Marisa Bolivar
Traveling around the world seems like a dream come true, but not if your destination is one of the world’s most dangerous places. Before you randomly pick a vacation spot, find out if you can safely go back home after the trip.
The latest study by the World Population Review ranked 4,416 cities worldwide based on threats to your safety. It takes into account crime rates, transportation, and even the purity of drinking water.
To help you avoid dangerous cities, we’ve collated the top based on the death ratio in the city. These are the most dangerous cities you need to know about.
1. Los Cabos (Mexico)
Los Cabos in Mexico was named the most dangerous place in the world, with a death rate of 111.3 for every 100,000 people. Violent crime and kidnapping reign supreme in the city and walking alone day or night is terrifying.
If you find yourself in Los Cabos, exercise caution at all times. Stay in areas that are considered tourist spots in the city with many people around. Avoid traveling at night and always use toll roads.
2. Caracas (Venezuela)
With a death rate of 111.2 per 100,000 people, Caracas in Venezuela is a dangerous place to visit. The city has high levels of chaos and civil unrest, with plenty of kidnapping cases and wrongful detentions.
To keep safe, avoid traveling to Caracas. With organized gangs running the streets, you can easily get mugged and robbed, which are common in the city. While it seems great to visit Avila Mountain, put your safety first.
3. Acapulco (Mexico)
Mexico’s Acapulco has a death rate of 107 per 100,000 residents and a high crime index of 60.52% out of 120%. It is considered a dangerous city, where turf battles rule the streets with many incidents of armed robberies and kidnappings.
While you might be tempted to visit due to Elvis Presley’s 1963 film Fun in Acapulco, rethink your travel choices. The city may have stunning beaches and accommodations, but safety and security are issues you need to consider.
4. Natal (Brazil)
Natal in Brazil recorded a death rate of 102.6 per 100,000 individuals. Violent crimes and illegal substance problems run amok in the city. People are advised to stay in well-lit areas at all times.
Despite its risky environment, Natal is home to some of the country’s most incredible stretches of sand. You can go on a beach buggy adventure in Ponta Negra Beach, but make sure you stick to populated areas.
5. Tijuana (Mexico)
With 100.8 deaths per 100,000 people, Mexico’s Tijuana was named one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Cartels reign the streets of Tijuana with territory battles left and right. Tourists are not advised to travel to this city.
If you need to visit Tijuana, stay in Playas de Tijuana and Zona Rio. These are the areas where tourists can stay and get a taste of what life is like in Tijuana.
6. La Paz (Mexico)
La Paz, Mexico, got a record of 84.8 deaths per 100,000 residents, making it one of the world’s most dangerous cities. You’ll likely encounter pickpockets in the streets, so make sure to stay vigilant. Never walk the streets at night, especially when alone.
If you go to La Paz, stay in Malecon. It is a well-lit area that tourists are advised to go to since it’s monitored by law enforcement.
7. Fortaleza (Brazil)
Fortaleza in Brazil has a high crime rate, with 83.5 deaths per 100,000 people due to violent crimes like robberies and assaults. This poses safety and security issues for everyone in the area.
Fortaleza is home to beautiful beaches, including Praia Meireles and Praia de Iracema. Be fascinated by the stunning sights and artful handicrafts, but make your safety the number one priority.
8. Ciudad Victoria (Mexico)
Ciudad Victoria in Mexico has a staggering record of 83.3 deaths per 100,000 people, which indicates a high crime rate. Travel advisories caution against visiting this city due to the high number of organized crime cases. It is not uncommon to encounter incidents of robbery or kidnapping in this area.
Ciudad Victoria is located in northeastern Mexico, and cartels run the streets. If you have nothing important to do in the city, avoid this area.
9. Ciudad Guayana (Venezuela)
With 80.3 deaths per 100,000 people, Ciudad Guayana in Venezuela qualifies as one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Despite being a metro, the city is filled with criminal activities, and it’s not safe to linger around the area.
