Beauty With a Heavy Side of Danger

Whether you’re planning your next move or booking a trip, safety counts. This list ranks the 25 most dangerous cities in the world based on crime indexes, local stats, and traveler reports. These aren't just rough-around-the-edges towns—they're places where crime is a serious concern. From gang violence to theft, these cities face high risks that visitors and locals alike should know about.

Don't worry—we’ve also suggested safer spots nearby for those who still want to explore the region without dodging trouble.

#25 – San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan is beautiful, with its colorful Old Town and dreamy Caribbean coastline. But it’s also dealing with gang violence and drug trafficking issues that impact safety. With a crime index around 68.7, robberies and assaults aren’t uncommon outside touristy areas.

Want Caribbean charm with less risk? Head to Dorado or Rincon.

https://www.flickr.com/people/ethorson/, Wikimedia Commons

#24 – Recife, Brazil

This northeastern Brazilian city offers beaches, colonial buildings, and vibrant culture. Unfortunately, it also faces high levels of violent crime, including muggings and homicides. Its crime index hovers near 69.8, with some neighborhoods especially dangerous after dark.

Prefer Brazil without the stress? Try Florianópolis or Salvador’s historic center.

Portal da Copa/ME, Wikimedia Commons

#23 – Kingston, Jamaica

Kingston is Jamaica’s capital and cultural hub, famous for reggae and street food. But the city struggles with serious gang violence, carjackings, and armed robberies. With a crime index over 70, many locals advise avoiding certain districts entirely.

Looking for Jamaican vibes with a safer atmosphere? Montego Bay or Negril are better picks.

yonolatengo, Wikimedia Commons

#22 – St. Louis, Missouri, USA

St. Louis has charming neighborhoods and world-class museums, but its violent crime rate is among the highest in the US. With a malicious homicide rate of around 65 per 100,000 residents and a crime index of 70.5, it’s often in the news for the wrong reasons.

For a safer Midwestern experience, consider Kansas City or Madison, Wisconsin.

Goodfreephotos_com, Pixabay

#21 – Durban, South Africa

Durban is a beachy South African city with a blend of African, Indian, and colonial influences. However, it’s plagued by theft, hijackings, and residential crime. With a crime index over 71, locals often rely on private security.

For a more relaxed South African visit, head to Cape Town or Knysna.

safaritravelplus, Wikimedia Commons

#20 – Guatemala City, Guatemala

This capital city has stunning volcano views but is plagued by drug violence, extortion, and gang activity. Armed robberies and assaults are common, with a crime index of 71.2. Many travelers skip it altogether.

Safer alternatives include Antigua or Lake Atitlán, both close by and rich with culture.

Carlosmanuel232, Wikimedia Commons

#19 – Baltimore, Maryland, USA

Baltimore’s harbor and historic districts are full of charm, but violent crime—especially homicides and assaults—has long been a concern. With a malicious homicide rate over 55 per 100,000 and a crime index of 71.5, many neighborhoods are considered no-go zones after dark.

Try nearby Annapolis or DC for urban fun with better safety ratings.

Oldlinestate, Wikimedia Commons

#18 – Acapulco, Mexico

Once a glamorous resort town, Acapulco now has one of the world's highest homicide rates—around 111 per 100,000. Drug cartel violence and serious organized crime are shockingly high. Tourists may still visit, but locals are wary.

Looking for sunny beaches without the danger? Go for Puerto Vallarta or Oaxaca instead.

Nam from D-Block, USA, Wikimedia Commons

#17 – Caracas, Venezuela

Caracas has oil money, mountains, and a rich cultural past—but today, it's known more for lawlessness. Armed robberies, kidnappings, and homicides are rampant, with a crime index of 82. It’s best to avoid travel here entirely.

For a safer South American escape, try Medellín, Colombia or Quito, Ecuador.

Wilfredor, Wikimedia Commons

#16 – Detroit, Michigan, USA

Detroit is undergoing a cultural revival, but crime remains high in some areas. It sees around 1,500 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and has a crime index of 73. Urban renewal is happening—but it’s uneven.

For a safer Michigan visit, try Ann Arbor or Traverse City.

sandertheone, Wikimedia Commons

#15 – San Pedro Sula, Honduras

Nicknamed the “murder capital” of the world not long ago, San Pedro Sula struggles with gang warfare, drug trafficking, and extortion. Though the murder rate has dropped, it’s still extremely high, with a crime index near 83.

Safer Central American picks include Roatán or Copán Ruinas.

