A top of the most dangerous cities in Europe shows that Marseille, Birmingham and Napoli are no longer just spectacular tourist destinations, but also places where travelers could go through more dramatic experiences than they imagined.
The port of Marseille. Photo: Wikipedia.
Numbeo, an online platform for databases that provide statistical information about the cost of life, crime and quality of life in cities and countries around the world, based on voluntary collaboration, has published a ranking of the most dangerous cities in Europe.
Unsafe but attractive cities for tourists
The top, useful for those who intend to move or travel to the continent, is dominated by cities in France, England and Italy. The first place is Marseille, with a growing crime rate in recent years and with a high percentage regarding fears about thefts and burglaries. Birmingham and Coventry follow in the standings, being considered high -risk cities, where tourists are recommended for increased caution. Napoli, one of the most popular on the continent, is in fourth place in the standings.
Marseille. Source: Wikipedia
The cities considered insecure have been evaluated on the basis of several criteria that refer to the crime rate and to the perception of the inhabitants on safety. Among the criteria analyzed are the general level of crime and how it has evolved in recent years. Other criteria are related to concerns about housing breakdown, robberies, car or cars theft, but also the risks of being physically or insulted.
Also, problems related to drug use and trafficking, crimes against property (such as vandalism and theft) and violent ones (such as armed attacks) are analyzed. Corruption and bribery are also evaluated, which can contribute to the feeling of insecurity.
Places to be avoided in Marseille
Located in the south-east of France, on the Mediterranean coast, Marseille has about 870,000 inhabitants and a history of over 2,600, being the oldest city in France. Tourists describe Marseille as a lively city and with great cultural diversity. It is also sought for spectacular landscapes from the Mediterranean and for local cuisine. Among the most popular tourist attractions are: Vieux-Port (Old Port), Basilique Notre-Dame de Garde, Archipelagul Frioul and Château d’If.
Notre Dames from Garde Marse, Source: Wikipedia
The northern neighborhoods of the city are famous for conflicts between bands and high crime.
“There are places where tourists would not have any reason to set foot”, states a local on the tripadvisor tourism site.
“Around the old port, Marseille is quite safe. The areas to avoid are the northern neighborhoods, but as a tourist you have absolutely no reason to approach them – unless you are looking for adrenaline or a French police movie”shows a tourist on Tripadvisor.
Another tourist warns that Marseille is a complex city, with many social challenges and an ethnic diversity that can be difficult to understand for visitors. The city can be uncertain, especially for the unprepared, and the experience in other French cities does not guarantee safety here.
“It is a city too big to be approached in a way that makes sense today and, at the same time, these approaches may not be compatible with tourists’ efforts-whether experienced or not-to understand what works to have a safe vacation there. It is good to travel with someone, not just that you are not a great time. Many elements of basic urban sociology can either help or confuse the efforts to cope with this metropolis. It is another tip published by a tourist on the same site.
A couple of experienced tourists, accommodated near Vieux-port in Marseille, reported that, although they felt safe in the city, the car was broken in the garage recommended by the hotel, and goods from the trunk were stolen. Police and hotel representatives have confirmed that such incidents are frequent.
The stations are renowned for pocket thieves throughout the Paca region (Provence-Alpes-côte d’Azur), says a local.
“” Usually, this is a young girl, a child or an old woman, who offers either to help you or ask for help with tickets, the ticket validation or when you get on the train. These people are part of a band, and the other members are around, ready to act. vigilant ”he adds.
It also adds a warning on how to travel discreetly and integrate among the locals:
“The maximum” less means more “is applied perfectly here. Take only liquid money as for small expenses and a well-hidden debit/credit card. It is good to have an identity card. Keep the transport card and the phone in an easily accessible, but sure.shows the local.
Coventry and Birmingham, English destinations in the top of dangerous cities
The city of Coventry, in the center of England, the West Midlands region, has a population of about 370,000 inhabitants and a history dating from the Roman era. Among his tourist attractions are the Coventry Cathedral, Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, the ruins of the old abbey St. Mary’s. Some areas can be considered insecure after dark.
Coventry. Source: Wikipedia
“As in any city, there are areas and situations that can involve a higher risk, but overall, the city is welcoming with tourists. The center is well illuminated and patrolled, many areas are crowded until late at night, and locals are usually friendly and eager to help. Public transport is safe and reliable. crowded and do not leave your drink unattended, ”informs the Travelladies website.
Birmingham, another city in the West Midlands region, in England, has over 1.1 million inhabitants and an important industrial history of the eighteenth century. His tourist attractions are the Birmingham library, Jewellery Quarter and urban channels. Tourists describe him as a cosmopolitan city, with a hectic night life. However, it shows the tourism sites, in Birmingham it is important to know where you are going-and where you will not go.
Birmingham Cathedral. Source: Wikipedia
“Many of the suburbs of the city, such as Bournville, are beautiful and worth visiting. But you need to know what are the most dangerous areas of Birmingham in terms of criminality – among them are Lozells, Handsworth and Northfield – and avoid them. There were Peaky Blinders, but at present, violent conflicts continue between Burger Bar Crew, Johnson Crew, Frankley Killers and others.informs smarttravel.com.
Tourists are advised to be vigilant and use public transport instead of a personal car, because many of the offenses in Birmingham are related to problems with cars.
Napoli, the legendary city that can give streams to tourists
Located in the south of Italy, in the Campaign region, Naples have almost one million inhabitants and Greek origins dating from the 9th century BC. It is the gateway to famous places such as Pompei and Coasta Amalfi, and its most popular tourist attractions are Castel Dell’Ovo, Piazza del Plebiscito and Napoli Gulf, with Vezuviu.
Naples. Source: Wikipedia.
A tourist told his experience after several days spent in Naples, a city about which the opinions are divided – from incredible to terrible or “a trash”.
“The city definitely leaves a first intimidating impression. Napoli is crowded, dirty and smells ugly. It is quite degraded, with some of the most obvious forms of poverty I saw in Europe. When we left the Catacombs of San Gennaro, we woke up in Rione Sanità-an area of which the tourist guides were to be stressful. The place was a clearly poor area, but full of locals who saw their work, and we passed there without any incident ”this report on the Reddit platform.
The historical center is chaotic, a maze of twisted passages, and the traffic is disorganized, but the city has an authentic and lively charm, adds the tourist.
“” However, I have never felt in danger and the city has a character that I have never met anywhere. It is full of life, loud and full of pride. Everywhere you see politically graffiti, children who play free on the streets and in the markets, and so much agitation that you do not know where to look. that he has a bad reputation (I saw him called the “train in hell”) and we were a little worried … just to discover that it is absolutely banal. The only unpleasant thing was the multitude of unprepared tourists trying to cross the barriers without a ticket and block everything. Otherwise, it’s a completely normal commuters train ”, the tourist reported.
Top the most dangerous cities in Europe
According to Number, no city in Romania is the top of the 20 most dangerous cities in Europe. The ranking includes the following localities:
1. Marseille, France
2. Coventry, UK
3. Birmingham, UK
4. Naples, Italy
5. Montpellier, France
6. Liège, Belgium
7. Grenoble, France
8. Nantes, France
9. Paris, France
10. Lyon, France
11. Nice, France
12. Manchester, UK
13. Malmö, Sweden
14. Athens, Greece
15. London, the United Kingdom
16. Amadora, Portugal
17. Odessa, Ukraine
18. Brussels, Belgium
19. Dnipro, Ukraine
20. Dublin, Ireland
