Famous Tourist Spots That Have the Most Pickpocketers
Travel is all about adventure, but there’s one thing we all want to avoid: being the victim of a pickpocket. Unfortunately, tourist attractions are like a buffet for sneaky thieves, who know how to blend in with the crowd and swipe your wallet before you even notice. Don’t let that happen!
Here’s your guide to the most notorious hotspots where pickpockets love to roam, and how to stay one step ahead.
Las Ramblas, Barcelona, Spain
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Did you know that Las Ramblas attracts over 30 million visitors a year? That’s a lot of distracted tourists, and pickpockets know exactly how to capitalize on the chaos. The street is crowded with tourists, which makes it ideal for thieves to operate unnoticed. Carry a small crossbody bag and keep your valuables close.
Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
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Pickpockets frequently target tourists near the Eiffel Tower, especially when people are distracted by the monument or by trying to capture the perfect photo. If you’re also planning to take in the view, make sure you’re extra cautious and secure your valuables in a bag you can see at all times.
Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy
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When you’re visiting the Trevi Fountain, make sure to prepare your coins before approaching the fountain and carry them in a small wallet you can hold in your hand. While tourists are busy tossing coins into the Trevi Fountain, thieves take advantage of the distraction. The area is known for frequent pickpocketing incidents.
Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic
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It’s easy to get swept up in the magic of Charles Bridge with musicians playing, statues lined like sentinels, and the view of Prague Castle in the distance. But the calm pace and tight walkway mean your focus is rarely on your backpack. That’s what makes this spot convenient for pickpockets. They count on the fact that you’ll be looking up, not around.
Sagrada Família, Barcelona, Spain
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You’re in the presence of architectural genius, but so are the pickpockets. The crowds around Sagrada Família are prime hunting grounds for thieves who work quickly amidst the awe-struck tourists. The more cautious you are regarding your surroundings, the better.
Sacré-Cœur, Paris, France
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The path to Sacré-Cœur is lively and full of distractions, but that’s exactly where theft could occur. Pickpockets are always lurking nearby, sometimes even directly engaging with you in small talks and asking questions. The key to keeping your valuables safe here is to avoid engaging with strangers and keep a tight grip on your belongings, especially when walking uphill.
Colosseum, Rome, Italy
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You’ll probably spend more time outside the Colosseum than inside, especially in line. That wait is when most people get too relaxed. Phones come out, bags hang loose, attention drifts. That’s the moment someone slips close enough to unzip a pocket or lift a wallet. If you can, book ahead and walk in without the pause. Less waiting means less risk.
St. Mark’s Square, Venice, Italy
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Pickpockets in this tourist hub often work in teams. One distracts with music, street art, or a staged commotion while the other quietly slips a hand into a bag or pocket. It happens fast and rarely looks suspicious. The square draws people in with its charm, but that charm can be a cover. Stay alert, especially when you stop to watch what’s happening around you.
Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, Turkey
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The Grand Bazaar is loud, packed, and full of movement. The stalls are close together, and people brush past constantly. That kind of chaos gives pickpockets all the cover they need. They don’t need to rush. They just wait until you’re focused on something else. If you’re carrying cash, know exactly where it is and check that it’s still there more than once.
Brandenburg Gate, Berlin, Germany
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The Brandenburg Gate is a symbol of reunification, and it’s almost never empty. It is only when tourists focus on the views or line up the perfect photo that pickpockets make their move. Be aware of people approaching you and avoid standing too close to anyone you don’t know.
Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia
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It’s easy to let your guard down when you’re on the sand, especially with the sun out and the water calling. But while you’re swimming or just not paying attention, your bag might not be where you left it. Bondi is laid-back, but it’s still a public beach with a lot of foot traffic. Take only what you need, and don’t leave it out in the open.
Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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The relaxed, vacation atmosphere often causes visitors to let their guard down, especially when swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying music and street performances. Additionally, economic disparity in the surrounding areas contributes to petty theft being a frequent occurrence. Traveling light and staying alert can go a long way in ensuring you enjoy Copacabana without incident.
Piccadilly Circus, London, England
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You’re not the only one watching the screens or listening to the busker at the corner. In a place where everyone’s looking up or looking around, pickpockets move quietly. They know the exits. They know the pauses. The moment you stop to check your map or dig for your Oyster card, someone might already be reaching. It doesn’t feel like a crime scene, but that’s exactly why it works.
Tulum, Mexico
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Tulum’s beaches are stunning, but don’t let the laid-back vibe lull you into a false sense of security. The serene atmosphere can make it easy to forget that, just like any popular destination, it attracts opportunistic thieves. Tourists, often distracted by the beauty around them, are easy targets for those looking to take advantage of their momentary lapse in attention.
Rialto Bridge, Venice, Italy
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With so many tourists trying to capture that perfect photo, it’s easy for thieves to slip in and out of crowds. In fact, the bridge’s narrow walkways and dense crowds provide cover for thieves to quickly slip in and out without detection. The slow-moving tide of tourists creates perfect opportunities for opportunistic theft.
Times Square, New York City, USA
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Times Square stays crowded day and night, but the evenings are especially dense. The mix of flashing billboards, loud street performers, and packed sidewalks makes it hard to stay focused. Pickpockets take advantage of that. Most of the time, theft here happens in plain sight.