You’ll Never Guess: THIS European City Just Beat (Paris, London, Prague) in Tourist Safety in 2025

See, I’ve always had a soft spot for Prague. It’s been my go-to recommendation for friends dipping their toes into European travel for the first time.

How could it not be? Walking across the Charles Bridge at dawn feels like a fairyland. The city’s skyline, a forest of gothic spires, is unforgettable.

And through it all, Prague has long been the gold standard for a safe, beautiful, and utterly magical European getaway.

But the world of travel is always changing. What we thought we knew yesterday can be turned on its head by new data today.

A groundbreaking report just landed from the UK-based tour operator Riviera Travel. A new index of Europe’s safest cities, and it’s surprising.

A stunning European city just beat Prague, and I’m here to reveal which one it is, why it won, and what this means for your next vacation.

Say Hello to Europe’s Safest City, Dubrovnik!

The crown for Europe’s safest city for tourists in 2025 goes to Dubrovnik, Croatia!

That’s right, the “Pearl of the Adriatic” has officially claimed the top spot, and the reasons are as clear as its turquoise waters.

The Riviera Travel report isn’t a simple snapshot of crime statistics. Its methodology is what makes the findings so compelling.

The index creates an overall safety score by combining two key metrics: the current crime level (sourced from Numbeo) and, crucially, the increase in crime over the past five years.

This approach rewards stability and good governance, not just a low starting number.

Dubrovnik’s performance is nothing short of stellar. It earned an overall safety score of just 44.14—the lowest on the continent, meaning it’s the safest.

This score is built on a ‘very low’ current crime level of 8.76 and a ‘low’ crime increase rate of 35.38 over the last five years.

In simple terms, Dubrovnik is not only safe right now, but it has also successfully maintained that security while growing as a major tourist destination.

While many destinations struggle with the pressures of over-tourism, Dubrovnik’s strong sense of community and effective management have allowed it to preserve a secure and welcoming environment for visitors.

Here’s a quick look at how the top five cities stacked up in the report:

*Data sourced from Riviera Travel’s Safe Destinations Index

Why Dubrovnik is So Much More Than Just a Safe Bet

Knowing you’re in Europe’s safest city is a fantastic feeling, but a destination needs more than just a good safety score to be truly great.

Luckily, Dubrovnik delivers in spades. It’s a city where ancient history, pop culture, and breathtaking natural beauty collide.

Walking Through History in the Old Town

Stepping into Dubrovnik’s Old Town is like entering a living museum.

The entire district is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and you can feel the history in the marble-paved streets and the stunning Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture that surrounds you.

The first thing you must do is take a stroll through the ancient city walls. It offers unparalleled views of the terracotta rooftops and the sparkling Adriatic Sea.

A word of advice: wear comfortable, sturdy shoes, as the paths can be uneven, and bring a bottle of water, especially on a sunny day.

The city’s tap water is perfectly safe and delicious, so you can refill at public fountains.

Step into King’s Landing: A ‘Game of Thrones’ Pilgrimage

For millions of fans, Dubrovnik is more than just a historic Croatian city—it’s King’s Landing. The Game of Thrones phenomenon brought a new wave of tourism, and the city has embraced its starring role.

Taking a tour, or simply wandering through the filming locations, is a surreal experience where fantasy and reality merge.

You can stand at Fort Lovrijenac, the imposing fortress that served as the Red Keep, and gaze out over Blackwater Bay. You can recreate Cersei’s infamous “Walk of Shame” on the elegant Jesuit Staircase (just keep your clothes on, please!).

You can also take the short ferry ride to Lokrum Island, the stand-in for the city of Qarth, where you can sit on the actual Iron Throne, which was gifted to the city by HBO.

The fact that Dubrovnik managed the massive influx of visitors from the show and still emerged as Europe’s safest city is a testament to its incredible tourism management.

A city can indeed achieve global fame without sacrificing the well-being of its residents or the safety of its guests.

Exploring the Honor Roll of Europe’s Safest Cities

While Dubrovnik took the top prize, the rest of the top five are fantastic destinations that offer both security and unforgettable experiences.

It’s noteworthy that the entire top five consists of cities in Central and Eastern Europe, signaling a major shift in the continent’s travel landscape.

Tallinn, Estonia (#2): Tallinn’s Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, a maze of cobblestone streets and Gothic spires. But it’s also a digital powerhouse, known for its efficient e-services and widespread English, making it incredibly easy for independent travelers to navigate.

Warsaw, Poland (#3): Known as the “Phoenix City,” Warsaw is a symbol of resilience. Almost completely destroyed during World War II, it was meticulously rebuilt, with its Old Town now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city feels incredibly safe, with well-lit public spaces and a visible police presence that provides constant reassurance as you explore its historic charm and modern energy.

Kraków, Poland (#5): Home to Europe’s largest medieval market square and the magnificent Wawel Castle, Kraków is a historical gem. Like its compatriot Warsaw, it feels secure day and night, with safe public transport and a friendly atmosphere that makes it a joy to explore on foot.

The presence of two Polish cities in the top five really does position Poland as a premier destination for a diverse and secure trip.

So, What Happened to Prague?

Now, for the big question. How did another European city just beat Prague?

Let me make it clear: Prague has not suddenly become unsafe. In fact, ranking fourth on a continent-wide index is still incredibly impressive, reaffirming its status as one of Europe’s safest cities.

While both Prague and Dubrovnik have ‘very low’ current crime levels, the key differentiator was the crime increase metric.

Over the past five years, Prague saw a ‘moderate’ increase of 44.05, whereas Dubrovnik’s was ‘low’ at 35.38.

So, this isn’t a story about Prague’s decline but rather a story of Dubrovnik’s remarkable stability. It managed its growth exceptionally well, holding crime trends steadier than its Czech counterpart according to this specific index.

While a new European city may have beaten Prague for the number one spot, the “City of a Hundred Spires” remains an elite, safe, and highly recommended destination.

Also Read: 12 Dream Vacations That’ll Make You Quit Your Job and Book a Flight

Your Guide to Better Tourist Safety

This new ranking is exciting, but the principles of safe travel remain universal. Whether you’re heading to Dubrovnik, Prague, or anywhere else, a few smart habits can make your trip smoother and more secure.

First, book in advance. This is the golden rule of modern travel. For popular attractions, booking tickets online ahead of time is essential to avoid long queues and potential disappointment.

Second, travel smart. Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking on charming but uneven cobblestone streets.

Be aware of your surroundings in crowded tourist areas to avoid petty theft, and always keep your valuables secure.

Finally, dine like a local. One of the easiest ways to have an authentic experience is to avoid tourist-trap restaurants.

Look out for places with aggressive staff trying to lure you in or menus with pictures of the food. Instead, wander a few streets away from the main squares to find where the locals are eating.

The fact that a new European city just beat Prague reminds us that the world of travel is always full of wonderful surprises.

It shows that destinations once considered off the beaten path are now leading the way in offering experiences that are not only magical but also incredibly safe.

So, where are you planning to go next? Let me know in the comments below!