10 Least Safe European Cities for US Travelers (Don’t Visit Before Reading This)

I thought my first solo Europe trip would be all espresso and slow afternoons.

Instead, I spent it clutching my bag and arguing with crowds over a lukewarm coffee.

Since travel bounced back, some cities have become harder to enjoy.

This isn’t meant to scare you. It’s a heads-up. A way to travel smarter.

Below are 10 European cities where U.S. travelers should be extra careful.

Know the issues: crowds, costs, or safety; and you can plan around them.

Or pick a quieter, just-as-great alternative!

The Overwhelmed Icons: Popular European Cities to Reconsider

Some cities are victims of their own success.

Their world-famous beauty has attracted overwhelming crowds, creating a paradox where the magic you came to see is obscured by the sheer number of people doing the same thing.

The problem of overtourism in Europe is most acute in these iconic spots.

1. Paris, France: The Price of Perfection

There’s no denying Paris is magnificent. The banks of the River Seine are a UNESCO World Heritage site for a reason, studded with “architectural and urban masterpieces” from the soaring buttresses of Notre-Dame to the iron lattice of the Eiffel Tower.

But that very beauty is why you’ll be sharing it with millions of others. The Louvre, home to 35,000 works of art, often feels less like a museum and more like a battle to get a fleeting glimpse of the Mona Lisa.

Beyond the crowds, there’s a more persistent issue: petty crime. The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 2 Travel Advisory for France, specifically warning of frequent pickpocketing and phone thefts in tourist-heavy areas like subways, airports, and major attractions.

Scammers are common, using classic tricks like the “found gold ring” or the aggressive “friendship bracelet” to distract you while an accomplice lifts your wallet.

This combination of crowds and crime risk is why Paris tops the list of European cities US travelers should avoid during peak season.

Smarter Alternative

Instead of Paris, try Lyon. Known as France’s gastronomic capital, its historic center is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering stunning architecture, Roman ruins, and secret passageways (traboules) to explore.

Or, consider Bordeaux, an elegant city whose 18th-century core, the “Port of the Moon,” offers Parisian grandeur with a more relaxed, wine-country vibe.

2. Venice, Italy: The Drowning City

Venice is in a state of emergency. A fragile city with a resident population of under 50,000, it is crushed by up to 30 million tourists annually.

On many days, day-trippers from cruise ships and tour buses vastly outnumber the locals, turning the city into what many describe as a “theme park”.

This imbalance is causing irreversible damage. Historic bakeries and artisan workshops are being replaced by cheap souvenir stalls, eroding the city’s authentic culture.

The constant foot traffic and wake from boats damage the city’s ancient foundations and the fragile lagoon ecosystem.

In response, the city has implemented a €5 entry fee for day-trippers on peak days; a desperate measure that signals just how severe the problem has become.

Smarter Alternative

For a taste of canal life without the chaos, head to nearby Treviso. Known as “Little Venice,” it’s a charming city of cobbled lanes and waterways where you can enjoy local life.

Another great option is Padua, home to Italy’s oldest botanical garden, beautiful piazzas, and Giotto’s breathtaking Scrovegni Chapel frescoes.

3. Barcelona, Spain: The Local Backlash

In Barcelona, the tension between locals and tourists is palpable.

The city of 1.6 million residents welcomes around 32 million visitors a year, and the locals have had enough. This sentiment, sometimes called “tourismphobia,” has moved from grassroots protests to official government policy.

The city is actively cracking down. The mayor has announced a ban on all new tourist apartment rentals by 2028, the tourist tax is increasing, and tour group sizes are now limited.

These policies are a clear message: Barcelona has reached its breaking point. Overtourism has fueled a housing crisis, pushing residents out of their neighborhoods as local shops are replaced by businesses catering only to visitors.

This active pushback makes Barcelona one of the key European cities US travelers should avoid if they’re looking for a completely relaxed welcome.

