Take Care! Europe’s Worst Pickpocketing Tourist Locations Revealed

People in most cities in the world have experienced the minor crime of pickpocketing, but when it comes to Europe, some countries have the worst statistics in Europe. While surrounded by hundreds of people in the busy travel season, tourists often have their wallets or cameras lifted. As a general rule, travelers should always ensure their valuables are out of reach of petty criminals. Meanwhile, research carried out by QuoteZone, a UK travel insurance company has revealed the worst European locations for pickpocketing ahead of summer vacations.

Worst pickpocketing locations in Europe

Spring is almost over with travelers looking forward to their summer vacations in Europe. As they prepare for their trip, QuoteZone has revealed the worst European destinations for pickpockets. These criminals often take advantage of travelers, especially at moments when they are using their Smartphones to take photos or having a WhatsApp chat as they walk. With this in mind, researchers have looked into the number of pickpocketing experiences in five of Europe’s top destinations. Meanwhile, mentions in online travel reviews also give a major indication of the risk factors for someone lifting your wallet or phone and ruining your vacation.

It should be noted that Italy came top in the list for the highest proportion of any country across Europe, followed by France, Spain and Germany. Make sure you are extra vigilant when visiting the following locations:

Pickpocketing in Italy

While pickpocketing hotspots in Italy are dotted across the map, Rome was found to be the worst for robbing tourists. Overall, the research found 478 mentions of pickpocketing for every million British visitors to the country’s tourist hotspots.

Meanwhile, Rome’s iconic Trevi Fountain came top of the list of Italy’s pickpocketing ranking. Reportedly, this 18th-century attraction averages a stunning 1,000 visitors per hour. Moreover, travelers throw an estimated €1,000,000 in cash into the fountain for luck. However, while doing so, people should always be vigilant for potential pickpockets.

Other areas of Rome, including the Pantheon and Colosseum were found to be particular hotspots for pickpocketing. Meanwhile, other areas of Italy, including the Gallerie Degli Uffizi in Florence, and the Duomo di Milano in Milan had a high volume of personal items stolen by pickpockets on online travel reviews.

Paris reveals worst place for pickpocketing in France

According to the research, Paris is one of the most-visited cities in the world and is hugely popular with tourists. Regrettably, it is also one of the most affected cities for pickpockets among 251 million visitors. Among the worst locations in the City of Light, the iconic Eiffel Tower was found to be the worst affected.

Meanwhile, other locations travelers need to be extra vigilant in Paris are the Louvre Museums, Arc de Triomphe, the Musée d’Orsay and the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris. With the country’s capital hosting the 2024 Olympics, visitors should be extra vigilant with their personal belongings in the huge crowds throughout the city.

Pickpocketing in Spain

Tourist locations in Spain were found to have 111 instances of theft per one million visitors. One of the worst is the popular city of Barcelona, where Las Ramblas topped the list of pickpocketing. As one of Europe’s busiest pedestrian streets, Las Ramblas is infamous for the number of thefts, especially when travelers watch one of the many street performers. Moreover, Antoni Gaudi’s Basilica de la Sagrada Familia is a place to be vigilant.

Other hugely popular tourist locations in Spain that also pose a threat are the Plaza Mayor and Prado National Museum in Madrid. Meanwhile, the hugely popular Alhambra Palace in Granada is another place to take care of your belongings.

Pickpocket hotspots in Germany

Berlin, Germany also has pickpocketing hotspots, including the 18th century Brandenburg Gate. However, other locations to be vigilant include the East Side Gallery, the Holocaust Memorial and the Reichstag building. Meanwhile, Marienplatz in the city of Munich is also a dangerous spot for minor crime.

Amsterdam and its Red Light District

When it comes to the Netherlands, Amsterdam comes top on the list as one of the worst spots for pickpockets. This hugely popular city’s Red Light District is where travelers are most likely to be targeted. However, its city center location tends to play a part in this. Amsterdam officials are already considering moving the district out of the city’s heart.

Moreover, with 100 mentions of thefts per million visitors, all locations where tourists should be vigilant in the Netherlands are all in Amsterdam. Other hugely popular locations in the city, including Vondelpark, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House, known for pickpocketing.

Recommendations for tourists

Greg Wilson, the Founder and CEO of QuoteZone apoke about their research. He noted that it is unfortunate that so many sites in Europe pose a threat to tourists. However, he suggested several steps tourists can take to keep their belongings safe.

It is essential always to remain vigilant, leave valuables, like expensive jewelry, in a safe in the hotel and always travel with a secure cross-body bag with zips to secure phones and wallets or even a money belt.

“Try never to leave personal belongings unattended because travel insurance companies require travelers to take ‘reasonable care’ and could reject insurance claims for theft if items have been left alone,” Wilson added. “It is also important to remember to get a police report for the loss or theft of an item if you’ve been pickpocketed, as this will support the insurance claim.”

Have fun exploring Europe this summer, but ensure you take particular care of your belongings in these top locations.