The safest capitals in Europe: where you can walk safely even at night

Forget about pickpockets and anxiety! Europe has amazing places where you can enjoy night walks without the slightest fear. Find out which cities will give you the perfect holiday and absolute peace of mind on your trip

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When planning a holiday, we increasingly pay attention not only to the beauty of architecture and museums, but also to personal safety. Agree, it is difficult to enjoy a trip if you have to constantly look over your shoulder or hide your smartphone in your inside pocket.

Experienced traveller Vinicius Costa, based on his personal experience and data from the specialised portal Travel off Path, has identified five European capitals with the lowest level of risk. In these cities, you can truly relax.

Reykjavík, Iceland

Safety index: 95 points

The northernmost capital is rightly considered the benchmark for safety not only in Europe but also in the world. The level of public trust here is so high that locals leave prams with sleeping children on the street without fear while they go into a shop or drink coffee. The only things that can cause discomfort in Reykjavik are the harsh climate and relatively high prices.

Vilnius, Lithuania

Safety index: 85 points

This Baltic capital surprises with its absolute tranquillity. Vilnius is one of those rare cities where you can accidentally leave your phone on a table on a summer terrace, come back for it later and find it exactly where you left it. It is the perfect destination for relaxed strolls along cobbled streets without constantly worrying about your belongings.

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Ljubljana, Slovenia

The capital of Slovenia is the quintessence of old European charm, but without the usual tourist chaos and noisy crowds. Violent incidents are practically non-existent here, and the crime rate is close to zero. The most a traveller is likely to encounter is persistent beggars on the streets. Otherwise, it is an incredibly quiet, green and cosy city.

Budapest, Hungary

The Hungarian capital attracts tourists not only with its luxurious parliament building and relaxing thermal baths, but also with its atmosphere of absolute tranquillity. There is no need to nervously hide your valuables here: people freely use their phones and cameras in crowds. In addition, women note that they are not afraid to return to their hotels alone late at night.

Warsaw, Poland

When comparing Warsaw to popular Western European metropolises such as Paris or London, the Polish capital wins hands down in terms of safety. The level of street crime here is significantly lower, allowing you to enjoy night-time strolls through the beautifully lit Old Town without the slightest tension.

Most of these destinations can be conveniently combined into car routes, especially if you are planning a trip through Central or Western Europe. Before departure, it is important to check the rules for toll roads in the countries of transit and destination. If you plan to travel on such highways, it is worth purchasing an electronic road vignette in advance. At Visit Ukraine, you can quickly purchase vignettes for various European countries online — without queues and fines at the border. This allows you to avoid unpleasant surprises and focus on your route.

Reminder! In 2026, Europe is opening up new alternative destinations for travel without crowds of tourists. Find out which 5 ‘hidden gems’ experts recommend and when is the best time to plan your trip.

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