Smarter Alternative:

For a fantastic Spanish city experience, go to Valencia. It offers a stunning blend of futuristic architecture (the City of Arts and Sciences), beautiful beaches, and is the birthplace of paella.

Alternatively, discover Seville, the heart of Andalusia, where you can experience the passion of flamenco and marvel at stunning Moorish architecture like the Alcázar palace.

4. Amsterdam, Netherlands: The “Stay Away” Campaign

Amsterdam has taken the unprecedented step of telling certain tourists not to come.

Its official “Stay Away” campaign specifically targets the rowdy, party-seeking crowds that have long plagued its city center.

The city has raised its hotel tax to 12.5%, one of the highest in Europe, banned the construction of new hotels, and is drastically cutting the number of river and ocean cruise ships allowed to dock.

These measures are part of a “Tourism in Balance” ordinance designed to protect the quality of life for residents by capping overnight stays at 20 million per year.

The message is clear: Amsterdam is prioritizing its residents over relentless tourism growth.

Smarter Alternative

You can find that classic Dutch charm in Utrecht, a vibrant university city with unique two-level canals lined with cafes and boutiques.

Another wonderful choice is Delft, a historic city famous for its blue-and-white pottery and as the hometown of painter Johannes Vermeer.

The High-Cost Capitals: Where Your Budget Disintegrates

For some cities, the biggest barrier isn’t crowds, but cost.

These are places where a simple vacation can feel like a luxury expense, forcing you to constantly count your pennies instead of soaking in the experience.

5. Zurich, Switzerland: The Pinnacle of Pricey

Zurich consistently ranks among the top three most expensive cities in the world in surveys. While beautiful, the cost of visiting is staggering.

A budget traveler can expect to spend $170-$225 per day. A mid-range hotel room will set you back $280-$450 a night, and an “inexpensive” restaurant meal costs between $28 and $40.

These prices are driven by the strong Swiss Franc and a high local standard of living, which means everything from a cup of coffee to a train ticket comes with a premium price tag.

Smarter Alternative

For a beautiful city surrounded by nature at a fraction of the cost, visit Ljubljana, Slovenia. It’s a charming, green capital with a lovely riverside and a fairytale castle.

Another fantastic, budget-friendly option is Budapest, Hungary. Often called the “Paris of the East,” it boasts grand architecture, historic thermal baths, and a vibrant nightlife that won’t drain your bank account.

6. London, United Kingdom: The Stealth Budget-Breaker

London has recently jumped into the top 10 of Mercer’s most expensive cities for international employees, now ranking 8th globally.

For tourists, this translates into a trip that is much more expensive than many anticipate.

Daily expenses add up quickly. A pint of beer can cost nearly $10, a single ride on the Tube is over $3, and a mid-range hotel averages between $195 and $390 per night.

A week-long trip for a mid-range traveler can easily cost between $1,610 and $2,930, not including flights. The city is vast, so transportation costs can become a significant part of your budget.

Smarter Alternative

Experience Britain’s vibrant urban culture in Manchester. Known as the “Capital of the North,” it has a rich industrial heritage, a legendary music scene, and fantastic museums.

Or, head north to Edinburgh, Scotland. Its dramatic castle, historic Royal Mile, and stunning Georgian architecture make it one of Europe’s most beautiful and captivating cities.

The Deceptive Destinations: Instagram vs. Reality

In the age of social media, some destinations have been curated into an impossible ideal.

The reality on the ground, however, can be a frustrating and inauthentic experience, a classic case of overtourism in Europe driven by the hunt for a single photo.

7. Santorini, Greece: The Crowded Caldera

We’ve all seen the picture: a perfect white village clinging to a cliff above a sparkling blue sea. The reality of Santorini is far different.

The island’s 15,000 residents are inundated with 3.4 million tourists a year. During the day, cruise ships can disgorge up to 17,000 people, creating human traffic jams in the narrow lanes of Oia, especially at sunset.

This has created a tourist-trap economy. The streets are lined with generic souvenir shops, and the famous photo spots of the blue-domed churches are often on private property, which is now illegal to access.

