These are the 15 safest cities in the world

In a world where political uncertainty, natural disasters, and social tensions unsettle travelers, the question of safety is becoming increasingly important. Where can one move freely, and where is the risk of crime or health problems particularly low?

The latest " Safest Cities Report 2026 " from the insurance company Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) provides answers. The study combines survey data from over 1,500 travelers with objective safety metrics from platforms such as Numbeo and GeoSure Global, painting a realistic picture of which cities are currently considered particularly safe.

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What's immediately striking about the ranking of the 15 safest cities in the world is that Europe is way ahead. Nine of the 15 major cities are located in Europe, demonstrating how safe the continent is in many places. In addition to relative economic security, largely stable political systems also play a role in travelers' sense of security. It's important to note that only U.S. citizens were surveyed for the ranking of the 15 cities. The insurance company is based in the U.S.

The survey was conducted in August 2025 and therefore does not take into account recent developments, such as the cable car disaster in Lisbon. Respondents were only allowed to participate in the study if they had actually visited one of the listed cities. They rated their experiences in various safety categories, including crime, health, and public transport safety.

San Francisco surprisingly ranks high in the ranking, despite often being associated with social problems like homelessness. Central neighborhoods, such as Fisherman's Wharf and Nob Hill, are nevertheless considered safe. San Francisco's emergency infrastructure is strong, and its famous public transport is not only safe but also offers travelers great views of the city.

Order, cleanliness, and strict laws – safety in Singapore is no coincidence. The city is considered one of the most controlled metropolises in the world, which has both advantages and disadvantages. Travelers appreciate the low crime rate and exemplary organization, but should be aware of the strict rules of conduct: Even minor violations can result in severe penalties.

London makes it into the ranking despite its size. The British capital scores highly with its high police presence, safe public transport, and an overall low risk for travelers. The central districts, which are popular with tourists, are considered particularly safe. Only the left-hand traffic regularly causes confusion for international visitors.

The South Korean capital is known for its technological innovations and the discipline of its population, and this is also reflected in its security standards. Seoul boasts low crime rates, a high level of cleanliness, and a high level of respect in public spaces. However, travelers should be sensitive to political issues, especially those related to North Korea.

The lagoon city is not only romantic but also safe. Serious crimes are rare here; the greatest risk comes from pickpockets in tourist areas. Its compact structure, constant police presence, and high quality of life make Venice a relaxed destination for travelers.

The Irish capital impresses with its hospitality and serenity. According to the BHTP, there are hardly any neighborhoods that are considered unsafe. Dublin scores highly with its functioning infrastructure, manageable distances, and an open, humorous population. A place where travelers quickly feel welcome.

Tokyo remains synonymous with order and efficiency. Violent crime is virtually nonexistent, and the public transportation system is considered one of the safest in the world. Japan 's culture of politeness further contributes to the feeling of calm and security, even in a metropolis of more than 14 million people.

Lisbon is a newcomer to the rankings – and it's entirely deserved. The Portuguese capital scores highly with its low crime rate, stable infrastructure, and relaxed pace of life. It's also considered safer and, although well-visited, less crowded than Barcelona, ​​for example, making it particularly attractive for city travelers.

Nevertheless, thanks to improvements in infrastructure and tourism management, Barcelona is back in the top 10. Despite the crowds and the often-criticized overtourism, the city manages to maintain order and security. At least the travelers surveyed report a high sense of security.

Sydney is considered a vibrant, open, and one of the safest cities in the world. While Australia is repeatedly threatened by natural disasters such as bushfires, the city has excellent emergency response capabilities. Crime is low, and the atmosphere remains typically Australian, despite its metropolitan character.

Honolulu is ranked as the safest city in the USA for the third time in a row. The Hawaiian capital benefits from its relaxed attitude and effective emergency coordination – especially in the event of natural hazards such as storms or volcanic eruptions. The high level of social cohesion among the population further contributes to the sense of security.

Amsterdam stands for freedom, openness, and inclusion – and that's precisely what makes the city safe. Violent crime is relatively rare, traffic is quiet thanks to the cycling culture, and social acceptance ensures a respectful coexistence. Travelers appreciate the ease with which one can move through the alleys and along the canals.

New to the ranking and right on the podium: Zurich impresses with its cleanliness, excellent medical care, and political stability. Its compact size makes the city easy to navigate, while its high price level contributes to a very orderly living environment. Safety is a top priority here.

The Danish capital is considered a prime example of urban safety. Violent crime is extremely rare, bicycles dominate the streets, and the city administration consistently invests in sustainable infrastructure. Anyone traveling in Copenhagen experiences a modern metropolis with village-like serenity.

For the second year in a row, Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland , is the safest city in the world, according to the BHTP. This small, sustainable, and community-oriented metropolis scores highly with low crime rates, excellent healthcare, and a cosmopolitan, supportive population. "There isn't a single neighborhood in Reykjavik that is unsafe," the report's authors write.

In addition to top rankings in the categories of violent crime (1st place) and health (2nd place), the city also impresses with its safety measures for women, LGBTQIA+ travelers, and people of color (also 2nd place). The only risk factor in Reykjavik remains nature. Volcanic activity around the city continues to require caution.

The ranking demonstrates that security isn't a question of size or location, but of social cohesion and functioning systems. Whether Reykjavik, Honolulu, or Zurich: cities that trust their citizens and invest in security also create a sense of security for travelers.

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