Travelers Revealed the Most Dangerous Cities They’ve Braved
Some cities are notorious for their high violent crime rate, gang culture, and political issues. Even the most adventurous travelers will avoid these destinations, and rightly so! In this list, travelers on social media recounted the most dangerous cities they’ve ever visited and their experiences.
Belfast, Northern Ireland
One traveler speaks of how they lived in Belfast in 1968, a period in which the ‘Troubles’ took place. This ethno-nationalist conflict lasted for approximately 30 years. Another traveler recounts their experience here in the mid-1990s and stated that it was still a very oppressive time.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
A Reddit user recounts Rio de Janeiro as one of the most dangerous cities they’ve traveled to. They state that Rio’s murder rate is unfathomable, and there are issues with the police force. Another user replied to say that while traveling, their group was sized up by the locals, even during the day.
Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg is a city that comes to mind for this individual. They recall not even wanting to leave their hotel room until the private transport they arranged had arrived and called them. Other travelers replied to the Reddit thread, agreeing with how unsettling the city of Johannesburg can be!
Cape Town, South Africa
One traveler tells of their experience in Cape Town, one of South Africa’s capital cities. They recount how they asked the man at the front desk where they could walk to get cigarettes (at night). The hotel receptionist simply replied to say, they wouldn’t recommend doing that.
Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Port-au-Prince is the capital city of Haiti and is considered one of the most unsafe cities this traveler has ever been to. They go on to say how unsafe it was back when they visited, and that it’s even worse now. Another Reddit user replies to say they have family members there, and the whole city is essentially under gang control.
San Pedro Sula, Honduras
This individual recounts their experience in San Pedro Sula, which they visited around a decade ago. They state how terrifying the experience was, as they heard multiple gunshots throughout the night. Another traveler goes on to say how it was the murder capital of the world during the year they visited.
Kingston, Jamaica
This Reddit user simply states Kingston, Jamaica’s capital city. Other users replying to their thread, say how even the locals advise tourists to stay away at all costs. Another individual states that a bank guard once told them to get back to the hotel (and by taxi) as they were walking around in the evening.
Guatemala City, Guatemala
A traveler recalls their experience of Guatemala City in the early 2000s while traveling with family. Their uncle hung his arm out of the car window at a stop light, and three children snatched his watch from his wrist. During the same trip, their bus driver pulled out a gun because he got cut off. Mall guards were also walking around with AK-47s.
Memphis, United States
Despite coming from Colombia, a country with many issues, this individual chose the city of Memphis in Tennessee. Another Reddit user spoke up about how they live here, and how children are committing armed crimes. It’s no surprise that Memphis is considered one of the most dangerous cities in the United States!
Baltimore, United States
One traveler chose Baltimore (Maryland), as it has one of the highest murder rates in the world. Another individual describes the city’s ghetto area as a ‘literal hell hole’ and like something out of a movie. Some of the walls even say ‘No Shooting Zone’, so this city has quite the reputation.
Mogadishu, Somalia
Mogadishu is considered one of the most dangerous cities (along with Port-au-Prince) that this individual has visited. Another Reddit User then states that even Doctors without Borders (Medic sans Frontiers) have had to pull out of a hospital in Somalia due to extreme violence and repeated security incidents.
Ciudad Juárez, Mexico
One Reddit user spoke of how they used to live in El Paso (Texas) but had to cross the border into Ciudad Juárez, to recover impounded cars and collect documents. They said the crossings were dangerous! Another individual spoke of their visit in the 1990s when things were really bad.
New Orleans, United States
Although famous for its jazz music, the city of New Orleans in Louisiana has a darker side. One traveler speaks of how they saw a dead body in the middle of the day nearby, while another individual states that people should stay away from New Orleans East.
Caracas, Venezuela
The city of Caracas in Venezuela also made it onto this list. In the early 2000s, one traveler recounts that security was needed to walk between the international and domestic air terminals. Another individual remembers being stalked by multiple people in the city, despite walking as a group. So much so, that police were following in cars to ensure their safety.
Luanda, Angola
This Reddit user recalls his time working in Luanda, Angola’s capital city. He remembers his team having former special forces as bodyguards, and the team leader bringing along $10,000 in cash, in case anyone got kidnapped. The individual recalled watching a child die on the sidewalk outside the hotel. They also speak about Portuguese tourists being shot before their visit for taking pictures of a military convoy.
Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.