbrauð (dark rye bread) from nearby restaurants.
14. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague in the Czech Republic is a safe European city with a safety index score of 75.5. Its crime rate is low, both for property and violent crimes. The water is also clean, so you won’t have to spend so much on bottled water.
Since you are with family, you can skip Prague’s exciting nightlife for the next visit. Instead, visit popular sites such as the Prague Castle and the Jewish Quarter. Your family will also enjoy exploring Petřín Hill and the historical fort Vyšehrad.
15. Bergen, Norway
Norway’s Bergen has a safety index rate of 75.0 and is considered very safe for residents and tourists, in the morning and at night. It has low crime rates and secure public transportation that will take you and your family to your destinations without fuss.
Check out Sognefjord, the country’s deepest and longest fjord (glacier-made sea inlet). Ride the Fløibanen Funicular (mountain cable car) to see the stunning views from the popular Fløyen Mountain.
16. Brasov, Romania
Brasov, a Romanian city, got a safety index score of 74.7 and is one of the safest places in the country. It features a low crime rate despite petty crimes still occurring in the city, especially in crowded spots. Besides that, trouble is rare in the city.
Take a walk in the Old Town and the Council Square. Check out Mount Tampa and the Black Church if you still have time to spare.
17. Brno, Czech Republic
Brno in the Czech Republic has a safety index score of 74.5. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the country and has been regarded as a safe space for regular tourists and solo travelers.
Explore the medieval Špilberk Castle, from the vaulted tunnels to its in-house museum. Take the chance to visit the restored Villa Tugendhat and the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul.
18. Warsaw, Poland
With a safety index rate of 74.5, Warsaw in Poland provides a haven for residents and tourists alike. The Polish capital has reliable and secure taxi services, so going around the city isn’t a hassle.
Immersing yourself in local customs and visiting historical sites can make your family trip more memorable. Make time to visit the city center, Old Town, and the Neon Museum, showcasing the Cold War remnants.
19. Timișoara, Romania
Romania’s Timișoara got a safety index score of 74.3, which means your family can go on a vacation to this city without worrying about safety. Avoid dark areas, though, in case there are pickpockets.
Timișoara is known as the “City of Roses” because it houses several incredible green spaces. If you love nature and are passionate about architecture, this city is worth visiting.
19 Safest Countries in the World For Your Next Trip
Is this your first time traveling outside the country alone? If so, choosing a safe country is a smart move to ease into your travels.
To help you decide on a safe destination, we’ve collated the top countries based on their GPI rankings by the Institute for Economics and Peace. Here are the safest countries to consider for your next journey.
18 Most Dangerous Cities in Europe You Have to Avoid
When you think about Europe, you might picture grand buildings and peaceful, aesthetic surroundings. However, not all cities on this beautiful continent are safe; some are better left alone.
This guide will introduce you to the most dangerous European cities you should avoid. This way, you can stay safe while still enjoying your European vacation.
MSN Writer, Radical FIRE
Expertise: Entertainment, Travel, Interior Design, and Personal Improvement Niches
Education: Bachelor of Science in Tourism, Major in Development Tourism Management at Ateneo de Naga University
Experience: Marisa Bolivar is a content writer with 10 years of experience in creating blogs and articles across different industries on the web. She has explored many niches in her years working as a content specialist with her favorite zeroing on entertainment, from books to movies and TV shows. Marisa is also a bookworm, who has a fondness for personal improvement and philosophical authors like Paulo Coelho and Mitch Albom.