Even the famous beaches are a letdown for many, as they are mostly made of uncomfortable volcanic pebbles.

Smarter Alternative

You can find that iconic Greek island beauty without the chaos. Paros offers a similar vibe to what Mykonos was like 20 years ago, with beautiful villages and great beaches.

Naxos is a larger, family-friendly island with ancient ruins and lush landscapes, while Milos boasts a unique volcanic coastline and stunning, otherworldly beaches.

Related Read: Forget Santorini in 2025; Visit These 9 Hidden Greece Islands!

8. Dublin, Ireland: The “Craic” That Costs

Travelers come to Dublin seeking the legendary Irish “craic,” an atmosphere of authentic fun, music, and friendliness in a traditional pub.

Unfortunately, the famous Temple Bar district often delivers a manufactured and overpriced version of this experience.

Many visitors find the area to be an overcrowded tourist trap where a pint of Guinness costs significantly more than it does in a local pub just a few blocks away.

For some, Dublin feels like “just another big city,” lacking the breathtaking scenery found elsewhere in the country, and common tourist scams and petty crime are a concern.

Smarter Alternative

To find the “real Ireland,” head west to Galway. This vibrant university city is a hub for arts and traditional music, with a lively, authentic pub scene.

Or, travel south to Cork, which proudly calls itself the “real capital.” It’s a foodie paradise, centered around the incredible English Market, and a great base for exploring the charming towns of West Cork.

Logistical Labyrinths: European Cities to Avoid for a Stress-Free Trip

Some destinations are undeniably magnificent, but visiting them comes with major logistical headaches that can sour a trip.

From navigating crime hotspots to feeling like you’re in a historical theme park, these are places where you need to be on high alert.

9. Rome, Italy: The Eternal City of Eternal Caution

Rome’s historical treasures are unparalleled, but its popularity makes it a prime target for criminals.

The city suffers from a pickpocketing epidemic, with organized groups targeting tourists in crowded areas.

Be especially vigilant on the #64 bus route (from Termini station to the Vatican), on the metro near major sites like the Colosseo and Ottaviano stops, and in the dense crowds at the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps.

Other concerns include theft from rental cars and reports of drink spiking in bars. The constant need for vigilance can be exhausting and detract from the magic of the city.

Smarter Alternative

For a rich Italian historical experience with fewer safety concerns, visit Bologna. It’s Italy’s food capital, with a stunning medieval center, ancient university, and far fewer crowds.

Florence, while also popular, is more compact and walkable than Rome, making it feel more manageable for many visitors.

10. Avignon & Carcassonne, France: The “Museum Towns”

These two French cities are perfectly preserved historical gems. Avignon’s historic center, dominated by the massive Papal Palace, is an “outstanding example of medieval architecture”.

Carcassonne is one of the world’s best-preserved medieval fortified cities, with 52 towers and nearly two miles of ramparts.

However, their perfection is also their problem. The historic centers are so geared toward tourism that they can feel like sterile museums rather than living cities.

The narrow, charming streets are lined almost exclusively with souvenir shops and tourist-priced restaurants.

It can be difficult to find a sense of authentic, local life within the ancient walls, making the experience feel somewhat hollow.

Smarter Alternative

Visit Toulouse. Known as the “Pink City” for its terracotta brick architecture, it’s a bustling university town with a rich history that feels very much alive.

Another great option is Albi, a UNESCO-listed city with a breathtaking red brick cathedral and the fantastic Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, offering a powerful historical punch with a more local feel.

Final Thoughts

Travel to Europe is no longer just about where to go, but how and when to go—or if you should go at all. To make it easier, here’s a quick summary of the challenges and the smarter alternatives.

Ultimately, this guide to European cities that US travelers should avoid is about making your trip better. Choosing a “second city” often means lower costs, fewer crowds, and more authentic interactions with local people.. It’s about finding the places that truly connect with you.