British travellers will be jetting off on their overseas adventures, as the summer season reaches its peak. Many will venture to Europe, where nations such as Spain, Portugal, France and Italy continue to be preferred destinations.
When selecting a location, security will rank highly amongst priorities. A fresh study conducted by Riviera Travel has identified the top ten most secure cities in Europe, with two being particular favourites amongst Brits.
To compile the Safest Destinations Index, Riviera Travel assembled a preliminary list of 40 popular European cities beyond the UK and examined crime statistics using Numbeo’s Crime Index, reports the Express. Riviera Travel’s index assesses cities according to two criteria: present crime levels and the crime rate growth over the past five years.
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In Numbeo’s index, a rating of 0 signifies the lowest crime level, whilst 100 denotes the highest.
10. Budapest (76.94)
Budapest is the capital of Hungary -Credit:Getty
Despite increasing crime rates (46.64), the Hungarian capital’s crime level stays moderate (30.30), securing it a 76.94 rating and a place amongst Europe’s safest destinations.
9. Zurich (76.66)
Zurich, Switzerland -Credit:Getty
The European city, recognised and cherished for its scenic splendour and upmarket shopping districts, has witnessed a “moderate” rise in crime rates over the past five years; nevertheless, its crime levels stay low, cementing its position amongst the continent’s top 10 safest destinations.
8. Reykjavik (76.08)
Iceland’s distinctive capital provides visitors with the opportunity to immerse themselves in Nordic culture within one of the globe’s most tranquil environments.
Reykjavik in Iceland -Credit:Getty
Nevertheless, despite Reykjavik’s exceptionally low crime levels, the city holds the second-highest crime rate surge within the top 10 over the past five years (57.85).
7. Munich (73.74)
Munich is often considered the cultural capital of Germany -Credit:Getty
The German metropolis renowned for its lively beer culture and remarkable architecture stands as a secure European destination. Although it possesses the steepest crime rate escalation score amongst the top 10 (57.88), tourists can feel safe in Bavaria’s capital owing to its “very low” crime level (15.86), enabling them to unwind and savour their Munich adventure.
6. Amsterdam (71.09)
Amsterdam, the Dutch capital -Credit:Getty
The Dutch capital, celebrated for its historic waterways and cultural landmarks such as the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House, maintains a “low” crime level and “moderate” crime rise, scoring 27.39 and 43.70 respectively, securing its reputation as a safe travel destination.
5. Kraków (64.31)
Boasting a “low” crime level (20.7) and a “moderate” crime escalation over the past five years (43.61), Kraków, which houses Europe’s largest medieval marketplace, stands amongst the continent’s most secure cities.
Kraków is home to Europe’s largest medieval market square -Credit:Getty
4. Prague (60.88)
Prague is known as the ‘city of a 100 spires’ -Credit:Getty
The “City of a Hundred Spires,” dubbed for its spire-dotted horizon, presents visitors with the ideal blend of safety and breathtaking tourism. Whilst the Czech capital earned a “moderate” 44.05 rating for rising crime over the past five years, its “very low” crime level rating of 16.83 secures its position amongst Europe’s three safest cities.
3. Warsaw (60.19)
Warsaw, the capital of Poland, with its “moderate” crime increase in the past five years (40.74) and “very low” crime level (19.45), is considered a safe destination.
Warsaw, Poland -Credit:Getty
The city’s impressive post-war reconstruction has resulted in a place where tourists can safely wander through restored historic quarters and shiny modern districts.
2. Tallinn (55.81)
Tallinn, the Estonian capital, provides one of the most secure city experiences in Northern Europe for visitors. This stunning medieval city, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, allows travellers to relax, knowing they’re in one of Europe’s safest destinations.
Tallinn, the Estonian capital -Credit:Getty
1. Dubrovnik (44.14)
With a score of 8.76 from Numbeo indicating a “very low” crime level, and a “low” 35.38 for crime increasing over the past five years, this Croatian city is deemed the safest in Europe.
This UNESCO World Heritage jewel, famously referred to as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, ensures visitors can stroll through medieval streets and along immaculate city walls safely.