18 Dangerous Cities Travellers Tend To Avoid

Everyone loves a great vacation, but it’s no fun bumping into the cartel. Some places are just too risky for a relaxed getaway. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 18 cities that travelers tend to avoid. From surprise encounters with gangs in Kingston to high crime rates in Baltimore, we’ll let you know what makes these cities dangerous for tourists.

St. Louis, Missouri, USA

St. Louis, famous for its Gateway Arch, draws tourists worldwide but faces its share of challenges. The decline in manufacturing jobs has hit the city hard, leading to economic struggles in many communities.

This gap between the wealthier and poorer neighborhoods has led to higher rates of poverty and crime. In 2022 alone, 61 violent crimes per 100,000 people were recorded.

Baltimore, Maryland, USA

Baltimore offers a high-spirited cultural experience and more affordable living, but it also has some serious crime issues. In 2022, its homicide rate was over 50 per 100,000 people, much higher than many other U.S. cities.

The challenges are particularly acute in historically underserved areas where many lack access to good schools, jobs, and other essential resources.

Kingston, Jamaica

Kingston is known for its lively culture and beautiful views, but it has a serious side too, with a crime rate higher than many places in the world in 2022.

The city struggles with gang violence and easy access to guns, which can make certain areas risky. Most tourists stick to the safer resort areas and avoid wandering into less secure residential neighborhoods.

Palmira, Colombia

Palmira sits in Colombia’s Valle del Cauca and has a tough reputation because of ongoing drug trafficking and gang problems. Its troubled past with armed groups adds to the current security concerns.

In 2022, the city’s homicide rate was nearly 48 per 100,000 people, way above Colombia’s average, making it one of the more dangerous places in the region.

Feira de Santana, Brazil

Feira de Santana has a seriously high homicide rate of 64 per 100,000 people as of 2022. Many of its residents face tough living conditions in crowded areas with limited access to basic needs and opportunities.

This environment contributes to a culture where resolving conflicts through violence is sadly common. The city is also a significant point on the drug route from Bolivia.

Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela

In Ciudad Bolivar, especially in the areas of Sierra Nevada and La Sabanita, life is extremely tough. Basic services are scarce, and many people live without essential resources. The local police force is overwhelmed, low in numbers, and poorly equipped, making it hard to maintain safety.

The prevalence of illegal weapons means that even small arguments tend to escalate into serious violence quickly. The city had a homicide rate of 60 per 100,000 in 2022.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is known for its breathtaking landscapes but really struggles with high crime rates, with a homicide rate of 67 per 100,000 residents. The remnants of apartheid have left deep social and economic divides that continue to fuel crime throughout the city.

Belem, Brazil

Nestled at the mouth of the Amazon River, Belem is a major city where poverty is widespread, and it serves as a crucial point for drug trafficking to Europe and North America.

This has attracted powerful drug cartels, leading to violent conflicts and a high crime rate. The city’s police force struggles with corruption and limited resources, making it tough to keep the peace. In 2022, Belem saw a homicide rate of 66 per 100,000 people.

Cancun, Mexico

Cancun, a favorite for its beaches and nightlife, also faces challenges with crime, particularly in areas outside the tourist-favored Hotel Zone. Tourists often encounter scams such as pickpocketing and overly expensive goods. The city’s crime issues stem partly from the stark contrasts between wealthy tourist spots and less affluent local areas.

While the violence isn’t as severe as in some other regions affected by cartels, caution is advised in downtown and less touristy neighborhoods at night. Cancun’s homicide rate in 2022 was about 65 per 100,000.

Ciudad Guayana, Venezuela

In Ciudad Guayana, Venezuela, the tough economic conditions have led to widespread poverty, pushing many into a life of crime. Robberies occur frequently, affecting pedestrians, drivers, and businesses, both day and night.

The city also faces serious issues with violent carjackings. With a homicide rate of 82 per 100,000 residents in 2022, Ciudad Guayana is considered one of the world’s most dangerous cities.

Natal, Brazil

Natal, Brazil, is dealing with crime partly due to poor infrastructure and a lack of services. Here, you could be faced with pickpocketing, bag snatching, and credit card fraud, especially in busy areas and on public transport.

The police force is overstretched and faces issues with corruption, making it hard to keep up with the crime rate. Even though the homicide rate has decreased slightly, it was still recorded at 52 per 100,000 people in 2020.

Fortaleza, Brazil

Fortaleza is a city where many of the city’s poorer residents struggle without adequate access to education, healthcare, or jobs. A slow-moving justice system adds to the problem, as criminals feel less likely to face consequences. This has resulted in a homicide rate of 59 per 100,000 residents, which is much higher than Brazil’s national average.

Ciudad Victoria, Mexico

Ciudad Victoria is struggling with one of the world’s highest crime rates, recording 86 homicides per 100,000 people. This city is caught in the grip of powerful drug cartels that engage in gang violence, kidnappings, and extortion.

The root causes include poverty, inequality, and gaps in education, which drive the local populace towards criminal activities.

Ciudad Juarez, Mexico

Ciudad Juarez, another border town close to El Paso, Texas, has seen its crime rates soar, with a homicide rate of 86 per 100,000 in 2022. The escalation of violence over the years is partly due to weak law enforcement and judicial corruption, allowing many crimes to go unpunished.

This situation has led to a cycle of violence that keeps the community in a constant state of fear and discourages people from helping the authorities.

Irapuato, Mexico

In Irapuato, the battle between rival cartels like the Jalisco New Generation and Santa Rosa de Lima has intensified. This city is a crucial point in the drug trafficking corridor, and it also faces issues with illegal fuel markets, thanks to thefts from Pemex pipelines.

With a violent crime rate of about 82 per 100,000 residents, Irapuato’s struggles with crime and violence continue to pose significant challenges for its people and law enforcement.

Tijuana, Mexico

Located right on the border with San Diego, California, Tijuana is notorious for its high crime rate, with a homicide rate of 139 per 100,000 people.

This city is a major point for drug trafficking, which fuels cartel violence and other related crimes. Poverty and lack of educational opportunities also contribute to the crime rates here, as people struggle to make ends meet.

Acapulco, Mexico

Acapulco, once famed for its beaches and resorts, now suffers from drug cartel conflicts. With a high homicide rate of 111 per 100,000 people, the violence often involves brutal public acts and power struggles over drug trafficking routes. Economic challenges and dependency on tourism exacerbate the city’s social issues.

However, Acapulco still manages to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, drawn by its beautiful scenery and local cuisine. If you ask me, the views aren’t worth the danger.

Caracas, Venezuela

Caracas is struggling with extreme violence, with a crime rate of about 100 per 100,000 residents. Venezuela’s economic decline and political instability have led to widespread poverty and desperation, pushing many towards crime. The situation is worsened by ineffective policing and rampant government corruption.