For travelers, safety is a top priority, especially when choosing a new place to visit. This is especially true among solo travelers and groups who tend to experience more crime, including women, LGBTQ+ travelers, and people of color. To uncover which popular destinations are the safest for visitors, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection surveyed 1,500 people who had personally visited some of the most popular cities frequented by world travelers. Participants were asked to provide their firsthand perceptions of safety in each city. Check out the top six safest cities below.

6. Sydney, Australia

Not only is Sydney in particular a safe haven for travelers, but Australia in general is also considered one of the safest international travel destinations. Sydney boasts a lower rate of violent crime, especially when compared to other cities of its size, with a gun murder rate that’s 6,000% lower than that of the U.S. The city’s vast public transportation system is reliable and safe, and public spaces, including parks, promenades, and beaches, are generally clean and well maintained. As with any large metropolis, visitors should be careful with their belongings, as theft can occur in busy areas, but on the whole, Sydney is recognized as a safe bet for tourists.

5. Honolulu, Hawaii

Located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii’s capital city offers visitors beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, and, best of all, a safe environment. Hawaii has a lower crime rate than the national average, with popular Honolulu attractions like Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head considered very safe for tourists. The city’s biggest threat happens to be seismic — although such events are rare, visitors to any island in Hawaii should always be aware of the potential of earthquakes or tsunamis.

4. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam is not only one of the world’s safest cities to visit, but also one of the most inclusive. As a diverse and welcoming city, Amsterdam is an excellent choice for female travelers, the LGBTQ+ community, and people of color, all of whom have reported feeling safe as visitors. The city’s secure infrastructure and well-maintained public transportation help tourists move about the city safely, without relying on taxis or rideshares. It should be noted, however, that pickpocketing is a common petty crime in Amsterdam, and pedestrians should be prepared for heavy bike traffic, which requires staying alert.

3. Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich’s exceptionally low crime rates are among its many draws for tourists. It’s charming and serene, with picturesque streets that are well maintained, clean, and easy to navigate. Visitors can either walk through the city or use the excellent train or tram systems, which are both dependable and punctual, to explore the city or visit nearby regions. Even the mountain trails outside Zurich are orderly, with an extensive online map system and plentiful signs to ensure people don’t get lost. Plus, English is widely spoken, and the Swiss are generally happy to welcome visitors.

2. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen earns the No. 2 spot on the survey’s ranking of the safest cities in the world to visit in 2026. The Danish capital’s well-maintained streets, public spaces, and infrastructure all contribute to the city’s high position, creating a comfortable urban environment for residents and visitors alike. With an efficient public transportation system, a low crime index, and streets that are friendly to pedestrians and bikers, visitors can easily navigate the city on their own, even in the dark.

1. Reykjavik, Iceland

For the second year in a row, Reykjavik ranks as the survey’s safest city in the world for visitors. The Icelandic capital is known for its low crime rates, with virtually all of its neighborhoods considered safe according to safety index provider GeoSure. Violent crime is a rare occurrence, with very low reports of criminal offenses such as robbery and assault. 

Since Reykjavik is small by European capital standards, with approximately 249,000 residents, the city’s safety also relies on community welfare, with many locals agreeing that trust is embedded into the culture. When you combine Iceland’s majestic beauty with its pristine safety record, it’s easy to see why it’s a popular destination for travelers, particularly solo and female adventurers, who tend to agree that the city feels safe enough to explore on your own.