10 popular cities with danger zones to avoid
Don’t venture too far away from the bright lights of the tourist strip.
1. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Millions of tourists pour into Rio each year, drawn by the vibrant culture, party atmosphere, gorgeous beaches and major events like Carnival. Visitors are going to want to stick to what is known as the ‘southern zone’, made up of suburbs like Ipanema, Copacabana and Leblon. Other areas can be dangerous, known for drugs, gang violence and petty crime.
2. Naples, Italy
When a city is known as the birthplace of the Mafia, it’s no surprise it has a seedy side. In fact, the seedy side may even be larger than the good side! But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a visit – the historic centre is lined with cobblestone streets and excellent museums, the people are welcoming and the pizza is out of this world.
3. Mexico City, Mexico
All of the Mexican capital used to be considered pretty dangerous, but that’s changing. The New York Times even named it the number one place in the world to visit last year. But there are still some shady spots – steer clear of the black market neighbourhood of Tepito and Colonia del Valle, known for kidnapping.
4. Los Angeles, USA
LA manages to sit at both ends of the safety spectrum at once. In some parts, like Rodeo Drive or Beverly Hills, you can wear all your diamonds at once and just blend in with the crowd. But head into South Central or Compton, known for their gang violence and high crime rate, and it’s a different story.
5. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is one of those cities that everybody loves – the food, the wine, the music, the beaches, the history. And even though it’s largely safe and welcoming, there are still a few places where you need to be careful. Ciutat Vella, the main nightlife area off Las Ramblas, is known for its after-dark crime and tourists often make easy targets.
6. Bogota, Colombia
Another South American gem that is undergoing a tourist resurgence, Bogota is bursting with colonial architecture, innovative restaurants and cool bars. But be aware that some areas still hark back to the bad old days of drugs and violence. Barrio Santa Fe, right in downtown Bogota, is a hotbed of crack cocaine and gun violence, and kidnappings are not uncommon.
7. Moscow, Russia
A fascinating centre of history, art, culture and architecture, Moscow has been at the crossroads of east and west for centuries. And while it’s still a challenging destination for tourists, you can now visit Moscow in safety and comfort. Just steer clear of Solntseve, a neighbourhood in the northwest of the city that is a hub for organised crime and run by the terrifying Solntsevskaya Brotherhood.
8. Singapore
This tiny Asian nation state is ranked as the sixth safest country in the world and is famous for its strict rules, covering everything from chewing gum to drinking water on trains. So it might surprise you that it has its own seedy suburb, Geylang. While not strictly dangerous, it's the red light district known for prostitutes and shady bars, and should be avoided after dark.
9. Chicago, USA
America’s most famous gangster, Al Capone, ran Chicago in the 1920s and left a legacy of organised crime. The city has turned things around in recent years, becoming a centre for arts, museums and music. Even so, you will still want to stay away from some areas in the South Side, especially the Fuller Park area, which are dangerous for locals and tourists alike.
10. Paris, France
The City of Light is the world’s most popular tourist destination, though sadly issues around poverty, illegal immigration and terrorism are having a negative impact. Don’t stray outside of the central 20 arrondissements as many of the outer suburbs have become home to temporary refugee camps and violence is not uncommon.
Have you visited any of these cities?
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