Some urban areas carry serious risk far beyond the typical travel advice when you’re taking safety into account. Based on recent crime and homicide data, these cities consistently rank among the most dangerous globally, and some of them are right in here in the U.S.
Colima, Mexico
Recent data places Colima at the top of the world in homicide rates, nearly 182 murders per 100,000 residents, and there are violent power struggles between cartels. This includes Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation, who have turned the streets into battlegrounds.
Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
Albuquerque records a crime index in the low-70s, and this is thanks to armed thefts, burglaries, and assaults, which are fairly common across multiple neighborhoods.
Furthermore, which travelers do feel safe in the daytime in tourist areas, it’s smart to avoid streets that look run-down or deserted, and locals advise sticking to activity zones.
Caracas, Venezuela
Many visitors report feeling overpowered and intimidated in Caracas, even during morning hours, and expat shelters and private security are common. Unpredictable street crime has driven most tourism away, and diplomatic advisories frequently warn against travel unless it’s protected and indispensable.
Detroit, Michigan, USA
Detroit also ranks around 73 on the crime index; while parts of downtown have experienced revitalization, others remain plagued by gun violence, property crime, and gang activity. Tourists walking outside core zones after dark often report feeling exposed or out of place, so the safety risks require extra caution.
Zamora de Hidalgo, Mexico
Gang dominance and homicide is intense in Zamora de Hidalgo, with shootings, kidnappings, and bombings being all too common. Additionally, a majority of residents now feel unsafe walking the streets, and most local businesses rely on private security – despite its small-town charm.
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Pietermaritzburg in South Africa is among the world’s most dangerous cities, too, owing to violent crime; in this city, home invasions and attacks on pedestrians are common. Even during daylight hours, locals say walking outside is risky, and gated communities are becoming the norm.
Ciudad Obregón, Mexico
With a murder rate of approximately 120 per 100,000 people, Ciudad Obregón is another hotspot, and one where cartel-driven violence affects daily life. You might expect kidnappings and armed attacks here, which are reported routinely, and in certain areas, locals describe a culture of fear.
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Public transport is regularly targeted by criminals in this city, and therefore most tourists simply avoid the city or undergo tightly controlled travel plans with security detail. Port Moresby has a crime index just over 81, with reports of armed robberies, carjackings, and violent muggings being widespread.
Zacatecas, Mexico
Zacatecas’ conflict-ridden reality makes it a tough stop for anyone, and for this reason, tourist visits are nearly nonexistent. Furtheremo, advice for travelers is clear: steer clear unless under heavy protection due to fierce cartel clashes over territories.
San Pedro Sula, Honduras
Residents often live under curfews in San Pedro Sula, and armed patrols are a daily reality. Tourists are strongly discouraged unless visiting for humanitarian or official reasons, and most strictly avoid it, while San Pedro Sula bears a persistent reputation as one of the world’s most lethal cities.
Tijuana, Mexico
Once a busy border town, Tijuana now deals with crime such as homicides and drug trafficking, and frequent shootings make the city dangerous, even in public spaces.
Violence can happen anywhere in this city, according to the people who live there, and even border crossings don’t feel safe from criminal activity.
New Orleans, USA
Topping the U.S. list and holding a global rank, New Orleans has a homicide rate over 50 per 100,000 and a crime index around 81 – and that’s despite its cultural allure with its music and festivals. The city also faces persistent violent crime in residential districts, but ongoing efforts to cut crime have started showing promise.
Cape Town, South Africa
In 2023, nearly 3,000 homicides were reported city-wide in Cape Town in South Africa, and foreign tourists can encounter street crime and carjackings, even in well-known areas. Using guided tours and private transfers is strongly recommended, and venturing beyond certain neighborhoods is a calculated risk.
Guatemala City, Guatemala
Travelers to Guatemala City say public transport can be risky, and some districts are best avoided; that said, select parts of the city, like historic centers, can be safe with a guide or armed escorts.
Planning ahead is crucial, with tourists being advised to keep a low profile, and use hotel transport where possible.
Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Last on our list is Baltimore, a city that grapples with poverty-related violence, frequent shootings, and areas where help arrives slowly. While charming parts of the Inner Harbor feel safe, venturing even a few blocks away can feel dangerous.
This article may include content generated by AI and has been reviewed and edited by our editorial team for accuracy and clarity.