While the city has stunning nature spots, the high rates for both violent and petty crimes can make anyone worry. Even its residents are cautioned to remain vigilant.
10. Belém (Brazil)
Brazil’s Belém, with 71.4 deaths per 100,000 people, is one of the world’s most dangerous cities. With many cases of gang activities and a high crime rate, the city is unsafe for residents and tourists alike.
If you plan to travel to Belém, be mindful of your belongings and avoid dark, faraway areas. Stick with places where tourists are, and don’t trust strangers.
11. Ciudad Juárez (Mexico)
With 86 deaths per 100,000 individuals, Ciudad Juárez has a dangerous reputation, similar to other cities in the country. The homicide rate is also frighteningly high despite the decrease in 2022.
Since the city shares a border with El Paso, Texas, the city has a bit of a cultural fusion of America and Mexico. If you travel to this city, avoid traveling by land because of the high risk of robbery and carjacking.
12. Irapuato (Mexico)
Irapuato in Mexico recorded 81 deaths per 100,000 people, which makes the city a dangerous place to visit. It has a high crime rate for petty crimes (e.g., pickpocketing and bag snatching) and violent crimes (e.g., armed robberies and kidnappings). Be extra cautious in crowded areas like markets and tourist spots.
Solo female travelers are advised to avoid walking on the road to minimize the risk of street harassment. Tourists are also cautioned against drinking tap water as a precautionary measure.
13. Ciudad Bolivar (Venezuela)
Venezuela’s Ciudad Bolívar recorded 69 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants and has become a dangerous place due to abundant criminal activities. Travelers are advised to reconsider because of many cases of wrongful detentions and civil unrest.
Despite its reputation, Ciudad Bolivar welcomes more tourists. If you plan to travel to this Venezuelan city, experience the wonder of Margarita Island (in the safest way possible).
14. Cape Town (South Africa)
Cape Town in South Africa is a dangerous city with a record of 66 deaths per 100,000. It’s generally safe in Cape Town, but walking at night, especially alone, should be avoided. Steer away from areas near the township because of the high crime rate in these areas, including Kraaifontein, Nyanga, and Cape Flats.
Stay in the city center and explore the Garden Route and safari spots. Check out Cape Winelands and try the city’s scrumptious Boerewors (sausage).
15. Cancún (Mexico)
Mexico’s Cancún has a record of 64 deaths per 100,000, and many are advised to avoid traveling to the area. As part of the Quintana Roo state, the city is in an area with increased criminal activity. Street harassment occurs in the city, which solo female travelers can find uncomfortable and scary.
To avoid street harassment, avoid busy areas like the city’s Downtown and Hotel Zone. Otherwise, you can enjoy the city’s white-sand beaches and stunning Mayan ruins.
16. Feira de Santana (Brazil)
Feira de Santana is a Brazilian city with a record of 63 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. Criminal activities plague the city, from gang activities to violent crimes.
The Brazilian city may be dangerous, but the locals know how to party. If you want to have fun, visit during St. Anne’s Day and enjoy the parties and activities like watching the bumba-meu-boi (play).
17. St. Louis (United States)
St. Louis, Missouri, became one of the most dangerous cities in the world, with a death ratio of 61 per 100,000. Although it’s generally safe to walk around downtown even after dark, we advise against it, especially if you go out alone.
Be vigilant when in metropolitan areas like Delmar Boulevard. If you want to be somewhere safe, The Hill, Soulard, and Central West End are your best bets.
18. Culiacán (Mexico)
Culiacán is one of the most dangerous cities in the world, with recorded cases of 61 deaths per 100,000 people. Cartels run the city and paint the roads with criminal activities, from narcotics to trafficking. Dangerous encounters between drug cartels and law enforcement are frequent.
Culiacán might not be the first city that comes to mind for a vacation, but if you do decide to visit, you can immerse yourself in its rich Sinaloense culture. You can also enjoy performances from popular musical groups such as Los Buitres de Culiacán and Los Bukanas de Culiacán.
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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.