Safest Cities in the World

More than half of the world’s population lives in urban areas, and 60 of the world’s largest cities are most likely to be visited by tourists. Paris, for example, has 2.1 million residents, yet welcomed more than 30 million visitors in 2022. 

Every two years since 2015, The Economist Intelligence Unit has reviewed 57 indicators across personal, infrastructure, health and digital security to create an annual “Safe Cities Index.” The index reveals the safest cities in the world not only to live in, but to visit.

When deciding where to go, safety should always be a priority. These are the safest cities in the world.

Country: Spain

Overall score: 81.4

Spain’s biggest city is considered on the smaller side in comparison with other major cities around the world. Although it appears as No. 25 on the Safest Cities Index, in terms of cities between 5 to 10 million people, it is actually in the top 10 for safety.

It’s best at infrastructure, even landing in the top 5 for all cities on the list. Where it could use some help is in digital security. Of the cities on this list, it has the worst digital scores, meaning you’re at risk every time you log on.

Note: The rankings are from the 2019 report of The Economist Intelligence Unit Safe Cities Index.

Country: Belgium

Overall score: 82.1

The capital of Belgium is considered one of the most prepared cities in terms of keeping its citizens safe, and as home to the World Health Organization and a number of international institutions, that’s a very good thing.

The WHO’s presence could also be a contributor to the city’s high marks in health security, although its best score is in the infrastructure-security sector, which accounts for things like transport safety, road-traffic deaths, air-transport facilities, pedestrian friendliness, and road and rail networks. (All very important features for travelers!)

Country: France

Overall score: 82.4

Paris has been a target of terrorists over the years, with horrific consequences. This has caused the city to increase its security, providing more police and military surveillance and giving the City of Lights a high ranking for its personal security standards and measures. The city’s infrastructure security is nearly as exemplary.

In the wake of headline-grabbing issues, Paris is working hard to assure its millions of visitors, “Keep coming, we’ve got your back.”

Country: Taiwan

Overall score: 82.5

Taipei’s security across the spectrum doesn’t do as much to say “we’ve got you,” with digital and health security earning a weak C average.

Where the city excels is in personal security, where it nabs an 85.8 score. This sector factors in metrics like level of police engagement, use of data-driven techniques to combat crime, effectiveness of the criminal-justice system, and the prevalence of petty, violent and organized crime.