Jessica Towne, Wikimedia Commons

#14 – Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is gorgeous, with mountains, beaches, and vineyards—but violent crime is a major concern, especially in certain townships. Armed robberies and assaults contribute to a crime index of 74. Locals warn tourists to stay away.

For more peace of mind, stay in tourist areas or try nearby Stellenbosch.

Hilton1949, Wikimedia Commons

#13 – Fortaleza, Brazil

This beachy Brazilian city is a party hub, but its crime rate—especially theft, assault, and gang activity—is alarming. With a crime index of 75 and malicious homicide rates near 60 per 100,000, it's not for the faint of heart.

For safer fun in Brazil, head south to Curitiba or the beaches near Natal.

ME/Portal da Copa, Wikimedia Commons

#12 – Cali, Colombia

Cali has dance clubs, coffee farms, and scenic views—but also cartels, armed robberies, and intense corruption. Its crime index is around 76.5. Travelers are warned to avoid certain districts entirely.

Want salsa without the side of danger? Try Bogotá or the tranquil town of Salento.

Johannes Bud, Wikimedia Commons

#11 – New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Known for music and Mardi Gras, New Orleans also has one of the highest violent crime rates in the US. Crime index sits around 75.2, with issues like shootings and muggings in and around tourist areas.

Safer picks nearby? Baton Rouge or Lafayette offer a more laid-back Louisiana experience.

Chris Litherland, Wikimedia Commons

#10 – Tegucigalpa, Honduras

The capital of Honduras is a mix of hills and colonial buildings, but also a hotspot for gang crime, kidnappings, and extortion. Its crime index is above 77, and locals often live behind locked gates.

Safer Honduran travel? Check out La Ceiba or the Bay Islands.

I Love Honduras, Wikimedia Commons

#9 – Natal, Brazil

Surprisingly high on the danger list, Natal has struggled with police strikes and a surge in organized crime. Its crime index is near 78, with high rates of malicious homicide, violent muggings, and vehicle theft.

If you're looking for a scenic coastal stay, nearby João Pessoa is calmer and more secure.

silvioraof, Wikimedia Commons

#8 – Ciudad Juárez, Mexico

Right on the US border, Juárez has long been a battleground for drug cartels. Although crime dropped in recent years, 2023 saw another spike. Its malicious homicide rate is around 104 per 100,000, with a crime index of 78.

Want a safer border experience? Head to El Paso, Texas instead.

Scazon, Wikimedia Commons

#7 – Barquisimeto, Venezuela

Barquisimeto is an industrial center with beautiful landscapes, but it's also plagued by violence and scarcity. Robbery, assault, and malicious homicides are rampant. Its crime index is over 79, and even locals are cautious.

Looking for Venezuelan scenery with less chaos? Try Mérida, if travel allows.

Miguel Ahiezer Salcedo, Wikimedia Commons

#6 – Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea’s capital is known for tribal culture—but also crime. Home invasions, carjackings, and armed muggings are common, and the crime index is 80+. Many embassies advise extreme caution.

For island adventure without the risk, check out Fiji or Vanuatu instead.

MSchlauch, Wikimedia Commons

#5 – Tijuana, Mexico

Just south of San Diego, Tijuana is vibrant and gritty—but also dangerous. Cartel violence, kidnapping, and petty crime push its crime index above 80. Although tourism still thrives, there are risks.

Prefer Baja without the bullets? Try Ensenada or La Paz.

Herb Neufeld, Wikimedia Commons

#4 – Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

Often overlooked, Pietermaritzburg has one of the highest crime rates in the country, with a crime index over 81. Violent crimes, including intimate assault and robbery, are serious concerns.

Want South Africa with scenery and less stress? Try nearby Drakensberg or the coast near Port Shepstone.

Johan Pretorius, Wikimedia Commons

#3 – Celaya, Mexico

Celaya, in central Mexico, has seen a terrifying rise in cartel violence and extortion. Bombings, shootings, and kidnappings are not uncommon, with a crime index over 82.

For safer highland culture, try San Miguel de Allende just an hour away.

Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, Wikimedia Commons

#2 – Irapuato, Mexico

This small city in Guanajuato has become a hot zone for cartel battles, with shootings even in public places. The crime index hovers around 83.5, and residents fear being caught in the crossfire.

For colonial charm without the chaos, try nearby León or Guanajuato City.

I.quixote, Wikimedia Commons

#1 – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Shockingly, Cabo has seen a huge spike in crime in recent years—especially related to turf wars. Once considered ultra-safe, certain areas now face carjackings and violent assaults. Crime index? Over 84.

Still want Baja beach vibes? Consider Todos Santos, a peaceful town just 45 minutes away.

Stan Shebs, Wikimedia Commons

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Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5