The newest edition of the Safest Cities Report from Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) shines a light on the urban environments that travelers feel most secure in for the year 2027. While wanderlust often drives the search for iconic sights, the underlying sense of safety can be the deciding factor when choosing a destination, influencing everything from night-time strolls to the choice of public transport.
This year’s research pulls together the experiences of more than 1,500 American travelers who have journeyed across the globe in the past five years. Their responses were blended with statistical indicators from Numbeo, The Economist and the neighborhood-level assessments of GeoSure Global. The resulting composite score reflects crime levels, health infrastructure, terrorism risk, and the safety of under-represented groups such as LGBTQIA+ travelers.
How the rankings were built
Each city received a weighted score that averages six sub-category ratings: violent crime, terrorism threat, transportation safety, health measures, safety for women/LGBTQIA+/people of colour, and overall personal security. The methodology also accounted for recent traveler feedback on issues like traffic congestion and crowd-related petty theft. By harmonising subjective experience with objective indices—including the World Health Organization, Global Peace Index and the Equaldex Equality Index—the report delivers a nuanced view of what safety really means for modern tourists.
The leaders of the pack
Montreal, Canada claimed the top spot with a score of 82.18 points, thanks to its remarkably low crime rate and neighbourhood scores above 70 on GeoSure, a threshold considered “exceptional.” The city also excels in nighttime safety and access to medical facilities. The only notable downside highlighted by travelers is the city’s traffic, especially the challenge of crossing the many bridges that span the Saint Lawrence River.
Following closely, Zurich, Switzerland earned 81.03 points, praised for its calm streets, efficient public transit and high-quality health services. Amsterdam, Netherlands secured third place with 80.81 points, benefitting from a robust cycling culture and strong anti-theft measures.
Beyond the podium – the full top-15 snapshot
The list remains Euro-centric but also embraces Asian, Oceanian and North-American options. Tokyo, Japan (79.91) impressed with stellar personal-security scores even after dark. Reykjavik, Iceland (78.90) offers a tiny, tranquil environment that minimizes crowd-related risks. Oslo, Norway (76.45) and Singapore (76.41) round out the Northern European and Southeast Asian entries, respectively.
Representing Italy, Venice climbed to eighth place with 75.39 points, improving three spots from the previous year. The lagoon city scores well for women’s safety and quick medical assistance, though petty theft in busy tourist zones remains a concern. Sydney, Australia (75.34) and Honolulu, United States (75.31) follow, each noted for their reliable transport networks and health infrastructure.
Western Europe continues to feature prominently: Dublin, Ireland (74.58), Copenhagen, Denmark (73.52), Barcelona, Spain (73.44), San Francisco, United States (73.15) and Paris, France (72.45) complete the ranking. While these cities excel in many safety dimensions, each carries specific caveats—such as high tourist density in Barcelona or occasional civil unrest in Paris—that travelers should weigh against their personal comfort levels.
On the country level, the report also highlighted Canada, New Zealand and Australia as the three safest nations to visit in 2027, with Canada leaping from fifth to first place. These nation-wide results echo the city data, reinforcing the idea that broader national stability often translates into safer urban experiences.
For anyone planning a trip in the coming year, the 2027 rankings provide a data-driven compass. Whether you prioritize low crime, robust health systems, or inclusive environments for diverse travelers, the list offers a starting point for crafting a journey where peace of mind matches the desire for discovery.
