5 of the safest European destinations to visit this summer according to travelers

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If you’re gearing up for a European summer, you already know the procedure. You want to spend your days eating fantastic food, wandering ancient streets and soaking up the culture – without nervously clutching your backpack or constantly looking over your shoulder.

These rankings come directly from travelers using our safety index. While every city on earth has a few vague areas to avoid, these scores reflect the broad, real-world experiences of the travelers who actively vote after returning home.

If you want a stress-free trip this summer, these are here 5 huge European heavyweights that officially pass the safety testwith scores for each destination.

1. Rome, Italy (88/100)

Everyone wants a piece of Italy now, and Rome is officially the most booked international city for summer 2026.

Even as millions of people pour into the city, it has the absolute highest safety score on our list.

• The atmosphere: It’s chaotic, loud and absolutely beautiful. You spend your days dodging Vespas and eating your weight in pasta.
• The reality: The sheer number of people here actually works to your advantage. The main historical areas around the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain are heavily monitored by the Carabinieri (Italian military police). Your biggest threat here is just a standard pickpocket on the busy subway lines, and not violent crime.
• The move: Keep your wallet in your front pocket, grab an ice cream and enjoy the safest megacity in Europe.

2. Paris, France (85/100)

Paris has vastly improved its infrastructure and safety in recent years, and the travelers who vote for our index clearly feel the difference. It remains one of the most booked places for American travelers traveling abroad.

• The atmosphere: It’s still the ultimate bucket list city. Spending long afternoons in corner cafes and walking along the Seine at sunset never gets old.
• The reality: The city is heavily guarded, especially around major tourist centers such as the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. While you still have to watch out for the classic street scams – like someone asking you to sign a fake petition while their friend takes your phone – the overall physical security on site is incredibly solid.
• The move: Skip the chaotic, overtouristy restaurants right next to the monuments. Walk a few blocks off the main streets to find quieter, insanely safe neighborhoods where locals actually hang out.

3. Istanbul, Turkey (84/100)

You may hesitate when you watch the global news, but the travelers on the ground tell a very different story. Istanbul is easily one of the safest major tourist destinations in the world for 2026.

• The atmosphere: It’s a wild, beautiful collision of Europe and Asia. You get huge old bazaars, epic rooftop views over the Bosphorus and some of the best street food in the world.
• The reality: The historic peninsula, where the Grand Bazaar and Hagia Sophia are located, is flawlessly secured and heavily guarded. They even have a special tourist police unit in Sultanahmet that speaks several languages. Frankly, you’re much more likely to be forcibly fed fresh baklava by a hospitable local than you are to experience any real danger.
• The move: Download a local taxi app to avoid the classic headache of negotiating meters and spend your evenings safely exploring the vibrant, safe neighborhoods of Kadıköy or Karaköy.

4. Lisbon, Portugal (83/100)

Lisbon has exploded in popularity in recent years, but it has fully managed to maintain its relaxed, very safe atmosphere.

• The atmosphere: It’s all about steep, cobbled streets, bright yellow trams and incredible water views. The pace of life here is noticeably slower and more relaxed than in London or Paris.
• The reality: Violent crime is virtually non-existent here. The only reason it doesn’t score higher is that the huge influx of tourists has brought in opportunistic pickpockets who ride the crowded Tram 28 looking for easy targets.
• The move: Wear comfortable shoes with a firm grip. The biggest danger in Lisbon is not the people; it glides down the polished, steep cobblestone streets after a few glasses of local green wine.

5. London, United Kingdom (79/100)

London is vast and easily one of the most culturally dense cities in the world. It remains a huge hotspot for spring and summer trips this year, rounding out our list with a very respectable score of 79/100.

While this is slightly lower than many others on this list, keep in mind that this is based on travelers using our Safety Index. Disagree? Visit our Safety Index and tell us about your experiences.

• The atmosphere: From a quiet, historic pub in a centuries-old building you can jump straight to a hyper-modern art gallery. The public transportation system is elite, making it incredibly easy to navigate.
• The reality: Because the city is so large, the safety score naturally drops slightly compared to a more compact city like Rome. However, London is one of the most heavily policed ​​cities in the world and uses a vast CCTV network that deters major crime in the central areas of the city.
• The move: The West End and main tourist corridors are completely safe. Just stay alert when navigating the huge crowds at major metro stations during rush hour, and you won’t encounter any problems.

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Tyler Fox

Tyler is our editor-in-chief and writer. After years of reading, writing, and obsessing about travel (while traveling as often as possible, of course!), he wants to give readers the best and most balanced experience possible when exploring the site.