Key Highlights
- Montreal tops the 2027 safest cities ranking, rising from sixteenth place.
- Zürich and Amsterdam follow closely, showcasing European dominance in safety.
- The ranking is based on traveler surveys and safety indices, reflecting perceptions of safety.
The annual ranking of the safest cities for travelers, released by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, provides a reassuring glimpse into urban safety for those planning their next adventure. This year, the list reveals a notable trend: nine out of the fifteen cities recognized as the safest are located in Europe, with Montreal emerging as the top choice for 2027. The Canadian city climbed dramatically from sixteenth place last year, achieving a score of 82.18, largely attributed to its impressively low crime rate.
Following Montreal, Zürich secured the second position with a score of 81.03, earning praise for its reputation as "secure as a Swiss bank." This safety is attributed to a combination of high living costs, conservative governance, and an efficient public transportation system. Amsterdam, known for its vibrant culture and tourism, rounded out the top three with a score of 80.81, surprising many with its safety given its popularity as a leisure destination.
The European influence on the rankings extends beyond the podium. Reykjavik, which held the top spot in 2026, slipped to fifth place this year, while Oslo made significant strides, moving up to sixth. Other notable mentions include Venice at eighth, Dublin at eleventh, Copenhagen at twelfth, Barcelona at thirteenth, and Paris at fifteenth. The fluctuations within the rankings are noteworthy; for instance, Copenhagen fell from second to twelfth, while Oslo's rise from seventeenth to sixth illustrates the dynamic nature of urban safety perceptions.
Understanding the methodology behind these rankings is crucial. Berkshire Hathaway conducted a survey involving over 1,500 American travelers, asking them to evaluate cities they had visited based on various safety measures. These subjective ratings were then combined with objective safety indices from Numbeo and The Economist, along with city ratings from GeoSure Global. However, the company cautions that the ratings reflect conditions as of August 2026 and do not account for current events, emphasizing that safety is a snapshot rather than a guarantee.
For travelers, this list serves as a valuable starting point, but it should not replace personal judgment. A city that ranks highly for overall safety may still harbor neighborhoods where caution is necessary, while a city outside the top fifteen could be perfectly safe for vigilant visitors. The rankings reflect perceptions shaped by survey respondents' experiences, which may not encompass the full complexity of urban life.
Ultimately, the list highlights cities that prioritize safety, where public transit operates smoothly, streets are pedestrian-friendly, and daily life functions without constant vigilance. These attributes result from deliberate investments, effective governance, and a civic culture that values the security of both residents and visitors. The highest-ranking cities may not always be the most exciting or affordable, but they offer travelers a sense of peace, allowing them to explore without the need for constant caution.
AI Image Disclaimer: The visuals in this article are generated using AI tools and are illustrative only; they do not depict the actual cities, landmarks, or individuals referenced.
Published by Banx Network. This article is part of the Banx decentralized media programme, powered by the BXE token on the XRP Ledger.
